
Großglockner-Hochalpenstraße
Austria, europe
N/A
2,000 m
hard
Year-round
Austria's mountain roads are calling, and you NEED to answer! Picture this: hairpin turns clinging to cliffs, majestic peaks piercing the sky, and views that'll make your jaw drop. This country is a driver's dream, offering an unforgettable alpine adventure.
Get ready to ascend beyond the ordinary on roads like the Großglockner-Hochalpenstraße (open May-Oct, maxes out at a breathtaking 2,504m with gradients up to 12%) slicing through Salzburg and Carinthia.
For year-round thrills, hit the road that summits at 1,732m with gradients of 10%. Alternatively, there's the road topping 1,628m, another open all year! Or perhaps the one climbing to 2,042m (open May-Oct).
The Goldeck Panorama Road (open May-Oct, peaks at 1,895m) is another must. Don't miss the Silvretta Hochalpenstraße (open June-Oct, hitting 2,032m), or the Kaunertal Glacier Road (open year-round, soaring to 2,750m).
Then there’s the Timmelsjoch Alpine Road (open June-Oct, reaching 2,479m), Schlegeis Alpenstraße (open May-Oct, topping out at 1,806m) followed by the other year round route reaching 1,920m.
The Pustertal High Alpine Road, open year-round, will get you up to 1,441m while the Zillertaler Höhenstraße (open May-Oct) delivers views from 2,020m. Expect winding paths, and pure alpine bliss! These routes offer an incredible chance to experience Austria's beauty from a whole new perspective. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road – those views are distracting!
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,000 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardIs the road through Hoz de Llanaves paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Get ready for an epic canyon drive in León, Spain! The Hoz de Llánaves is tucked away in the Parque Regional de la Montaña de Riaño y Mampodre, in the northwestern corner of Castile and León. Carved by the Arroyo del Naranco stream, this stretch of the N-621 will leave you breathless. The twisty, winding section between Portilla de la Reina and Llánaves de la Reina is the real heart-pumper, clocking in at just under 3 miles. Now, this isn’t your average Sunday drive. While the road is paved, it's seriously narrow and full of hairpin turns! Keep your eyes peeled for potential rockslides and icy patches. Seriously, check the weather before you go; you don't want to get caught off guard! But trust me, it's SO worth it. The canyon walls are splashed with amazing yellows and greens from all the lichen, giving everything a surreal glow. There’s even a sulfurous spring with a cool history – people used to swear by its healing powers! Plus, you'll be cruising along a branch of the legendary Camino de Santiago. It's more than just a drive; it's an experience!
extremeWurmkogl
🇦🇹 Austria
# Wurmkogl: Europe's Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure Nestled in the Ötztal Alps of Tyrol, Austria, Wurmkogl stands at a breathtaking 3,023 meters (9,917 feet) above sea level—making it one of Europe's highest drivable peaks. And let me tell you, getting there is half the thrill. This isn't your typical mountain road. We're talking serious 4x4-only territory here. The final 6.4 km turn into gravel, with the last three kilometers averaging a jaw-dropping 16% grade. Even in late summer, you'll spot snowfields clinging to the mountainside, a reminder of just how high you're climbing. **The Real Talk:** Avalanches, heavy snowfall, and landslides are legitimate concerns, and patches of ice can materialize without warning. The road is only passable during summer months, so timing is everything. But here's why you absolutely need to make the drive: the summit is pure magic. There's a panorama bar, viewing platform, and some genuinely impressive architecture that'll make your jaw drop. The 360-degree vistas are absolutely unreal—southern views stretch to the Italian Dolomites, while the north showcases the entire Ötztal Alps, including the iconic Wildspitze peak. Pack extra camera batteries and clear your memory card before you go. You'll need the space. This is a drive that demands to be documented, and it's absolutely worth every white-knuckle moment.
moderateIs Road F233 Unpaved?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Alright adventure seekers, buckle up for Álftavatnskrókur (F233), a wild ride through southern Iceland! This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking serious 4x4 territory, and only if your rig has serious ground clearance. Forget pavement – F233 is a rugged, unpaved beast, littered with rocks and potholes. The real kicker? You’ll have to ford a legit river crossing, the Syðri-Ófæra. This route clocks in at just under 13 miles, stretching from near Hólaskjól to the Hólmsá river. Expect solitude out here. Heads up: this road is a summer fling only, typically open late June to early September. The river crossing is no joke. Don't even think about it in a regular SUV, and definitely not alone. Water levels can change in a flash due to rain or meltwater, turning a fun splash into a disaster. If you get stuck, you'll need to call for a rescue. Always check water depth before attempting. But hey, the northern part of this route boasts some seriously stunning scenery. Picture yourself cruising through the heart of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, surrounded by epic landscapes. Just remember – night driving here is risky, and your rental car insurance probably won't cover river damage. Happy trails!
extremeRoute Du Pas de la Confession is a balcony road in the French Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Pas de la Confession: The Pass That Made Travelers Pray Tucked away in the Isère department of southeastern France, Pas de la Confession lives up to its dramatic name. This 1,541m (5,055ft) mountain pass earned its nickname because the route was so nerve-wracking that travelers heading from Huez to Villard-Reculas were literally encouraged to confess their sins first. There's even an oratory on the Huez side where visitors could perform this ritual before tackling the road—which pretty much tells you everything you need to know about what you're getting into. Welcome to one of France's most famous "balcony roads." The D211B (Route Du Pas de la Confession), also known as Routes du Vertige, is fully paved but absolutely unforgiving. Carved dramatically into the mountainside, this 3.5 km (2.17 miles) stretch runs east-northwest with sheer, exposed sections that demand your complete concentration. The road is narrow, rides impossibly high above the valley below, and one wrong move really could be your last. Rock slides are a legitimate hazard, and trucks or caravans are strictly prohibited—there's just no room for error here. But here's the thing: the views are absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive. Perched high above the Romanche Valley, the scenery is genuinely mesmerizing. A few viewpoints dot the route if you can manage to pull over safely and catch your breath. You'll just need to give this road your undivided attention, because the dramatic landscape deserves it—and so does your safety. Interestingly, this was Villard-Reculas's only lifeline until 1980, when a new connection to Allemont finally gave residents an alternative route.