Highest roads of France
France, europe
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hard
Year-round
France, the EU's biggest country, is known for its chill countryside, but it's got these wild alpine borders, right? The towering Alps to the east and the rugged Pyrenees down south. All that crazy terrain means some seriously cool engineering, like this ancient network of mountain passes and challenging routes.
We're talking some of the highest and most legendary roads in Europe, winding through these majestic peaks. Think insane views and world-class drives that'll have you stoked!
Picture this: blasting up to Col del Sommeiller on a drivable track, or cruising the historic Col de Montgenevre in the Cottian Alps. Epic road trip material! Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?
Related Roads in europe
moderateConquering the Road to Sommet Bucher in the French Alps
đ«đ· France
# Sommet BĂ»cher: A Historic Alpine Adventure Perched at 2,215 meters (7,267 feet) in the Hautes-Alpes department of France, Sommet BĂ»cher is a stunning high-altitude peak that delivers serious alpine vibes. Nestled within the gorgeous Queyras Regional Natural Park in southeastern France, this spot is all about dramatic mountain scenery and fascinating history. Here's where it gets interesting: this road has some serious credentials. Built back in 1892 by troops under GĂ©nĂ©ral Henri Baron Berge, it was originally a military strategic route designed to give commanders a bird's-eye view over the valleyâand to prepare for potential attacks from Italy during some tense geopolitical times. Pretty cool that the same general later opened the legendary Col d'Izoard in 1897. Starting from Chateau Queyras, you're looking at a 13-kilometer (8-mile) ascent that climbs 858 meters with an average gradient of 6.6%. Sounds manageable, right? Well, hold onâthis old military road gets serious in places, with sections hitting a brutal 12% gradient. It's mostly paved but with some rougher dirt sections mixed in, so a 4x4 vehicle is definitely recommended if you want to stay comfortable. At the summit, you'll find a communication tower and a tiny mountain hutâthe perfect spot to catch your breath and soak in the panoramic valley views. It's a proper old-school alpine challenge that rewards you with incredible vistas.
moderateDriving the wild road to Mullaghanish
đ Ireland
Okay, buckle up for Mullaghanish! This peak straddling counties Cork and Kerry in southwest Ireland is a must-see. Perched high in the Derrynasaggart range, you'll climb to 649m (2,129ft) on a fully paved, albeit private, road. Keep an eye on your vehicle height, maxing out at 3.5m. The 3.5 km (2.17 miles) journey is a real leg-burner, hitting gradients of up to 14%! You'll gain a whopping 362 meters in elevation, making for an average gradient of 10.34%. At the top, you'll find a massive TV mast dating back to '62. But the real reward? Jaw-dropping, panoramic views of the Cork and Kerry mountains. Trust me, the views are worth the climb!
moderateHow to get by car to Szrenica on the Polish-Czech border
đ Czech Republic
Way up high on the Polish-Czech border, nestled in the Karkonosze Mountains, you'll find Szrenica peak, towering at 1,347m (4,419ft). This gem, hidden in the Karkonosze National Park, is all about wild landscapes and views that stretch forever. Connecting Poland's Jelenia GĂłra County with the Czech Republic's Liberec Region, this peak sits pretty on the Karkonosze's main ridge. Itâs a hiker's paradise, but getting here by car? Tricky! The road to the top is totally unpaved, a bumpy service route mainly for maintenance and getting to the private mountain hut. Forget about taking your own car, unless you've got a 4x4, it's off limits to most. You'll mainly find trailheads and forest tracks here. Most people hike or hop on a chairlift from Szklarska PorÄba to get to the top, rather than driving. Perched high in the Giant Mountains, expect a blanket of snow for much of the year. Winter can make getting around Szrenica tough, so be careful. At the summit, there's a mountain hut serving hikers from both sides of the border. Don't miss the cool rock formations like Trzy Ćwinki and KoĆskie Ćby, plus those incredible panoramic views of the peaks and valleys. Szrenica is super popular in the Karkonosze Mountains. With its amazing scenery, marked trails, and a chairlift from Szklarska PorÄba, it's a must-visit spot for everyone.
moderateWhere is Fern Pass?
đŠđč Austria
Okay, adventure-seekers, letâs talk about Fernpass! This mountain pass sits way up high in the Austrian Tyrol, clocking in at 1,212 meters (that's nearly 4,000 feet!). You'll find it in western Austria, snuggled in the Tyrolean Alps. The road, Fernpass StraĂe (B 179), is completely paved, and get thisâtraders have been using this route since *pre-Roman times*. These days, the road's pretty well-maintained, but fair warning, it can get *packed* with traffic heading from southern Germany to Innsbruck. Good news for winter warriors: Fernpass is usually open all year! But keep an eye on the forecast because short closures are common in winter. Oh, and pro tip: winter gear is a MUST in Austria during the snowy months, so pack accordingly. Fernpass stretches for about 17.7 kilometers (almost 11 miles) of south-to-north driving, connecting Nassereith and Lermoos. Be prepared for some steep sections, too â we're talking gradients of up to 8% in some spots.