Hoadl Haus
Austria, europe
N/A
2,338 m
hard
Year-round
# Road to Hoadl Haus
Nestled in the Austrian Tyrol at a breathtaking 2,338 meters (7,670 feet), Hoadl Haus is one of those epic mountain bar destinations that'll make for incredible stories. Getting there? That's half the adventure.
The route to the summit is basically a chairlift access trail that's equal parts scenic and serious. You're dealing with a rocky, gravel surface that gets progressively gnarlier as you climb—loose stones dominate, and the upper sections turn into a steep, rocky gauntlet. The ski-station service road itself is no joke, with some stretches hitting 30% grades that'll test both your vehicle and your nerves.
Here's the catch: this one's strictly a summer mission, and even then, you're looking at a narrow window—basically late August is your sweet spot. Mother Nature doesn't make it easy though. Wind is pretty much a constant companion up here, with strong gusts blowing year-round. And don't be fooled by the summer season either; snowfall can surprise you even in August, and winter temps here are absolutely brutal.
If you're thinking of tackling this one, go in with eyes wide open. The payoff? Unbeatable Alpine views and that mountain bar experience you won't forget.
Where is it?
Hoadl Haus is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.7374, 13.0027
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,338 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.7374, 13.0027
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Somport Pass?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the border of France and Spain, high up in the Pyrenees Mountains. You're tackling the Puerto de Somport-Col du Somport, an international mountain pass that tops out at a cool 1,637 meters (5,370 feet). This beauty connects the province of Huesca in Spain with the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in France, nestled between the Aragón and Aspe river valleys. The name? It's all about location, location, location – "summus portus" in Latin, meaning the highest port. Get ready for a 16.2 km (10.06 miles) paved adventure from Canfranc-Estación in Spain to Les Forges d'Abel in France. This road, also known as Port of Aspe or Port of Canfranc (N330a), has even played host to the Tour de France and Vuelta a España – so expect some steep climbs, with ramps hitting a 10% grade in places. The pass is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather. If things get too wild, there's always the Túnel de Somport, an 8.6 kilometre (5.3 mi) long tunnel that bypasses the pass that's open all year.
hardDriving the curvy road to Alto de La Nava Grande in the Sierra de Guadarrama
🇪🇸 Spain
# Alto de La Nava Grande: Spain's Hidden High-altitude Challenge Perched at 1,963m (6,440ft) in Madrid's stunning Sierra de Guadarrama, Alto de La Nava Grande is seriously one of the most rewarding unpaved climbs you'll find in central Spain. Nestled within the Regional Park Cuenca Alta del Manzanares, this peak basically acts as a natural viewing platform over the Lozoya Valley and Santillana reservoir—the views are absolutely worth the effort. Starting from Manzanares el Real, you're looking at a 20.8km climb with 1,114m of elevation gain. The first stretch treats you fairly well with relatively decent road conditions, but things get spicy pretty fast once you cross the Puente del Francés around the halfway point. From there, it's all about tackling "las famosas zetas de La Pedriza"—12 seriously tight hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. The final 1.5km? That's where it really tests your skills. Loose rocks and steep gradients mean you'll definitely need a solid high-clearance 4x4 to make it through. This isn't one of those casual drives. Beyond the technical challenge, there's real history here. Those stone trenches and old military positions scattered around the summit are remnants from the Spanish Civil War, when these heights were critical strategic points. One heads-up: vehicle access is often restricted due to the park's environmental protection rules, and it's primarily meant for authorized forest vehicles, mountain bikers, and hikers. Always check local regulations in Manzanares el Real before you go—it'll save you a frustrating trip!
hardCol de Thorens
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Thorens Ready for an adventure in the French Alps? Col de Thorens sits pretty at 3,118 meters (10,229 feet) in Savoie's stunning Massif de la Vanoise range, making it one of Europe's most elevated roads. This isn't your typical scenic drive—it's a chairlift access trail that's completely unpaved and seriously steep, with sections hitting 30% grades that'll make your heart race. The journey to the top is basically a ski-station service road, and honestly, it's not for the faint of heart. You're dealing with loose stones that get progressively rockier and steeper as you climb higher. The real kicker? You can only tackle this beast during a narrow window at the end of August when conditions are remotely manageable. And those legendary Alpine winds? They're relentless here year-round, whipping across the exposed terrain with serious force. The track also branches toward the Chaviere Glacier if you're feeling particularly adventurous. Want an extra dose of drama? The narrow D102 sections deliver genuine balcony road vibes with tight, exposed passages that demand respect and focus. This is peak season adventure—literally and figuratively. The payoff? Absolutely breathtaking Alpine scenery and bragging rights most drivers will never earn. Just make sure you go in late August when conditions aren't actively trying to kill you.
hardAlpe Soglia
🇮🇹 Italy
Alright thrill-seekers, buckle up for Alpe Soglia in the Italian Piedmont! This peak soars to 1,841m (6,040ft), and getting there is an adventure in itself. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumpiness – we're talking a proper off-road experience. Best tackled between late spring and early fall, weather permitting. If unpaved mountain tracks aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. But if you're game, a 4x4 is your trusty steed. The route's a climb, with hairpin turns that'll test your skills. Keep an eye on the sky, thunderstorms can turn this track into a serious 4x4 challenge or even make it impassable. Heights bother you? This might not be your cup of tea. It's a constant dance of up, down, right, and left. But trust me, the killer views from the top, near the Rifugio Alpe Soglia, are so worth it!