How long is 'The Road' on the island of Saba?
Netherlands, europe
10.6 km
366 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, picture this: Saba, a ridiculously charming little Dutch Caribbean island. And smack dab in the middle of it is "The Road," the island's lifeline. Seriously, this isn't just any road – it connects the airport to the harbor and weaves through all four of Saba's adorable villages.
Josephus Lambert Hassell, a local legend, was the mastermind behind it all. Everyone thought he was nuts trying to build a road here, but he proved them wrong!
We're talking a 10.6 km (6.58 miles) concrete ribbon that stretches from the airport, through Hell's Gate (yikes!), Windwardside, St. John, and finally The Bottom.
Locals call it "The Road that Couldn't Be Built," and for good reason. Imagine building a road on this crazy island back in 1938 with zero machines. The first bit opened in 1943, and the whole thing was done by 1958. Incredible, right?
Now, let's be real – this road is NARROW. There are spots where two cars can't even pass each other. Some find it nerve-wracking to drive, especially those crazy curves in Windwardside. We are climbing over 1,200 feet in less than a mile!
But here's the payoff: the VIEWS! You're hugging cliff sides, gawking at neighboring islands, villages, and ever-changing seascapes. And the scenery? Unreal. You go from dry scrubland to lush tropical forests in minutes.
Head towards the Mt. Scenery trail, and you'll hit the highest point – over 1,800 feet! You might even drive from sunshine into the clouds in a blink. It’s a wild, exhilarating ride you won't forget.
Road Details
- Country
- Netherlands
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 366 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardThurntaler
🇦🇹 Austria
Thurntaler is a stunning high mountain peak tucked away in Austria's Tyrol region, sitting pretty at 2,390m (7,841ft) above sea level. Nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, this mountain is definitely not your typical drive. Here's the deal: the road up to the summit is completely unpaved and basically a chairlift access trail that'll test your hiking legs big time. We're talking seriously steep terrain here—some sections hit gradients of up to 30%—with loose stones scattered everywhere. The upper section gets even gnarlier, turning into a rocky scramble that demands serious respect. Timing is everything with this one. You can really only tackle it at the end of August when the snow has finally cleared out. Even then, surprise snowy days can pop up during summer, so don't pack away your winter gear too quickly. Wind is basically a permanent fixture at this elevation, howling year-round and picking up intensity in the upper reaches. Winter? Forget about it—temperatures plummet to brutally cold levels. If you're the type who loves a challenging mountain adventure with dramatic scenery and serious altitude rewards, Thurntaler delivers the goods. Just respect the conditions, plan carefully, and come prepared for whatever this Alpine beauty throws your way.
hardIbergeregg Pass, a delightful yet challenging drive in Switzerland
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Ibergeregg Pass: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Looking for a scenic drive through the Swiss Alps? The Ibergeregg Pass in the canton of Schwyz is calling your name. This 19.9km (12.36 miles) route connects the charming town of Schwyz to the village of Unteriberg and climbs to a respectable 1,410m (4,625ft) above sea level. What makes this drive special? The journey winds you through lush forests and gorgeous alpine meadows, with stunning panoramic views over the Vierwaldstätter See and glimpses of the majestic Grosser Mythen. The paved road itself is quite narrow and twisty—overtaking isn't really an option here—but that's part of the charm. Just be ready for some serious elevation: the road peaks at a steep 14 percent grade on certain stretches, so take your time and enjoy the ride. Fair warning: weekends get pretty busy, and while the road stays open year-round, winter weather can occasionally force temporary closures. Once you reach the summit, you'll find an inn, a chapel, and a ski station waiting for you—perfect spots to catch your breath and take in those killer views. The current paved route has been around since 1873, so you're literally driving a piece of Swiss history. Whether you're a road trip enthusiast or simply seeking a stunning alpine experience, Ibergeregg Pass delivers.
hardWhere is Glaubenbielen Pass?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to experience Glaubenbielen Pass. This high-altitude stunner sits pretty at 5,298 feet in central Switzerland, near Giswil and Flühli. Locals also call it Schwendi-Käppeli Pass. Picture this: a winding road, carved by the Swiss army and completed just after WWII. It’s paved, thankfully, but don't get too comfy. This baby's narrow and steep – we're talking up to 18% grades as you hug the northern slope of the Fürstein! Be prepared to share the road, because you might find yourself stuck behind a tractor. Clocking in at 18.20 miles, the pass connects Giswil (in Canton Obwalden) and Flühli (in the Lucerne district of Entlebuch). Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The panoramic views of the Alps are insane. Heading towards Giswil, you'll be floored by the views of Lake Sarnen. Cruise toward Flühli, and the majestic Pilatus massif will steal your heart. Oh, and did I mention it's been featured in the Tour de Suisse? Feeling ambitious? From Giswil, it's a 7.2 km climb, gaining 530 meters at an average of 7.3%. From Flühli, brace yourself for an 8.3 km haul, ascending 520 meters at a 6.3% average. Trust me, the views are worth the burn!
hardThe road to Estany Llong in Lleida: be ready to make room for oncoming vehicles
🇪🇸 Spain
# Estany Llong: A Mountain Adventure in Catalonia Tucked away in the heart of Catalonia's Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, Estany Llong is a stunning glacial lake sitting pretty at 2,012 meters (6,601 feet) above sea level in the Lleida province. If you're after high-altitude scenery in Spain's dramatic Pyrenees, this is it. The road up to the lake? Let's just say it's not your typical Sunday drive. Starting from the L500 road, you're looking at an 11.9 km (7.39 mile) climb with a solid 695-meter elevation gain—that's an average gradient of about 5.84%. The first 7.7 km is paved (concrete sections included), but then things get real: the final 4 km turn into rough, unpaved terrain that's strictly 4x4 territory. Narrow, winding, and seriously steep in places, this route demands respect and a capable vehicle. Fair warning: the road closes to traffic during certain periods, so check before you head out. The payoff? Absolutely worth it. As you navigate the switchbacks, you'll be treated to jaw-dropping views of the Pyrenees and the picturesque Estany de Llebreta. There's even a mountain refuge at the lake with capacity for 47 people—perfect if you want to extend your alpine adventure. This isn't a road for the faint-hearted, but for those who love mountain driving with serious views, Estany Llong delivers.