How long is the Schlegeis Alpenstrasse in Tyrol?
Austria, europe
13.3 km
1,000 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Austria, in the heart of Tyrol, and you're about to embark on an epic road trip. You're heading up the Schlegeis Alpenstrasse, a totally gorgeous mountain road that zigzags its way into some seriously breathtaking scenery.
This fully paved toll road stretches for about 13.3 km (8.26 miles), kicking off from the village of Ginzling, just south of Mayrhofen, and climbing all the way to the stunning Schlegeis reservoir. Keep in mind, it's usually open from mid-May to the end of October, depending on the weather.
Now, don't get too comfy, because this road keeps you on your toes! Expect lots of twists and turns, plus some pretty narrow sections that might make you sweat a little. There are sections where only one car can pass at a time, so traffic lights keep things flowing. You'll also navigate eight hairpin turns and pass through four tunnels carved right into the rock. The gradient hits a maximum of 12% in places.
Starting at 1,000 meters above sea level, you'll climb through those hairpin bends and natural rock tunnels (mind the 3.6-meter height restriction!) all the way to the parking areas at the Schlegeis Reservoir, sitting pretty at 1,806 meters. That's an elevation gain of 806 meters!
But trust me, every single meter is worth it. The views are absolutely incredible, and the drive is exhilarating. This road leads you on a spectacular journey through a high alpine landscape with incredible views of the Zillertal Alps. Keep an eye out for waterfalls and glimpses of the glacier as you wind your way through the tunnels!
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,000 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateA memorable road trip to Col de Montgenevre in the Cottian Alps
🇫🇷 France
Col de Montgenèvre is a high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,854 meters (6,083 feet) in the Hautes-Alpes department of France's Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, right near the Italian border in the southeastern part of the country. Named after the charming village of Montgenèvre nearby, this pass—also known as Passo del Monginevro—punches above its weight as a crucial link between France and Italy. What makes it special? It's actually the lowest of the major Alpine crossings between the two countries, which is why historians think it might've been Hannibal's route when he famously crossed the Alps back in the day. The 20.6-kilometer (12.8-mile) drive runs from Briançon in southeastern France down to Cesana Torinese in Italy's Piedmont region. The entire route is nicely paved as the N94 road, with stunning views looking back toward Briançon as you climb. Fair warning though: you'll tackle some seriously steep sections with gradients hitting 11.7% at their steepest—challenging enough to attract the Tour de France cyclists who've raced here. Set high in the Cottian Alps, this pass is impressively kept open during winter, making it a year-round crossing. Just be prepared for heavy traffic during peak travel times, especially in summer.
moderateHow is the road to Aramon Valdelinares?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in Teruel, Spain, in the Aragon region, ready to climb to the Aramon Valdelinares ski resort, perched way up high in the Sierra de Gúdar mountains. We're talking serious elevation here – some of the highest in eastern Spain! This isn't just any drive; it's a taste of the "Siberia of Spain," a landscape of dramatic limestone peaks and dark pine forests that feels totally unique. This road has even hosted some seriously tough cycling races, so you know it’s got something special. The road itself? It's paved and generally pretty smooth. The climb from the junction just north of Valdelinares (Spain's highest town!) is about **9.3 miles** long. Don't let the average gradient of **6%** fool you, though. It's a rollercoaster of rolling terrain followed by some seriously steep sections that’ll get your engine working. Be ready for ramps that can hit **9%** especially in the last few kilometers as you roll into the parking area of the ski station. Now, winter is a whole different ballgame. As the road to the resort it gets maintained, but this is high-altitude mountain driving, folks! The road is kept open by the crews during the winter season, working constantly to clear snow and ice. The weather changes *fast* up here. Black ice can be a real problem in the shady spots. Chains or winter tires are a must during the cold months – trust me on this one. Short-term closures are possible during heavy blizzards. But the views... oh, the views! You'll get these incredible panoramic vistas of the Teruel highlands and the Gúdar valleys. Outside of ski season, the road is really quiet, offering a peaceful, high-altitude escape. Whether you're a cycling fan chasing the ghosts of races past or just a driver seeking some stunning scenery, the drive up to Aramon Valdelinares is a must-do in the Iberian Peninsula.
moderateHow to get by car to Lac des Bouillouses in the Pyrenees?
🇫🇷 France
# Lac des Bouillouses: A High-Alpine Adventure Picture this: a stunning high mountain lake sitting pretty at 2,016m (6,614ft) in the Pyrénées-Orientales, nestled in the Occitania region of southern France. Also known as Llac de la Bollosa locally, this gem was created back in the day to power Le Train Jaune with hydroelectric energy—pretty cool, right? The road up is entirely paved (it's the D60 if you're checking your GPS), and it's a proper climb. Starting from Mont-Louis, you're looking at 12.8 km (7.95 miles) of ascending, with 418 meters of elevation gain. That works out to an average grade of about 4.18%, but don't let that fool you—there are sections that'll ramp up to 9.2%, so your legs (or your car's engine) will definitely feel it. The payoff? You'll reach what's claimed to be the highest lake accessible by road or cable car in the entire Pyrenees. Here's the thing though: winter shuts this place down completely thanks to heavy snow. Come summer, there are access restrictions between 7 AM and 7 PM, and the final stretch is completely off-limits to regular vehicles. The area got so popular it needed serious crowd control, so now you can only reach it via shuttle buses from the "les Bouillouses" road or cable car from Font-Romeu or Les Angles (which adds a 2-hour walk if you're coming from there). Pro tip: get there early to catch the best light and soak in the scenery at your own pace—those afternoon thunderstorms that roll in during summer are no joke.
hardWhere are the Gorges de la Nesque?
🇫🇷 France
Cruising through the Gorges de la Nesque in Provence is an absolute must! This incredible canyon road, snaking through the Vaucluse department of France, is one of those unforgettable balcony drives. Built way back in the early 20th century, this beauty (known as D942) stretches for about 22 km (13.7 miles) between Villes-sur-Auzon and Monieux, south of Mont Ventoux. Nestled in the Vaucluse Mountains, prepare for some serious views! Now, heads up: this drive is not for the faint of heart. Think narrow stretches barely wide enough for one car, rocky overhangs, blind curves, hairpin turns, and the occasional (or not-so-occasional) lack of guardrails! Plus, there are tons of unlit tunnels to navigate. The road surface is generally in good shape, but some sections have sheer drops with minimal barriers. Allow around 35-50 minutes to drive it without stops. If you're heading there in the summer, try to go early to beat the heat and crowds. The route winds along the mountains, revealing incredible vistas. Cyclists love it, and surprisingly, it’s usually not too crowded, thanks to those low tunnels. Keep an eye out for the belvederes, especially the one at Castelleras, offering views of the majestic "Rocher de Cire," the gorge's highest point at 872 meters (2861 feet). The gorges themselves plunge over 400 meters deep! Trust me, after the Gorges du Verdon, the Gorges de la Nesque are the next most spectacular canyon you'll find in Provence.