If you love to drive, you'll love the road to Col de la Croix in Vaud
Switzerland, europe
26.9 km
1,778 m
moderate
Year-round
Col de la Croix is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,778m (5,833ft) in Switzerland's canton of Vaud. Head north of Martigny and you'll find yourself in the western part of the country, where this gem awaits.
The pass itself is pretty chilled out – just a hilltop crowned with a dirt parking lot, a cute little wooden gift shop, and a snack bar where you can grab some refreshments and soak in the views.
The 26.9km (16.71 miles) route called Route du Col de la Croix is beautifully paved and in solid condition, connecting Bex and Villars-sur-Ollon to Les Diablerets. This pass has some serious cycling credentials too – it's been featured in both the Tour de Romandie and Tour de Suisse.
Coming up from Ollon? You're looking at an 18.5km climb with 1,262 meters of elevation gain – that's a steady 6.8% average gradient. From the Les Diablerets side, it's a shorter but punchier 8.4km push with 613 meters of gain and a 7.3% average slope.
Set high in the heart of the Alps, this mountain pass closes to vehicle traffic during winter, so plan your visit for the warmer months when the roads are clear and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
Where is it?
If you love to drive, you'll love the road to Col de la Croix in Vaud is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.7978, 8.3189
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 26.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,778 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.7978, 8.3189
Related Roads in europe
hardVordersee
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Vordersee: A Wild Alpine Adventure Nestled high in the Swiss Alps at 2,374 meters (7,788 feet), Vordersee—also called Märjelen-Stausee—is a stunning mountain reservoir that's totally worth the adventure to reach it. But fair warning: this isn't your typical scenic drive. The road up is gnarly. We're talking gravel, rocky terrain with plenty of bumpy stretches that'll test your skills. You'll need a proper 4x4 vehicle to even attempt this one—no exceptions. The route is relentlessly twisty with steep climbs, sharp turns, and tight passages that'll keep you white-knuckling the wheel. Even seasoned off-roaders should come prepared for a real challenge. Timing is crucial too. The road is typically locked down from October through June (weather depending), so plan your visit for the summer months when conditions are actually manageable. And watch out for sudden thunderstorms—they can transform these mountain roads from tricky to downright impossible in minutes. But here's the thing: once you make it up there, you'll understand why people tackle this road. The lake itself is absolutely gorgeous with that stunning blue-green water, and the banks are absolutely covered in wildflowers, especially delicate linaigrettes. The setting is incredible—Swiss Alps scenery at its finest. Only tackle this drive if unpaved mountain roads are genuinely your thing. Otherwise, admire it from afar!
hardB873 is a scenic narrow road along Loch Naver
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, picture this: you're in the Scottish Highlands, Sutherland to be exact, and you stumble upon the B873. This isn't just any road; it hugs the northern shore of the stunning Loch Naver, a freshwater beauty stretching 6 miles long and hidden away in the Flow Country. Think dramatic hills, vast moorlands, and seriously breathtaking views. Now, for the adventurous part: this road is NARROW. We're talking single-track narrow, the kind where two cars meeting is a puzzle you might not want to solve. Reversing skills? Essential. Don't expect a traffic jam, though. This is a pretty desolate stretch. It's mostly flat and paved, but keep an eye out for potential flooding right by the loch! The whole shebang is about 11.4 miles, connecting Syre (off the B871) to Altnaharra (where you'll find the A836). It's an east-to-west trek that will leave you speechless – if you dare to take it!
easyHow long is the Adriatic Highway?
🇭🇷 Croatia
Cruising the Adriatic Highway is the ultimate coastal road trip dream! This roughly 1,000km (620-mile) stretch of pure driving bliss hugs the eastern Adriatic coast, snaking through Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Officially part of European route E65, it kicks off in Rijeka, Croatia and winds its way south until it kisses the Montenegro-Albania border. Mostly a two-lane road (with a short expressway bit near Split), you’ll want to budget around 12 hours to drive it straight through. But seriously, don't! This route deserves at least a couple of days to soak it all in. Think dazzling turquoise waters on one side, stunning islands dotting the horizon, and breathtaking coastal views that will leave you speechless. The road dances between charming seaside towns and dramatic clifftops, sometimes with seriously steep drops to the sea below! Expect plenty of twists and turns—thrilling for experienced drivers, but maybe consider a bus tour if you prefer someone else to handle the curves. Built back in the day under President Tito, this highway serves up a changing landscape as you journey from north to south. Just be aware, some spots near Mali Alan Pass in Croatia still have landmines!
hardHow long is D-687 road?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! You HAVE to check out the D-687 in Turkey. This beauty stretches for 135 km (that's about 84 miles) from Beyşehir, nestled on the edge of its namesake lake, all the way down to Serik on the Mediterranean coast. Now, here's the deal: it's not ALL smooth sailing. You'll start on paved roads, cruising for about 94 km (58 miles) until you hit Başlar. Then, buckle up for about 31 km (19 miles) of gravel – totally doable in most cars, though! The final 22 km (14 miles) into Serik are paved again, so you get a little bit of everything. Fair warning, though: some sections get seriously narrow, so keep your eyes peeled. Is it worth it? Absolutely! You'll be treated to killer coastal views and a climb into the stunning Taurus Mountains. Seriously, this drive is a feast for the eyes. Get ready for some epic photo ops!