
Im Hinteren Eis
Italy, europe
N/A
3,030 m
hard
Year-round
# Im Hinteren Eis: A High-Alpine Adventure
Sitting pretty at 3,030m (9,940ft) above sea level in South Tyrol's Ötztal Alps, Im Hinteren Eis ranks among Europe's highest accessible roads. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's a gravel and rocky path that'll test your skills and nerves in equal measure.
Fair warning: this track is seriously steep, with bumpy, tippy sections that demand respect. You'll need a proper 4x4 and genuine off-road experience to tackle it. If unpaved mountain roads make you uneasy or you're not comfortable with heights, skip this one. The road typically closes from October through June depending on conditions, so plan your visit for the brief window when it's passable.
Once you summit, you're rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the Hintereisferner glacier—but don't get too comfortable. Expect relentless winds year-round and be prepared for surprise snowstorms even in summer. Winter temperatures here are genuinely brutal, and afternoon thunderstorms can transform the trail into a gnarly four-wheel-drive situation in minutes. Low visibility and heavy mist are common hazards, especially when the weather turns.
This chairlift access road isn't for casual explorers, but if you're an experienced wheeler who craves high-altitude thrills and stunning scenery, Im Hinteren Eis delivers an unforgettable alpine experience.
Where is it?
Im Hinteren Eis is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 46.7833, 10.7667
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 3,030 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.7833, 10.7667
Related Roads in europe
hardHow do you drive to Col de Bousson from the Italian side?
🇫🇷 France
Col de Bousson: straddling France and Italy at a lofty 2,154m, this isn't your average Sunday drive! Deep in the Cottian Alps, it's a rugged, unpaved adventure connecting the Turin area in Italy with the Hautes-Alpes region of France. Think epic scenery and a serious off-road challenge. This is strictly 4x4 territory, folks. We're talking narrow tracks, steep climbs, and the kind of terrain that demands respect. It's an alpine adventure that'll test your skills and reward you with mind-blowing views. So, how do you tackle this beauty from the Italian side? Start in a charming village in Italy, following signs. The asphalt quickly gives way to gravel as you ascend, the track winding through forests where the edge can be a *long* way down. Hazards? Oh, they're there. Near Lago Nero, keep an eye out for the tiny Capanna Mantino chapel. Right after, you'll need to make a sharp right onto a seriously steep uphill. This section is tight, loose dirt and rocks abound, and after rain, it's slick as anything. Guardrails? Nope! So, make sure you're on point! Keep in mind, this road is usually only open from late June to September due to heavy snow. Even in summer, mountain weather can be brutal. Check the forecast before you go – visibility can drop to near zero in minutes. Why is it a 4WD must-do? It's all about that "borderless" feeling. One minute you're in Italy, the next you're dropping into France. The isolation at the top is unreal, with stunning panoramic views of the jagged peaks marking the divide between the two countries.
hardWhere is Col de Scalella?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're on Corsica, right in the heart of the island, tackling the Col de Scalella. This isn't just any drive, it's an adventure! We're talking serious elevation here, so buckle up. You'll find yourself snaking through villages, particularly in Asco, dealing with super tight, blind hairpin turns. And get this: often, there's nothing between you and a HUGE drop – no barriers, just air! The road surface is paved, thankfully. The whole thing stretches for about 21.5 km (13.35 miles), climbing from Ponte Leccia up to those incredible heights. It's a north-south route, a leg burner that boasts an average gradient of 7%. The views are, of course, totally worth the white knuckles. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
moderateHow long is Road 864?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, buckle up for Road 864, aka Hólsfjallavegur, in Northeast Iceland! This isn't your typical Sunday drive. Imagine a 56.4 km (35 mile) stretch of pure, unadulterated Icelandic wilderness. We're talking lunar landscape vibes, deep inside Vatnajökull National Park. Fair warning: this road is unsealed, bumpy, and dusty! Seriously, *everything* in your car will be coated. Think corrugated gravel, potholes aplenty - a proper off-road adventure. A 4x4 is your best bet, though passenger cars can brave it in good conditions. Road 864 runs parallel to the paved route, going north-south from Road 85 near Thvera. Plan for a 1-2 hour drive *without* stops (but who would do that?!). Keep in mind, winter means closed gates due to snow and mud, so aim for late May or early summer. Why endure the dust and bumps? Because this road leads to the eastern side of Dettifoss, one of Europe's most powerful waterfalls! Picture this: 500 cubic meters of water per second thundering over the edge. Trust me, it's worth it!
hardWhat is the history of Galleria dei Saraceni?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: the Galleria dei Saraceni. You're in Italy's Piedmont region, smack-dab in the southwestern Alps, ready to tackle a seriously unforgettable route. First things first, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about an old military road from way back when, a road that goes by names like Strada militare Fenil-Pramand-Föens-Jafferau and Strada militare 79, built between 1925-1929. The highlight? An 876-meter tunnel boring straight through Monte Seguret at a dizzying 2,224 meters (7,296ft) above sea level. Now, about that tunnel, also known as Galleria Monte Seguret: it's GRAVELED. Think steep inclines, super narrow passages (we're talking a mere 3 meters wide), and conditions that demand your FULL attention. This is for seasoned adventurers only. Seriously, take it slow and steady. Inside? Pitch black. No lights, just you, your vehicle, and a strong flashlight. Prepare for a constant drip, drip, dripping of water. Potholes filled with water are everywhere, and the unlined walls leak like crazy, sometimes turning the floor into a mini river. It's eerie, exhilarating, and absolutely epic. Not exactly the easiest ride, but the kind of adventure you'll be talking about for years.