Is Hochtor Tunnel paved?

Is Hochtor Tunnel paved?

Austria, europe

Length

17.4 km

Elevation

2,504 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, right on the border of Salzburg and Carinthia in Austria. You're surrounded by the majestic Hohe Tauern mountains, part of the main chain of the Central Eastern Alps. Suddenly, you plunge into the Hochtor Tunnel, which clocks in at 311 meters – the highest point on the whole road at a whopping 2,504 meters above sea level!

This tunnel is totally paved, so no need to worry about bumpy rides. The road up to it from Pockhorn is a 17.4 km climb with an average gradient of 8%, so expect some serious uphill action as you gain 1,400 meters in elevation. The tunnel was built back in the mid-1930s.

Keep in mind the Grossglockner High Alpine Road (and therefore the tunnel) is generally open from early May to the end of October. But, because you're way up in the mountains, always check conditions before you go – Mother Nature can be unpredictable at these heights!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Austria
Continent
europe
Length
17.4 km
Max Elevation
2,504 m
Difficulty
easy

Related Roads in europe

Pradaccio Passhard

Pradaccio Pass

🇮🇹 Italy

# Passo di Pradaccio: Italy's Steepest Alpine Challenge Ready for a heart-pounding ride? Passo di Pradaccio delivers serious thrills in the heart of Tuscany. This mountain pass sits at a breathtaking 1,617 meters (5,305 feet) above sea level, offering stunning views across central Italy's dramatic landscape. The route follows Strada Provinciale 71, a twisty asphalt road that'll test your driving skills. Fair warning: this isn't your typical leisurely mountain cruise. Some sections feature gradients steeper than 17%, making it one of Italy's most notoriously steep passes. You'll encounter narrow stretches that demand your full attention and respect, especially if you're white-knuckling your way up in a larger vehicle. But here's the payoff—the scenery is absolutely worth the adrenaline spike. As you climb higher, sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside unfold beneath you. Whether you're a car enthusiast chasing that perfect alpine drive or an adventurer looking to conquer one of Italy's most challenging passes, Passo di Pradaccio won't disappoint. Just make sure your brakes are in top condition and your nerve is even better.

Road trip guide: Conquering the Arch of Freedom in Bulgariaextreme

Road trip guide: Conquering the Arch of Freedom in Bulgaria

🌍 Bulgaria

Way up in the northern-central Bulgarian mountains, straddling the Lovech and Plovdiv provinces, you'll find the Arch of Freedom. This concrete behemoth, also called the Arch of Liberty, stands proud at the top of Goraltepe peak, a cool 1,585 meters (5,200 feet) high! It's a 35-meter tribute to Bulgaria's liberation struggle, built to honor the Russian army's victory back in 1878 and the later Bulgarian-Russian unity after World War II. The views from the top are insane! On a clear day, you can soak in panoramic vistas of the Beli Osam and Troyan valleys, Sredna Gora, the Rhodopes, and Rila mountains. Plus, you'll get a sweet view of the Balkan Mountains' iconic peaks, including Botev, the tallest of them all. Now, here's the heads-up: the 1-kilometer (0.62-mile) road that winds up from Beklemeto-Troyan Pass is no longer the smooth ride it used to be. It's pretty rough now, almost like an unpaved trail, and super narrow – definitely a one-car-at-a-time situation! But hey, there's a parking area right by the monument, so you'll have a spot to leave your ride while you explore.

Where is Port d’Aula?extreme

Where is Port d’Aula?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: Port d’Aulà, perched way up in the Pyrenees, straddling the border between France and Spain at a staggering 7,431 feet! This isn't just any mountain pass; it's a place steeped in history. It was a route of desperation during the Spanish Civil War and World War II. You'll find it linking the Ariège department in France with the Province of Lleida in Spain. Getting there? The French side is where the adventure's at. Forget smooth asphalt; this is all about the Route Forestiere du Port d’Aula – a totally wild, unpaved road carved into the mountainside. Seriously, this road is intense. It's super narrow (think one-car-only narrow), and packs in a ridiculous 43 hairpin turns. The final stretch? Pedestrians only! Starting from Couflens, it's an 11-mile climb that gains over 5,000 feet in elevation! Translation: it's STEEP, with gradients hitting nearly 13% in places. The Spanish side? Nada. No road to the top. But trust me, it's worth the white-knuckle drive. The views are insane, especially when you catch sight of the Etang de Prat Matau and Etang d’Areau – two ridiculously scenic alpine lakes. It's a truly unforgettable experience!

Collado la Gitana, a gravel mountainous track in southern Spainmoderate

Collado la Gitana, a gravel mountainous track in southern Spain

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southern Spain, in the Granada province of Andalucia, heading towards a hidden gem called Collado la Gitana. This mountain pass sits way up high at 1,714 meters (that's 5,623 feet!), nestled within the stunning Sierra Nevada National Park. Now, fair warning: the road to the top is unpaved, so ditch the sports car and grab an SUV or all-road vehicle. I'd recommend hitting this spot from late spring to early fall, because winter brings snow to these winding mountain roads. Trust me, though, the views are SO worth it. You'll be treated to mind-blowing scenery of Mulhacén and Veleta's snowy peaks. Seriously, it's a photographer's dream! Just take it slow, enjoy the ride, and prepare to be amazed.