Is the old road through Loibl Pass unpaved?
Austria, europe
5 km
1,367 m
hard
Year-round
Loibl Pass, straddling Austria and Slovenia at a lofty 1,367m (4,485ft), is one seriously old-school mountain pass—we're talking ancient Roman times!
Forget smooth sailing; the original road to the top is a wild ride. It's unpaved, seriously narrow, and throws 16 hairpin turns at you. This 5 km (3.10 miles) stretch is a twisty, turny beast!
Historically, it's the quickest way from Ferlach (Austria) to Tržič (Slovenia). The pass also carries a somber note, with a memorial on the Slovenian side remembering the victims of a WWII forced labor camp. But hey, there's a renovated mountain hostel up there too, with awesome views of the Ljubljana and Klagenfurt basins on a clear day.
Heads up: the old summit road has been closed to cars since 1967. Cyclists and hikers, rejoice! If you're *really* keen on driving it, you might sweet-talk the local Ferlach police for a permit, but it'll only get you so far on the Austrian side. Once you reach the top, you're turning around at the Slovenian border.
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,367 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateThe breathtaking Black Mountain Road is the Top Gear road of Wales
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Carmarthenshire, Wales, ready to tackle the legendary Black Mountain Road! This absolute stunner, officially the A4069, is tucked away in the Black Mountains and is pure driving bliss. Clocking in at about 14.8 miles (23.81 km), this paved ribbon of joy connects Glanamman and Llangadog. What makes it special? Think a perfect blend of bends and straights, with visibility for days. Just keep your eyes peeled for those wandering sheep – they're not the best at following traffic laws! Word to the wise: those speed cameras can be sneaky, hiding in the most unexpected places. Nestled in the western part of Brecon Beacons National Park, this route is a playground for driving enthusiasts. The map alone is enough to get your heart racing! Get ready for a mix of fast stretches and those ridiculously tight hairpin turns, all with views that'll make your jaw drop. Low-rider alert: watch out for some bumps along the way. And get ready to climb, reaching a peak of 1,624 ft (495 m) above sea level. It's known as the best driving road in Wales, and for good reason. Since its appearance on Top Gear (where it earned the nickname "Top Gear Road"), it's become a magnet for car magazine test drivers. Be warned, though, it can get crowded! But with scenery like this stretching for miles, it's easy to see why it's considered one of the UK's most beautiful drives. Set aside about 35-45 minutes to drive it without stopping. And be sure to use those laybys – the views are too good to miss! Weekends can get busy, but trust me, this road is worth every bit of the hype. It's a driving experience you won't forget!
moderateTake An Unforgettable Drive to Puerto de Escullar in Andalusia
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Escúllar: Spain's Hidden Mountain Pass Want to experience one of Spain's most underrated Alpine drives? Head to Puerto de Escúllar, a spectacular 2,036-meter (6,679-foot) pass nestled in Granada's Sierra de Baza mountain range in Andalusia. This is the kind of place where you'll feel like you've discovered your own secret—seriously, hardly anyone drives here. The route runs north-south for 57.5 kilometers (35.72 miles) between the villages of Caniles and Abla, and the entire road is paved, which is always a win. You'll navigate the AL-5404 from the south and GR-8101 from the north. Fair warning though: the road surface deteriorates a bit on either side of the summit, but nothing that'll ruin your day. What *might* be slightly annoying? The summit itself is weirdly anticlimactic—it's super flat up there, and there's no proper sign marking the actual highest point. You'll be scratching your head wondering if you've already passed it. Buckle up for some serious climbs. This pass is famous (well, in cycling circles at least) for hosting stages of the Vuelta a España, and it's easy to see why—gradients hit a gnarly 10% on some sections. But here's the beautiful part: the road sees almost zero traffic, so you'll have the curves all to yourself. Plus, the pass stays open year-round, so you can tackle it whenever you're feeling adventurous.
extremeCol de Bassachaux: The paved climb and the hidden gravel 4x4 descent
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Bassachaux: Where Alpine Beauty Meets Serious Challenge Tucked away in the Portes du Soleil region of Haute-Savoie, Col de Bassachaux is an absolute gem for adventurous drivers. This mountain pass sits pretty at 1,778m (5,833ft), perched like a dramatic balcony overlooking the French Alps with the Swiss border practically within arm's reach. **The Northern Route: Paved but Thrilling** Starting from the charming alpine village of Châtel, the main approach via the D228A is a smooth 10.4 km (6.46 miles) climb that conquers 670 meters of elevation gain. It's entirely paved—so far so good, right? But here's the catch: this isn't your typical highway. The road narrows considerably in places, drops off without much in the way of guardrails, and gets seriously busy during summer months and cycling events like the famous "La Montée de Bassachaux" race. You'll share the road with cyclists and even the occasional herd of livestock, so stay sharp and keep your speed in check. At the summit, you'll find the Refuge de L'Auberge de Haute Bise—a perfect pit stop if you're around between mid-June and mid-September when the alpine snows have melted. **The Southern Descent: For the Truly Brave** Now for the real adventure. The southern side drops toward Les Lindarets (locals call it the "Village of Goats") via a wild 4.4 km gravel track that's genuinely technical. This isn't a scenic cruise—it's a proper off-road challenge. The path is incredibly narrow, carved into steep mountainsides with unprotected drops that'll make your palms sweat. The surface is rough and loose, ruts can form after storms, and summer thunderstorms can transform the whole thing into a slippery mess. This section demands serious skill, nerves of steel, and a vehicle that can handle it. Low-clearance cars need not apply. Alpine mist rolls in fast, visibility vanishes, and every hairpin turn requires complete focus and control. Oh, and don't forget—snow can block this route well into spring. **Bottom Line:** The paved side is doable for most drivers with respect for the mountain. The gravel descent? That's strictly for experienced adventurers with excellent brakes and plenty of nerve. Either way, you're in for stunning scenery in one of Europe's most spectacular mountain regions.
hardOlgunlar Yaylası-Hüngamek Road, recommended for drivers with strong nerves
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you find yourself in the Artvin Province of Turkey, clinging to the Black Sea coast, and you're feeling brave, I’ve got a road for you. Forget paved perfection, this is raw, untamed Turkey at its finest – the road from Olgunlar Yaylası to Hüngamek. Clocking in at just over 10 miles, this wild ride climbs sky-high. We're talking over 10,000 feet above sea level! Think breathtaking views, but also, gulp, serious drop-offs. And hold on tight because there are 28 hairpin turns thrown in for good measure. Did I mention it’s unpaved? Yeah, you’ll definitely want a 4x4 for this steep climb. Summer is your only window of opportunity here. Trust me, this road is an experience you won't soon forget!