Is the road to Großsee paved?

Is the road to Großsee paved?

Austria, europe

Length

15.8 km

Elevation

2,481 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! We're heading to Großsee, a stunning alpine reservoir perched way up in Carinthia, Austria. Think jaw-dropping views from 2,481m (8,139ft)!

The road? Mostly paved, thankfully, but hold on tight. It's a twisty, turny climb with around 30 hairpin bends. The asphalt gives way to a rougher track near the top at 2,470m (8,103ft), so be prepared for some boulders and maybe even snow.

The adventure kicks off in Großkirchheim, and from there it's a 15.8 km (9.81 miles) ascent. And get this - the road is seriously steep! We're talking gradients of up to 24% in places. You'll be climbing 1,459 meters in total, averaging over 9% along the way. Built in 1978, this road will test your car and reward you with incredible scenery. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Austria
Continent
europe
Length
15.8 km
Max Elevation
2,481 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

The road from Kleino to Amaranto is one of the most challenging drives in Greeceextreme

The road from Kleino to Amaranto is one of the most challenging drives in Greece

🇬🇷 Greece

# Kleino to Amaranto: Greece's Most Unforgiving Mountain Drive Ready for one of the most intense driving experiences of your life? The road connecting Kleino to Amaranto in Greece's Trikala region is absolutely not for the faint of heart. Seriously, this route punishes every mistake. Nestled in the Thessaly region of central Greece, just north of the towering Trigia peak (1,974 m), this 9.8 km stretch winds through stunning but brutal mountain terrain. The entire route is unpaved—we're talking rough dirt mixed with slippery gravel that demands your complete attention and a proper 4x4 vehicle to handle it. What makes this drive legendary (and legitimately terrifying) is what happens after you summit at 1,600 m. The road transforms into a nail-biter: impossibly narrow single-track sections with no guardrails, off-road hairpins that feel like they have no mercy, and eight hairpin turns stacked together. We're talking grades that hit 10% and sections where you're literally just 12 inches from the cliff edge on either side. One wrong move and there's nothing between you and a very long fall. The scenery is spectacular—you're truly high in the Pindos Mountains—but honestly, you'll be too focused on gripping the wheel to fully appreciate it. This isn't a scenic cruise; it's a concentration test disguised as a road trip. Only tackle this one if you've got serious driving skills and nerves of steel.

Where is Jito de Escarandi-Alto de Sotres?moderate

Where is Jito de Escarandi-Alto de Sotres?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through northern Spain, deep in the Picos de Europa National Park, about to tackle the legendary Jito de Escarandi (or Alto de Sotres, if you're feeling fancy). This mountain pass sits way up high, and the views? Epic. Think dramatic peaks, rolling hills, and lush meadows—seriously, the landscapes here are out of this world! Known locally as the "Carretera de las 3 Villas," this paved route stretches for about miles from up in Cantabria. But hold up, it's not all smooth sailing. This road isn't for the faint of heart. Be prepared for some seriously steep sections, hitting grades of up to . And watch out for poor asphalt, loose gravel, and some pretty gnarly potholes – this climb will test your skills and your suspension! The average gradient is a thigh-burning but those ramps near the top crank it up to . Once you conquer that final push, the summit delivers a knockout panorama of the surrounding mountains. Fair warning: fog often rolls in, giving the place an almost mystical vibe. Trust me, the Jito de Escarandi is an adventure you won't soon forget.

A rough 4x4 road to Pedró dels Quatre Batlleshard

A rough 4x4 road to Pedró dels Quatre Batlles

🇪🇸 Spain

Pedró dels Quatre Batlles is a seriously high mountain pass sitting at 2,387m (7,831ft) above sea level in Lleida, Catalonia, Spain. It's legit one of the country's loftiest road crossings. Here's the real talk: this route is totally unpaved and basically a no-go during winter months. If you're an experienced off-road enthusiast with solid driving skills, you'll probably love the challenge. But if mountain roads aren't your jam, honestly skip it. You'll need a proper 4x4 to tackle this one, and if heights make you queasy, turn back now. The road winds through the Serres d'Odèn-Port del Comte range with some seriously steep sections. Throw in wet conditions and that muddy surface becomes a genuine test of your driving prowess. But here's what makes it worth the effort—the views from the summit are absolutely jaw-dropping. This is the kind of ride that'll make your adrenaline pump and fill your camera roll with stunning mountain vistas. Bottom line? Only attempt this if you've got the skills, the right vehicle, and nerves of steel.

What’s Vitim River Bridge?extreme

What’s Vitim River Bridge?

🌍 Russia

Deep in the heart of Siberia, Russia, lies the insane Vitim River Bridge. Picture this: an old railway bridge stretching 570 meters (1870 feet) over the icy Vitim River. We're talking a super narrow six-foot-wide path – barely enough for one car – with zero railings. Yep, that's right, nothing to stop you from taking a plunge into the frigid waters 50 feet below. Locals call it Kuandinsky Bridge. It's part of the infamous BAM Road, one of the gnarliest off-road adventures on the planet. This relic was thrown together back in the 80s, intended for trains, which explains the whole "no safety features" vibe. The surface? Decaying wooden planks that turn into an ice rink for most of the year. Seriously, winter crossings are legendary! Word has it, no one's bothered to fix it in decades, so anyone brave (or crazy) enough to cross often ends up patching it themselves. It's the only way for the tiny village of Kuanda to connect with the outside world, though. If you're up for a challenge and craving a story to tell, the Vitim River Bridge awaits. Just don't forget to pack your nerves of steel and maybe a few extra planks!