Is the Road to Kunkels Pass Paved?
Switzerland, europe
N/A
1,363 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Kunkelspass! This high-altitude beauty sits at 1,363m (4,471ft) in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. Think twisty, narrow roads and a whole lotta Swiss charm.
You'll find it in eastern Switzerland, mostly paved with a few gravel sections to keep things interesting. It's called Riedstrasse, and you'll need to snag a permit from the City of Tamins if you're planning on driving.
This epic cliff road connects Vättis (in St. Gallen) with Tamins (in Graubünden). Picture this: a narrow road carved right into the rock face, snaking its way through tunnels with incredible window views. Seriously, it's one hairpin turn after another, but with 300m drop-offs it's not for the faint of heart.
Nestled in the Glarus Alps, the tunnels have windows with killer views. And guess what? At the top, there's a bar and restaurant waiting for you. Built during WWI, this narrow road (tunnel width of just 2.3m) isn't ideal for big RVs. Plus, get ready for some seriously steep sections, hitting up to 18.5% in gradient. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! Just take it slow and enjoy the ride.
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,363 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Nebelhorn?
🇩🇪 Germany
Nebelhorn is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,068 m (6,784 ft) above sea level, located in Bavaria, in Germany. The road to the summit is brutally steep, and the slope—in some parts—is inhuman, with gradients up to 45%. It is one of the highest roads in Germany The peak is located near the village of Oberstdorf, in the southern part of the country, close to the Austrian border. How Steep is the Nebelhorn? Set high in the Allgäu Alps, it is said to be one of the steepest and hardest climbs in Europe. The scenery is outstanding, the best in the northern Alps. How to Climb the Nebelhorn? The climb has two parts. The first part ends at a mountain hut called Edmund Probst Haus, at an elevation of 1,932 m above sea level. The road is pretty narrow, and the asphalt is really poor in some sections. It was paved in 2008. Due to its steepness, a 4WD car is necessary. The climb is not very long but steep. Expect gradients of over 20% in the last kilometers. Beyond the Edmund Probst Haus mountain hut, the road climbs about 1 km more to a cableway at 2,068 m above sea level. This part is closed to motor vehicles. It is a very brutal climb on an unpaved surface. Germany’s 4 Most Beautiful Scenic Drives A Steep Paved Road to Berghaus Schwaben Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardPuntal Refuge
🇪🇸 Spain
# Refugio del Puntal: A Sierra Nevada Adventure Nestled high in Spain's dramatic Sierra Nevada mountains, Refugio del Puntal (also called La Piuca or Casilla del Mundo) sits at an impressive 2,242 meters in Granada's Andalucía region. This remote mountain hut is only for the truly committed—and well-equipped. Starting from the A-4132 road at 946 meters elevation, you're looking at a seriously intense 17.3 km climb that'll gain you nearly 1,300 meters of elevation. We're talking an average gradient of 7.49%, with some sections hitting a brutal 12%. Yeah, it's steep. The road itself? Think gravel, sand, and rocky sections that'll test your vehicle's limits. You'll absolutely need a high-clearance 4x4—no exceptions. Fair warning: this route is basically closed from November through April (weather dependent), and afternoon thunderstorms can turn this already-challenging mountain road into an impassable mess in minutes. One moment you've got gravel under your tires, the next you're stuck without four-wheel drive. If you time it right and the weather gods smile on you, the rewards are worth it. The Sierra Nevada's raw, dramatic scenery unfolds as you climb higher, offering some truly unforgettable views. Just make sure you're prepared, respect the mountain's moods, and bring your best driving skills.
moderateDriving the Challenging Road to Chegem Waterfalls in Kabardino-Balkaria
🌍 Russia
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the heart of the Caucasus Mountains in Russia, south of Nizhnii Chegem. Destination? The breathtaking Chegem Waterfalls! These falls aren't your average cascade. They've been sculpted by water over millennia, carving their way through massive rock formations into a symphony of waterfalls of all shapes and sizes, some plunging as high as 50 meters! You'll find them at the meeting point of the Adai-Su, Sakal-Tup, and Kayaarty tributaries, where they join the Chegem River. The drive itself is an adventure. This 58.7 km (36.47 miles) stretch of road starts from the town of Chegem, the district's capital, and leads all the way to El'tiubiu. You'll wind through gorges carved by the Chegem River, with views that will leave you speechless in every season. Keep your eyes peeled! The road is fully paved but a bit on the narrow side, and Mother Nature has definitely left her mark with some wear and tear. But no worries, you can take a breather in the small hotel, cafe, and a market along the way, selling local handicrafts.
hardColla di Langan
🇮🇹 Italy
# Colla di Langan: A Hidden Gem in Liguria Looking for an epic climb near the Mediterranean? Colla di Langan might just be your answer. Sitting at 1,044 meters (3,425 feet) above sea level in Italy's Imperia province, this mountain pass has quietly become a favorite among serious cyclists and road trippers. The route—Strada Provinciale 65—connects the charming towns of Triora and Pigna, winding through the Ligurian landscape with tight switchbacks and some seriously steep sections (we're talking up to 11.4% grades here). The asphalt is well-maintained throughout, so you won't have to worry about sketchy surfaces as you climb. What makes this pass extra special? It holds the title of the highest paved pass anywhere near the San Remo area and the Mediterranean coast. That's right—no other comparable climb around here. The combination of accessibility, dramatic elevation gain, and stunning scenery has made it wildly popular with road cyclists who want to test themselves without venturing too far inland. Whether you're planning a cycling challenge or just want to experience some seriously dramatic Italian mountain roads, Colla di Langan delivers on all fronts. Narrow roads, rewarding climbs, and views that make every pedal stroke (or gear shift) worth it.