Is the Road to Pragel Pass Paved?
Switzerland, europe
30.8 km
1,550 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, because the Pragelpass in Switzerland is a wild ride you won't forget! Nestled in the canton of Schwyz, this high mountain pass climbs to a cool 1,550 meters (that's 5,085 feet!).
The road is paved, so no need for off-road tires, but don't get too comfy. It's narrow and seriously steep in places, with gradients hitting a maximum of 18 percent! The summit has a small parking area and a restaurant where you can catch your breath and soak in the views.
Clocking in at around 30.8 kilometers (19.13 miles), the pass connects Riedern in Glarus to Muotathal in Schwyz.
Heads up: the Pragel Pass is a no-go zone in winter. Usually, it's closed from mid-October to May. If you're planning a summer trip, take note that the east side is closed to cars and motorcycles on Saturdays and Sundays, making it a biker's paradise.
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,550 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardNyala Pass: this road is not for timid drivers
🇬🇷 Greece
# Nyala Pass: Greece's Heart-Pounding Mountain Challenge Looking for an adrenaline rush with a side of history? Welcome to Nyala Pass, perched at a jaw-dropping 1,868 meters (6,128 feet) in the southern Pindus Mountains of western Thessaly. This is legitimately one of Greece's highest mountain roads—and it shows. Fair warning: this isn't your typical scenic drive. The road to the summit is completely unpaved, narrow as a ribbon, and climbs at a relentless 20% gradient in places. If you get dizzy looking down from heights, you'll want to keep your eyes glued to the road ahead. Seriously, don't tackle this solo—bring a friend for moral support (and practical reasons). The main assault starts from the charming old village of Agrafa. You're looking at an 18km climb that'll gain you over 1,000 meters of elevation, averaging a stiff 5.58% gradient. The village itself sits at the end of a notoriously rough road, so expect some serious off-roading vibes from the start. Once you've conquered the pass, a stubborn mountain road continues down toward the stunning Plastira Lake. But here's where it gets real: this mountain holds profound historical weight. A Civil War monument near the summit marks one of Greece's most tragic chapters. In April 1947, a guerrilla battalion and hundreds of civilians attempted a desperate crossing of these windswept peaks, fleeing military forces. What started as a strategic march turned into a nightmare—sudden blizzards, plummeting temperatures, and treacherous gorges claimed countless lives. The mountains here have witnessed suffering most of us can barely comprehend. So yes, the drive is tough. But the story—and the views—are unforgettable.
extremeWhere is Col de la Llose?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure awaits in the French Pyrenees! We're talking about Col de la Llose, perched way up high in the Occitanie region at a cool 6,122 feet. You'll find it snuggled in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, right in southern France. This spot's got it all: a ski area called Site de ski de fonds du Capcir and a restaurant at the summit, plus a little dirt road that ventures even higher. The D89 road itself? Paved, but get ready for a wild ride! It's 5.77 miles of twisty, turny goodness (hello, hairpin turns!) from La Llagonne to Ayguatébia-Talau. Be warned: it gets *narrow* in sections, so crossing paths with another car can be a bit of a squeeze. The climb from La Llagonne is just under 2 miles, but don't underestimate it! It's got some steep bits, averaging around a 5.57% grade, as it climbs about 550 feet. The views are incredible!
moderateAn Old Military Road to Colle di Costa Piana
🇮🇹 Italy
Colle di Costa Piana is a high mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,313 meters (7,588 feet) in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Italy. Nestled in Piedmont in the northern Alps, this gem is part of the legendary Assietta Road (Strada Provinciale 173), the scenic route that winds between Susa and Sestriere. Fair warning: this isn't your typical paved highway. The entire route up is unpaved gravel, following an old military ridge road from Pian dell'Alpe to Sestriere. It's rough and rocky—especially around the curves—but totally doable if you take it slow. And you'll need to: there's a strict 30 km/h speed limit enforced here, plus no overtaking or parking outside designated spots. Plan your visit wisely though. This mountain pass is only open during the warmer months, from June 1st through October 31st, so summer is your window to experience this wild Alpine drive. The views? Absolutely worth the bumpy ride.
extremeIs Road M5 through the PraÄŤa Canyon unpaved?
🌍 Bosnia
Road M5 through the Prača Canyon in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina? Buckle up, adventure awaits! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 21.2km (13.17mi) stretch of pure, unadulterated Bosnian wilderness, tracing the path of the old "Ostbahn" railway from Hrenovica towards Mesići. Think incredible views down into the Prača valley, but maybe not if you're scared of heights or landslides. The road's pretty narrow – definitely a one-car-at-a-time situation. You'll be weaving through 20 unlit, single-lane railway tunnels (pack a flashlight!) and crossing 3 bridges (one has a bypass road after an incident in 2017, so double-check conditions beforehand). Keep an eye out for a simple river crossing where the road is just concrete pipes covered with gravel; it's passable for any vehicle, but can wash out during floods. Adding to the unique experience are the ruins of houses every few hundred meters, stark reminders of the Bosnian War. Part of the surrounding area is mined, but the road itself is considered safe. Expect limited cell service. Get ready for steep cliffs, dark tunnels, and the constant company of the river. It's a drive you won't forget!