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
hard64H-3: Sakhalin Island's Breathtaking Coastal Road in Russia
🌍 Russia
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! If you're craving a coastal drive with a serious dose of raw beauty, Sakhalin Island's 64H-3 road in Russia needs to be on your radar. This 406 km (252 miles) stretch from Smirnykh to Kholmsk hugs the island's edge, giving you front-row seats to the stunning Strait of Tartary and endless Pacific Ocean vistas. Think dramatic coastlines, rugged landscapes, and that 'end of the earth' feeling. Now, heads up: much of the road is unpaved, so you'll be kicking up some dust. Most vehicles can handle it in good weather, but be prepared for a bumpy ride. Speaking of preparation, to venture beyond Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, you'll need to sort out permits from the Federal Security Service (FSB) and Border Guard. Just a little red tape to navigate. Sakhalin winters are no joke, lasting from November to late April. Expect heavy snow, blizzards, and temps plummeting to -30°C (and sometimes lower!). Even summer can throw curveballs with sudden cold snaps. Beyond the road conditions, Sakhalin's wilderness is a major draw. We're talking dense forests, islands teeming with seals, prime fishing streams, and even ski slopes. Oh, and did we mention bears? Yeah, this place is wild. Public transport is pretty limited, and a 4x4 is your best friend for tackling some areas. If you're not confident driving solo, plenty of companies offer vehicles with drivers, so you can soak up the scenery without the stress.
hardWallberg
🇩🇪 Germany
# Wallberg: A High-Alpine Adventure in Bavaria Perched at 1,564 meters (5,426 feet) above sea level in the Miesbach district of Upper Bavaria, Wallberg is a dramatic mountain peak that rewards adventurous drivers with stunning Alpine scenery. Nestled within the scenic Mangfall Mountains, this destination is not for the faint of heart. The road up is a gravel affair that doesn't mess around—it's steep, winding, and demands respect. But that's part of the charm, right? The real kicker? Weather in these parts is utterly unpredictable. Conditions can flip from pleasant to brutal in minutes, and winters bring serious snowfall that can shut down access entirely. If you're planning a visit, definitely check conditions ahead of time and be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws at you. Once you reach the summit, you'll find several communication facilities perched up there, a testament to the peak's prominence. The views from the top? Absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive. Just make sure you're comfortable navigating gravel roads and respect the mountain's moody alpine climate.
easyDriving the abandoned streets of Doel
🌍 Belgium
Ever wanted to wander through a real-life ghost town? Then head to Doel, a fascinatingly abandoned village in East Flanders, Belgium, practically spitting distance from the Dutch border! Think just a short jaunt from Antwerp, the ever-expanding port that's kinda...gobbling up smaller towns. Doel is steeped in history, over 700 years worth, but it's facing demolition thanks to the port's relentless growth along the Scheldt river. Word to the wise: officially, you're not supposed to poke around inside the buildings, but…let's just say some people manage. Once buzzing with over a thousand residents, Doel's streets are now eerily deserted, save for a handful of die-hards refusing to leave. Expect a serious dose of creepiness as you wander through this silent, empty place. Just a heads up: you can't drive directly into Doel unless you're a resident.
moderateWhat’s the history of Old Tragjas?
🇦🇱 Albania
Old Tragjas, Albania is an eerie, ruined village with a powerful story. This town was abandoned after being bombed in 1943 because of partisan sympathies, so tread carefully among the ruins. Old Tragjas played a key role in Albanian history as the site of a battle where Albanian resistance fighters took down Italian troops. The village was bombed in 1943 due to its anti-fascist ties and has been deserted ever since. You'll find these ruins nestled on hills overlooking the Bay of Vlora, about 25 km from the city of Vlora. It was named a cultural monument in 1980 for its architecture – a classic representation of the region's cultural roots. Historians believe that Gjergj Arianiti, Donika Kastrioti’s father, founded the settlement around the turn of the 15th century. The mountain village has a fantastic location for both beauty and strategic reasons. Beautiful buildings with complex designs once stood here, blending into the landscape. However, three fires and WWII bombing runs left the village in ruins. Even after six decades, the village still holds secrets, with a long street and former homes. It’s a fascinating spot for history and architecture buffs. Artifacts found here hint at a long history dating back to ancient times. Now, about that road! Located in the south-western part of the country, the road to Old Tragjas is completely unpaved and treacherous, with lots of narrow sections. A 4x4 is usually best, but motorhomes should stay away. But the drive is visually rewarding! Starting from the new Tragjas village, the road is roughly 5.1 km (3.16 miles) long, climbing 263 meters with a 5.15% average grade. The road climbs to Qafa e Asters, named for the tombs scattered about. The pass offers views of ancient Orikum and the coast. Be careful and have a great trip!