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
hardIs Strada Provinciale 349 (SP349) paved?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Vicenza Pre-Alps in Italy's Veneto region, and you stumble upon the SP349, a.k.a. the Salita del Costo. This mountain road isn't just any road; it's a real heart-pumper! Don't worry, the pavement is smooth and well-maintained. What makes it thrilling are the seemingly endless twists, hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills, and some seriously steep inclines. This isn't a Sunday drive; it's an adventure! The Salita del Costo stretches for almost 10 kilometers, with an average gradient of 6%. The route begins in Bramonte and climbs to Campiello, entirely within the Municipality of Cogollo del Cengio. If you happen to be there at the right time, you might even catch the Salita del Costo di Asiago, a famous race that brings roaring engines to this beautiful landscape.
moderateWhere is Praděd?
🌍 Czech Republic
Okay, picture this: you're carving your way up to a whopping 4,885 feet, smack dab in the heart of the [Insert range name]! This peak straddles the border of [country 1] and [country 2] in the eastern part of [country 1], and trust me, the views are worth the climb. What awaits you at the summit of Praděd? A seriously impressive broadcasting tower, built between [start date] and [end date], that's more than just a tower—it's home to a cute little hotel and restaurant! Oh, and did I mention the upper platform doubles as a lookout tower? On a clear day, the views from up there are insane! This area is a hiker's paradise. Now, about that road... yes, it's fully paved all the way to the top. Fun fact: it's rumored to be the highest road in the whole country! If you're feeling adventurous, cruise the paved road to Okraj Pass on the Czech-Polish border. Or, if you're up for another scenic drive, head to the top of Lucni Hora. So, pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
moderateTake the Scenic N339 and Discover Col de Zezere
🇵🇹 Portugal
Col de Zezere: Portugal's best-kept secret? Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deep in the Castelo Branco district of Portugal lies a seriously awesome mountain pass: Col de Zezere. This fully paved road (N339) winds its way up to a lofty 1,615m (5,298ft), making it one of the highest drives in the country. Starting from Covilhã and stretching 36.3km (22.55 miles) to Sabugueiro, this route is all about the views. Seriously, prepare to stop at every lookout point because the scenery is breathtaking. Nestled in the Serra da Estrela mountains, it's steep in sections, with gradients hitting a punchy 16% in places — so keep those gears low! Generally open year-round, winter can bring closures due to snow and ice, so check the conditions before you go. But trust us, if you're after stunning vistas and a thrilling drive, Col de Zezere needs to be on your Portugal road trip itinerary.
extremeDriving the steep D308 to Col de la Ramaz: The challenge of Tunnel de Sommand
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Ramaz: Alpine Drama Meets World-Class Views Perched at 1,619m (5,311ft) in the Haute-Savoie region of France, Col de la Ramaz is the kind of mountain pass that gets your adrenaline pumping before you even start driving. This isn't just any Alpine crossing—it's a Tour de France legend that connects the Giffre valley to the Praz de Lys ski area, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. The real magic (and challenge) happens on the 14 km ascent from Mieussy, where you'll tackle some seriously steep gradients pushing 10-12% as you approach the notorious Tunnel de Sommand. This isn't a gentle cruise—your cooling system and brakes are going to earn their keep, especially if you're piloting a campervan or towing anything substantial. Now, the Tunnel de Sommand is where things get properly intense. Built to bypass a sketchy section of road literally hanging off a limestone cliff, this narrow, dimly-lit passage is the definition of a "balcony road." Even with modern improvements, it remains genuinely thrilling—damp pavement in summer, minimal visibility, and heart-stopping glimpses of the drop through rock openings. Add cyclists (tons of them) into the mix, and you've got a section demanding 100% focus. After you punch through the tunnel, the landscape opens up beautifully onto the Sommand plateau. It's your moment to breathe before the final push to the 1,619m summit, where the reward is absolutely worth it: Mont Blanc and its snow-capped peaks dominate the horizon on clear days. It's genuinely stunning. The full 23 km route runs west to east and eventually feeds into the D902—part of the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes. Just remember: descending back toward Mieussy requires serious brake discipline. Use your engine to control speed on those continuous steep sections and tight turns, or you'll risk overheating your brakes spectacularly. Best driving windows? Late May through October. Winter closures due to snow and storms are common, so timing matters. It's a road that perfectly blends Alpine beauty with technical driving that demands respect.