Mala Lazna is the Slovenian Alpe d'Huez road
Slovenia, europe
13 km
1,202 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Mala Lazna, a seriously stunning mountain pass way up in Slovenia's Littoral region, clocking in at a cool 1,202 meters (that's 3,943 feet!). You'll find it nestled between the towns of Ajdovščina and Nova Gorica, right in the western part of the country.
Good news, the road's usually open year-round! Get ready to cruise this recently paved beauty, Road 609, sitting pretty as the highest point on the route. We're talking a good climb here – imagine a Slovenian Alpe d'Huez, averaging almost 8% over 13 kilometers.
This epic road stretches for 24.1 kilometers (almost 15 miles) running from Ajdovščina up to Lokve, a popular summer escape for folks from Nova Gorica and even Gorizia, Italy. The Trnovo Forest provides insane views over the Vipava Valley. Trust me, you'll want to add this to your Slovenian road trip itinerary!
Where is it?
Mala Lazna is the Slovenian Alpe d'Huez road is located in Slovenia (europe). Coordinates: 46.0918, 14.9434
Road Details
- Country
- Slovenia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,202 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.0918, 14.9434
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow long is the Cedar Valley Road?
🌍 Cyprus
Okay, picture this: you're in Cyprus, cruising through the Nicosia District on a road trip. You absolutely HAVE to hit Cedar Valley Road. It's like driving through a postcard! This paved beauty clocks in at about 16.5 km (or 10.25 miles for my American friends), connecting to the E740 road at both ends. Now, don't let the smooth pavement fool you; this ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a windy mountain road with views that'll make your jaw drop. BUT – and this is a big but – it's also pretty twisty-turny. If you get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale. It's narrow too, so be prepared to hug the edges a bit. The upside? Zero traffic usually. The downside? Winter can bring fog or even snow to the higher elevations. Speaking of high, this road climbs! Located on the southern slopes of Paphos Forest, the whole drive, non-stop, will eat up 40-50 minutes, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The Cedar Valley itself is one of Cyprus's natural wonders, and this road is the gateway. Whether it’s sunny summer or snowy winter, the views are always incredible!
hardThe Storehaug Tunnel Old Road is said to be one of the scariest roads in Vestland County
🇳🇴 Norway
# Old RV13: Norway's Infamous Mountain Challenge Nestled in Vestland County near Vik, this notorious stretch of the old RV13 is not for the faint of heart. This brief 1.93 km (1.19 miles) detour sits at a jaw-dropping 980 m (3,215 ft) elevation, offering stunning views—if you can keep your eyes on the road. Here's where it gets sketchy: what was once a properly paved route has deteriorated significantly over the years thanks to Norway's brutal weather. Today, it's a muddy, slippery mess that transforms into a genuinely treacherous drive after rain. Add in those stomach-churning drop-offs, and you've got a recipe for white-knuckle driving at its finest. The road's reputation got so gnarly that authorities decided enough was enough. Back in 1981, they carved out the Storehaugtunnelen—a 1,044-meter tunnel that bypasses this sketchy section entirely. Smart move, honestly. The tunnel was built specifically to dodge all the hazards the old mountain road throws at you: the steep grades, the mud, and the landslide risk. So while this forgotten stretch of asphalt has definitely seen better days, it remains a wild testament to the raw power of Scandinavian nature. These days, most sensible drivers take the tunnel and call it a day.
hardIs the road to Roque de los Muchachos paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Hey stargazers and thrill-seekers! Let me tell you about Roque de los Muchachos, a mountain peak on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain. Reaching a staggering 2,423m (7,949ft), this road is no joke! The road to the top, Carretera al Roque de los Muchachos, is fully paved, but don't think it's a walk in the park. Think hairpin turns and bends for days! Fog, clouds, and even snow can roll in, making the drive pretty intense. If you're not a fan of heights, brace yourself – the final stretch is narrow with some serious drop-offs. This 3.8km (2.36 miles) climb gains 277 meters in elevation, averaging a 7.28% gradient that spikes to 12% in spots! The last stretch is only open during the day, and the road is closed to the public at night. So, why brave this crazy road? At the summit sits the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory (ORM), one of the world's largest telescope arrays, making this one of the best stargazing spots on the planet. Plus, the views are unreal! On a clear day, you can spot Tenerife, El Hierro, and La Gomera. Trust me, this drive is totally worth it for the insane scenery alone!
hardOrcieres Merlette is an iconic Tour de France climb
🇫🇷 France
# Station de Orcières Merlette Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France, Orcières Merlette is a ski resort perched at 1,823 meters (5,980 feet) in the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The drive up to the station is a proper alpine adventure. The D76 road climbs steeply from the village of Orcières for just 5.8 km (3.60 miles), gaining 405 meters of elevation along the way. You're looking at an average gradient of about 7%, though it ramps up to 9% in the trickier sections. The whole route is paved, which is a relief, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a casual drive—there are 8 hairpin turns keeping things interesting as you snake your way upward. What makes this climb truly special is its Tour de France pedigree. The pros have tackled this road multiple times as a summit finish, which tells you everything you need to know about its character. Plus, the location is absolutely stunning: you're practically on the doorstep of Ecrins National Park, so the scenery is genuinely world-class as you climb. It's the kind of road that offers both challenge and beauty in equal measure.