Malanser Alp
Switzerland, europe
3.5 km
1,840 m
hard
Year-round
# Malanser Alp: A Serious Alpine Challenge
Ready for something that'll get your adrenaline pumping? Malanser Alp sits pretty at 1,840 meters (6,036 feet) in Switzerland's St. Gallen canton, and let me tell you—this isn't your typical Sunday cruise.
Starting from the Gigerwaldsee parking lot, you're looking at a punishing 3.5 km climb that'll test both your nerves and your car's suspension. We're talking 10 hairpin turns and a relentless average gradient of 14.14%. In just 3.5 kilometers, you'll gain nearly 500 meters of elevation. It's absolutely brutal.
The road itself is gravel and narrow—no room for error here. Sheer dropoffs are a constant companion, and rockslides are a genuine hazard you need to respect. But here's the payoff: jaw-dropping views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tectonic Arena Sardona make the white-knuckle drive worth every twist and turn.
Fair warning though: this is serious mountain driving. Winter? Forget about it—the road becomes impassable when snow rolls in. Plan your visit for warmer months, take your time, and focus on the road. This is one where you need all your attention and a healthy dose of caution.
Where is it?
Malanser Alp is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.8654, 8.1038
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 3.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,840 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.8654, 8.1038
Related Roads in europe
easyWhere is Pas de la Graille?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Pas de la Graille, a hidden gem nestled in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of France! This beauty sits way up high, with serious elevation. You'll find it in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, in the southeast of France, connecting Saint-Étienne-les-Orgues to Valbelle via a paved, but delightfully curvy road. The road is mostly good to go, but being steep, you'll catch only sneaky peeks through the trees as you climb. As you head down, the surface gets a tad rougher, but nothing a good driver can't handle. This scenic stretch runs for roughly 12 kilometers. On the Saint-Étienne-les-Orgues side, the climb is steady with an average gradient that lets you cruise and soak in the views. You'll hit some sections around 11%, but other parts mellow out to about 5%. Once you're out of the forest, hold on tight!
hardHow long is Cruz de Linares?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the gorgeous Asturias region of Spain, ready to tackle a mountain pass called Puerto Cruz de Linares. This baby sits at 842 meters (that's 2,762 feet!) above sea level and the views? Unreal. The road itself? Totally paved, though you'll find some quirky concrete sections. Just a heads up, it gets super narrow. You'll hop off the AS-228 and then it's an 8.6 km (5.34 miles) climb to the top. Speaking of climb, this isn't a gentle stroll. We're talking about a seriously steep grade. There are sections where you'll be facing a 16% gradient and the whole thing averages out at a leg-burning 8.8%. No wonder it's been featured in the Vuelta a España! Once you reach the summit, you're rewarded with panoramic views overlooking Proaza and the Valles del Oso. Trust me, the stunning scenery is worth the effort!
hardMalga Coltrondo
🇮🇹 Italy
Hey adventurers! Wanna find yourself in the Italian Alps? Then point your GPS toward Malga Coltrondo. This mountain pass in Veneto will have you climbing to 1,892 meters (that's over 6,200 feet!). The road is paved, but hold on tight - it's super narrow and seriously steep. Be aware that heavy snow can shut it down, so check conditions before you go. The views? Absolutely breathtaking! And the reward at the top? A cozy restaurant and mountain refuge. Time for some pasta with a view!
extremeForte del Monte Scale
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ever dreamed of exploring a legit, old-school fortress high in the Italian Alps? Forte del Monte Scale is calling your name! Perched way up at 2,213 meters (that's over 7,200 feet!), this spot in Lombardy is not for the faint of heart. Built way back in the early 1900s, getting here is half the battle. Forget your car – this 1.9km route is a rugged mix of gravel and rock, seriously steep in sections, and totally closed to vehicles. The final stretch is a narrow path you'll have to hike. The views? Epic. The challenge? Real. Keep an eye on the weather because this area can throw anything at you: avalanches, heavy snow, landslides, and icy patches are all part of the experience. Basically, if you're afraid of heights or the ground moving beneath you, maybe sit this one out. But if you're up for an unforgettable trek to a historic spot with breathtaking scenery, Forte del Monte Scale awaits!