
Melchsee
Switzerland, europe
7.5 km
1,891 m
hard
Year-round
# Melchsee: A High-Alpine Adventure
Tucked away in Switzerland's Obwalden canton, Melchsee sits at a breathtaking 1,891 meters (6,204 feet) above sea level. Getting there? It's half the fun—and definitely a workout for your car.
Starting from Stöckalp, you're looking at 7.5 km of pure Alpine climbing. The road is paved, but don't expect wide open highways here. This is narrow, winding terrain with some seriously steep pitches that'll keep your palms sweaty and your eyes on the road. Over those 7.5 km, you'll gain 827 meters of elevation—that's an average gradient of 11%, which is no joke.
If you're into dramatic mountain drives with incredible scenery unfolding around every corner, this one delivers. Just take it slow, keep your wits about you on those tight sections, and prepare for some stunning Alpine views as your reward.
Where is it?
Melchsee is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 47.0971, 7.8886
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,891 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.0971, 7.8886
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Alto de Aitana?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in sunny Spain, within a military base (yep, you read that right!), lies the Alto de Aitana. This peak, nestled in the southern part of the Alicante province, is the highest point around. Heads up: you can't actually drive to the very top. The road dead-ends at a barrier due to the army installation. But the ride up is still epic! So, how long is this adventure? From the base, you're looking at around 13.8 km of paved road, but hold on tight – things get interesting toward the end. We're talking seriously steep inclines, with ramps hitting a maximum gradient of 14.6%! Over the whole stretch, you'll climb a whopping 875 meters, making for an average gradient of 6.3%. Get ready for some breathtaking scenery and a serious leg workout for your car! This beauty has even been featured in the Vuelta a España!
hardPas de Cherferie
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Pas de Cherferie in the French Alps is calling your name! This insane gravel track in Savoie tops out at a cool 2,142 meters (that's over 7,000 feet!). Word to the wise: you NEED a 4x4 for this one, and forget about it in the winter – it's totally impassable. Expect some seriously narrow and steep bits as you climb. The views? Absolutely worth the white knuckles, but be prepared for a wild ride!
hardCabana Dichiu
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Deep in Dâmbovița County, Romania, nestled high in the Bucegi Mountains, you'll find the Cabana Dichiu cabin, perched at a cool 1,603 meters (that's 5,259 feet!). Getting there is half the fun. You’ll be cruising on the DJ713, also known as TransBucegi, and thankfully, it's paved! But a word of warning: this isn't a drive for the faint of heart. If you're prone to car sickness, maybe pack some ginger ale. The road is pretty steep and winding, so take it easy and don't overeat before you set off. Also, if you're not used to mountain roads, maybe skip this one at night or when the visibility is poor. The views are incredible, though, making it all worthwhile!
hardIs the road to Sakaltutan Geçidi paved?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: Sakaltutan Geçidi, a seriously scenic mountain pass chilling way up at 2,212 meters (that's 7,257 feet!) on the border between Ardahan and Kars in eastern Turkey. We're talking northeast Turkey, practically waving to Georgia! The road itself? It's paved the whole way, thankfully! You'll be cruising on the D965, which is part of the bigger European Route 691. Think wide roads, mostly straight shots, and decent condition overall. Just be ready for some seriously steep climbs! This epic stretch runs for about 54 kilometers (around 33.5 miles) from Ardahan to Susuz. Keep an eye out for 18 hairpin turns around Özlükent. Word to the wise: While it's usually open year-round, winter can throw some curveballs. Expect closures when the weather gets wild. But hey, the views are killer!