Moosalp (Col de Moos): an epic road in the Alps

Moosalp (Col de Moos): an epic road in the Alps

Switzerland, europe

Length

15.2 km

Elevation

2,048 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

# Moosalp: A Swiss Alpine Adventure

Nestled in the heart of the western Pennine Alps, Moosalp (aka Col de Moos) sits pretty at 2,048 meters above sea level in Switzerland's Valais canton. This charming high-altitude pass connects the villages of Bürchen and Törbel, offering drivers a scenic route through some seriously stunning Alpine terrain.

Fair warning: the road is paved but delightfully narrow—exactly what you'd expect from a mountain pass that wasn't completed until 1978. Once you reach the top, you'll find a welcoming restaurant and spacious parking lot, making it the perfect spot to catch your breath and soak in the views.

Ready to tackle it? You've got two main options. Coming from Stalden is the slightly easier climb: 15.2 km of driving with a 1,159-meter elevation gain and an average gradient of 7.6%. If you're starting from Visp, buckle up for the longer haul—18.1 km with 1,568 meters of elevation gain and a steeper 8.6% average. Either way, you're in for a thrilling Alpine experience that'll test your driving skills and reward you with incredible mountain views.

Where is it?

Moosalp (Col de Moos): an epic road in the Alps is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.9433, 8.4086

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Switzerland
Continent
europe
Length
15.2 km
Max Elevation
2,048 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
46.9433, 8.4086

Related Roads in europe

A Driving Guide to Huta Pass in the Eastern Carpathiansmoderate

A Driving Guide to Huta Pass in the Eastern Carpathians

🇷🇴 Romania

Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Pasul Huta, a mountain pass that's a total hidden gem in northwestern Romania, practically waving hello to Ukraine! Locals also call it Cireș Pass, Fărgău Pass, or even Sâmbra Oilor – talk about a place with many names! You'll find it nestled right where Maramureș and Satu Mare counties meet, high up in the Oaș Mountains of the Eastern Carpathians. The road, officially known as DN19, is a winding beauty stretching for about 19 kilometers (or almost 12 miles) between Teceu Mic and Huta-Certeze. The whole route is paved, so no need for monster truck tires. At its highest point, you'll be chilling at 581 meters (just over 1,900 feet) above sea level, soaking in those epic Carpathian views. Get ready for curves, maybe some slow-moving trucks, and landscapes that'll make your camera work overtime!

Where is F347 Located?moderate

Where is F347 Located?

🇮🇸 Iceland

Ready for an Icelandic adventure? Then get your high-clearance 4x4 prepped for F347, aka Kerlingarfjallavegur! This is a true F-road experience in Iceland's central highlands south of Svartárbotnar, heading towards the impressive Kerlingarfjöll Mountain. Forget pavement – this is rough, rocky terrain that demands respect. Oh, and did I mention it’s one of Iceland’s highest roads? You'll need to ford two unbridged streams. One's usually shallow, but the other can be pretty deep, so experience is a must. Never attempt a crossing alone or when it's raining! River levels can rise FAST thanks to rain or melting snow. Seriously, keep an eye on the weather, and remember that rental car insurance usually *doesn't* cover water damage. Open only during the summer (late June to early September), this route is definitely not for small cars, but if you’re prepared, the scenery is totally worth it!

Can you drive to Alto de l’Angliru?hard

Can you drive to Alto de l’Angliru?

🇪🇸 Spain

Nestled in Asturias, Spain, Alto de l’Angliru (aka Gramonal) is a beast of a climb reaching 1,558m (5,111ft). We're talking about one of *the* most epic cycling climbs you'll ever encounter, a paved ribbon winding its way up what was once a simple cattle track. Starting from the RI-5 north of Porció, it's a mere 8.5km (5.28 miles) to the top, but don't let the distance fool you. Traffic is light, especially during the week. Prepare for some serious leg-burning because this road is STEEP! We're talking an average gradient of 10.68%, but it punches you in the gut with a max gradient of 23.5% in spots. You'll gain 908 meters in elevation, and trust me, you'll feel every single one of them. It's one of the most infamous climbs in professional cycling, known for its relentless nature. Forget about catching your breath – aside from a tiny dip early on, it's a constant uphill battle, including a brutal 21% stretch right after the slight downhill! L'Angliru isn't just steep; it's savage. It throws punch after punch with those insane 21%+ slopes, culminating in a wall-like 23.5% ramp just a couple of kilometers from the summit. And to add to the fun, expect frequent rain and fog making conditions extra spicy! Keep in mind, this road is up in Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park, which means winter closures are common due to snow. Even in summer, fog and rain are regular visitors.

Where is Zagari Pass?extreme

Where is Zagari Pass?

🇬🇪 Georgia

Zagari Pass in Georgia? Let's just say "road" is being used *very* loosely here! Nestled between Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti and Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, this "road" is more like a rugged 92.3km (57.35 miles) off-road adventure. Forget pavement! This is strictly unpaved territory, and you'll want a serious SUV, a spare tire (or two!), and a full tank of gas. Seriously, some locals think it's a mistake to even call it a road – more like a mud track or hiking trail. The entire trek from Tsageri takes about 5 1/2 hours, but trust me, the views are worth every bump and jolt. Think breathtaking mountain peaks, green valleys, and the remnants of glaciers. The summit gives you a stunning panorama of the central Caucasus, dominated by Ailama and Tsurungali peaks. Keep in mind, this pass is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July. And while armed robberies seem to be a thing of the past, the road itself is still a beast. Expect a bumpy ride filled with rocks, streams, and some seriously steep drop-offs. It's tough, barely used, and heavy rain can make it completely impassable. So, if you're looking for an epic, challenging, and incredibly scenic drive, Zagari Pass might just be your cup of (very strong) Georgian tea!