Pavlic Pass is one of the highest Slovenian roads
Slovenia, europe
19.3 km
1,349 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Pavlič Pass is a stunner! Straddling the border between Slovenia and Austria, this high-altitude haven clocks in at a cool 1,349 meters (4,425 feet). Nestled in the Julian Alps, it's your ticket from Slovenia's Lower Styria region to Austria's Carinthia.
The route itself, known locally as Paulitschsattel or Pavličevo Sedlo, is a ribbon of asphalt that can get a little cozy in spots. You'll find it marked as the Seeberg Highway (B 82) on the Austrian side and route 428 in Slovenia. Don't let the pavement fool you; this beauty was originally carved out way back in 1894 but got its smooth surface much later, in 2000.
Stretching just over 19 km (almost 12 miles) from Solčava, Slovenia, to Bad Vellach in Austria, it’s a relatively short but incredibly sweet ride. Be warned: some sections are seriously steep, hitting gradients of nearly 16%! You'll be winding through dense forests one minute and cruising past charming villages and open meadows the next. Keep an eye out for cyclists and motorcyclists who flock here when the weather’s good — they're loving the challenge!
Where is it?
Pavlic Pass is one of the highest Slovenian roads is located in Slovenia (europe). Coordinates: 46.1535, 14.6285
Road Details
- Country
- Slovenia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 19.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,349 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.1535, 14.6285
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Pass of the Republic?
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, picture this: the Pass of the Republic, sitting pretty at a lofty height above sea level in the heart of the country. Locals might call it something else, but whatever you call it, it straddles the border between two provinces. Up top, you'll find a couple of cool spots to check out. Now, the road itself? Smooth sailing all the way to the top with fully paved roads. Built back in the day, this route is a real adventure. Think epic road trip vibes and maybe even a detour to Varbitsa Pass. And if you're feeling extra wild, the unpaved road to Goljam Medarnik in the Rila Mountains is right nearby. Get ready for some seriously stunning views!
moderateN2 (Estrada Nacional 2)
🇵🇹 Portugal
# Portugal's Epic North-to-South Road Trip: The EN2 Want to experience the *real* Portugal? The Estrada Nacional 2 (EN2) is your answer. This legendary 738-kilometer stretch runs straight from Chaves near the Spanish border down to the sun-soaked beaches of Faro in the Algarve—basically Portugal's own Route 66, and honestly, it might be even more scenic. This isn't a highway kind of drive. The EN2 curves and winds through Portugal's genuine heartland, cutting across 35 municipalities and 11 districts while revealing some of Western Europe's most hidden gems. You'll roll past the dramatic terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, lose yourself in endless cork oak forests of the Alentejo, and climb through the granite villages nestled in the Serra da Estrela (mainland Portugal's heavyweight at 1,993 meters). Then comes the shift to gentle rolling plains as you drift toward the south. Here's the magic: this road has been around forever—we're talking centuries of traders and pilgrims walking this very route. It's nothing like those sleek motorways rushing tourists between coastal hotspots. Instead, you're looking at a slow-burn journey through small villages, family-run eateries where grandmas are still cooking, and landscapes that honestly feel frozen in time. This is the Portugal that actually exists when you step away from the tourist brochures.
moderateWhere is Puerto de Monrepós?
🇪🇸 Spain
Puerto de Monrepós, nestled in the Huesca province of Spain, is a mountain pass that'll take your breath away (literally, at that altitude!). This fully paved route, known as the A-23, was revamped in 2019 with some seriously impressive engineering, like viaducts and tunnels, to tame the terrain. Clocking in at around 25 km from Arguis to Congosto de Isuela, this north-south gem offers stunning scenery and a great driving experience. But don't let the smooth pavement fool you! Perched high in the Pyrenees, winter here is no joke. Snow and ice are common, and you'll often see gritters doing their thing. But here's the kicker: chains might not cut it. Due to safety concerns and potential damage to the tunnels, only vehicles with M+S (mud and snow) tires are allowed on certain sections. Stopping to put on or remove chains near the tunnels is a big no-no. So, double-check your route and be prepared! Monrepós is the main artery to the Pyrenees, especially during winter holidays when everyone's heading to the ski resorts of Alto Aragón. That means traffic can get heavy. It's also had its share of problems. The pass has a bit of a reputation for accidents, thanks to a cocktail of factors: tricky curves, unpredictable weather, and the occasional geological hiccup. There have been a few road closures over the years due to landslides and cracks in the road. For example, a landslide shut down the road for months, and more recently a crack forced traffic to be rerouted.
hardWhere is Cime de Sistron?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the Alpes-Maritimes in sunny France, practically spitting distance from Italy, ready for an adventure. You're headed up to Cime de Sistron, a seriously high peak in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Now, fair warning, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget smooth tarmac – this is a proper, unpaved service road that climbs steeply to the top. It’s a good workout for your vehicle! How long is this rugged climb? It stretches for a bit, gaining a lot of elevation along the way – so buckle up! Plus, being smack-dab in the Parc national du Mercantour, you can bet your bottom dollar that this road is a no-go in winter. Snow + high altitude = closed. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. From the summit, you get these crazy panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you can even spot the shimmering Mediterranean Sea in one direction and the iconic peaks of the Northern Alps (think Viso, Matterhorn, Grand Combin) in the other. It's one of those views that just sticks with you!