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 El Retamar?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for El Retamar in the Canary Islands! This isn't just a road; it's a climb to 2,100 meters (6,889 feet) of pure volcanic views. You'll find it snaking south of the majestic Teide volcano, right in the heart of Tenerife. Yep, it's paved, but don't think that means it's a cakewalk. Get ready for some twists, narrow squeezes, and sections that'll seriously test your uphill game. We're talking steep! This 21-kilometer (13-mile) beauty runs from Paradores Cañadas del Teide down to Vilaflor, serving up unforgettable scenery along the way. Trust me, the views are worth every hairpin turn!
hardVasilitsa Ski Center
🇬🇷 Greece
# Vasilitsa: Greece's Alpine Adventure Perched at a breathtaking 1,821 meters (5,974 feet) above sea level, Vasilitsa ski resort sits deep in the rugged Pindos mountains of Western Macedonia. This gem is tucked away in the western reaches of the Grevena prefecture in Northern Greece, making it a true mountain escape. The road up to the summit is a thrilling ride—fully paved, but seriously steep. This isn't your casual country drive; it ranks among the highest roads you'll find anywhere in Greece. The winding ascent challenges both your car and your nerves as you climb higher and higher into the alpine wilderness, but the spectacular mountain scenery and the promise of world-class skiing make every hairpin turn worth it.
hardClue de la Roche Percee is a French balcony road
🇫🇷 France
# Clue de la Roche Percée: A Canyon Drive Through the French Alps If you're hunting for one of France's most thrilling scenic drives, look no further than the Clue de la Roche Percée in Southeastern France. This iconic canyon road—also called the Clue de Taulanne—sits in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, nestled in the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur area. The fully paved RD4085 (formerly the Route Napoléon's main artery) stretches 24.3 km (15.09 miles) between Castellane and Barrême, weaving through some seriously dramatic landscapes. Towering cliff walls and gorges frame every twist and turn, creating views that'll make your jaw drop—though fair warning: finding a safe spot to snap photos is basically mission impossible on this one. What makes this drive unforgettable? The constant switchbacks, steep sections, and the sheer beauty of navigating through a narrow canyon with dramatic rock formations on either side. You'll climb steadily as you head north, eventually reaching Col des Lèques at 1,150m (3,772ft), where you can actually catch your breath at the summit's bar, restaurant, and hotel. This is legitimate balcony-road territory—the kind of drive that gets your heart racing and reminds you exactly why road trips through the Alps are absolutely worth it. Just go in with plenty of attention, respect the curves, and prepare to be amazed.
hardSS18 from Sapri to Acquafredda, an Italian road for James Bond
🇮🇹 Italy
# Strada Statale 18: Italy's Most Cinematic Coastal Drive If you're looking for one of the most jaw-dropping drives on the planet, look no further than the Strada Statale 18 in southern Italy. This legendary stretch connects the Campania and Basilicata regions, hugging the stunning Tyrrhenian Sea along the southwestern coast. We're talking pure coastal magic here. The star of the show is the 8-kilometer section running from Sapri to Acquafredda—a thrilling ribbon of asphalt carved right into the cliffside. Built back in 1928 and seriously upgraded in 1953, this road is an engineering marvel that had to get creative to handle the dramatically rugged terrain. Expect plenty of sharp curves that'll keep your hands busy on the wheel (and your passengers might want to skip this one if they're prone to motion sickness, just saying). The drive itself is narrow, so watch out for oncoming traffic and think twice before overtaking. But honestly? The tighter lanes are worth it for the views. Towering sea cliffs, panoramic vistas, and the sparkling Mediterranean spread out beside you—it's absolutely breathtaking. This isn't just a pretty road; it's a Hollywood starlet. Porsche, along with other luxury car brands, film high-end commercials here constantly. It even landed a starring role in *No Time to Die*, Daniel Craig's final Bond film, where the iconic 16th-century Torre dei Crivi tower made memorable appearances. Fair warning: bring your A-game as a driver. But if you're up for the challenge, this coastal masterpiece will absolutely steal your heart.