Portes de Culet

Portes de Culet

Switzerland, europe

Length

42 km

Elevation

1,787 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Portes de Culet: A Swiss Alpine Challenge

Looking for a proper mountain workout? The Portes de Culet pass in Switzerland's Valais canton delivers exactly that at 1,787 meters (5,862 feet) above sea level.

Starting from the village of Morgins, you'll tackle Rue du Vigneron—a narrow, relentless stretch of tarmac that'll test your driving skills. The 4.2-kilometer climb packs in 478 meters of elevation gain, averaging a gnarly 11.38% gradient with some sections hitting a brutal 19%. Yeah, it's steep. Really steep.

But here's the thing: if you're up for the challenge, you'll be rewarded with some seriously stunning alpine scenery. Just take it steady, watch those hairpins, and enjoy the ride as you snake your way up this impressive Swiss pass.

Where is it?

Portes de Culet is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.7136, 7.9271

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Switzerland
Continent
europe
Length
42 km
Max Elevation
1,787 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
46.7136, 7.9271

Related Roads in europe

Col du Pre is a narrow quiet road with lots of hairpinshard

Col du Pre is a narrow quiet road with lots of hairpins

🇫🇷 France

# Col du Pré: A Alpine Adventure in the French Alps Nestled in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col du Pré sits pretty at 1,703m (5,587ft) — though if you're aiming for the actual summit marker, you'll climb all the way to 1,755m (5,757ft). This high mountain pass is part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and delivers everything you'd want from an Alpine road trip. The 10.9km (6.77 miles) stretch from Col de Méraillet to Les Gérats is completely paved, which is a relief when you're tackling those endless hairpin turns. It's a beautifully narrow, peaceful road that feels sheltered from the wind — and honestly, it can get surprisingly warm up there, so don't be fooled by the altitude. Now, fair warning: this climb is *legit*. We're talking maximum grades of 13.0%, with three separate sections hitting around 11%, and the final 1.5km averaging over 10%. It's steep enough to have earned its spot in the Tour de France, so come prepared. But that's part of what makes it epic, right? The real payoff? The views. Seriously. You've got the stunning deep blue waters of Lac de Roselend and its impressive dam spread out below you, the surrounding Alps towering around you, and on clear days, Mont Blanc looming majestically as you approach the top. It's the kind of vista that makes every hairpin turn worth it.

Where is Tanarello Pass?hard

Where is Tanarello Pass?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Let's talk Tanarello Pass, perched way up high on the French-Italian border. We're talking serious altitude here! This isn't your Sunday drive. It's a Ligurian track, a relic from a time when salt was king, connecting Ventimiglia to Limone Piemonte. Now, picture this: a mostly unpaved road stretching from Limone Piemonte to Monesi di Triora. It's somewhat maintained, but don't let that fool you. This route is a wild one! You'll need a 4x4, good ground clearance, and nerves of steel. Trust me on this. Oh, and did I mention the road is often blocked by snow? Yeah, check the conditions before you even think about heading up there. There are hints of asphalt in some places, but mostly it's a rugged, bumpy ride. But hey, that's what makes it an adventure, right? Get ready for stunning scenery, but be prepared for a challenge!

The deadliest UK Road Accident Statisticshard

The deadliest UK Road Accident Statistics

🇬🇧 Scotland

Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for this one! We're talking about a stretch nestled somewhere truly special. Clocking in at a decent length, this beauty climbs, and when I say climbs, I mean *climbs* – get ready for some serious elevation changes! Now, heads up: it's not all smooth sailing. Keep your eyes peeled for a few tricky spots along the way. But trust me, the views are worth it. Think postcard-perfect scenery practically begging for a photo op. So, is it challenging? Yep. Is it unforgettable? Absolutely!

Where are the salt pans of Gozo?easy

Where are the salt pans of Gozo?

🌍 Malta

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the northern coast of Gozo, Malta, and you stumble upon the super cool Xwejni Salt Pans. Seriously, they're an island highlight! You'll find them tucked away near the sweet little village of Xwejni, practically spitting distance from the livelier Marsalforn. It’s like stepping back in time, watching this ancient salt-collecting tradition unfold. The whole area is just a patchwork of these geometric salt pans—it's Mother Nature doing her thing! Basically, seawater fills these shallow, square pools and then the sun and wind work their magic, evaporating the water and leaving behind all this glistening salt. You can totally drive there! The road, Triq Is-Sagħtrija, starts near Xwejni Bay (in the Żebbuġ area) and takes you right to the pans. It's about 3.2 km (or almost 2 miles) of paved road, but be warned, it's got a few potholes here and there from being weathered. But honestly, the drive is worth it for the killer views of Gozo's wild coastline. What makes these salt pans so special? Well, they've been around for ages, we're talking way back to the 11th century! They stretch for around three kilometers along Xwejni Bay and offer up incredible photo ops. These rectangular pools are carved right into the limestone, looking like a giant checkerboard from above. Each one is filled with seawater, patiently waiting to become delicious salt. It's a must-see!