Puerto de San Lorenzo
Spain, europe
10.4 km
1,348 m
hard
Year-round
# Puerto de San Lorenzo: A High-Alpine Adventure in Asturias
Nestled in the rugged mountains of northern Spain's Asturias region, Puerto de San Lorenzo sits at a lung-busting 1,348 meters (4,422 feet) above sea level. If you're looking for a proper climbing challenge, this is it—steep doesn't even begin to describe it, with some sections hitting a brutal 18% gradient that'll have your legs burning and your heart racing.
The good news? The whole route is perfectly paved on the AS-265, and it stays open year-round (though winter weather might occasionally force brief closures). Once you've conquered the summit, you'll find a parking lot and viewpoint waiting to reward your effort with absolutely jaw-dropping panoramic views.
Connecting the small villages of San Martín and La Riera, this pass has serious cycling credentials—it's been featured in the Spanish Vuelta. Coming from La Riera de Somiedo, you're looking at a 10.4 km climb with 871 meters of elevation gain and an average gradient of 8.4%. From the San Martín side, it's slightly longer at 10.6 km (867 meters elevation gain, 8.2% average), but either way, you'll encounter plenty of sections where the gradient consistently exceeds 10%.
It might not be the longest pass out there, but don't let that fool you—this is a proper mountain challenge with scenery that makes every brutal pedal stroke totally worth it.
Where is it?
Puerto de San Lorenzo is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.9714, -2.5499
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,348 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.9714, -2.5499
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhat Road Has the Longest Straight Section in Spain?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: cruising down the N-301 in Spain. You're somewhere between Minaya (Albacete) and El Provencio (Cuenca), and get ready, because you’re about to experience something wild. This legendary road boasts Spain's longest straight shot – a whopping 23.2 km (that's over 14 miles!) without a single bend. Seriously, it's straight as an arrow! This road isn't just about smooth sailing; it's packed with history too. Word has it that it was the very road a king used to sneak out of the Royal Palace of Madrid and hightail it into exile from the port of Cartagena. Now, if heights and thrills are more your thing, check out the JF-7038 up at Collado de los Cadavales. It's a whole different kind of road trip, full of breathtaking views and maybe a few white knuckles!
hardWhere is Stalheimskleiva?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're in Norway, a few miles north of Voss, ready to tackle Stalheimskleiva! This isn't just any road; it's a legendary, super-steep, serpentine mountain road that clocks in at just under 2 kilometers. Get ready for a wild ride, because this baby has a crazy 20% gradient in spots! That makes it one of the most intense roads in Northern Europe. You'll climb 244 meters through thirteen hairpin bends. Seriously, these turns are tight! This used to be a two-way street, but now it's down to a single lane. Keep in mind, you can usually only drive it from late June/early July to late October, snow permitting. Plus, it's currently closed for maintenance, with whispers it might not reopen due to wear and tear. Fingers crossed it does, because the views are insane. "Road between the waterfalls" doesn't lie! You'll be clinging to the side of a ridge between the impressive Sivlefossen waterfall (a 140-meter drop!) and the Stalheimsfossen waterfall (126 meters!). And the views of the UNESCO-listed Nærøydalen valley? Unforgettable! Just imagine that postal route! It’s a short drive (6 minutes, they say), but so worth it for the thrill and the scenery.
hardKreuzkogel
🇦🇹 Austria
Kreuzkogel is a stunning high mountain peak sitting at 2,643m (8,671ft) above sea level in the High Tauern mountains, just south of Salzburg, Austria. This isn't your typical mountain drive—it's a chairlift access trail that's as dramatic as it gets. The route is rocky and gravelly throughout, with the ski-station service road climbing at seriously steep grades (some sections hitting 30%). As you push higher, things get even more intense, with loose stones and rocky terrain that'll keep you on your toes. Here's the catch: you can really only tackle this in a narrow summer window around late August. The mountain serves up plenty of surprises year-round, with ferocious winds that rarely let up, even during the warmer months. Summer days can throw unexpected snow your way, and if you're thinking winter? Forget it—temperatures here are brutally, unforgivingly cold. It's an adrenaline-pumping adventure for those who time it right and come prepared for whatever the mountain throws at you.
hardIs the 64H-3 Road Paved?
🌍 Russia
Hey adventure junkies! Ever heard of the 64H-3 on Sakhalin Island, Russia? This coastal road stretches a whopping 406 km (252 miles) from Smirnykh to Kholmsk, hugging the stunning Strait of Tartary. Picture this: endless Pacific Ocean views! Heads up: most of it's unpaved, but totally doable in most vehicles when it's dry. Speaking of safety, steer clear of trouble in Sakhalin's capital; otherwise, you're good to go. Oh, and for all you international explorers, you'll need permits from the Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Border Guard to roam beyond Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Weather-wise, Sakhalin's got extremes. Think long, brutal winters – we're talking snow from November to late April, blizzards galore, and temps plummeting to -30 degrees Celsius! Even summer can throw you curveballs with surprise temperature drops, especially up in the arctic tundra. So, is it worth the trek? Absolutely! Sakhalin's wilderness is a playground – dense forests, islands swarming with seals, rivers teeming with fish, epic ski slopes, and, yes, even bears! Just be warned, the roads aren't exactly smooth sailing. Public transport is scarce, and many spots demand a 4x4. But don't sweat it; you can hire a driver and vehicle for a safe and unforgettable ride. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!