Schattberg West
Austria, europe
N/A
2,087 m
hard
Year-round
# Schattberg West: A High-Alpine Adventure in Austria
Ready for a serious mountain challenge? Schattberg West towers at 2,087 meters (6,847 feet) in Austria's Salzburg region, nestled within the stunning Kitzbühel Alps. This isn't your typical scenic drive—it's a chairlift access trail that demands respect and proper preparation.
The path itself is rocky and gravelly, steep enough to make your palms sweat. Loose stones dominate the lower sections, but things get genuinely gnarly as you push toward the summit, where the terrain becomes even more treacherous and boulder-strewn. Fair warning: you've got a pretty narrow window to attempt this—basically late August when conditions are most favorable during the summer months.
But here's what makes the effort worthwhile: a jaw-dropping 360° panoramic view that sweeps across the entire region. On a clear day, you'll spot the iconic peaks of Kitzsteinhorn, Grossglockner, Grossvenediger, Wilder Kaiser, and Hochkönig stretching out in every direction. It's absolutely breathtaking.
Don't let the summer timing fool you into thinking this is easy. These mountains play by their own rules. Winds howl here relentlessly year-round, and even in summer you might find yourself dealing with unexpected snow. The ski-station service road sections? Some pitch up to a brutal 30% grade. Winter? Temperatures here are genuinely brutal—not for the faint-hearted.
The good news? The Westgipfelhütte mountain refuge sits at the summit, so you've got shelter and sustenance once you reach the top.
Where is it?
Schattberg West is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.3346, 13.2418
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,087 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.3346, 13.2418
Related Roads in europe
extremeIs D512 road in Croatia paved?
🇭🇷 Croatia
D512 state road is a very scenic coastal road running along the Adriatic coastline of Croatia. It's best coastal drives in the world. Is D512 road in Croatia paved? The road is entirely paved and carries substantial tourist traffic in summers. It provides access to , the highest road of the country. How long is D512 road in Croatia? The road is 30.6 km (19.0 mi) long. This winding hill road starts at Makarska, one of the best tourist destinations on the Croatian coast and ends near the Road 62 in Ravča, a town in the Split-Dalmatia County. Is D512 road worth it? Located in the southern part of the country, th e road is rewarding with awesome coastal views, but demanding driver's full attention at the same time. This cliff-side road still parts the steep hills standing sentry over the sea. Is D512 road challenging? The road is curvy in parts. Minor landslides are relatively frequent there. The most dangerous sections of the road due to landslides are being bypassed by several tunnels. Driving the coastal road to the beautiful Stara Baska on Krk Island A road with breathtaking views to Mount Srd in Croatia Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardHow long is the road from Dudinka to Norilsk?
🌍 Russia
Cruising above the Arctic Circle? Buckle up for the Dudinka to Norilsk road in Russia! It’s a 88.3 km (54.86 miles) stretch of paved road connecting Dudinka, the Taimyr capital on the Yenisei River, to Norilsk – a major mining town, famed as the world's northernmost city. Don't let the "paved" part fool you. This isn't your average Sunday drive! Think rugged terrain meets extreme conditions. The asphalt's laid over permafrost, so expect an uneven surface. Plus, you'll be riding alongside a gas pipeline. Weather here? Unpredictable is an understatement. Summer temps can nosedive into winter conditions in a heartbeat. Snow blankets the area for 250–270 days each year, with snowstorms thrown in for good measure. And prepare for three months of total darkness! Winter temps can plummet below -30°C. Heads up: Norilsk and Dudinka are closed cities, controlled by the Russian Security Service. You’ll need to apply for special permission well in advance if you're a foreigner planning to drive it.
hardWhere is Alpe d'Huez?
🇫🇷 France
Alpe d’Huez: the legendary Tour de France climb! You'll find this ski resort nestled in the French Alps, in the Isère département. We're talking a lofty 1,860m (6,100ft) above sea level, right in the heart of the Oisans region's Romanche valley. The D211, the road to the top, is all smooth asphalt, open year-round (though snow might close it temporarily in winter). In summer, get ready to share the road with tons of cyclists – it's a seriously popular climb! Why all the hype? Well, the road throws some seriously steep sections at you, hitting a maximum gradient of 13% in places. Alpe d'Huez is known as 'l'Isle du Soleil' (The Island of the Sun), but don't let the name fool you, this climb is relentless! Starting in Le Bourg d'Oisans, the ascent is a beastly 13.8 km (8.6 mi) long, with an average gradient of 8.1%. The views are fantastic, and once you get to the Alpe d'Huez ski resort at the top, you’ll know you've accomplished something special. And, each of the 21 hairpin bends is named after a Tour de France stage winner, a cool tribute to cycling history!
moderateA Very Relaxing Drive with Nice Views to Col des Mosses in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Col des Mosses: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Ready for an epic drive through the Swiss Alps? Col des Mosses is calling your name. This stunning mountain pass sits at 1,452m (4,763ft) in the canton of Vaud and has become legendary among cyclists and road-trippers alike—it's even a favorite of the Tour de France! The fully paved Route 11 stretches 32.4 km (20.13 miles) between charming Château-d'Œx and the town of Aigle, offering two distinctly different experiences depending on which direction you tackle it. **Coming from Château-d'Œx?** You're in for the gentler ride. The 14 km ascent climbs 521 meters with an average gradient of 3.7% (maxing out at 8%). Sure, you'll encounter more traffic and pass through villages that'll slow you down, but the road quality is solid and the journey feels more relaxed. Plus, there's an absolutely gorgeous section through a gorge alongside a wild mountain river that'll take your breath away. **Attacking from Aigle?** Now that's where things get spicy. The 18.8 km climb gains a whopping 1,028 meters with a steeper average of 5.5%—and this is where the real fun happens. Wind through postcard-perfect villages nestled in the foothills, each one tempting you to slow down and soak in the scenery. The best part? This road stays open year-round, so you can experience Alpine beauty whenever the mood strikes. Whether you're a seasoned driver or just chasing incredible mountain vistas, Col des Mosses delivers on every level.