Schmiedingersee
Austria, europe
N/A
2,392 m
hard
Year-round
# Schmiedingersee: Austria's Alpine Adventure
Tucked away in the Austrian Alps southwest of Salzburg, Schmiedingersee sits at a seriously impressive 2,392 meters (7,847 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical drive—it's the kind of adventure that'll make your heart race.
The route to this mountain lake is definitely not for the faint of heart. You're looking at a rocky, gravel chairlift access trail that climbs steeply through loose stones. The upper section? Even steeper and rockier. This is prime summer territory only—and we're talking about a narrow window at the end of August when conditions are actually passable.
What you're really driving is a ski-station service road, and it means business. Some sections hit gradients of 20%, so you need solid vehicle control and nerves of steel. But here's the payoff: the views are absolutely spectacular. The Kitzsteinhorn glacier dominates the landscape, creating those jaw-dropping vistas that make the white-knuckle drive worthwhile.
This is the kind of road that separates casual Sunday drivers from true Alpine enthusiasts. If you're up for the challenge and can time it right during that brief summer window, Schmiedingersee delivers an unforgettable high-altitude experience.
Where is it?
Schmiedingersee is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.4078, 13.0604
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,392 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.4078, 13.0604
Related Roads in europe
moderateDriving the bumpy Road 864 to Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, buckle up for Road 864, also known as Hólsfjallavegur, in the wild Northeast of Iceland! Picture this: You're cruising through Vatnajökull National Park, but hold on tight because this 56.4 km stretch is no smooth ride. We're talking a bumpy, dusty, unsealed adventure from Road 85 (south of Thvera) up to the Ring Road. Road 864 keeps it real running alongside its paved sibling, Road 862. Word to the wise: this road plays hide-and-seek during winter, usually opening up around late May, depending on how much snow Iceland got. Now, the scenery? Think lunar landscape. Seriously, it's out of this world! The road itself is all gravel, corrugated, and yes, dusty. Potholes? Oh, they're part of the experience! While a regular car *might* make it in ideal conditions, a 4x4 is your best bet. The drive clocks in between 1 and 2 hours if you're not stopping (but why wouldn't you?!), though speed is all about the current road conditions. And the prize? You'll end up at the east side of Dettifoss waterfall – one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe! 500 cubic meters of water plummeting every second? It’s epic!
hardCan you drive to Mam Tor?
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the High Peak of Derbyshire in England, heading for Mam Tor, aka "The Shivering Mountain." This mountain pass climbs to a cool 461m (1,512ft), and trust me, the views are worth it. You can totally drive up Mam Tor Road, which is part of the A625. It's paved, but be warned – it gets narrow and steep! Seriously steep – think a 20% gradient in places. That's why buses, coaches, and heavy vehicles aren't allowed. The road itself is an experience. It slices through this gap, hemmed in by these crazy limestone formations. The eastern side of the mountain is constantly shifting, creating all these cool, mini-hills from past landslides. It’s this instability that gave Mam Tor its nickname. The whole pass stretches for about 17.54km (10.9 miles), running from Chapel-en-le-Frith to Hope. Cyclists love this road, and it's a regular feature in the Tour of the Peak, where it really tests the riders with its tough climbs and maximum 10% gradients. Fun fact: there used to be another road here, built way back in 1819. But the unstable ground meant constant landslides and repairs. They finally gave up on it in 1979, so you won't be driving that route! Get ready for some incredible scenery and a proper driving adventure!
moderateWhere is Alto Fonte da Cova?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure seekers, let me tell you about Alto Fonte da Cova! Perched way up high, this mountain pass straddles the border between León and Ourense, Spain, in the gorgeous Galicia region. Locals also call it [Alternative Name]. The road winds and curves like crazy, but heads up – the pavement's a little rough around the edges with potholes scattered about. This beauty stretches about [Length] from Quintanilla de Losada (León) to [Place] (Ourense). Expect mostly moderate slopes, but be prepared for some seriously steep sections, hitting gradients of up to [Percentage]! The views are absolutely stunning, nestled in the Montes de León mountains. Just remember, winter can bring heavy snowfall, so closures are pretty common. Plan accordingly and happy trails!
moderateIs SP11 road in Trentino paved?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Italian Alps in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol on the SP11, a winding mountain road that's just begging to be explored. This paved beauty stretches for about 10.5 kilometers (6.5 miles), climbing from the charming town of Levico Terme (at 520m) up to Vetriolo Terme (1381m), a green oasis known for its unique thermal springs. Fair warning: it's not a walk in the park! Expect some seriously steep sections that will test your driving skills (the average grade is around 8.3%). But trust me, the views are worth every hairpin turn. Make sure to stop at the lookout point along the way. The panoramic vistas of the valley below are absolutely breathtaking, and there's a small parking area to make it easy. Get ready for an unforgettable alpine adventure!