Stubnerkogel
Austria, europe
N/A
2,232 m
hard
Year-round
# Stubnerkogel: A High-Alpine Adventure in Austria
Ready for some serious mountain driving? Stubnerkogel is a beast of a peak sitting pretty at 2,232 meters (7,322 feet) in Salzburg's High Tauern range, just south of the city. This isn't your typical Sunday cruise—it's a chairlift access road that'll test your skills and nerves in equal measure.
Fair warning: this route is only passable from July through September (Mother Nature permitting), so timing is everything. The road itself is a rocky, bumpy rollercoaster of gravel and unpaved terrain that demands serious respect. We're talking steep grades, sketchy wet conditions that turn the muddy surface into a slippery nightmare, and the kind of exposure that'll make anyone with a fear of heights think twice.
This one's strictly for experienced off-road drivers who know their way around challenging mountain terrain. If you're not comfortable tackling gnarly unpaved roads or you get queasy looking down from dizzying heights, this adventure definitely isn't for you.
But here's the payoff: summit views of Bad Gastein and the surrounding alpine peaks that'll absolutely blow your mind. If you've got the skills, the guts, and the right vehicle, Stubnerkogel delivers an unforgettable high-altitude experience.
Where is it?
Stubnerkogel is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 46.9748, 14.4112
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,232 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.9748, 14.4112
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Goderdzi Pass?
🇬🇪 Georgia
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Goderdzi Pass in Georgia is calling your name! This beauty sits way up high in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, right on the border between Adjara and Samtskhe–Javakheti regions. Think you can just cruise on through? Think again! This isn't your average Sunday drive. The Batumi-Akhaltsikhe road, as it's called, is mostly unpaved. We're talking rugged terrain that practically screams for a high-clearance 4x4. Seriously, leave your low-rider at home, or you'll be in for a slow, bumpy ride with cows, potential landslides, and surprise waterfalls adding to the fun! This 79.4 km (49.33 miles) stretch of wild road connects Khulo in Adjara to Akhaltsikhe in Samtskhe–Javakheti, with the pass itself being the highest point at a cool 2,027m (6,650ft). Word to the wise: winters here are brutal, with snow often making the pass completely impassable. Plan your trip accordingly! But if you're prepared for an adventure, you'll be rewarded with stunning scenery and, at the summit, hotels, restaurants, and even a mosque. Goderdzi Pass is a true taste of Georgia's untamed beauty!
moderateDriving the Ghost Highway of Madrid: The MP-203
🇪🇸 Spain
# Spain's Strangest Highway: The Ghost Road That Nobody Drives Ever heard of a perfectly good highway that's been sitting completely empty for nearly two decades? Welcome to Madrid's most peculiar piece of infrastructure: the MP-203, now officially called the M-205. This 12.5-kilometer stretch of pristine asphalt was supposed to connect Vallecas and Alcalá de Henares, easing the notorious traffic headaches on the A-2. Sounds like a solid plan, right? Well, not quite. Construction kicked off in 2005 with big dreams, but things went sideways fast. By 2007, just two years later, the whole project ground to a halt—and it never recovered. Someone forgot to file the proper construction permits, which might explain why things fell apart so spectacularly. Here's where it gets wild: the project swallowed 70 million euros. That's right—tens of millions spent on a road where you'll almost never see a car. Today, the only traffic comes from cyclists pedaling through and locals using it for morning jogs. It's essentially become Madrid's strangest running track. But the empty highway isn't completely useless. Over the years, it's become a favorite filming location for movies, a notorious spot for illegal street racing, and a quirky recreational route for adventurous Madrid residents. The local ecology association has called it the ultimate symbol of government mismanagement and wasted resources. The good news? Regional officials are finally considering putting this ghost road to work. Plans are in the works to connect it to the A-2, R-3, and M-50 to actually improve traffic flow. After nearly 20 years of sitting idle, this strange highway might finally fulfill its original purpose.
hardMonte Novegno
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Novegno Nestled in the province of Vicenza in Italy's Veneto region, Monte Novegno sits at a respectable 1,672 meters (5,485 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—the road to the summit is almost entirely gravel, winding through a series of tight hairpin turns that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel. The steep gradient means you'll really feel the climb, and the narrow path doesn't leave much room for error. Here's the catch: avoid this route if rain or snow is in the forecast. The conditions make it completely impassable, so timing is everything. The road itself is a relic of military history—it's an old military route that's been around for generations. Once you reach the top, you'll find yourself at the ruins of Forte Rione da Santa Caterina, a WWI-era fortress that adds a haunting historical layer to your adventure. You might also see this pass referred to as Monte Cogolo or Malga Novegno by locals. It's a challenging, character-filled road that rewards patient drivers with both stunning alpine scenery and a tangible slice of history. *Photo credit: Stefano Donazzan*
hardWhere is Mont Chauve?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Alpes-Maritimes in France, ready for an adventure. You set your sights on Mont Chauve d'Aspremont, or as the locals call it, "Nice’s Bald Mountain." This peak lords over the landscape between the Var and Paillon rivers, and trust me, the views are worth the trek! The road up, known as M214, kicks off in Saint-Sébastien (just off the M114 north of Nice). It's about 7 kilometers of pure driving bliss... with a twist. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's narrow, steep, and a bit rough around the edges. Think hairpin turns and gradients hitting a max of 13%! You'll climb 539 meters, averaging a 7.7% incline, so get ready to test those gears. Word to the wise: this road is best tackled outside the peak season. It's mostly a single lane, and trust me, you don't want to meet traffic head-on. Summer's a no-go too; it can get scorching hot. After the 5km mark, a barrier appears. But the road still winds up switchbacks to the summit fort. Speaking of the summit, it's crowned with communication antennas and the ruins of Fort du Mont-Chauve, also called the “La Palice” fort, an old military fortress. Built in the 19th century, it once defended the area. The fort used to house 9 officers, 21 non-commissioned officers, and 272 soldiers. Once you conquer the climb, the reward is breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Italy in the east and Cannes in the west. Seriously, the panoramic views are unreal. Just remember to take it slow, stay alert, and soak in the scenery. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience!