Stubnerkogel

Stubnerkogel

Austria, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,232 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

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

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Road Details

Country
Austria
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
2,232 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
46.9748, 14.4112

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