
The brutally steep road to Sant Jaume de Montagut church
Spain, europe
4.7 km
862 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in Catalonia, Spain, ready for an adventure. Head to the Serra del Montmell range in Tarragona province and get ready to tackle Avinguda Montagut! This paved road (mix of asphalt and concrete, just to keep things interesting!) winds its way up to the Esglesia de Sant Jaume de Montagut, a charming mountain church perched at 862 meters (2,828 feet).
The views are incredible, as you're driving through the Ancosa-Montagut Area of Natural Interest. It’s a 4.7 km (2.92 miles) climb starting from Querol (off the C37), and trust me, it's a leg-burner! We're talking an average gradient of 6.74%, but hold on tight because you'll hit some sections with a brutal 19% incline! The road is super narrow, so pay attention. Gain of 317 meters on the way up. I wouldn't recommend this drive at night or in bad weather if you're not familiar with it. But during the day? Absolutely stunning.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 862 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow to get by car to Pico Veleta-IRAM Observatory in Andalusia?
🇪🇸 Spain
# Observatorio del Pico Veleta Nestled high in Spain's stunning Sierra Nevada mountains, the Observatorio del Pico Veleta sits at a breathtaking 2,856m (9,370ft) in Granada, Andalusia. This isn't just any mountaintop—it's home to the IRAM 30m telescope, one of the world's most impressive millimeter telescopes operated by the Institute for Radio Astronomy in the Millimeter Range. The drive up to this astronomical gem follows Camino del Iram, a fully paved route that's been climbing toward the heavens since 1980. Fair warning: it's typically off-limits to regular vehicles, so you'll need special access to experience this one. That said, it's genuinely one of Spain's highest roads, which should tell you something about the adventure awaiting. Starting from Estación de esquí Sierra Nevada, the route is just 2.4km (1.49 miles)—short but mighty. You'll gain 197m of elevation over that distance, with an average gradient of 8.20%, so your engine will definitely feel the effort as you climb toward the sky. The scenery? Absolutely incredible. This is the kind of drive that reminds you why people are obsessed with mountain roads in the first place.
moderateKaunertal Glacier Road: 26 km, 29 hairpin turns and 1,500 m change in elevation in the Alps
🇦🇹 Austria
# Kaunertal Glacier Road Ready for an unforgettable alpine adventure? The Kaunertal Glacier Road is calling! This incredible 26-kilometer journey takes you from the charming village of Feichten (1,273m) all the way up to the base of the ski area at a breathtaking 2,750 meters—making it the fifth highest paved road in the entire Alps. Built back in 1980 to bring the magic of glaciers within reach of everyday travelers, this road is an engineering marvel wrapped in stunning scenery. You'll tackle 29 hairpin turns as you climb 1,500 meters through some of the most jaw-dropping Alpine landscape you've ever seen. With an average gradient of 10% (maxing out at 12%), this isn't your typical leisurely drive—it's a thrilling climb that'll have your adrenaline pumping. Located in southwestern Tyrol near the Italian border, the road hugs the edge of the Gepatsch reservoir, creating dramatic vistas at every turn. The whole drive takes about 50 minutes, and along the way, you'll find 29 information panels sharing fascinating details about the region's nature, history, and culture. **What You Need to Know:** - Open year-round: June-August (7am-7:30pm), other months (7am-5pm) - Toll applies (though skiers with valid passes get free access) - Once you reach the top, the Karlesjoch cable railway whisks you even higher to 3,108m This is pure Alpine magic—don't miss it!
moderateRoad DJ704I
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, picture this: you're in Romania, Argeș County, ready for an adventure. Forget the main highways and dive onto the DJ704I, a 21.4 km ribbon of road hugging the shore of Lake Vidraru. You'll be cruising in the shadow of the epic Făgăraș Mountains, mostly on gravel, which adds a touch of ruggedness. Some call it DN7d, but locals know it's the quieter path along the lake's right bank. Honestly, bikers adore this route – it's made for them! You kick things off by driving through a tunnel near the Vidraru Dam. The lake itself is an artificial beauty created in '65 on the Argeș River, sitting pretty at 830m. A village sleeps beneath its surface. Keep your eyes peeled for small boats gliding across the water and, if you're feeling truly daring, there's even a bungee jump spot at the dam itself!
hardCrete de la Serre Thibaud
🇫🇷 France
Alright adventure junkies, let’s talk about Crete de la Serre Thibaud! This beast of a peak sits high in the French Cottian Alps, clocking in at a whopping 2,517 meters (8,257 feet). You'll find it nestled in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France. Now, getting to the top isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a rocky, gravel road that doubles as a chairlift access trail. Think super steep slopes loaded with loose stones that get even more intense as you climb. We're talking potential 30% gradients! The window to tackle this one is tiny – think late August – and even then, be prepared for some serious wind. It's a windy spot all year round, and don’t be surprised if you encounter snow, even in summer. Winter? Forget about it – brutally cold doesn't even begin to cover it. Oh, and did I mention this is primarily a ski-station service road? So yeah, buckle up, buttercups, it's gonna be a wild ride!