The challenging old road to Grimsel Pass
Switzerland, europe
1.2 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
# Grimsel Pass Old Road
Want to experience a slice of Swiss alpine history? The charming Grimsel Pass Old Road winds through the stunning Bernese Alps in Switzerland's canton of Bern. This authentic cobblestone route was originally built back in the 1900s as part of the region's first road to the famous Grimsel Pass.
The short but scenic 1.2km (0.74 mile) stretch hugs the dramatic Haaggen gorge, mixing stretches of smooth pavement with rustic cobblestone sections that'll have you feeling like you've stepped back in time. Starting from a convenient parking lot, it's a bite-sized adventure that packs serious mountain character—until a modern tunnel eventually took over as the main route.
Fair warning though: this atmospheric road gets serious about winter. Deep snow makes it completely impassable from October straight through to late June, so you'll want to time your visit for the brief summer window. And when conditions do clear up, keep your wits about you—sheer drop-offs and the occasional falling rock are very real hazards up here at altitude. It's a beautiful stretch, but respect the mountains and drive carefully.
Where is it?
The challenging old road to Grimsel Pass is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.8241, 8.5674
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1.2 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.8241, 8.5674
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Rikoti Pass?
🇬🇪 Georgia
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Rikotskiy Pass, perched high in eastern Georgia, is a wild ride! This beauty straddles the border between two regions and marks the divide between eastern and western Georgia. We're talking serious elevation here! The road is fully paved, though get ready for some steep climbs - a maximum gradient, so be prepared for some shifting! The entire route stretches for a good length winding through the southern part of the Greater Caucasus mountains. And trust me, the scenery is worth every white-knuckle moment! Expect views that will leave you breathless. So here's the deal: this route used to be *the* way to get from Tbilisi to Kutaisi. But it became notorious for being a tough drive, so they built a tunnel in 1982 to make life easier (that tunnel is pretty long!). The original Rikotskiy Pass road is still around, though, offering a more adventurous option if you're feeling up to it.
hardDriving the breathtaking road to Roki Pass
🇬🇪 Georgia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a truly wild ride, you NEED to check out Pereval Rokskiy. This high-altitude beast straddles the border between Russia (North Ossetia–Alania) and Georgia, clocking in at a whopping 9,780 feet! Nestled in the majestic Caucasus Mountains, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a rugged, unpaved path where a 4x4 isn't just recommended – it's essential. It's only about 6 miles long, but don't let that fool you. This baby's STEEP, with gradients hitting a crazy 28% in places! Word to the wise: plan your trip carefully. Rokskiy Pass is usually snowed in from late October until almost July. But when it's open? Expect views that will blow your mind and a serious off-road adventure! Oh, and fun fact: the Roki Tunnel was built back in 1984 to bypass this beast, but where's the fun in that? Get ready for an epic climb!
moderateWhere is Qafë Thanë?
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Albania/North Macedonia border at Qafë Thanë, a mountain pass chilling at 1,000m (3,280ft). This is the main drag connecting the two countries, specifically linking Korçë County in Albania and the Southwestern Region of North Macedonia. The whole route's paved, so no worries there. It's part of the E852 international motorway, known as SH9 in Albania and A2 in Macedonia. Just be ready for some steep climbs, hitting gradients up to 7% in places. The pass sits right on Lake Ohrid's shores and stretches for about 15.9 km (9.87 miles), going south to north from the SH3 Road in Albania all the way to Struga, a super popular tourist spot on the North Macedonian side of the lake. So, you're looking at some pretty stunning lake views along the way.
hardA scenic paved road to Sella Nevea Pass in the Julian Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Sella Nevea If you're craving a proper alpine adventure in northeastern Italy, Passo Sella Nevea is calling your name. This mountain pass sits at 1,187m (3,894ft) in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, just a stone's throw from the Slovenian border in the province of Udine. The 27.6km (17.14 miles) route stretches west-east from Chiusaforte to Cave del Predil, near Predil Pass, and the entire road is paved—though don't expect perfection. You'll find the surface is decent overall with some patched-up sections, which is pretty typical for these mountain roads. The good news? The hairpins aren't ridiculously tight, but here's where things get interesting: expect a few unlit tunnels with hairpin turns snaking right through them. That's quintessential Italian mountain road design for you—thrilling and a bit unpredictable. Nestled in the stunning Julian Alps, this drive offers some seriously gorgeous scenery as you wind your way up. Just keep your wits about you, watch for those surprise tunnels, and you'll have an unforgettable alpine experience.