The iconic road to Oberalp Pass in the Swiss Alps
Switzerland, europe
32 km
2,000 m
moderate
Year-round
# Oberalp Pass: A Swiss Alpine Classic
Want to experience one of Switzerland's most iconic mountain passes? The Oberalp Pass (Route 19) sits pretty at 2,048 meters (6,719 feet) on the border between Graubünden and Uri cantons, and it's absolutely worth the drive.
This fully paved 32-kilometer route stretches from Disentis to Andermatt, and here's the thing – it's way less crowded than other Alpine passes in the region. Built way back in 1862/63, this road has serious heritage. Fair warning though: you'll encounter some gnarly 10% gradients along the way, so take it easy and enjoy the ride.
Summer is prime time here. The summit becomes a lively hub where motorcyclists, road-trippers, and hikers converge to soak in the views and grab a break. It's energetic and fun, but expect company.
The landscape is quintessentially Swiss Alps – dramatic, beautiful, and utterly scenic. One quirky highlight? There's a 14-meter lighthouse perched at the summit that's actually the twin of Rotterdam's famous Hoek van Holland lighthouse. Pretty cool, right? It stands symbolically at the source of the Rhine.
One heads-up: the pass closes from late October through April (sometimes not reopening until mid-May), so plan your trip accordingly if you're visiting in winter. But during the warmer months? This is an absolute gem for anyone who loves mountain driving.
Where is it?
The iconic road to Oberalp Pass in the Swiss Alps is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.3663, 8.0444
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 32 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,000 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.3663, 8.0444
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow long is Zig Zag Road Box Hill?
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up, road trip enthusiasts, because Zig Zag Road in Surrey is an absolute gem! Picture this: a super smooth ribbon of asphalt snaking its way up North Downs, right in the heart of the South East of England. They call it England's twistiest road, and it lives up to the hype. This beauty stretches for about 6.6 kilometers (or a little over 4 miles) from Westhumble to the M25. It's a real leg-burner, especially for cyclists, but the views are so worth the effort. Speaking of effort, get ready for a climb! This road steadily gains 120 meters (almost 400 feet) over 2.5 kilometers (about 1.6 miles). Sure, it's no alpine pass, but with an average gradient of around 5%, it'll definitely get your heart pumping. Zig Zag Road leads up to Box Hill, a mountain pass that sits at a lofty 212 meters (nearly 700 feet). This route has been a cyclist's paradise since the late 1800s and even played a starring role in the 2012 Olympics!
extremeDriving to Mont Caro, the Highest Road in Tarragona — Only if You’re Not Afraid of Heights
🇪🇸 Spain
# Mont Caro: Catalonia's Epic Mountain Challenge Ready for one of Catalonia's most thrilling drives? Mont Caro, towering at 1,447m (4,747ft) in the heart of northeastern Spain's Tarragona province, is the crown jewel of the Ports de Tortosa-Beseit range—and honestly, it's not for the faint of heart. The summit itself is quite the sight: packed with massive antenna towers and a shrine to the Virgin Mary that've been watching over the landscape for years. Clear days reward you with jaw-dropping 360-degree views stretching all the way to the Ebro Delta and, if you're lucky, even the Balearic Islands. ## The Road Up Here's where things get serious. Starting from Tortosa, you're looking at a lung-busting 23.2km (14.41 miles) climb with a brutal 1,424-meter elevation gain. That's an average gradient of 6.1%, but don't let that fool you—the road kicks up to a punishing 20% in some sections, particularly near Lo Portet. The pavement is fully intact, though you'll notice the wear and tear as you climb higher, with rocky edges and minimal markings guiding your way. The real kicker? There are no guardrails in plenty of spots, and the narrow road barely fits two cars passing each other. This isn't a leisurely Sunday drive—it's a proper challenge that's even been featured in the Volta a Catalunya cycling race. Think of it as Catalonia's answer to Mont Ventoux. ## Timing Matters Summer brings scorching heat and dry conditions through the forest, so pack water and plan your ascent wisely. Come winter, though, occasional snowfall transforms the upper sections into a slippery nightmare best avoided by regular drivers. Even recent improvements haven't tamed this beast entirely—it remains steep, technical, and exhausting in the best possible way.
hardDiscover Switzerland’s 7 Most Spectacular Mountain Passes for Drivers
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Switzerland: A Driver's Paradise in the Heart of Europe Switzerland is calling, and if you're someone who lives for the open road, this country should be at the top of your bucket list. Picture this: snowcapped peaks, lush green valleys, and crystal-clear lakes all around you as you navigate some of Europe's most thrilling mountain passes. It's basically a dream road trip come to life. Driving through Switzerland's famous passes is genuinely unforgettable. The scenery alone—world-class mountains, dramatic valleys, and pristine alpine lakes—will have you pulling over constantly just to snap photos. You'll wind past iconic castles, discover hidden waterfalls, and encounter vistas that honestly can't be captured properly on camera. Plus, there's serious historical significance woven throughout these routes. **A few things to keep in mind:** Take it easy on those curves (seriously, no need to pretend you're a race car driver), and remember that many passes close when winter rolls around. Also, if you're bringing a trailer or mobile home, some of these roads are too narrow or steep for that setup. And here's a friendly heads-up about mountain road etiquette—vehicles heading downhill need to pull over and let uphill traffic through. If you're craving an adrenaline rush, Swiss Alpine driving delivers. We're talking hair-raising hairpin turns, steep climbs, and challenges that'll get your heart pumping. But it's not all white-knuckle driving—most passes have restaurants, hotels, charming churches, and hiking trails where you can stretch your legs and soak in the atmosphere.
easyHow long is the old road to Grimsel Pass?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Grimsel Pass Old Road is an old cobblestone road located in the canton of Bern in Switzerland. How long is the old road to Grimsel Pass? Built in the 1900’s it was part of the first road to . Running along the Haaggen gorge, the road was mostly paved, with cobblestone parts. It’s 1.2km (0.74 miles) long starting on a parking lot. It was bypassed by a tunnel. Is the old road to Grimsel Pass dangerous? Set high in the Bernese Alps, the short mountain road is often impassable from October through until late June due to deep snow cover. With dangerous drop offs, the road has risk of falling rocks. http://www.fam-oud.nl/~oof/Cyclo2005/Day6.html Take the Scenic Route and Discover Sanetsch Pass in Switzerland Belchen Tunnel is haunted by the ghost of an old lady Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.