The picturesque road to Pas de Morgins
Switzerland, europe
30.4 km
1,378 m
moderate
Year-round
# Pas de Morgins: Alpine Adventure Between Two Countries
Ready for a killer alpine crossing? Pas de Morgins sits pretty at 1,378m (4,520ft) right on the Switzerland-France border, making it the perfect excuse for a European road trip. This fully paved beauty connects Switzerland's Valais canton with the French Haute-Savoie region, and honestly, it's got everything—stunning mountain scenery, charming towns, and some genuinely fun driving.
The complete route runs about 30.4 km (18.88 miles) from Abondance to Monthey, and here's the good news: it stays open year-round. You're looking at a maximum gradient of 10.5% on some sections, so it's challenging but totally manageable for most drivers.
Each side offers its own vibe. **From the French side** (starting in Abondance), you've got an 8km climb that's relatively chill until the final 800m kicks up to 8%—perfect for building drama as you approach the summit. **From Switzerland** (Monthey side), the first 11km are grittier with steep 7-8% averages and that gnarly 10% max gradient. But here's the payoff: the last 6km ease up beautifully to just 2-5%, with those final meters actually descending as you crest the plateau.
The summit itself sits on a sprawling mountain plateau that'll make your Instagram followers jealous. Whether you're tackling this from north or south, you're in for a treat—winding roads, Alpine views, and that satisfying feeling of conquering a classic European pass.
Where is it?
The picturesque road to Pas de Morgins is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.4640, 8.1349
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,378 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.4640, 8.1349
Related Roads in europe
hardIs the road to Col du Chaussy paved?
🇫🇷 France
Get ready for the Col du Chaussy, a wicked mountain pass in the French Alps! Located in the Savoie department, this road hits a summit of 1,533m (5,029ft). The real kicker? The legendary "Lacets de Montvernier" at the start. This 3 km stretch is insane, with 17 hairpin turns practically glued to a cliff face! Yep, the entire road, known as D77B, is paved, but don't think it's a smooth ride. Those seventeen hairpins are stacked super close together, climbing steeply. Built way back in 1934, Col du Chaussy is famous for these unbelievable bends, a true feat of engineering. But it's not just about the hairpins; you'll climb over 1000 meters overall! This road is narrow! Remember, uphill traffic has priority. If you need to reverse, the more maneuverable vehicle yields. On the way up, stick to 3rd or 4th gear, and use engine braking on the descent, especially before tight turns. You'll drop 400 meters in just 3 miles on those corners! Pre-trip brake checks are essential. The initial bendy section is concentrated in a 2.5km stretch, so you will be turning constantly! After the hairpins, the road winds through alpine fields, with a stunning cliffside section near the top. The slope evens out to about 7-8% as you pass through villages like Le Noirey, Montbrunal, and Montpascal. The last few kilometers to the summit aren’t in great condition. Starting in La Chambre or Pontamafrey, the climb is around 14 km with an average gradient of 7.4%. This drive is also super scenic! If you look up from the road, you might spot the ruins of an old castle. It took six years (1928-1934) to conquer that 400-meter ascent. Cyclists will find this a real challenge. The upper section runs through villages and offers views of the Belledonne Mountains. This is one of France's most famous balcony roads. It's not for the faint of heart, with little room for error on those cliff edges. This is a must-drive for any road trip enthusiast!
extremeWhere is Colle Lazzara?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're in Italy's Piedmont region, near Torino, ready to tackle Colle Lazzara, a seriously cool mountain pass. It's also known as Colle Laz Ara, Colle l’Azzara, or Colle La Zará, so you have options! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about an old military road from the early 1700s, stretching about 8.3 km (5.15 miles) from Rivoira to Ruata. The road is unpaved and super narrow, so if you meet another car, someone's backing up. It can get pretty rough, steep, and rocky, especially after it rains, so be prepared. But here's the payoff: The views! You're in the Conca Cialancia Natural Park, and the summit has a small parking area. The pass is at 1,595 m (5,232 ft) above sea level. Plus, it's a historic spot from the early 18th century, so you'll find some cool old military buildings along the way. If you're up for a bit of an adventure and some incredible scenery, Colle Lazzara is definitely worth the trip!
hardIs the road to Forcella Luson unpaved?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Italian Dolomites, heading for Forcella Luson, a mountain pass that tops out at a breathtaking 7,818 feet! The locals call it Lüsner Scharte, and trust me, the views are worth the climb. Speaking of the climb, it's a wild one! Most of the road, known as Via Panoramica Dolomiti or Dolomiten Panoramaweg, is unpaved, adding a real adventurous vibe. Get ready for some seriously curvy and narrow stretches, especially as you near the top. Heads up, this beauty is usually closed during the winter months. The adventure starts from Strada Provinciale 29 (SP-29), and from there, it's about 5.09 miles (8.2 km) of steep climbing. Once you're up there, check out the gravel chairlift trail that leads to Monte Telegrafo (Plose) on the north side. And don't miss the Plosehütte (Rifugio Plose) near the summit – perfect for a quick breather and soaking in those incredible panoramic views. You won't regret this drive!
moderateDriving the tricky 570 Road around the Snaefellsjökull glacier
🇮🇸 Iceland
Get ready for a wild ride on Route 570 (Jökulshálsvegur) in western Iceland! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's an off-road adventure across the western edge of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, and you'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle it. Hidden inside Snæfellsjökull National Park, this road is seriously steep and the surface is covered in loose gravel. Expect potholes, blind turns, and surprise hills that will keep you on your toes. Seriously, you NEED a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle for this one. The road can be pretty rough, with plenty of big rocks to navigate. And if the clouds are low, you might find yourself driving right through them! But the views! You'll be surrounded by an almost lunar landscape that's as bumpy as it is beautiful. Don't expect to see many other cars out here – it's a pretty secluded route. So, it’s best not to travel alone. Even though Route 570 has been improved, it still feels like an F-road adventure. Google Maps might even still mark it as F570. You won't have to ford any rivers, but remember this is a mountain road, and snow can linger for a long time. This 18.3km (11.37 miles) stretch connects Arnarstapi (or Stapi) on the south side of the peninsula to Ólafsvík on the north side, running between Faxaflói bay and Breiðafjörður fjord. The views are insane, especially of Snæfellsjökull, the 700,000-year-old glacier-topped volcano. Lava is everywhere, in every shape and texture. You’ll feel like you’ve landed on another planet! As one of Iceland's highest roads, topping out at 658m (2,158ft), it usually only opens during the summer months (late June to early September). This one's not for the faint of heart if you're afraid of heights, but once you reach the top, the panoramic views of the entire Snæfellsnes peninsula are absolutely worth it.