The road to Großsee is a chillout in the high mountains of Austria
Austria, europe
15.8 km
2,481 m
hard
Year-round
Tucked high in the Austrian Alps, Großsee is a stunning mountain reservoir sitting at 2,481 meters (8,139 feet) above sea level in Carinthia's Spittal an der Drau district. If you're up for an adventure, the winding road to get there is absolutely worth the drive.
Starting from Großkirchheim, you'll tackle 15.8 kilometers (9.81 miles) of pure alpine magic with an elevation gain of 1,459 meters. Built back in 1978, this road is a feat of engineering featuring 30 hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. Most of the route is paved asphalt, though you'll want to know that it peters out around 2,470 meters elevation—the final stretch becomes impassable thanks to massive boulders and heavy snow.
Expect some seriously steep sections; the road hits grades up to 24% in places, with an average gradient of 9.23% throughout. It's no leisurely cruise, but the payoff is breathtaking high-altitude scenery that'll make every twist and turn worth it. Just come prepared for alpine conditions and be ready to turn back if weather or road conditions get dicey near the top.
Where is it?
The road to Großsee is a chillout in the high mountains of Austria is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.0511, 13.2904
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,481 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.0511, 13.2904
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere Is Lago de Llauset?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in the Spanish Pyrenees, Province of Huesca, about to embark on an adventure up to the stunning Lago de Llauset! This high-altitude reservoir sits way up at 2,250m (7,381ft), nestled in the Aragon autonomous community, practically kissing the border with Catalonia. The road itself? It's a wild 12.2km (7.5 miles) climb from Lleida, and boy, does it climb! We're talking a whopping 1,099 meters of elevation gain, making for an average gradient of 9%. Get ready for some serious hairpin turns! Now, the pavement isn't always your best friend here. As you ascend towards the lake, expect the tarmac to get a little rough around the edges – worn, uneven, and definitely character-building! You'll be winding your way through the breathtaking Natural Park of Posets-Maladeta, so the scenery more than makes up for it. Just a heads-up, though: this road is a no-go in winter. The altitude and weather conditions mean it's usually closed off, so plan your visit for the warmer months. Trust me, the views are worth it!
extremeWhere is Lac du Vieux Emosson?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: you're in Switzerland, near the French border, and you're itching for an adventure. Forget the usual tourist traps and head to Lac du Vieux Emosson, a stunning high-altitude reservoir sitting pretty at a seriously impressive elevation. You'll find it nestled in the shadow of Mont Blanc. Now, getting there is half the fun. Starting from a mere spot, the paved road snakes upwards for a good little distance. Don't let the "paved" part fool you, though—it's narrow, steep, and has some heart-stopping drop-offs that will definitely keep you on your toes. For the first part of the journey, you'll find yourself winding through a couple of tunnels – classic Swiss engineering! Keep in mind this road is not accessible to private vehicles, but the views of the lower reservoir are insane! Plus, with breathtaking panoramas of Mont Blanc unfolding around every bend, it's a drive you won't soon forget. And if you're feeling peckish, there’s a restaurant near the dam. Open only in the summer months, this is one hidden gem you need to add to your Swiss road trip itinerary!
extremeRefugi de Saboredo
🇪🇸 Spain
# Refugi de Saboredo: A High-Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the mountains of Lleida, Catalonia, sits Refugi de Saboredo—a remote high-altitude refuge that'll test your driving skills and reward you with stunning alpine scenery. The journey takes you up Camí de Ruda, a gravel and rocky track that winds its way to a breathtaking 2,133 meters (6,998 feet) above sea level at the head of the Ruda valley. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. The terrain is treacherous in places, and Mother Nature doesn't take it easy up here. Winter essentially locks down this road from October through June—expect it to be impassable during those months. Even when conditions allow travel, you'll want a 4WD vehicle in your corner. The altitude and unpredictable weather can shift in a heartbeat, and certain sections are prone to avalanches, so stay sharp and pay attention to conditions before you go. If you've got the experience, the right vehicle, and respect for mountain terrain, this is an unforgettable drive to one of Spain's most isolated refuges. Just make sure you're prepared for whatever the Pyrenees throw at you.
hardCol de Mens
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you find yourself in southeastern France, you absolutely HAVE to check out the Col de Mens. We're talking a sweet mountain pass in the Isère department, clocking in at 1,111 meters (that's 3,645 feet for you imperial system fans!). The road, known as the D216, winds its way between Mens (to the north) and Tréminis (to the south). Now, be warned, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The asphalt is there, sure, but it's narrow and those inclines? Prepare for some serious steepness. Keep an eye on the seasons, too. This beauty usually shuts down in the winter, often not reopening until late May. So, plan accordingly. But trust me, the views are totally worth the effort. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery.