The road to Lac des Dix in Valais, where the tallest gravity dam in the world stands
Switzerland, europe
17.4 km
2,141 m
hard
Year-round
# Lac des Dix: A Alpine Adventure
Nestled high in the Swiss Alps at 2,141m (7,024ft), Lac des Dix is a stunning high-altitude lake tucked away in Valais's Val d'Hérens. This is where serious mountain scenery meets impressive human ingenuity.
The main attraction? The Grande Dixence Dam—an absolute beast of engineering that holds the title of world's tallest gravity dam. Built between 1951 and 1965, this 285m (935ft) concrete giant collects glacial meltwater from a whopping 35 surrounding glaciers in the Zermatt region. It's genuinely awe-inspiring, and you can actually visit it yourself from mid-June through September.
Getting there is half the fun. The fully paved access road climbs 17.4 km (10.81 miles) from the village of Hérémence, and the last 5 kilometers? Pure hairpin turn heaven. These aren't gentle curves—they're steep, dramatic switchbacks that'll get your adrenaline pumping as you wind toward the dam's base. A parking area waits at the end for you to catch your breath (and the views).
Fair warning though: this road is strictly a summer affair. It shuts down from October through mid-June when winter weather takes over the mountain passes, so plan your visit for the warmer months when conditions allow safe passage.
Where is it?
The road to Lac des Dix in Valais, where the tallest gravity dam in the world stands is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 47.2840, 8.4568
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,141 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.2840, 8.4568
Related Roads in europe
hardCan you drive to Newlands Pass?
🇬🇧 England
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Newlands Pass in the stunning northern Lake District of Cumbria, England! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Can you handle it? The road, also known as Newlands Hause, is paved, but don't let that fool you. It's narrow with a serious incline. At the top (1,093ft), there's a small parking area to catch your breath. This 6.8-mile route from Buttermere to Braithwaite is all about the views, but you'll need nerves of steel. Picture this: single-track roads, tight squeezes, and unforgiving stone walls. Oh, and did I mention the sheer drops with zero barriers? You'll be navigating some seriously steep sections, hitting a max gradient of 18.4%! Those hairpin turns can be slick, and trust me, meeting another car head-on gets your adrenaline pumping! While generally open year-round, winter can bring closures, so check before you go. Leave the heavy vehicles at home, and get ready for a ride you won't soon forget.
hardWhere is Aktaş Tepe?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Aktaş Tepe in Turkey's Bursa Province! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about the highest point in the Marmara region, topping out at 2,227 meters (7,306 feet)! Formerly known as Kıran Hill, this peak sits west of İnegöl, calling all paragliding fanatics - it's a major spot! Now, getting up there? It's an adventure in itself. Forget smooth asphalt; you'll be on a totally unpaved track that demands a 4x4. You can roll in from Esenköy or Kıran, but be warned: this isn't for the faint of heart. Think seriously curvy, chunky rocks, and gradients that will make your engine work. But hey, the views from the top? Totally worth the off-road thrill!
hardWhere is Pennes Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up, road-trippers! We're heading to Passo di Pennes, a seriously stunning mountain pass way up in the Italian Alps, right in the heart of the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region. Think of it as your express lane between Innsbruck and Bolzano, with a sweet little parking spot and restaurant waiting for you at the top for a well-deserved break. This beauty, also known as Penser Joch, is a fully paved ribbon of road, officially called Strada Statale 508 (SS508). Get ready for 28.9 km of winding adventure connecting the charming villages of Rio Bianco (Weißenbach) and Vipiteno (Sterzing). Now, let's be real: this drive isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking hundreds of turns, some cheeky hairpin bends, and a max gradient of 20.7%! While they've widened bits of it over the years, it can still feel a bit snug up there. But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment!
hardA French balcony road through Gorges du Bachelard
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges du Bachelard: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Ready for one of France's most jaw-dropping canyon drives? Head to the Gorges du Bachelard in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, nestled in the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. This dramatic gorge sits within Mercantour National Park, right along the route to Col de la Cayolle, and it's absolutely worth the detour. The D902 winds through this narrow, rocky canyon for 40km (25 miles), running north-south from Uvernet-Fours to Entraunes. What you'll find here is pure magic—soaring cliffs, cascading waterfalls, ancient stone bridges, and the Bachelard River carving its way through the landscape. The road itself has quite the story: that first route through here was literally carved out in 1913 and wasn't even paved! Today's drive is fully paved but definitely not your typical highway. It's narrow, twisty, and occasionally rough in spots with gravel patches, plus a fair few bridges to keep things interesting. You'll tackle some steep sections, but don't worry—this road attracts cyclists, motorcyclists, and car enthusiasts, not trucks. Just take it slow and soak in the views. Fair warning: finding a safe spot to stop and admire the scenery can be tricky here, but stick with it. As you push north toward Fours Saint Laurent, the valley opens up and the dramatic canyon finally begins to soften. That's when you'll know you've made it through one seriously spectacular drive.