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
moderateDriving the classic Puerto de Pajares, a must do in Spain
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Pajares: Spain's High-Mountain Challenge Nestled in the Cantabrian Mountains at 1,381 meters (4,530 feet), Puerto de Pajares sits right on the border between León and Asturias in northern Spain. This 32-kilometer (19.8-mile) stretch of the N630 road was once *the* way to get in and out of Asturias—before the AP-66 highway came along, anyway. These days, it's still plenty busy, with a steady stream of trucks rumbling through alongside regular traffic. The good news? The entire route is fully paved, and you can typically access it year-round. The not-so-good news? Winter doesn't play around here. Expect serious snowfall, occasional road closures when conditions get gnarly, and those famous steep gradients that hit up to 17%—making this officially Spain's steepest national road. Add summer fog rolling in at night, and you've got yourself a road that demands respect. Running north-south from Campumanes in Asturias to Villamanín in Castile and León, the pass is dotted with a restaurant and parking area at the summit, plus the Valgrande-Pajares ski resort nearby. It's become so iconic that the Spanish Vuelta cycling race has featured it multiple times, which tells you something about its challenging reputation. Come prepared, take your time, and you'll experience one of Spain's most dramatic mountain drives.
hardWhy is Predil Pass famous?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk about the Predel-Passo di Predil, an international border-crossing road trip that'll leave you breathless! Straddling Italy and Slovenia high in the Julian Alps, this mountain pass peaks at 1,156m (3,793ft). It's been a vital trade route since Roman times, so you're cruising on centuries of history. Don't miss the stone pyramid and bronze lion near the top. It's a memorial to Austrian soldiers from the Napoleonic wars – a somber but fascinating stop. The road itself? It's about 7km (4.34 miles) of pure driving pleasure...if you like a challenge! Starting in Cave del Predil, Italy and ending in Strmec na Predelu, Slovenia, this paved route throws countless twists and turns your way, with gradients hitting a max of 13.1%. It can be a tough drive with the steep inclines, but the views are *so* worth it! Get ready for some epic scenery as you conquer this beauty.
moderateThe Romantic Road
🇩🇪 Germany
**The Romantic Road (Romantische Strasse)**: Okay, picture this: 400 kilometers of pure German charm. Starting in Wurzburg, you'll be whisked away through history, culture, and nature. The landscapes are constantly changing, with surprises at every turn. Think adorable towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Augsburg, plus epic castles like Harburg. Oh, and pro tip: tack on a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle – you won't regret it! **The Castle Road**: Calling all fairytale fanatics! This 1200-kilometer route is dripping in legends and myths. Kick things off in Mannheim and prepare to be amazed by a never-ending stream of incredible attractions and landscapes. Don't miss the castles of Bamberg, Nuremberg, Bayreuth, and Heidelberg, and definitely swing by Clomberg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Honestly, with around 70 castles to choose from, you can't go wrong. **The Wine Route (Weinstrasse)**: Wine lovers, this one's for you! The Weinstrasse winds through Germany's sunniest regions, starting in Schweigen-Rechtenbach (right on the French border) and ending 85 kilometers later in Bockenheim. Expect wine festivals, tastings, and delicious Rhineland-Palatinate cuisine. The scenery? Rolling vineyards and cherry blossoms galore. Cheers to that! **The Fairy Tale Route**: Got kids (or a serious inner child)? Then buckle up for this 600-kilometer adventure from Hanau to Bremen, taking you from central Germany to the North Sea. You'll hit up all the spots where the Brothers Grimm lived, studied, and found inspiration. See Snow White's real hometown, follow the Pied Piper's path, and even visit Alsfeld's Red Riding Hood House. With countless charming towns, palaces, and castles, it's the perfect family road trip.
hardDigola Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo della Digola Nestled in the stunning Belluno province of Veneto, Italy, Passo della Digola sits at a bracing 1,674 meters (5,492 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's a gravel track that demands respect and serious driving chops. The road itself? Steep, narrow, and unforgiving. After rain or snow, it can become completely impassable, so timing is everything. This is genuinely a trail for seasoned off-roaders who are comfortable tackling unpaved mountain terrain. If gravel roads make you nervous, do yourself a favor and skip this one. Ideally, bring a 4x4—you'll thank yourself on the way up. One big heads-up: if heights make your palms sweat, this isn't the pass for you. The elevation gain is relentless and the drop-offs are real. And watch the weather like a hawk. Thunderstorms can pop up quickly in these mountains, transforming manageable conditions into serious 4x4 territory or worse, complete closure. For the right driver with the right vehicle and the right mindset, though? It's an absolute adventure through some genuinely spectacular Alpine scenery.