
The scenic trail from Gemmipass to Daubensee
Switzerland, europe
1.7 km
2,205 m
hard
Year-round
# Daubensee: A Hidden Alpine Gem
Picture this: you're standing at 2,205 meters (7,234 feet) above sea level in Switzerland's Valais region, gazing at one of the most stunning mountain lakes you've ever seen. Welcome to Daubensee, nestled in the heart of the Bernese Alps.
Here's the thing though—you can't actually drive all the way there. The road to this pristine glacial lake is completely unpaved and wonderfully narrow, hugging the shoreline at water level as it makes its way to the northern end. And yes, it's completely off-limits to vehicles, which honestly just adds to the charm.
Your adventure starts at Gemmipass (also called Gemmi Bahn) at 2,270 meters (7,448 feet). From there, you're looking at a short 1.7-kilometer (1.05-mile) journey into one of those magical, isolated alpine pockets that make you understand why people fall in love with mountains. Think dramatic glacial valleys, breathtaking vistas, and that peaceful silence you only find way up high. As a fun bit of trivia? This very pass gets a mention in Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Final Problem"—so you'd literally be walking in Sherlock Holmes's footsteps while soaking in some seriously epic scenery.
Where is it?
The scenic trail from Gemmipass to Daubensee is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.6993, 7.9878
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,205 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.6993, 7.9878
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Col de l'Iseran?
🇫🇷 France
Col de l'Iseran, sitting pretty at 2,764m (that's over 9,000 feet!) in the French Alps, is a total must-do. You'll find it in the Savoie department, snuggled close to the Italian border as part of the Route des Grandes Alpes. This isn't just another road; it's an experience. Known as the "King of the Alps," it's a wild and epic ride that'll leave you breathless. Think desolate landscapes, rough terrain, and views that stretch forever. The D902 road is fully paved, connecting Val d’Isère to Bonneval-sur-Arc. Keep in mind, though, that this beauty is a summer fling, typically open from May/June to October. Sometimes, they even shut it down to cars and let cyclists have the run of the place! Believe it or not, this route was just a mule path until the 1920s! It took an incredible 34 years to build, finally opening in 1937. Be prepared for a challenging drive, especially on the north side with its tunnels and steep, 12% grades. You'll spot milestones along the way marking your progress (and reminding you just how high you're climbing). Get ready for an unforgettable Alpine adventure!
hardA wild unpaved road to Palet
🇫🇷 France
Palet is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.749m (9,019ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. one of the highest mountain roads of the country. The road to the summit, located within the Vanoise National Park, is gravel, rocky, tippy and bumpy at times. It’s a chairlift access trail. The slope is very steep, consists of loose stones and becomes even steeper and rocky in the upper part. This trail can be done only a very narrow time-frame in the summer (end of August). The wind is usually quite strong at mountain areas. High winds blow here all year long. Even in summer you can confront with snowy days. Temperatures here in the winter are brutally cold. The road to the summit is a ski-station service road pretty steep, with some sections up to 30%. Pla de la Calma-Mollera dels Clots 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.
moderateWhat happened in Pripyat in 1986?
🌍 Ukraine
Okay, so picture this: Lenina Avenue, right in the heart of Pripyat, Ukraine, the city tragically abandoned after the Chernobyl disaster. This road used to be *the* place to be, a bustling kilometer-long stretch connecting the entrance to the main Lenin Square, near the old Medical University. Think wide boulevard with a central pedestrian walkway. At its end, you'd find the Energetik public clubhouse, the city's social hub. Now? Nature's reclaiming everything. Park carefully if you can even get there – rumor has it, the traffic police are *really* bored. Trees completely line the street now, swallowing the buildings. Expect to see more wildlife than people - birds, foxes, maybe even a wolf or two! The old squares are now fruit orchards bursting with blossoms. Keep in mind, though: this whole area is off-limits without a permit. You'll need official permission and they'll be monitoring radiation levels constantly. It's worth noting the street was used for movies, such as A Good Day to Die Hard (2013), Chernobyl Diaries (2012) and Land of Oblivion (2011).
hardWhere is Lago de Urdiceto?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Lago de Urdiceto, nestled way up high in the Spanish Pyrenees (Huesca province to be exact), is calling your name. We're talking serious altitude here, nearly 8,000 feet! You'll find this beauty of a lake, also known as Ibón de Urdiceto, chilling near the French border in the Ribagorza region. Keep an eye out for mountain refuges nearby, like Refugio Urdiceto and Refugio del Paso de los Caballos, in case you need a break. Now, the road… oh, the road! Forget smooth sailing; this is a 7.5-mile unpaved rollercoaster that climbs steeply from Parzán (off the A-138). Think rocky terrain, a nail-biting narrow path where two cars definitely can’t pass, and heart-stopping drop-offs. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. Built back in the 30s, this road is a historical beast! Keep in mind this beast usually sleeps from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly, and always keep an eye on the weather. Get ready for insane panoramic views and bragging rights for days!