The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Collado de Orgambide

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Collado de Orgambide

Spain, europe

Length

11.2 km

Elevation

992 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Collado de Orgambide

Tucked away in the Pyrenees, Collado de Orgambide is a stunning international mountain pass that sits right on the Spanish-French border at 992m (3,254ft). This hidden gem connects the charming Spanish town of Orbaizeta in Navarre with the D428 road over in France's Pyrénées-Atlantiques department.

The 11.2 km (6.95 miles) journey winds its way up from south to north through some seriously dramatic mountain terrain. Fair warning: this isn't your typical wide highway. The road is narrow—really narrow—with stretches so tight that two cars passing each other would be a squeeze. You'll want to take it slow and watch for oncoming traffic around those blind curves.

The pavement is solid throughout, with just a few concrete sections breaking things up, but those steep grades are no joke. Your brakes will definitely get a workout on the way up. The payoff? Once you crest the summit and hit that border crossing, the views are absolutely worth every hairpin turn. The landscape here is raw and spectacular, with sweeping vistas that make you understand why these mountains have captivated travelers for centuries.

This is the kind of road that rewards patient drivers who respect the mountain's mood. Bring your A-game, take your time, and soak in every incredible moment.

Where is it?

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Collado de Orgambide is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.5106, -4.4170

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
11.2 km
Max Elevation
992 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
40.5106, -4.4170

Related Roads in europe

The breathtaking drive from Shanovo to Kolenamoderate

The breathtaking drive from Shanovo to Kolena

🌍 Bulgaria

Okay, buckle up, road trippers! This hidden gem winds through the heart of Bulgaria's Thrace region, specifically Stara Zagora Province. We're talking about the mountain road linking Shanovo to Kolena, nestled in the Balkan range north of Stara Zagora. The pavement's there, but let's be real, it's seen better days thanks to some seriously rough weather. It's a 12.7km (or almost 8 miles) stretch running north to south. Get ready for some climbing! You'll hit a peak elevation of 518 meters (around 1700 feet). Some sections get pretty steep, with gradients reaching up to 8%. But hey, the views are worth it! Just keep your eyes peeled – this isn't a Sunday drive!

Where is Avoriaz located?hard

Where is Avoriaz located?

🇫🇷 France

Avoriaz is a world-renowned ski resort located in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, within the commune of Morzine, in France. Perched on a cliff at an elevation of above sea level, the station is famous for its avant-garde architecture and its legendary status in professional cycling. Where is Avoriaz located? The resort is situated in the Haute-Savoie department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in the south-eastern part of the country, near the Swiss border. It was built in the 1960s on a former mountain pasture. Unlike most Alpine stations, Avoriaz was designed to be fully integrated into the landscape, with wood-clad buildings that mimic the surrounding rock formations. Morzine (Haute-Savoie) D338 (Route d'Avoriaz) Note: Avoriaz is a car-free resort. Mandatory winter equipment required from November to April. How challenging is the climb to Avoriaz? The road leading to the resort is fully paved. It’s called Starting from Morzine, the ascent—known as the —is 11.7km (7.2 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 795 meters, with an average gradient of 6.85% . However, don't let the average fool you; several sections reach , especially through the series of hairpin bends that overlook the valley. The Tour de France Heritage Avoriaz holds a special place in cycling history. It was the very first ski resort to host a Tour de France stage finish in 1975 (won by Vicente López Carril). Since then, it has appeared in the race numerous times, serving as a battleground for legends. The climb is often used as a final test for the "GC contenders" due to its steady but demanding rhythm. Morzine (Haute-Savoie) D338 (Route d'Avoriaz) Note: Avoriaz is a car-free resort. Mandatory winter equipment required from November to April. Driving to a Car-Free Resort If you are planning to drive to Avoriaz, keep in mind that the resort itself is entirely . Visitors must leave their vehicles in the large indoor or outdoor parking lots at the entrance (known as ). From there, horse-drawn sleighs or electric shuttles transport guests to their accommodation, making it a unique destination in the Alps. Can I drive to Avoriaz year-round? The road is well-maintained as it serves a major ski hub, but during winter, snow chains or winter tires are mandatory. The D338 is a wide, safe road, but the descent can be fast and technical, requiring good braking skills and caution due to the frequent mountain traffic and cyclists. A gravel road to Lac de Plan d'Amont 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.

Travel guide to the top of Col du Grand Renardextreme

Travel guide to the top of Col du Grand Renard

🇫🇷 France

# Col du Grand Renard Tucked away in the Savoie department of France's Rhône-Alpes region, Col du Grand Renard sits at a breathtaking 2,455m (8,054ft) and is absolutely not for the faint of heart. This is serious mountain pass territory. Fair warning: the road here is intense. We're talking gravel all the way, following old unpaved ski-lift service roads with a rocky, loose surface that'll keep you on your toes. Plenty of slippery gravel to navigate, though thankfully the gradient never gets completely bonkers. Still, you'll want excellent vehicle control and nerves of steel. The real kicker? Being this high up means Mother Nature calls the shots—the pass can shut down without warning whenever snow decides to roll through. That's just part of the adventure at this elevation. The Alpine scenery is worth every white-knuckle moment, though. This is raw, rugged mountain beauty that'll stay with you long after you've conquered it.

Southern Via Baltica: Key Route Between Lithuania and Polandeasy

Southern Via Baltica: Key Route Between Lithuania and Poland

🌍 Poland

Okay, picture this: the Southern Via Baltica, stretching about 100 kilometers (or 62 miles) from Kaunas down to the Polish border. It's a major route connecting Lithuania with Poland, and a key piece of the larger Via Baltica – one of Eastern Europe's biggest transit routes. Now, it's a busy road, no doubt about it. Lots of international trucks rumble along here, so be aware of heavy freight traffic. But it’s also pretty scenic, cutting through some culturally rich areas. You'll cruise through the Sudoyia region and pass by Marijampolė, a city steeped in history and culture. Basically, you're getting a taste of Eastern Europe as you roll on by! Just be sure to keep your eyes on the road and adjust to the traffic flow.