
Thurntaler
Austria, europe
N/A
2,390 m
hard
Year-round
Thurntaler is a stunning high mountain peak tucked away in Austria's Tyrol region, sitting pretty at 2,390m (7,841ft) above sea level. Nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, this mountain is definitely not your typical drive.
Here's the deal: the road up to the summit is completely unpaved and basically a chairlift access trail that'll test your hiking legs big time. We're talking seriously steep terrain here—some sections hit gradients of up to 30%—with loose stones scattered everywhere. The upper section gets even gnarlier, turning into a rocky scramble that demands serious respect.
Timing is everything with this one. You can really only tackle it at the end of August when the snow has finally cleared out. Even then, surprise snowy days can pop up during summer, so don't pack away your winter gear too quickly. Wind is basically a permanent fixture at this elevation, howling year-round and picking up intensity in the upper reaches. Winter? Forget about it—temperatures plummet to brutally cold levels.
If you're the type who loves a challenging mountain adventure with dramatic scenery and serious altitude rewards, Thurntaler delivers the goods. Just respect the conditions, plan carefully, and come prepared for whatever this Alpine beauty throws your way.
Where is it?
Thurntaler is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 48.8218, 13.5321
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,390 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 48.8218, 13.5321
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Umbrail Pass?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Umbrail Pass! Straddling the Swiss-Italian border, this beauty clocks in at a whopping 2,506 meters (8,221 feet) above sea level, making it Switzerland's highest paved road and one of the highest in the Alps. You'll find it linking Lombardy in Italy with the Swiss canton of Graubünden. Keep an eye out for the war monument dedicated to "Piz Umbrail," the mountain that gave the pass its name. The road is fully paved, so no need for off-road tires! It's a hidden gem compared to other Alpine passes, meaning fewer crowds and more pure driving pleasure. Heads up – it's usually closed from October to June due to snow. Also, bigger vehicles aren't allowed (over 18 tons, 2.50m wide, or 10m long). This climb is a leg in the Giro d’Italia! Starting in Sta Maria, the 13.2 km ascent gains a hefty 1,126 meters, averaging 8.5% with some sections hitting a max of 14.0%. Brace yourself for 35 hairpin turns! Parts of the road are narrow and missing guardrails. We're talking serious vertical drops, so take it easy on the descent. The northern climb from Santa Maria is a proper Alpine experience, while the southern side is quite short. The hairpins can be tight and steep, so watch your line, especially in wet conditions. And keep an eye out for customs agents – they're known to patrol the area. Overall, it's a moderately challenging drive with incredible high-Alpine scenery. The 13.2 km route runs from the Strada Statale 38 del Stelvio up to the charming village of Santa Maria, near Val Müstair, in Switzerland. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure!
extremePas de l'Âne: Driving the brutal 17.4% ski track in the Massif des Cerces
🇫🇷 France
# Pas de l'Âne: Not Your Average Mountain Drive Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes of southeastern France, Pas de l'Âne is a wild high-altitude adventure sitting at 2,475m (8,120ft) in the dramatic Massif des Cerces. This isn't your typical scenic mountain pass—it's a legitimately gnarly chairlift maintenance track carved into the limestone cliffs above Le Monêtier-les-Bains, serving the ski infrastructure of Serre Chevalier valley. Perched at coordinates 44.94263, 6.49144, this beast of a route dominates the landscape with jaw-dropping views of Ecrins National Park. But honestly? You won't have much time to soak in the scenery—you'll be too focused on the narrow single track hugging those steep ridges. Fair warning: there's not a shred of pavement up here. The whole thing is loose gravel and dirt, designed for heavy maintenance vehicles, not your average road tripper. We're talking no safety barriers, sketchy hairpins, and drops that'll make your palms sweat. You'll absolutely need a serious high-clearance 4x4 with low-range gearing to even attempt this. Just 5.5 km (3.4 miles) from start to finish, but don't let that fool you—you're climbing nearly 1,000 meters of elevation, which means a relentless 17.4% average gradient. That's some of the steepest stuff in the French Alps. There are virtually zero flat sections, so your brakes and transmission are getting a serious workout the entire way. Timing matters here. The road is completely buried under meters of snow most of the year, only opening up from late June through September for 4x4s brave enough to try. Even in summer, a sudden alpine storm can turn that dirt track into a mudslide in minutes. Always check the weather before attempting this one.
hardWhere is Colletto Pramand?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay adventurers, listen up! Nestled in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Italy, you'll find Colletto Pramand, a peak reaching seriously high altitudes. Just a stone's throw from the nerve-wracking Galleria dei Saraceni, this spot offers views you won't forget. What awaits you at the summit? An old fort, accessible via a dirt road with hairpin turns that winds past fort ruins, leading to a grassy summit. Now, about that road... It's called Strada militare Fenil-Pramand-Föens-Jafferau – an old military route full of switchbacks. This unpaved path stretches for over 25km, almost entirely above 2000m. Just 4km are paved! Fair warning, this isn't a Sunday drive. Parts of the road are less than 2m wide, and there are rocky sections that most cars won't appreciate. If there's been recent rain, think twice. That said, it's doable in a 4x4, and transit is permitted. Keep an eye out for landslides, as they can make things interesting. The road is closed during the winter months. You'll wind your way past several old forts, soaking in the history and the views. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardVizze Pass: An Awe-Inspiring Route in the Zillertal Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo di Vizze-Pfitscherjoch: Alpine Adventure Awaits Ready for an adventure that'll make your heart race? The Passo di Vizze-Pfitscherjoch sits pretty at 2,276 meters (7,467 ft) straddling the Austrian-Italian border in the stunning Zillertal Alps. This high-altitude pass connects the Italian Val di Vizze with Austria's Schlegeisspeicher Lake—and trust me, the journey is unforgettable. Spanning 19.6 km (12.17 miles) of pure mountain magic, this route rewards you with panoramic views of the main Alpine chain that'll take your breath away (in addition to the altitude). Fair warning: the entire road is unpaved and seriously rugged. You'll need a 4x4 vehicle to handle the steep climbs and narrow sections—and even then, private vehicles are only allowed partway. Here's the catch: Italy has restricted private motor vehicles to the fourth bend (1,815 m elevation), creating a parking lot and forcing the final 6.1 km to be conquered on foot or by bike. It's actually perfect for those wanting to trade horsepower for hiking boots and soak in the scenery properly. The summit rewards your effort with the charming Pfitscherjoch Haus-Rifugio Passo di Vizze, a historic hotel and restaurant that's been welcoming weary travelers since 1888. Just plan your visit for summer—winter transforms this route into an impassable snow-covered fortress. This isn't a casual Sunday drive; it's a genuine Alpine expedition.