
Thyon 2000
Switzerland, europe
N/A
2,095 m
hard
Year-round
# Thyon 2000: A High-Alpine Adventure in Valais
Nestled high in the Swiss Alps at a breathtaking 2,095 meters (6,873 feet), Thyon 2000 is a fantastic ski station tucked away in Valais. The drive up is a real treat for anyone who loves mountain roads with personality.
The road itself is fully paved, which is great news—but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a leisurely cruise. This route has some genuinely steep pitches that'll get your heart racing, with gradients hitting up to 14.3%. Your brakes will definitely earn their keep on the way down!
The scenery surrounding the ascent is absolutely stunning, with classic Alpine vistas unfolding as you climb. Just come prepared for the elevation gain and those technical sections, and you'll have an unforgettable mountain driving experience. The views from the top make every hairpin turn worth it.
Where is it?
Thyon 2000 is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.5852, 8.3575
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,095 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.5852, 8.3575
Related Roads in europe
moderateTake the Scenic N339 and Discover Col de Zezere
🇵🇹 Portugal
Col de Zezere: Portugal's best-kept secret? Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deep in the Castelo Branco district of Portugal lies a seriously awesome mountain pass: Col de Zezere. This fully paved road (N339) winds its way up to a lofty 1,615m (5,298ft), making it one of the highest drives in the country. Starting from Covilhã and stretching 36.3km (22.55 miles) to Sabugueiro, this route is all about the views. Seriously, prepare to stop at every lookout point because the scenery is breathtaking. Nestled in the Serra da Estrela mountains, it's steep in sections, with gradients hitting a punchy 16% in places — so keep those gears low! Generally open year-round, winter can bring closures due to snow and ice, so check the conditions before you go. But trust us, if you're after stunning vistas and a thrilling drive, Col de Zezere needs to be on your Portugal road trip itinerary.
moderateWhere is Col d'Izoard?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: the Col d'Izoard. We're talking serious bucket-list material here in the Hautes-Alpes region of France, part of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. You'll find this gem tucked away in the southeastern corner of France, a highlight along the Route des Grandes Alpes. This isn't just any road; it's legendary! The first version was carved out way back in 1710, but the road we know and love today was built between 1893 and 1897. Fully paved as the D902, it winds for almost 20km (12+ miles) between Cervières and Arvieux. Brace yourself – some sections crank up to a 12% gradient! Expect company in the summer months as you wind up. Word of warning: this high-altitude road is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July, so plan your trip accordingly. Okay, so why make the trek? For starters, the views are absolutely insane. You'll transition from lush, green mountains near Briançon to the bizarre, almost lunar landscape of the Casse Deserte as you gain elevation. The rocky scenery at the top is just breathtaking. But the Izoard is about more than just scenery; it's about history! This pass is cycling royalty, famous for its Tour de France moments. A tiny cycling museum awaits you at the summit. And on the southern slope, near the top, you'll find a memorial to cycling legends Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet in the Casse Deserte. Seriously, if you're a cycling fan, this is a pilgrimage.
hardWhere is Babadağ located?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: Babadağ, or "Father Mountain," in Turkey's Muğla Province. We're talking serious heights here – 1,940 meters (that's 6,364 feet!). You'll find it in the Taurus Mountains, overlooking the stunning bay of Oludeniz on the Aegean coast. Ready for a drive? A newly paved toll road winds all the way to the top. Now, fair warning: it gets super narrow in spots, and guardrails? Forget about it! Plus, be prepared for some seriously dense fog that can cut visibility down to almost nothing. The road starts in Ölüdeniz, and it's about 15.4 kilometers (or 9.56 miles) to the summit. Don't let the distance fool you – this is a steep climb. We're talking gradients up to 20% in places! You'll gain 1,629 meters in elevation, averaging around a 10.57% grade. Budget about 35-45 minutes to drive it straight through. At the top, there's a parking lot and even a café bar to chill at. But the real draw? Paragliding! Babadağ is famous for it – some say it's the highest official takeoff site on the planet. The views are mind-blowing, high above the turquoise waters. On a clear day, you can even spot the Greek island of Rhodes in the distance. Tip: get there early, because it gets packed! Just imagine soaring like an eagle above one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world!
hardWhere is Château de Quéribus?
🇫🇷 France
Get ready for an adventure to Château de Quéribus, a seriously cool castle perched way up high in the French Aude department! You'll find it in the Occitanie region, standing proud and isolated on the highest peak for miles – talk about a view! The fortress, dating back to the 14th century, lords over the landscape from Tautavel to Caudiès. Trust me, you can't miss it. It's a bit of a trek to get in – the entrance is super steep and narrow (good luck!), plus the walk up can be gravelly, and the steps inside get slick when it's wet. But the drive? Totally worth it. The road's paved, but hold on tight – it's narrow, bumpy, and crazy steep in places, hitting almost 17%! You can drive most of the way, though. The road ends at a parking lot at 614 meters, then it's just a short walk to the castle itself. From the village of Cucugnan, the road winds upwards for 3.3 km, climbing 316 meters. That's an average gradient of nearly 10%! Get your camera ready. The views are epic!