Top 12 Scenic Alpine Roads in Austria
Austria, europe
48 km
2,000 m
hard
Year-round
# Austria's Best Mountain Roads: A Driver's Dream
Austria is seriously a playground for road trip enthusiasts. We're talking jaw-dropping Alpine scenery, nail-biting hairpin turns, narrow tunnels carved into mountainsides, and elevation gains that'll make your head spin. If you love twisty roads and stunning vistas, this country absolutely delivers.
Here are 12 incredible drives that'll have you planning your Austrian road trip ASAP:
**Salzburg to Carinthia** | 48km | Up to 2,504m | Built 1935
36 turns, 12 hairpins, 12% gradient. Open May-October. Toll required.
**Carinthia Route** | 16km | Up to 1,732m | Built 1965
116 turns with 7 hairpins packed into a short stretch. 10% gradient. Open year-round. Toll required.
**Salzburg Pass** | 12km | Up to 1,628m | Built 1962
8 hairpins, 9% gradient. Year-round access. Toll required.
**Carinthia Alpine** | 34km | Up to 2,042m | Built 1979
52 turns with stunning scenery. Open May-October. Toll required.
**Carinthia Loop** | 14km | Up to 1,895m
10 hairpins, 10% gradient. Seasonal (May-October). Toll required.
**Tyrol-Vorarlberg Route** | 22km | Up to 2,032m | Built 1961
34 hairpins, 12% gradient. June-October. Toll required.
**Tyrol Highpass** | 26km | Up to 2,750m | Built 1980
29 hairpins, 12% gradient. Open year-round. Toll required.
**Tyrol Challenge** | 12km | Up to 2,479m | Built 1959
60 turns, 30 hairpins, 13% gradient. Intense! June-October. Toll required.
**Historic Tyrol** | 13km | Up to 1,806m | Built 1907
8 hairpins, 12% gradient. Open May-October. Toll required.
**Tyrol Scenic** | 7km | Up to 1,920m
Year-round access. Toll required.
**Tyrol Valley Road** | 32km | Up to 1,441m | Built 1923
17% gradient. Open year-round. No toll!
**Tyrol Epic** | 48km | Up to 2,020m | Built 1963
A long, rewarding drive through incredible terrain. May-October. Toll required.
Ready to experience Alpine driving at its finest? These roads are calling your name.
Where is it?
Top 12 Scenic Alpine Roads in Austria is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.3373, 13.7945
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 48 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,000 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.3373, 13.7945
Related Roads in europe
extremeCol de Bassachaux: The paved climb and the hidden gravel 4x4 descent
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Bassachaux: Where Alpine Beauty Meets Serious Challenge Tucked away in the Portes du Soleil region of Haute-Savoie, Col de Bassachaux is an absolute gem for adventurous drivers. This mountain pass sits pretty at 1,778m (5,833ft), perched like a dramatic balcony overlooking the French Alps with the Swiss border practically within arm's reach. **The Northern Route: Paved but Thrilling** Starting from the charming alpine village of Châtel, the main approach via the D228A is a smooth 10.4 km (6.46 miles) climb that conquers 670 meters of elevation gain. It's entirely paved—so far so good, right? But here's the catch: this isn't your typical highway. The road narrows considerably in places, drops off without much in the way of guardrails, and gets seriously busy during summer months and cycling events like the famous "La Montée de Bassachaux" race. You'll share the road with cyclists and even the occasional herd of livestock, so stay sharp and keep your speed in check. At the summit, you'll find the Refuge de L'Auberge de Haute Bise—a perfect pit stop if you're around between mid-June and mid-September when the alpine snows have melted. **The Southern Descent: For the Truly Brave** Now for the real adventure. The southern side drops toward Les Lindarets (locals call it the "Village of Goats") via a wild 4.4 km gravel track that's genuinely technical. This isn't a scenic cruise—it's a proper off-road challenge. The path is incredibly narrow, carved into steep mountainsides with unprotected drops that'll make your palms sweat. The surface is rough and loose, ruts can form after storms, and summer thunderstorms can transform the whole thing into a slippery mess. This section demands serious skill, nerves of steel, and a vehicle that can handle it. Low-clearance cars need not apply. Alpine mist rolls in fast, visibility vanishes, and every hairpin turn requires complete focus and control. Oh, and don't forget—snow can block this route well into spring. **Bottom Line:** The paved side is doable for most drivers with respect for the mountain. The gravel descent? That's strictly for experienced adventurers with excellent brakes and plenty of nerve. Either way, you're in for stunning scenery in one of Europe's most spectacular mountain regions.
moderateA demanding narrow ridge road to Col de Portel in the French Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
Col de Portel is a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,432m (4,698ft) in the Ariège department of France. This is where things get interesting—a ribbon of asphalt that literally hugs the spine of the Massif de l'Arize, serving up some seriously spectacular Pyrenean views. You'll find it in Occitania, in the southwestern corner of the country. It's the crown jewel of the D72, a gloriously remote mountain road that connects Saint-Girons and Foix by basically following the mountain ridgeline the entire way. What makes the D72 so special? It's relentless about staying high—we're talking several kilometers cruising above the clouds, stringing together three distinct passes like pearls on a necklace. It's a trifecta of mountain passes that deserves to be experienced as one epic adventure. Fair warning: the road is paved, which is great, but it's incredibly narrow and completely exposed. Think minimal guardrails and big drop-offs. The road simply follows the natural ridge contours without much concern for your nerves. The real wild card is the 7.1km (4.41 mile) stretch running east-west from the legendary Mur de Péguère to Col de la Crouzette. This section is intense—you'll spend much of it above the tree line with unobstructed 360-degree views of the entire Pyrenean range. It's the kind of drive that makes your heart race and your camera work overtime.
moderateWhat is the highest pub in Wales?
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the stunning Snowdonia National Park in Wales, heading towards a legendary spot. We're talking about the Sportsmans Arms, rumored to be the highest pub in Wales! You'll be winding your way along the A543, a fully paved road stretching about 16 miles (25.74km) from Denbigh to Pentrefoelas. As you climb, keep an eye out — you're traversing the Denbigh Moors, after all. The best part? This legendary watering hole sits at a whopping 1,496 feet (456m) above sea level, giving you epic views. The Sportsmans Arms itself is steeped in history, dating back to the 17th century. It's a bit isolated up there near Llyn Brenig, so keep an eye out for the unexpected sheep or slow moving vehicle. Get ready for an unforgettable drive and a pint with a view!
extremeThe Danger Is Real: High Altitudes, No Guardrails, and Unpredictable Conditions
🇬🇪 Georgia
Forget those peaches and that Southern charm you associate with Georgia. We're talking about the *other* Georgia, the one nestled between Russia and Turkey, a land of ancient history and ridiculously bold wines. But hold up, it’s also home to some of the most heart-stopping roads you’ll ever encounter. Seriously, these aren't just drives; they’re full-on mountain conquests. Think clouds beneath your tires, crumbling cliffs as your co-pilot, and, oh yeah, rivers that moonlight as roads during a good rain. You land in Tbilisi, fall head-over-heels for khinkali dumplings, and suddenly have this brilliant idea to "head to the mountains.” Sounds epic, right? It is! But without the right prep, your postcard-perfect adventure can quickly turn into a real-life survival movie. The Danger is REAL: Altitude, No Guardrails, and Crazy Weather Take Abano Pass, for instance. It’s the gateway to the remote Tusheti region, and it’s one of the highest passes in Europe accessible by car — towering over 9,000 feet! It’s a dirt track, barely wide enough for a donkey, often super muddy, and lined with absolutely zero guardrails. One wrong move, one quick glance at your phone, and that's it — you're tumbling down, hundreds of feet below. In winter? Forget about it. Walls of snow and ice completely shut it down. Spring? Landslides galore. Summer? Expect tourist SUVs battling for space with herds of sheep on cliff edges where there's barely room for one car, let alone two. And Abano Pass is just the beginning. Other routes, like the one to Shatili via Datvisjvari Pass, or the Goderdzi Pass in the south, are just as insane. Asphalt can vanish without warning, turning into a gravel pit of doom. "Paved" can mean anything from a freshly-laid blacktop to broken concrete held together by prayer. The beauty of the Caucasus Mountains is intertwined with its untamed nature. Driving here isn’t just another road trip; it’s an act of pure respect for the wild. Why Local Driving Experience Matters (A Lot!) There’s a reason Georgian drivers seem fearless: they practically grew up on these roads. But for us outsiders, especially those used to wide highways with comfortable shoulders, the learning curve is crazy steep — and often pretty vertical. I heard a story about Paul from Seattle who rented an SUV in Kutaisi and tried to drive to Mestia in Svaneti. His GPS led him through Ushguli, one of the highest inhabited villages in Europe. Cool, right? Well, the "road" was basically a goat path clinging to a cliff, with zero maintenance for decades. He had to reverse nearly a mile downhill when he met a logging truck. "It was the most beautiful drive of my life," Paul told me, "but I thought we were going to die, like, multiple times." His story is common. Google Maps doesn't factor in landslides, rockfalls, or that a “road” might be a dry riverbed during the day and a flash flood zone by night. Locals know which turns to avoid, when to skip roads during rain, and when to bail. Most tourists don’t. Weather, Seasons, and Those "Surprise!" Moments In Georgia, the weather doesn't just change; it goes rogue. You can be cruising under a clear blue sky and, fifteen minutes later, be in a total whiteout of fog, icy rain, or even a freak snowstorm (yep, even in June). The elevation changes so fast, you'll leave a sunny valley only to find yourself thousands of feet higher, facing a blizzard. Abano Pass is usually open from June to early October, but it's always iffy. A rainstorm can cause a landslide that closes the road for hours or days. Datvisjvari, leading to Khevsureti and Shatili, often closes out of nowhere. And it's not just rain. Fog is a major issue, especially in the mornings and evenings. Visibility can drop to zero, and with no lights, lines, or barriers, you’re driving purely on faith (and tire friction). If you’re planning a mountain drive, leave early in the day. Always check local reports — and ditch the weather apps. Locals, guesthouse owners, and gas station attendants usually know way more than your phone. Your Ride Can Save Your Life Seriously, think twice before renting that cute little sedan. Cheaper doesn't mean safer. Many mountain regions require a real 4x4 with serious ground clearance. And I’m not talking about a cute crossover — I mean legit off-road capability. Even then, your tires are crucial. Some rental places offer SUVs with bald tires — perfect for city driving, but death traps on wet clay or loose gravel. Before you drive off, check your spare, your jack, and your handbrake. And grab a physical map for anywhere outside the big cities, because cell coverage disappears fast in the highlands. A good rule of thumb: if you're unsure if a road is safe, check which way the local marshrutkas (minibuses) go. If they avoid it, you should too. Rental Tip: Not all rental companies cover off-road or mountain driving. Ask about gravel roads, river crossings, and high-altitude areas like Tusheti or Svaneti. If Things Go South: What You Need to Know Let’s be real: if you crash or break down in the boonies of Georgia, help might take a while. Cell coverage is spotty (or nonexistent). Emergency numbers work, but they might not pinpoint your location. So, tell someone where you’re going — a hotel, a friend, your rental company. Give them your route and arrival time. Most roadsides are too narrow to stop safely. If you break down, try to find a wider spot or a pull-off. Use your hazard lights and get away from the vehicle, especially on blind curves. Locals are generally kind and helpful — if someone stops, they probably mean well. But don't rely on passing traffic, especially in Tusheti or high Svaneti. Some roads see fewer than ten cars a day. There are no “turnaround zones” up in the mountains. If the road looks sketchy, turn back early. Don't push on hoping it gets better — it usually doesn't. Georgia’s Mountains Are Beautiful, But Unforgiving Driving through Georgia's mountains is a thrill. The views are killer. The roads are wild. The freedom is unreal. But so is the risk. These aren't highways; they’re veins carved into rock, ice, and mud. They demand respect, focus, and humility. If you’re planning this trip, go prepared. Know your limits. Rent the right car. Check the weather. Ask locals. And, most importantly, don't let pride cloud your judgment. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is turn around.