
Travel Guide to Alpspitze
Germany, europe
14 km
2,091 m
hard
Year-round
Alpspitze is a stunning high-altitude peak sitting pretty at 2,091m (6,860ft) in Bavaria, Germany—and it's seriously one of the highest drives in the country. The real showstopper? The AlpspiX Viewing Platform at the summit (also called Osterfelderkopf), where two incredible curved metal walkways jut out 13 meters over the cliff, crossing each other in an X-shape. It's absolutely wild. The views are breathtaking, though fair warning: it gets seriously windy and cold up there. But the payoff is huge—there are restaurants and shops to grab a bite, plenty of space to wander around, and Instagram-worthy photo spots everywhere.
Perched in southern Bavaria near the Austrian border, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road to the summit is completely unpaved with some seriously narrow, steep sections that'll get your heart racing. Winter? Forget about it—it's basically impassable then. The whole route is 14 km (8.69 miles) starting from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a popular ski resort town.
Nestled in the dramatic Wetterstein mountain range, this legendary route has an interesting history. The trail got shut down back in 2016 for construction work, and here's the thing—motor vehicles aren't allowed on the road anymore. So while you can't drive it these days, the hike up is an unforgettable adventure for those looking to experience one of Germany's most incredible alpine destinations.
Where is it?
Travel Guide to Alpspitze is located in Germany (europe). Coordinates: 51.9496, 10.5112
Road Details
- Country
- Germany
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,091 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 51.9496, 10.5112
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Col du Soulor?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Pyrenees, wind in your hair, on the incredible Col du Soulor! This baby sits pretty at 1,474m (4,835ft) in the Hautes-Pyrénées department, part of the Occitania region. We're talking serious views here! The road itself? Mostly smooth sailing on the paved Route des Cols des Pyrénées, though it gets a little tight in spots and you'll zip through a tunnel or two. Think of it as one of those insane balcony roads hugging the mountainside. You're in for about 45km (28 miles) of pure driving bliss as you wind your way from Argelès Gazost to Eaux-Bonnes. Cyclists, take note: the Tour de France tackles this beast regularly! From Argelès Gazost, it's a 19.48 km climb gaining 1,019 meters at an average of 5.2%. Coming from Eaux-Bonnes, brace yourself for a 22 km ascent, climbing 1,074 meters with an average gradient of 4.9%. So, pack your camera, and get ready for some breathtaking scenery!
extremeHow is the drive to Tuc d'Ombrer?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Let's talk about Tuc d'Ombrer, a proper mountain pass sitting pretty high up in the Spanish Pyrenees of Lleida, Catalonia. Think eye-popping views overlooking the town of Vielha – seriously, the kind of panorama that makes you feel like you're on top of the world. The track itself? Classic Pyrenees! We're talking rocky, exposed, and unpaved. This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. The weather's a wild card, changing in a heartbeat, and while technically "open" year-round, winter snow usually slams the door shut. You'll want to tackle this when the ground's bone dry, because wet dirt transforms into a treacherous slip-n-slide. So, here's the lowdown: this climb is via the Camin de Coma d'Auran, a short but intense route, crammed with about 10 hairpin turns that'll have you gripping the wheel. The gravel surface can get seriously rocky, so a 4x4 is basically mandatory. This narrow road demands your full attention, especially on those bends where the drop-offs become VERY real. Now, if you're feeling extra adventurous and decide to push past the pass toward Cap des Clots de Monnas, be warned: things get gnarly. The road past Tuc d'Ombrer gets rough, often heavily eroded, making it a tough challenge even for seasoned off-roaders. It's a lonely place with epic views, but you REALLY don't want to break down up there. When should you skip this? Simple: bad weather. Even summer storms can roll in fast, turning the track into a mud pit. Winter snow? Forget about it. Mid-summer or early autumn are your sweet spots, when the track's dry and the views are crystal clear. It's a rewarding drive for those who crave raw mountain tracks, but definitely not for regular cars or anyone with a fear of heights.
extremeRoad trip guide: Conquering Montagut
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a hidden gem for you: El Montagut, a seriously cool peak nestled in Catalonia's Tarragona province, Spain. We're talking 948 meters (that's over 3,100 feet!) of pure, scenic bliss in the Serra del Montmell range. The journey starts in Querol, and the first 4.4 kilometers are a smooth ride, but hold on tight! The last kilometer to the top? It's unpaved, baby! You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this final push. And get ready for a leg workout! This road is STEEP, with some sections clocking in at a whopping 13% gradient. Over just 5.4 kilometers, you'll climb 405 meters, averaging a 7.5% grade. Trust me, the views are worth every pant and groan. At the summit, you'll find the ruins of a castle that dates back to 990 and a rad lookout tower. Don't miss the Esglesia de Sant Jaume de Montagut nearby, a super old chapel that involves yet another brutally steep climb. So, pack your camera, your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path experience!
hardJenkin Road in Sheffield is One of the Steepest Roads in the UK
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up, because Jenkin Road in South Yorkshire is a beast of a climb! This little half-mile stretch north of Sheffield packs a serious punch. You might remember it from the 2014 Tour de France when it was briefly "Côte de Wincobank Hill." Locals know Jenkin Road for its insane steepness. A sign boasts a crazy 33% max gradient, but the *real* peak is closer to 17%, which is still nuts. It's paved, thankfully, but the slightly curved steepest part makes it feel even tougher. As you grind your way up, you'll pass through a normal residential area, with houses lining the road. The average gradient is around 11%. Trust me, your legs will feel every single percent! It’s short, it's brutal, and it's definitely a memorable ride.