When was Flexen Pass in Austria built?
Austria, europe
15.6 km
1,781 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Vorarlberg on Road 198, also known as the Flexenpass, a seriously cool mountain pass that tops out at 1,781m (5,843ft). This isn't just some quick hop over a hill, though. We're talking about a 15.6 km (9.69 miles) stretch of winding road connecting Warth to Stuben am Arlberg.
Expect some steep sections – some ramps max out at a 10% gradient! And get this: near the summit, the road dives into this super old, 1.550m long avalanche tunnel called the Flexengalerie. The road in that tunnel is in bad condition and the ceiling is made of old oak wood! It's one lane only, so a traffic light keeps things moving.
Speaking of, keep an eye on the weather if you're heading up here, because even though they keep the road open in winter, short-term closures are common. The summit is also home to a parking lot and a small snack bar (Restaurant Flexenhäusl). If you're not stopping, expect the trip to take between 25 and 30 minutes. Get ready for some incredible views of the Austrian Alps!
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,781 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardWhat is the road to Serra de la Vila like?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in Alicante, Spain, ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Head just east of the historic city of Villena, and get ready to climb Serra de la Vila, a prominent mountain ridge soaring to 774 meters. This isn't your average Sunday drive! The road up? Let's call it "interesting." It's a mix of paved sections, weathered concrete, and loose gravel – definitely recommend a high-clearance vehicle unless you're cool with potentially scraping your undercarriage. The 5.6 km climb gains 251 meters, and while the average gradient is around 4.5%, don't be fooled – some parts are seriously steep! The road itself? Narrow. Super narrow. Think single-lane with very few spots to pass. If you meet another car, get ready to play the reversing game, possibly for a considerable distance. But hey, that’s part of the fun, right? As you wind up the southern flank, you'll be treated to killer panoramic views of Villena, the vast Vinalopó valley, and the iconic Castillo de la Atalaya. The landscape is classic semi-arid Spain – limestone rocks and low Mediterranean scrub. Keep an eye out for local hikers and cyclists, especially around those blind corners. The summit is home to a major communications facility. This drive isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the unique, slightly challenging, and totally rewarding journey.
hardMount Kryoneritis
🇬🇷 Greece
# Mount Kryoneritis: A Wild Ride to Crete's Eastern Summit Ready for an adrenaline rush? Mount Kryoneritis sits pretty at 1,125 meters (3,690 feet) on the southern coast of Crete, and the road up to it is absolutely bonkers—not for the casual Sunday driver. Starting from Kato Rodakino, you're looking at a 10.7 km assault that climbs 918 meters through 30 hairpin turns. That's an average gradient of 8.57%, and yes, it's as steep as it sounds. The whole track is loose gravel, which means you'll definitely need a 4WD vehicle if you want any shot at making it. Expect a relentless roller coaster of ups, downs, sharp lefts, and tighter rights. The road is narrow—seriously narrow—so forget about passing anyone or anything. Even with a bike, overtaking isn't happening. The twists and turns are genuinely thrilling, especially with those stunning sea views constantly appearing around each bend. But here's the catch: one bit of rain and this place becomes a sketchy loose-gravel nightmare. Night driving or poor visibility? Only attempt it if you know this road like the back of your hand. The payoff? You'll reach the temple of the Holy Spirit and a freshwater spring that inspired the mountain's name. You're standing at the easternmost peak of the White Mountains, Crete's second-largest massif. Just be warned: winters bring unexpected fog and heavy rainfall, and humidity sticks around year-round. This isn't a casual cruise—it's a genuine test of nerve and skill.
hardWhere is Ofen Pass?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Hey fellow road trippers! Let me tell you about the Ofen Pass, a seriously stunning mountain pass nestled in the far eastern corner of Switzerland's Graubünden canton. Also known as Fuorn Pass, Passo del Forno, or Passo del Fuorn, this beauty tops out at 2,156m (7,073ft). Ever wonder where the name comes from? "Ofen" actually refers to the old ovens used for ironworks back in the day – you can still spot some of the remains near the pass! Route 28, a totally paved road, will take you on a 31.3 km (19.44 miles) adventure from Zernez to Val Müstair. The first road was built in 1864. While it seems like a popular route, traffic isn't too crazy. Now, be warned – this isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. Some sections get seriously steep, with gradients reaching a whopping 14.3%! The pass is generally open year-round, but snow can close it down anytime, so keep an eye on conditions. And a word to the wise: the local police are sneaky with their radar guns, and those Swiss speeding tickets can seriously sting. So, stick to the speed limits and enjoy the incredible scenery!
hardWhere is Monte Chaberton?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up for an adventure to Monte Chaberton, a sky-high peak in the French Alps near the Italian border! This isn't your average Sunday drive. First off, we're talking serious altitude: 3,131m (10,272ft) above sea level. Perched on the summit is the Fort du Chaberton, a wild fortress with remnants from WWI & WWII. It's a seriously cool spot. The road, once called Strada militare dello Chaberton, is an old military road stretching 12.3km (7.64 miles). Back in the day, it was the highest unpaved road in the Alps! Built between 1896 and 1898, it was meant for Italian troops hauling artillery up to blast towards France. Pretty intense history, right? Now for the bad news: you can't just hop in your car and cruise to the top. The road, also called 'Fenils-Chaberton,' is totally off-limits to regular vehicles. It starts paved near Fenils, but quickly turns to rough stuff. After Grange Pra Claud, forget about it – it's a meter-wide trail choked with debris and crumbling walls. But, if you're up for a serious bike ride, you can potentially pedal a brutal 17% slope to the fort on top of Mont Chaberton. The views? Absolutely insane. The challenge? Totally worth it.