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
easyA sensational paved road to Gurnigel Pass in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Gurnigel Pass is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,608m (5,276ft) elevation in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. Nestled in the gorgeous Gantrisch Region in western Switzerland, this pass is a real gem. At the top, you'll find a Nordic skiing centre that's hosted some seriously impressive World Cup cross-country skiing and biathlon events. Fair warning though—watch out for those bitumen strips scattered along certain sections of the route. But here's the payoff: look to your right at the summit and you'll be rewarded with absolutely spectacular views of Lake Thun with the majestic Bernese Alps sprawling out behind it. The road itself, Gurnigelstrasse, is fully paved and winds through some genuinely twisty, tricky terrain. Don't worry though—the road surface is in solid condition overall, so you can focus on enjoying the drive rather than white-knuckling it the whole way. This beauty stretches 33.9 km (21.06 miles) long, connecting the charming village of Plaffeien (in Fribourg's Sense district) all the way to Riggisberg (in the Bern-Mittelland district). It's the kind of drive that makes you remember why mountain passes are worth the detour.
hardA truly outstanding 4x4 adventure to Mount Ossa
🇬🇷 Greece
# Mount Ossa: Greece's Epic Mountain Adventure Ready for a proper adventure? Mount Ossa (aka Kissavos Peak) towers at a breathtaking 1,819m (5,967ft) in the Larissa region of Greece, making it one of the country's most impressive high-altitude drives. Perched on the eastern side of Thessaly, this peak is seriously underrated. Here's the thing: you'll need a proper 4x4 to tackle this beast. Starting from Kokkino Nero, you're looking at a gnarly 42.6 km (26.47 miles) of unpaved road that's steep, narrow, and constantly throwing tight hairpin turns your way. It's definitely not for the faint-hearted or anyone driving a regular sedan! But push through, and you'll reach the summit—which is pretty wild. There's an abandoned weather station and old communications equipment up there, reminders of when this place was a hub of activity. Oh, and if you're lucky, you might spot a small, hidden chapel tucked away at the top. It's the kind of hidden gem that makes the tough drive absolutely worth it. This is the real deal for road enthusiasts looking to conquer something genuinely challenging while soaking in some incredible Greek mountain scenery.
extremeWhere is Tossal dels Altars?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: Lleida, Spain, deep in Catalonia and the rugged Pyrenees. You're aiming for Tossal dels Altars, a seriously high mountain peak. This isn't just any drive – it's a climb to one of the highest roads in the whole country! So, where exactly are we going? Think south of the well-known Vall Fosca, perched on a ridge overlooking the stunning Àssua valley. This isn't some random trail, it was once part of the Llessui ski resort’s infrastructure, abandoned since '87. Driving here is like stepping back in time – you'll see the haunting skeletons of old ski lifts and mountain facilities, a silent testament to a past life. Now, about the road itself: It's unpaved, a proper mountain track meant for tough service vehicles. Translation? You absolutely need a 4x4! This isn’t your Sunday drive. We're talking high-mountain shale and loose gravel, which can get real sketchy, especially during the changing seasons. The trail is narrow, demanding your full attention. And heads up, the weather up here, near 2,500 meters, can flip on you in minutes! Oh, and just a heads up, this road is typically a no-go from October to June because of snow. Starting from the village of Llessui, you've got a 13.4 km (8.3 miles) climb ahead of you. That’s a massive ascent, gaining around 1,000 meters of elevation. The average grade is around 7.46%, but trust me, it feels relentless. Get ready for 19 hairpin turns that snake up the mountain! These were built for heavy equipment, so they’re wide enough for a 4x4, but watch out for the loose ground. And remember, the air gets thin as you approach the summit. What makes this drive a challenge? It's the mix of steepness, high altitude, and the decay of the old resort. Some sections, once ski runs, have seen better days due to erosion. If you’re scared of heights, maybe skip this one. The views over the Vall Fosca are mind-blowing, but there are no guardrails here. In the fall, the shale can get slippery, making it a real test. But, if you're up for it, this is your ticket to experience the “ghost resort” of Llessui and conquer one of the Pallars Sobirà region's most iconic peaks.
easyN304 Road is one of the best drives in Europe
🇵🇹 Portugal
Hey fellow road trippers! Let me tell you about a gem in northern Portugal: the N304, also known as ER304. This beauty winds through the Vila Real District, taking you right into the heart of Parque Natural do Alvão. Picture this: 49 kilometers (30.44 miles) of perfectly paved road, stretching from Arco de Baúlhe to Campeã. The surface is smooth, the curves are plentiful, and the traffic is light – what more could you ask for? As you climb, you'll reach a peak of 907 meters (2,975 feet), where a wind farm and panoramic views await. Trust me, you'll want to pull over and soak it all in. The whole drive takes about an hour, taking you through the Campeã Valley and charming little villages like Ermelo and Mondim de Basto. The landscape is classic Iberian Peninsula: open views as far as the eye can see. Keep an eye out for cyclists; this road is a favorite in the Vuelta a Portugal race, with a stage that ends at the top of Monte Farinha. This road's got it all, so get out there and explore!