When was the Pustertaler Hohenstrasse road built?
Austria, europe
32 km
1,441 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along the Pustertal High Alpine Road in Tyrol, Austria, and the views are absolutely killer. Seriously, this road is a twisty-turny dream (or maybe a slightly-scary dream, depending on your comfort level!).
Built way back in 1923, this free-to-drive beauty snakes for 32 km (almost 20 miles!) between Leisach and Abfaltersbach. Imagine yourself winding through meadows, dense forests, and those ridiculously charming villages you see on postcards.
Now, be warned, this isn't a straight shot. We're talking countless curves and some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 17%! You'll climb over 700 vertical meters, eventually topping out at 1,441m (that's over 4,700 feet!) above sea level. The best part? It's open year-round, so you can experience the Pustertal High Alpine Road in any season! Get ready for an unforgettable drive.
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 32 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,441 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Unterrothorn?
🇨🇠Switzerland
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! High in the Swiss Alps, in the canton of Valais, lies a beast of a road leading to the Unterrothorn summit. We're talking seriously high altitude here. You'll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Zermatt, a paradise for skiing, climbing, and hiking enthusiasts. Now, for the road itself: picture this: a mostly paved but very challenging climb, thanks to some unbelievably steep sections. It’s around long with parts of the drive being part of a chairlift access trail. Plus, forget about driving your own car, as it's closed to private vehicles. And, as you might expect, it's completely impassable during winter. Trust me, this road is a wild ride, one of the highest in Switzerland, offering views that'll make your jaw drop.
moderateIs the Ötztal Glacier Road one of the highest roads in Europe?
🇦🇹 Austria
Cruising through the Austrian Tyrol, you absolutely HAVE to experience the Ötztal Glacier Road! Consider yourself warned, though – this mountain road is for seasoned drivers only. Winding its way up into the Ötztal Alps, this beauty clocks in at 13 km (8 miles) connecting Sölden directly to the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach Glaciers. Pro tip: these glaciers are connected by the epic 1.7km-long Rosi Mittermeier Tunnel, one of the highest road tunnels in Europe. Reaching a staggering 2,830m (9,285ft) above sea level, you'll feel like you're on top of the world! The road is paved and in great condition, featuring insane twists and turns. It's a toll road, BUT skiers with a valid pass and cyclists get to cruise for free! Is it worth it? A thousand times yes! This is a pure hidden gem. Every single curve offers a new, mind-blowing view, so make sure your camera is charged. Fun fact: it was even used in a chase scene in the Bond movie *Spectre*! Plus, you'll find tons of high-altitude hiking trails. Originally built in 1972, the road is wide enough for buses and lorries (up to 38 tons). Just a heads up: snow chains are advisable in winter. It can snow unexpectedly up there. The road is only open when it's considered safe (no avalanches!). In the autumn months, be prepared for any kind of weather. Snow chains and steel tracks might be required year-round. Due to the altitude, the weather can change in a heartbeat, so pack accordingly! **The key stats:** * Sölden - Rettenbach Glacier: approx. 13 km * Rettenbach Glacier - Tiefenbach Glacier approx. 3 km * Average elevation gain: 11% * Maximum elevation gain: 13% * Highest point: 2,830m (9,285ft) * Standard Width: 5 m (2 lanes)
hardTuc de Saumet
🇪🇸 Spain
# Tuc de Saumet: Spain's Alpine Adventure Nestled in the stunning Val d'Aran valley deep within the Pyrenees, Tuc de Saumet stands as one of Spain's most impressive peaks at 2,609 meters (8,559 feet). This gem sits in northwestern Lleida, Catalonia, and offers one of the country's most exhilarating mountain drives. Want a real challenge? This route winds through the Baqueira-Beret ski station via an old chairlift access trail that'll test your skills big time. You'll need a proper 4x4 to even think about tackling this beast—no exceptions. If steep mountain tracks and sky-high elevations make your palms sweat, this definitely isn't your road. The climb is absolutely relentless, with sections hitting grades up to 25% and terrain that ranges from brutally rocky to slippery ski piste in the most stomach-dropping spots imaginable. It's basically a glorified ski-lift service road, and "rough" doesn't quite do it justice. Think narrow passages, serious elevation drops, and terrain that occasionally feels downright impossible. The summer months are your only window—this is when the road's actually passable. But even then, don't get too comfortable. Unexpected snowfall can shut you down anytime, given the extreme altitude. This is 100% an experienced drivers-only kind of adventure. Timid wheelers should skip it entirely.
hardMargalida Mine
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, thrill-seekers, let's talk about Mina Margalida! Tucked away in the Barradòs Valley in the Val d'Aran (Spanish Pyrenees), this abandoned zinc mine is a seriously cool (and slightly terrifying) destination. Forget smooth asphalt – this is a rugged, narrow, and brutally steep gravel road. Think old mine road, the kind that demands respect (and a 4x4). It winds its way up to 1,600m (5,249 ft) above sea level, so prepare for some serious elevation gain! You'll be driving between Bassa d'Arres lagoon and the town of Bossost. Keep your eyes peeled for incredible views of the Pyrenees, but also... watch out for rockfalls and avalanches. This baby's got more twists and turns than a pretzel, so if your passengers get carsick easily, maybe skip this one. Seriously, avoid eating too much beforehand. And definitely, definitely don't think this is a casual Sunday drive. We're talking serious dropoffs (500 meters!) caused by avalanches. Winter? Forget about it, the road is often impassable. But if you're an experienced driver looking for an adrenaline rush with jaw-dropping scenery, Mina Margalida is calling your name! Just...drive carefully!