When was the road to Col de la Forclaz built?
Switzerland, europe
21.5 km
1,532 m
moderate
Year-round
Col de la Forclaz is a seriously scenic mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,532m (5,026ft) in the Swiss Alps. We're talking Valais region, right near Martigny – so Switzerland at its finest.
This road has some serious history, once used by mules and even smugglers heading between Switzerland and France. The road as we know it started taking shape in 1827, with a tunnel added later on.
The Route de la Forclaz is totally paved and well-kept, making it a smooth ride. It's about 21.5 km (13.35 miles) long, winding from the French border all the way to Martigny-Combe in Switzerland.
At the top, you'll find a hotel-restaurant that's been around since about 1830. Heads up – it can get pretty busy up there.
This road is not for the faint of heart! It's a Tour de France favorite because it's steep, hitting gradients of up to 11.1% in places. But trust me, those short, sharp climbs are totally worth it for the views.
Generally, you can drive the pass year-round. But keep an eye on the weather during winter. It can get dicey, and temporary closures are common. Snow chains or winter tires are usually a must-have during the colder months. Get ready for an epic drive!
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 21.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,532 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardHow to get to Peñón del Muerto in Andalusia?
🇪🇸 Spain
# Peñón del Muerto: A High-Altitude Adventure in Spain's Sierra Nevada Ready for a serious mountain driving challenge? Peñón del Muerto is calling – a jaw-dropping peak sitting at 2,569 meters (8,428 feet) in Granada's Sierra Nevada National Park, and honestly, it's one of Spain's most intense high-altitude routes. Here's the deal: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. Starting from the small village of Bérchules, you're looking at 18.1 kilometers (11.2 miles) of pure unpaved mountain road that climbs relentlessly upward. We're talking 1,190 meters of elevation gain with an average gradient of 6.57% – this route demands a serious 4x4 vehicle and some serious driving skills. The landscape? Absolutely stunning. You're winding through the heart of the Sierra Nevada, with those incredible mountain vistas unfolding around every hairpin turn. But here's the catch – winter transforms this road into an impassable snow-covered beast, so timing your visit for the warmer months is essential. If you've got the vehicle and the nerve, this southern Andalusian gem offers one of those unforgettable mountain-driving experiences that'll have you gripping the wheel and grinning in equal measure.
moderateWhere is Col de Mallemort?
🇫🇷 France
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Col de Mallemort! This wild ride tops out at 2,543 meters (8,343 feet) in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of France, nestled in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, not far from Italy. You'll find a military signal station perched at the summit, offering incredible views. Now, heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road to the top is unpaved and seriously rugged – think 4x4 vehicles only. You'll be winding past old military installations on a path barely wide enough for one vehicle, often with sheer drops on either side. Seriously, the photos don't do it justice! Expect a constant barrage of hairpin turns. Many are so tight you'll need to make multi-point turns to navigate them. And once you're committed, there's no turning back! From the paved D900, it's about 9.9 kilometers (6.15 miles) to the summit, climbing over 800 meters (2,600 feet) with an average grade of 8.1%. Built between 1933 and 1939, this historic track is typically closed during the winter months. Get ready for an unforgettable alpine experience!
extremeWhat classifies as a dangerous road?
🇬🇧 England
The A592, winding through the Lake District, is a stunner, but don't let the views distract you! It's the Lake District’s highest pass, meaning plenty of bends and slopes to keep you on your toes. Keep your eyes on the road, not the scenery! Then there's the Snowdonia Mountainous Passage, the A496. Coastal views, mountainous routes, and quaint villages—Snowdonia National Park has it all. This road twists and turns through the best of it, which can be distracting. So keep your concentration levels high! The Snake Pass? It lives up to the name. This winding road cuts through the Pennines and can be treacherous in winter, when snow and ice become a serious issue. It's known for its accident record, so be extra careful. Hardknott Pass is another Lake District beast. This single-track road throws hairpin bends, steep climbs, and potential ice at you. Even confident drivers might get a bit nervous navigating it. Plus, there's an old Roman fort nearby! The A1, linking London and Edinburgh, is a historic road, but watch out for the Rutland section. The high volume of traffic, including lorries, contributes to a higher death rate compared to the rest of the A1 and in general. The A16, running through Lincolnshire, has a concerning number of fatalities. Its long, flat stretches can be monotonous, so stay alert behind the wheel. The A483, connecting Swansea and Chester, is another road to be cautious on. The Welsh section through Powys sees a higher number of accidents. While the exact cause is unclear, keep an eye on traffic reports. Moving north, the A965 is considered one of Scotland's most dangerous roads. A major route for trucks coming off the Scrabster Ferry, supplying towns in Orkney. The narrow roads, combined with a mix of traffic types, can create challenges. The scenery is nice, but the roads are often narrow! The M1 stretches from London to Leeds and carries an immense amount of traffic. Daily accidents and construction sites make it a tricky drive. Be prepared for bumps, holes, and other road hazards. The A39 links Devon and Cornwall with Wales but is infamous for its narrow lanes. Overtaking space is limited and combined with the cambers of the road can be treacherous, especially in poor visibility or bad weather. The A406 (North Circular) in London is often called "The world's largest car park,". If you're unfamiliar with the route, it can be confusing to navigate, and it's packed with traffic. The A6 runs from Luton to Carlisle and is considered one of England's deadliest. This road has been a vital connection for travelers since it was created back in the 18th century and can cause heavy congestion and frequent accidents.
hardHow to get to Gorges du Tarn through a scenic balcony road?
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges du Tarn: France's Most Dramatic Canyon Drive Picture this: you're winding through one of Europe's deepest canyons, with dramatic limestone cliffs towering above you and the stunning blue-green Tarn River flowing below. That's the magic of driving through the Gorges du Tarn, a 50-kilometer natural wonder carved by the river itself, straddling the border between Lozère and Aveyron in southern France's Occitanie region. The scenic route, known locally as D907bis or the Route des Gorges du Tarn, is a fully paved 26.5-kilometer stretch that connects the charming villages of La Malène and Rivière-sur-Tarn. You can complete the drive in about 40 minutes if you're just passing through, though honestly, you'll want to stop more often than that to soak in the views. Here's the real talk: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. The road demands your attention with its narrow passages, tunnels carved into rocky overhangs, and a genuine risk of rockfalls. Large vehicles might struggle with the tight squeezes, and rockslides are a real concern you'll need to stay alert for. There are stopping points scattered along the way, though they're not always conveniently placed when you want them. Timing matters too. While the gorges are accessible March through November, summer—especially mid-July to mid-August—brings packed roads and traffic jams that can turn your scenic adventure into a parking lot experience. Spring and fall are your sweet spots for avoiding the crowds. This legendary route has been captivating drivers since 1905, and it remains one of France's most unforgettable drives.