Where does Carretera de la Arrabassada start and end?
Spain, europe
11.4 km
396 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising the Carretera de l’Arrabassada near Barcelona, Spain is an absolute must if you're a thrill-seeking driver! This beauty, officially the BP-1417, stretches for about 11.4 km (7.08 miles) between Barcelona and Sant Cugat del Vallès, carving its way through the Collserola mountain range and peaking at the coll de l'Erola, a mountain pass sitting at 396m (1,299ft).
Be warned, though – this road's got a reputation. It's seriously winding, thanks to the rugged terrain, and you'll find yourself navigating hairpin turns like the infamous Paella curve. It's a haven for motorcyclists looking to test their skills, but with its popularity comes heavy traffic, especially since it leads to the Tibidabo amusement park.
Beyond the adrenaline, the scenery is incredible. Keep an eye out for cool spots like the Arrabassada casino ruins, the Font Groga, and the Rabassada viewpoint. Just be aware that, despite its beauty, the Carretera de l’Arrabassada has a history of accidents and illegal races. So, while you're soaking in the views and enjoying the ride, remember to stay alert and drive safe!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 396 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Col d’Eylac?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about the Col d'Eylac! Picture this: you're cruising through the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-central France, winding your way up to a breathtaking 1,442 meters (that's 4,730 feet!). This isn't some boring highway, though. We're talking a full-on paved rollercoaster with hairpin turns and seriously steep climbs – some ramps will make you sweat! The road is a blast to drive with incredible views. This epic stretch of road clocks in at 32 kilometers (20 miles) and stretches west to east from the village of Mauriac. While nestled in the Massif Central mountains, this route is generally open year-round. So, if you're craving a scenic drive with a serious dose of adrenaline, Col d'Eylac needs to be on your bucket list.
moderateThe Road to Foscagno Pass: The Ultimate Alpine Driving Adventure
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo di Foscagno: A Hidden Alpine Gem Ready for an unforgettable drive through the Italian Alps? Passo di Foscagno sits pretty at 2,308m (7,572ft) in Sondrio province, Lombardy, and trust me, it's worth the trip. The 36.1 km (22.43 miles) route from Bormio to Livigno follows the beautifully maintained Strada Statale 301 (SS301)—all paved and in great condition. Pro tip: throw in a detour via Forcola di Livigno to maximize your alpine adventure. Fair warning though: there's a customs checkpoint at the summit since Livigno has special duty-free status, so have your documents handy. Coming from Bormio (home to other legendary passes like Stelvio and Gavia), expect a 24.25 km climb gaining 1,071 meters with an average gradient of 4.4%. That said, some sections hit a spicy 9.0% gradient, so it's moderately challenging but definitely doable. If you're starting from Ponte del Rezz near Livigno, it's a shorter 4.61 km push with 270 meters of elevation gain. Watch for avalanche galleries as you wind through the stunning western Rhaetian Alps, and don't skip the charming villages dotted along the way—they're perfect for stretching your legs and grabbing a bite. The good news? This pass stays open year-round. Just check the weather before heading out since alpine conditions can shift fast. Now go experience this incredible stretch of road!
extremeA very demanding road to Bergstation Schaufeljoch in the Alps
🇦🇹 Austria
# Bergstation Schaufeljoch: Austria's Ultimate Alpine Challenge If you're looking for one of Europe's most intense high-altitude driving experiences, Bergstation Schaufeljoch delivers. Sitting at a jaw-dropping 3,168m (10,393ft) in Austria's Tyrol region near the Italian border, this mountain cable car station is seriously high up there—literally. Here's the thing: you'll need a proper 4x4 to even attempt this beast. The 7.6 km (4.72 miles) ascent from Mutterbergalm gains a staggering 1,150m (3,773ft) in elevation, which means you're looking at an average gradient of 15.13%. But it's not just consistently steep—there are wild sections that hit over 20%, mixed with the occasional (thankful) flatter stretch. The road is unpaved and serves mainly as a maintenance route for the Stubai Glacier ski area's chairlift, so it's usually off-limits to regular vehicles anyway. Don't even think about attempting this in winter. It's completely impassable once the snow hits. But when conditions are right, you get to experience one of Europe's most challenging mountain roads. And here's the payoff: at the top sits the "Top of Tyrol" viewing platform. On a clear day, you're treated to views of over 100 peaks, including the stunning Stubai Alps and the Dolomites stretching across the horizon. It's absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive up.
moderateUltimate 4WD Destination: Gudamakari Pass in the Caucasus
🇬🇪 Georgia
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Gudamakari Pass! This epic route climbs to a whopping 2,406 meters (7,893 feet) in Georgia's Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, practically spitting distance from the Russian border. Word of warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking full-on off-road territory. The entire 18.1 km (11.24 miles) from Chokhi to Juta is unpaved, with washed-out sections and potholes galore. Seriously, you'll need a 4x4 with high clearance to even think about tackling this one. Nestled in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, Gudamakari Pass is usually only open from June to September due to heavy winter snow. Even during the open season, rain can turn the road into an impassable bog. But if you're brave (and prepared) enough to make the trek, you'll be rewarded with stunning views. Plus, you're super close to the awesome Chkhatiskari Waterfall, so you can make it a two-for-one adventure!