
Where is Alpage d'Eison?
Switzerland, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in the Swiss Alps, Canton of Valais, headed to Alpage d'Eison, a legit high-altitude pasture where the cows chill all summer. We're talking classic Swiss vibes here, people!
This place is tucked away in the Val d'Hérens, southwest of Sion, hanging out on the slopes above the village of Saint-Martin. Think postcard-perfect Pennine Alps with 4,000-meter peaks all around.
Once you reach the top, it's like stepping back in time. Think old-school stone and wooden buildings, including the super cute Chapelle de L'A Vieille (you gotta snap a pic!). Some of the huts have been turned into cozy little guesthouses. Plus, there's a shop slinging local goodies – cheese, anyone? – and a snack bar to refuel after the drive.
Speaking of the drive, buckle up! The road is unpaved and narrow – like, squeeze-by narrow. In fact it's practically a one-lane track. Get ready for some serious technical driving because you'll be navigating about 12 hairpin turns on a bumpy, rugged surface.
The climb starts in Saint-Martin and stretches for about 10.7km. It’s a solid ascent of 952 vertical meters, with an average gradient of almost 9%. But keep in mind, some parts are steeper than others!
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardIs the LP-4 Road in the Canary Islands Paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: the LP-4 on La Palma, Canary Islands. This isn't just any road, it's a stairway to heaven in the northern part of the island! Seriously, the panoramic views are insane! It climbs up, up, up to Roque de Los Muchachos, the island's peak, giving you access to the stunning Caldera de Taburiente National Park. Starting near Santa Cruz de la Palma, this paved beauty winds and twists its way up into the mountains. Fair warning though, it's a road with some serious curves and steep climbs, so you'll need to keep it slow and steady. Remember, you're up high, so take it easy and enjoy the views. This road really showcases the island's mountainous character!
moderateIs Road 550 in Iceland paved?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, picture this: you're in Western Iceland, ready for a wild ride! Road 550, or Kaldadalsvegur as the locals call it, is calling your name. This isn't your typical Sunday drive – think rugged landscapes and views that'll make your jaw drop! While you don't *legally* need a 4x4, trust me, you'll WANT one. We're talking unpaved roads, potholes, and stones galore – but no tricky river crossings! This former F-road is pretty flat, so no crazy steep climbs. Fun fact: this road's an OG! Built back in the 1830s as a horse trail, connecting settlements. Now, it's a 40km (25 mile) shot from Thingvellir to Húsafell, the shortest of the highland routes, earning it the nickname "highlands for beginners." Give yourself 2-3 hours to cruise this baby without stops. Seriously though, check the weather before you go – rain can make things interesting! Many rental companies frown upon taking their 2WDs on this route, for good reason. Prepare for a Mars-like experience in Kaldidalur, surrounded by stunning, rugged terrain. This is one of Iceland's highest roads, reaching 720m (2,362ft)! Keep in mind, it's usually only open for a few months of the year, roughly June through September, depending on the snow. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
extremeForcella Àuta/Alta
🇮🇹 Italy
# Forcella Àuta/Alta: A Mountain Pass Adventure Ready for some serious Alpine thrills? Forcella Àuta/Alta is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,984m (6,509ft) in the heart of the Dolomites, northeastern Italy's crown jewel. Fair warning: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road is seriously steep and narrow—we're talking single-lane-in-places tight, with some sections dropping hundreds of meters straight down and absolutely zero guardrails to catch you. It's an old military road with serious personality. The good news? They resurfaced it a while back, so it's actually in pretty decent shape. Most of the route is nicely asphalted, though you'll encounter some wild 29% gradient ramps with loose gravel sitting right outside your tire tracks—keep your wits about you on those stretches. Starting from Misurina, you're looking at a 5.3km climb to Rifugio Bois at Monte Piana (or 6.3km if you're tackling the full gravel section to the mountain's top). Along the way, you'll conquer three passes—Forcella Bassa, Forcella de Mèdo, and finally Forcella Àuta—while the dramatic Tre Cime di Lavaredo beckons nearby. Pro tip: bring your camera! Beyond the insane scenery, this area is soaked in World War I history. Monte Piana is scattered with relics from the Italian-Austro-Hungarian conflicts, making it a fascinating stop for history buffs and tourists alike. Absolutely worth the adrenaline rush.
extremeDiscover the Thrills of Lysevegen: Norway's Famous Hairpinned Road
🇳🇴 Norway
# Lysevegen: Norway's Ultimate Mountain Thrill Ride Nestled in southwestern Norway between Rogaland and Vest Agder counties, Lysevegen (FV500) is the kind of road that'll make your heart race and your knuckles turn white on the steering wheel. This isn't just any mountain pass – it's legitimately one of the most jaw-dropping hairpin roads on the planet. Starting from FV450, the 32.6 km (20.25 miles) stretch climbs up to Andersvatn lake at 932 meters (3,057 feet) before plunging down to the remote village of Lysebotn nestled in an isolated valley at the edge of Lysefjorden. What makes it truly wild? Twenty-seven hairpin turns. Yes, you read that right. The road was originally built as a construction access for the Tjodan hydroelectric power station and officially opened in 1984, finally ending the isolation that once made boats the only lifeline to the outside world. Here's what you're actually getting into: steep gradients averaging 9.4% (peaking at 16%), relentless twists and turns on a single-track road, and the kind of reverse camber bends that demand serious concentration. The last section is genuinely challenging – even pros get nervous. Oh, and there's a mind-bending 340-degree tunnel that'll completely disorient you before you emerge in quiet Lysebotn. The road gets genuinely narrow in spots, so expect to pull over and let oncoming traffic pass. Fair warning: this road only opens May through October/November depending on snow conditions. It's famous for being shrouded in mist, and summer snow isn't uncommon even in June. Winter? The summit gets absolutely buried. Between the insane driving experience and the stunning views, this route also gets you close to the epic Kjerag hike and the scenic Lysefjord ferry back toward Stavanger. Even professional racing drivers like Aksel Lund Svindal and WRC champion Andreas Mikkelsen have taken on this beast – and yes, they raced to catch the last ferry. If that doesn't tell you everything you need to know about Lysevegen, nothing will.