Where is Alt de Capolat?
Spain, europe
17.9 km
1,307 m
extreme
Year-round
Alt de Capolat is a wild ride! Perched way up in Spain at 1,307m (4,288ft), get ready for some serious views and some serious driving.
You'll find this beauty nestled in the Berguedà comarca of Catalonia, northeast Spain. The buzz around this pass started when cycling enthusiasts scouted it out for the Vuelta España, dreaming of epic climbs.
The entire route is paved, thankfully, since it was originally built with just picks and shovels. The road winds through the stunning Congost de Malpás gorge, carved out by the Ora River—keep an eye out for a metal plaque commemorating the construction.
Clocking in at 17.9 km (11.12 miles), the road goes from the C26 Road, west of L'Espunyola, up to the BV-4241 Road, past Túnel de Capolat.
"Challenging" doesn't even begin to cover it. The road is grippy in spots, but watch out for loose gravel. And hold your breath—it's super narrow, barely wide enough for two regular cars to squeeze by.
Speaking of challenging, the grades here are no joke, reaching a lung-busting 22%! They say one particular kilometer is among the most intense in Catalonia. Be prepared for sustained stretches of 14% with constant spikes to 18% and 20%.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,307 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardIs the TransRarau paved?
🇷🇴 Romania
Buckle up for TransRarau, a real gem in Romania's Suceava County, right in the heart of Bukovina! This isn't just a road; it's one of Romania's awesome high-altitude adventures. Good news – it's paved! Forget those bone-jarring rides of the past; this route got a serious makeover, so the asphalt is smooth sailing. Ready for a challenge? TransRarau winds its way up the Rarau massif, topping out at 1,400 meters (4,593 feet). Get your camera ready for some seriously stunning views, but keep your eyes on the road – those curves come at you fast! This 26.4 km (16.40 mile) beauty runs from Pojorata to Chiril, north to south. And, if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a gravel road near the top that climbs even higher, reaching 1,633m (5,357ft). Is it worth it? Absolutely! Known as 'The Treasures Road', it's rumored to be one of the most gorgeous alpine roads in the country. The scenery just gets better and better the higher you climb. Keep an eye out for blind curves, though! The best time to visit is June to September. Plus, this route will take you to cool spots like the Rarau Skete and the iconic ‘Lady’s Rocks’ (Pietrele Doamnei). Parking is a bit scarce along the way, so plan accordingly.
hardWhere is Radika Pass?
🌍 Kosovo
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Radika Pass, also called Strazimir Pass, is calling your name from high up in the Gora region of Kosovo. We're talking serious altitude here: 1,925m (6,315ft) above sea level! Find it nestled in the southern part of the country, practically hugging the Albanian border amidst the stunning Šar Mountains. Now, a heads-up: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The R113 is unpaved, and I mean *seriously* unpaved. Loose stones and narrow sections mean you'll want to bring your A-game and definitely consider a 4x4. Clocking in at 17.3 km (10.74 miles), this north-south route from Restelicë to the North Macedonia border is no joke. Get ready for steep climbs (up to 10% gradient!) and nail-biting hairpin turns – twelve of them, to be exact. Keep an eye out for the paved border road leading to Qafa e Morines in Albania, and don't miss the chance to explore the narrow, winding beauty of Rugova Gorge nearby. It's a landscape that will steal your breath away – if the drive doesn't first!
extremeA sensational road to Beklemeto Pass in the Balkan Mountains
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, buckle up for the Beklemeto Pass in Bulgaria, a wild ride sitting way up high at 1,525 meters! You'll find it snaking along the Lovech and Plovdiv province line, right in the heart of the Balkan Mountains. This is Road 35, a fully paved route also known as Troyan Pass that even follows the ancient Roman Via Trayana. It's a major artery connecting northern and southern Bulgaria, so expect some traffic. Clocking in at about 48 kilometers between Karnare and Troyan, this pass throws down a serious driving gauntlet. Get ready for some steep climbs hitting gradients of over 11% and a dizzying collection of more than 30 hairpin turns! The name Beklemeto hints at its history, with Turkish roots meaning 'guard'—likely a watchtower stood sentinel here long ago. Keep an eye out for the ski resort at the pass, perfect for a winter detour. And just east of the summit, a rugged, unpaved road leads to the Arch of Freedom, a massive 35-meter concrete monument celebrating Bulgarian liberation. Worth the bumpy side trip!
hardStubnerkogel
🇦🇹 Austria
# Stubnerkogel: A High-Alpine Adventure in Austria Ready for some serious mountain driving? Stubnerkogel is a beast of a peak sitting pretty at 2,232 meters (7,322 feet) in Salzburg's High Tauern range, just south of the city. This isn't your typical Sunday cruise—it's a chairlift access road that'll test your skills and nerves in equal measure. Fair warning: this route is only passable from July through September (Mother Nature permitting), so timing is everything. The road itself is a rocky, bumpy rollercoaster of gravel and unpaved terrain that demands serious respect. We're talking steep grades, sketchy wet conditions that turn the muddy surface into a slippery nightmare, and the kind of exposure that'll make anyone with a fear of heights think twice. This one's strictly for experienced off-road drivers who know their way around challenging mountain terrain. If you're not comfortable tackling gnarly unpaved roads or you get queasy looking down from dizzying heights, this adventure definitely isn't for you. But here's the payoff: summit views of Bad Gastein and the surrounding alpine peaks that'll absolutely blow your mind. If you've got the skills, the guts, and the right vehicle, Stubnerkogel delivers an unforgettable high-altitude experience.