Where is Alto de la Cruz?
Spain, europe
2.9 km
1,475 m
easy
Year-round
Alto de la Cruz is a hidden gem nestled high in the Montes de León mountains of northern Spain. You'll find this beauty in the northwestern part of the autonomous community of Castilla y León. The road itself? Totally paved, though you might encounter some rough patches here and there as you climb the "Alto de la Cruz."
While typically open year-round, be aware that winter can bring temporary closures due to snow. But trust me, if you get a chance to drive this road, take it! It's not super long — just a few kilometers — and traffic is usually light, making for a peaceful and scenic drive.
For a truly unforgettable experience, start your journey in Peñalba de Santiago, a stunning mountain village perched way up in the clouds. This place is postcard-perfect, boasting the ancient Iglesia de Peñalba de Santiago. From there, the road to the summit winds and twists for less than 3 km, packing in a serious climb with gradients reaching up to 17% in places. The whole route was freshly paved a few years back. However, be careful for rock slides. The views are absolutely breathtaking, showcasing the best of Castilla y León's natural beauty!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,475 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in europe
hardDare to drive the dangerous Road SH-21
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, adventure awaits on SH21, a mind-blowing mountain road tucked away in northern Albania! Get ready to conquer the legendary Thore Pass. You'll find this beauty snaking through Shkodër County, right in the northwest corner of Albania, inside the stunning Theth National Park. Clocking in at 55.5km (or 34.4 miles for my American friends), this road cruises from Koplik (the main hub of Malësi e Madhe District) to the charming village of Theth, further east in Shkodër District. Originally built way back in 1936, this scenic route got a major glow-up in September 2021 with a full paving. Talk about an upgrade! Perched high in the Albanian Alps, this road peaks at the Thore Pass, a lofty 1,691m (5,547ft) above sea level. Fair warning: it's usually snowed in from November to May. Now, let's be real: this road's a bit of a wild ride. Expect narrow sections (though the new pavement helps!), seriously steep inclines (up to 15%!), and some dizzying drop-offs. Not for the faint of heart, but if you're not scared of heights, you're golden. Just maybe skip it on a busy Sunday afternoon.
hardThe pure adventure road to Viderjoch in the Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Viderjoch: One of Europe's Most Epic Mountain Climbs Tucked away on the border between Austria and Switzerland sits the Viderjoch, a jaw-dropping high alpine pass that sits at a whopping 2,737 meters (8,979 feet). This isn't just any mountain road – it's one of Austria's highest, connecting the charming village of Ischgl in Tyrol to the tiny alpine hamlet of Compatsch in Switzerland's Engiadina Bassa region. Here's where things get intense: the 13.8-kilometer climb from Ischgl is absolutely relentless. You're looking at nearly 1,350 meters of elevation gain, averaging a punishing 9.73% gradient. But it gets wilder – those final sections before the summit hit a brutal 20-30% grade that'll have even experienced drivers gripping the wheel tight. About 60% of the route is paved, though that final push to the top turns into unpaved terrain that demands serious driving skills. The reward? Stunning views stretching across the Samnaun Alps. If you're feeling adventurous, you can push on to nearby Greitspitz at 2,876 meters for even more breathtaking panoramas. The descent down to the Swiss side is steep but manageable. Fair warning though: this road plays by alpine rules. Expect it to be completely snowed in and impassable from late October through late June or even early July. Timing is everything when tackling this beast. But for those who time it right, Viderjoch delivers one of the most unforgettable driving experiences the Alps has to offer.
hardCol du Tra: a curvy steep road only for experienced drivers
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Col du Tra, a ridiculously scenic mountain pass way up in the French Alps (Savoie department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region to be exact). We're talking 1,312m (4,304ft) above sea level! This one's a biker's dream, a ribbon of smooth asphalt (the D88, if you're into specifics) that winds its way for 21.0 km (13.04 miles) from Saint-Marcel (off the N-90) to La Plagne-Tarentaise (on the D220). But hold up – it's not all smooth sailing. This road is seriously twisty! We're talking a whopping 39 hairpin turns, some of which sneak up on you. And fair warning, there are sections that are super narrow and steep, hitting gradients of up to 11.5%. Think of it as a thrilling alternative to the dull N90. Plus, you'll pass through some charming, ancient villages. Just keep your wits about you, and get ready for some seriously breathtaking views!
extremeWhat are the highest roads in Iceland?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, picture this: Iceland, a wild child of the North Atlantic, practically straddling the Arctic Circle. This place is *all* about extremes. Think glaciers grinding against lava fields, mountains that'll make your jaw drop, and plains that stretch on forever. Seriously, Mother Nature was showing off when she made Iceland. Now, if you're feeling adventurous (and you should be!), you HAVE to tackle the F-roads. These are the real deal – seasonal mountain tracks that cut right through the island's rugged interior. They're not for the faint of heart, but trust me, the views are worth it. We're talking the highest, most remote, and utterly spectacular spots you can actually *drive* to in Iceland. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!