Where is Arlberg Pass?
Austria, europe
13.2 km
1,804 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! We're heading to Austria for a spin on the legendary Arlberg Pass!
This high-altitude beauty sits way up at 1,804 meters (that's nearly 6,000 feet!). You'll find it nestled between Vorarlberg and Tyrol, right in western Austria.
The original road dates way back to 1787, spruced up with a surface in 1824! Don't worry, though, it's totally paved these days – Federal Highway B 197 to be exact. Expect a smooth ride with plenty of moderate curves and some seriously fun hairpin turns as you climb the western side. Be warned, some sections are pretty steep, with gradients hitting up to 13%!
The pass itself stretches for about 13.2 kilometers (around 8.2 miles) between Stuben am Arlberg and St. Anton am Arlberg. At the summit, you’ll find a café-bar and a large parking lot, perfect for soaking in the views.
Perched high in the Rhaetian Alps, this road is generally open year-round, so you can experience its beauty no matter the season!
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,804 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardThe Ultimate Road Trip to Collado Venta Luisa in Almeria
🇪🇸 Spain
# Collado Venta Luisa: A Hidden Gem in Spain's Wildest Corner Picture this: a winding mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,970m (6,463ft) in Almería's rugged southeastern corner of Andalusia. Welcome to Collaco Venta Luisa, where you've got a solid 45.9 km (28.52 miles) of pure driving adventure stretching from Gérgal up to Serón. The road (A-1178) is fully paved and in fantastic shape, which is honestly a relief when you realize what you're in for. This isn't a leisurely cruise—sections climb at a steep 12.5%, so come prepared for some serious elevation gain. Fair warning: summers here are absolutely scorching, so time your visit accordingly. But here's where it gets good. You're driving through some genuinely spectacular terrain, perched high in the Sierra de Los Filabres mountain range. On clear days, you'll catch glimpses of the Tabernas desert—yep, Europe's *only* desert, right there below you. The landscape is otherworldly and arid in the best possible way. The real kicker? This pass stays open year-round, so whether you're chasing summer heat or winter adventures, you can tackle it whenever you feel the call. It's the kind of drive that makes you understand why people fall in love with Spain's lesser-known corners.
hardA paved road to the iconic La Mussara
🇪🇸 Spain
# La Mussara: A Mountain Pass You Need to Drive Nestled in Catalonia's Prades mountain range near Tarragona, La Mussara sits pretty at 963m (3,159ft) and has earned serious credentials—it's a legendary WRC championship stage and a favorite among Volta a Catalunya cyclists. Yeah, this place is legit. The T-704 road up is all asphalt, but don't let that fool you. We're talking a gnarly 7% average gradient that'll definitely keep your hands busy on the wheel. It's classified as a 1st category climb, and the east side rewards you with 16 epic hairpin turns that make for some seriously fun driving. Just note: winter snowfall is a real thing here, so check conditions before you head up. The views? Absolutely worth the drive. On clear days (and visibility can be tricky thanks to frequent fog), you're looking at panoramic Mediterranean vistas stretching 30km back to the coastline. Seriously stunning. Bring your camera fully charged and ready to go—you'll thank yourself later. If you've got time, swing by the actual La Mussara village itself. It's been abandoned for over 80 years and sits quietly at the summit, offering incredible viewpoints over the whole region. Fair warning though: the place has a reputation. Locals whisper about strange lights and unexplained phenomena that have drawn mystery enthusiasts from around the world. Atmospheric? Definitely. Spooky? That's up to you to decide.
extremeAn old military road to Lago d'Arpon
🇮🇹 Italy
# Lago d'Arpon: Not for the Faint of Heart Perched at 1,830 meters (6,003 feet) on the France-Italy border, Lago d'Arpon is a stunning alpine destination—but getting there? That's an adventure in itself. This isn't your typical scenic drive. The road to the lake (also called Lago dell'Arpone) is brutally challenging and strictly 4x4 territory. Forget about winter visits entirely; snow makes this route completely impassable. As you climb up toward Lac de Roterel, you're testing not just your vehicle's capabilities but your nerves too. The views? Absolutely breathtaking—those mountain vistas are postcard-worthy. But here's the catch: they come with a side of serious exposure. Long stretches feature nothing between you and a several-hundred-meter drop except open air and loose gravel. If you're the type who gets dizzy looking down from a tall building, or if landslides keep you up at night, this probably isn't your road. There are no guardrails to reassure you, and the gravel surface demands respect. What makes this route even cooler? It's a historic military road, part of a network built across the French and Italian Alps starting in the late 1800s and heavily developed during World War I. You're literally driving a piece of alpine military history while staring down some of Europe's most dramatic scenery. Only go if you're confident, experienced, and genuinely ready for it.
moderateThe Ultimate Road Trip To Seyithan Lake
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: Eastern Turkey, near the Iraqi border, and you're craving adventure? Then you HAVE to experience Seyithan Gölü! This glacial lake sits way up high at almost 11,000 feet in the Cilo Mountains. Getting there is half the fun, but listen up: you NEED a 4x4 to tackle this unpaved beast! Think dramatic, snow-capped peaks, and views that will blow your mind. The 14-mile climb kicks off near Hakkâri, and it's a serious workout for your vehicle. Expect some crazy steep sections (we're talking 15% grades!), as you gain over 6,700 feet in elevation, averaging nearly 9% on this climb. Fair warning: this road is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July, so plan your trip accordingly! Trust me, the memories of this incredible drive will last a lifetime.