
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
moderatePuerto de Contreras
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Contreras Head over to this mountain pass sitting pretty at 724m (2,375ft) on the border between the Valencian Community and Castile-La Mancha in Spain. It's basically the scenic shortcut connecting Villargordo del Cabriel and Minglanilla, right along the main Madrid-to-Valencia corridor. The road itself—officially called Cuestas de Contreras—is paved and totally drivable, though it's narrow and wonderfully quiet. You won't find much traffic up here, just stunning views and endless curves. Fair warning though: this isn't a leisurely cruise. The pass throws everything at you—relentless twists, steep climbs, and tight turns that'll keep even seasoned drivers on their toes. We're talking an average gradient of 4.71% with sections hitting 8%, spread across about 17 km of serious mountain road. The route's got serious history too. Back in 1853, Lucio del Valle carved out the original road, but by 1969 a modern highway bypassed it completely. These days, you get to experience that classic mountain-pass vibe—all those hairpin turns that make the old route so thrilling. While you're tackling the pass, check out the Contreras reservoir of the Cabriel river at the base, and you'll spot the skeletal remains of an old cement plant that adds an intriguing touch to the landscape. It's the kind of road that delivers both beauty and a real driving challenge.
hardWhere is Aktaş Tepe?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Aktaş Tepe in Turkey's Bursa Province! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about the highest point in the Marmara region, topping out at 2,227 meters (7,306 feet)! Formerly known as Kıran Hill, this peak sits west of İnegöl, calling all paragliding fanatics - it's a major spot! Now, getting up there? It's an adventure in itself. Forget smooth asphalt; you'll be on a totally unpaved track that demands a 4x4. You can roll in from Esenköy or Kıran, but be warned: this isn't for the faint of heart. Think seriously curvy, chunky rocks, and gradients that will make your engine work. But hey, the views from the top? Totally worth the off-road thrill!
hardD29 is a scenic balcony road in the Alpes-Maritimes
🇫🇷 France
# D29: The Alpine Balcony You Need to Drive Looking for one of France's most stunning mountain drives? The D29 is a gem that connects the quaint villages of Guillaumes and Valberg in the Alpes-Maritimes, and honestly, it's an absolute must-do if you're exploring southeastern France. This scenic 14.3 km stretch winds through the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and climbs nearly 900 meters as it takes you from the charming village of Guillaumes (795m elevation) up to the alpine beauty of Valberg (1,672m). The journey is short but packed with drama—think narrow, winding sections, 13 hairpin turns that'll keep your palms slightly sweaty, and tunnels that add an extra layer of adventure to your drive. Starting in Guillaumes, you're at the gateway to Mercantour National Park, nestled in the stunning Var River valley. From there, the road climbs relentlessly toward Valberg, tucked into the magnificent Mercantour Massif. The whole route is fully paved, but don't let that fool you—it's genuinely thrilling with its tight curves and steep sections. The best part? Valberg sits just an hour from the French Riviera, making this an incredible addition to any Nice-area road trip. It's the kind of drive that makes you feel alive—mountains, switchbacks, and some seriously breathtaking Alpine scenery all rolled into one unforgettable experience.
hardWhere is Refuge du Plan du Lac?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the French Alps, Savoie to be exact, heading to Refuge du Plan du Lac. This mountain hut sits way up high at 2,370m (7,775ft) inside Vanoise National Park. The drive starts in Val-Cenis, winding for 15.1 km (9.38 miles). Most of the road's paved, but get ready for some steep climbs, hairpin turns, and a few bumps along the way. The views just keep getting better and better as you ascend! Now, heads up, after the parking lot for Refuge - L'auberge de Bellecombe, only authorized vehicles are allowed. Unless you have permission from Vanoise National Park, you'll need to park and hike the final stretch. Bikes aren't even allowed. But trust me, the views are worth it. The first bit's steep, zigzagging through a sparse forest with killer views of the valley below. Once you're at the refuge, BAM! Panoramic views of Pointe de la Réchasse, Dent Parachée, Grande Casse, and glaciers galore. Don't forget to check out Chapelle Saint-Barthélemy just beyond the refuge. It's a cute little chapel at 2,284m!