
Where is Bielerhöhe Pass?
Austria, europe
35 km
2,071 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, because the Bielerhöhe Pass in Austria is calling your name! Perched way up at 6,794 feet, this mountain pass straddles Vorarlberg and Tyrol, putting you practically spitting distance from Switzerland.
Think alpine views and charming vibes, because the summit is dotted with restaurants and hotels – perfect for soaking it all in. You'll be cruising along the Silvretta Hochalpenstraße High Alpine Road, a totally paved beauty that links Montafon and the Paznaun valley.
Word to the wise: plan your trip for the warmer months, because this stunner is usually snowed in from November to April. The climb? It's a solid 21 miles from Bludenz, with an average grade of around 3.8%. Get ready for some serious vistas!
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 35 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,071 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateDriving the scenic Col de la Core in the heart of the Ariège Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Core: A Scenic Pyrenees Classic Tucked away in the Ariège department of the French Pyrenees, Col de la Core sits at a breezy 1,395m (4,577ft) and connects the charming Bethmale Valley to the Salat Valley. This isn't some dramatic high-altitude monster—it's a pastoral gem that's become a Tour de France favorite for good reason. The 31km D17 route running north-south from Audressein to Seix is fully paved and takes you through some seriously gorgeous terrain. We're talking dense beech forests, green rolling hillsides, and cattle casually hanging out by the roadside. The plateau at the top opens up to stunning views of the Mont Valier massif, and you'll feel like you've stumbled onto someone's secret getaway. The whole region sits within the Regional Natural Park of the Ariège Pyrenees, which has this wonderfully lush, isolated vibe compared to the more dramatic central peaks. Now, here's the real talk: the road itself is narrow and winding with plenty of hairpin turns and sketchy stretches without guardrails. In dry conditions, it's totally manageable, but you'll want to stay sharp—especially on those blind curves where cyclists or grazing animals might appear. Autumn gets tricky when wet leaves coat the asphalt, turning those tight bends into slippery surprises. Summer fog can roll in and mess with visibility too, particularly in the forested sections near the valley. Winter brings occasional closures during heavy storms, and you'll need snow tires or chains when conditions warrant it. The sweet spot for driving? Late spring through early autumn when everything's at its best and the road is reliably open.
hardWhere is Col du Noyer?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up for Col du Noyer, a seriously scenic mountain pass chilling at 1,664m (that's 5,459ft) in the Hautes-Alpes department of France. You'll find this gem in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, way down in southeastern France. Fun fact: there's a mountain refuge right at the top, built way back in 1858! The road, known as D17T, is smooth as butter, all nicely paved. They carved it out of an old mule path back in 1850, which used to be the main drag into Le Dévoluy. Trust me, the views are unreal – think rugged, dry ridges of Le Dévoluy on one side and the super green Drac Valley on the other. Word of warning, though: winter shuts this beauty down completely. Clocking in at 14.9 km (or 9.25 miles) from Le Dévoluy to Le Noyer, heading west to east, this pass is all about the twists and turns. Seriously, hairpin heaven! It’s a bit narrow, definitely remote, and has even starred in the Tour de France. So, you know it's legit.
moderateWhen was General Wade's Military Road built?
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the southern edge of the legendary Loch Ness on General Wade's Military Road. This isn't just any road trip; it's a trip through history! Built in the 1730s after the original route proved a bit *too* adventurous in winter, this road follows the path of General Wade's original military road. Keep your eyes peeled for deer—they're often spotted along the way. The road is totally paved, so no need for a 4x4, but don't underestimate it! This twisty road, a mix of the B862 and B852, is narrow, with passing places aplenty. It's not for the faint of heart, with blind bends popping up all over the place, so take it slow and easy. Stretching for 51km (32 miles) between Inverness and Fort Augustus, it's a photographer's dream. Budget about 60-75 minutes of pure driving time, but you'll want to factor in plenty of stops to soak up those views. There's generally not much traffic, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet. Just be mindful when pulling over to park. Trust me; the scenery is worth it!
moderateDriving the Sensational Road to Col de Guery
🇫🇷 France
Col de Guéry is a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,268 m (4,160 ft) in France's Puy-de-Dôme department, smack in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The 21.6 km (13.42 miles) stretch of Route Départementale 983 (D983) connects Randanne on the N-89 to the charming village of Mont-Dore, and it's completely paved—so no surprises there. But don't let that fool you into thinking it's a leisurely cruise. This road climbs with some serious attitude, hitting gradients of up to 8.8% in places, so your calves (and your car) will definitely feel it. What makes this pass truly special? The views are absolutely incredible. You're winding through some genuinely spectacular scenery, and if you time it right, you can park at the summit's generous parking lot and explore Lac de Guéry—the highest lake in the entire Auvergne region, sitting right at the pass's elevation. It's the kind of place that screams Instagram moment. Oh, and here's a fun fact: this road is famous enough to have been featured in the Tour de France. Professional cyclists have tackled these curves, and now so can you (though hopefully at a more leisurely pace). It's the perfect blend of challenging driving and breathtaking Alpine scenery.