Where is Col de Jou?
France, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: the Col de Jou, a hidden gem nestled in the French Pyrénées! You'll find it chilling at a cool
above sea level, tucked away in the
department. It's seriously gorgeous up there, especially with that
hanging out near the top.
Now, the road itself? Mostly smooth sailing with a paved surface. BUT, hold on tight! There's a section that gets a little wild, almost unpaved, and seriously narrow – they call it
. If you're not a fan of cliff-hugging mountain roads, maybe take a deep breath!
The whole climb is only about
long, but you'll gain
along the way. The views? Absolutely stunning! Get ready for some serious postcard-worthy scenery.
Related Roads in europe
extremeHow long is the Assietta Road?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: Strada dell'Assietta, a seriously epic military road clinging to the mountain ridges in northern Italy's Piedmont region. We're talking the Cottian Alps here, people! This isn't just a drive; it's a freakin' experience. This historic route basically connects Pian dell’Alpe to Sestriere, but the best part? You're cruising almost entirely *above* 2,000 meters! Seriously, prepare for some serious high-altitude driving. **Road Stats:** * **Where:** Piedmont, Italy (Cottian Alps) * **Length:** Almost 40 km (about 24 miles) of pure mountain bliss! * **Elevation:** Sustained ridge, hovering around 2,000 meters. Monte Gran Costa is the highest point at 2,615m. * **Surface:** Unpaved, baby! Gravel and rocks all the way. * **Width Alert:** Max width is only 2 meters, and weight is limited to 3.5 tons. You'll be tracing a jagged ridge separating Val Chisone from Val Susa. This area is part of the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Park, meaning you're surrounded by insane natural beauty. Built way back in the 1890s by the military, this road still shows off its strategic past with ruins of forts and defensive walls dotting the landscape. Is it worth the drive? A resounding YES! Think sweeping panoramic views, legendary passes like Colle dell'Assietta, Colle Lauson, Colle Blegier, and a challenge that will keep you on your toes. Be prepared to share the road with mountain bikers, hikers, and even horseback riders. **Important Deets:** * **Open Season:** Usually only from June to October (check local updates before you go!) * **Restrictions:** Limited width and weight. Closed to motor vehicles on Wednesdays and Saturdays during July and August. * **Heads Up:** This drive isn't for the faint of heart. The surface is rough, with loose rocks and ruts. High clearance is definitely recommended. Speed limit is 30 km/h. Basically, if you're looking for an unforgettable adventure in the Italian Alps, the Strada dell'Assietta is calling your name. Just be prepared for some serious driving!
easyDriving the iconic Rossfeld Panoramic Road in the Bavarian Alps
🇩🇪 Germany
# Roßfeldpanoramastraße: Bavaria's Alpine Gem Tucked away in southeastern Bavaria near Berchtesgaden, the Roßfeldpanoramastraße is an absolute stunner for anyone craving a mountain drive with serious views. Built back in 1937-1940, this scenic toll road (also called the Roßfeld Ringstraße) climbs 15.4 km through the Bavarian Alps right along the Austrian border. What makes it special? For starters, this is Germany's highest continuous road, climbing from around 750-850 meters up to a breathtaking 1,570 meters at the summit. You'll cross 14 impressive bridges along the way, and yeah, there's a small toll to pay for the privilege—totally worth it though. Fair warning: the road gets seriously steep in places, with gradients hitting 13%, so it's fully paved but demands respect from drivers. The road typically stays open year-round, though winter weather occasionally forces closures, so check conditions before heading out. The views? Absolutely spectacular. You're rewarded with 360-degree panoramas of the Berchtesgaden Alpine landscape that'll make your jaw drop. There are plenty of pullout spots to soak it all in, though pro tip: get there early in the morning since motorcyclists and car enthusiasts love this route just as much as you will.
hardCinque Croci Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Cinque Croci Ready for a serious mountain adventure? Passo Cinque Croci sits pretty at 2,018 meters (6,620 feet) in the Eastern Alps of Trentino, northern Italy, and it's absolutely not your typical Sunday drive. This is legit gravel territory—we're talking narrow enough that two cars literally can't pass each other, with brutal grades hitting 16% in places. Yeah, you read that right. The road pretty much hibernates during winter thanks to heavy snow, and heads up: it's actually been closed to motor vehicles recently, so check before you head out. The route connects Canal San Bovo in the upper Val Cortalla (passing through Caoria village) with Strigno down in the southern Val Sugana. If you're game to tackle it, you'll find Rifugio Consèria near the summit—perfect for a pit stop and some serious mountain views. Here's the real talk: this is a maintained gravel road, so a decent high-clearance 2WD vehicle can handle it in good conditions, as long as you take your time and stay patient through the washboard sections. Dry conditions are basically mandatory. This isn't the place to push your luck or your car—but if you're up for some genuine Alpine exploration with serious elevation and serious scenery, Passo Cinque Croci absolutely delivers.
hardTravel guide to the summit of Pico Colativi
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk Pico Colativi! Perched high in Spain's Andalusia region, in the Almería province, this peak hits an altitude of 1,385m (that's 4,543ft for my imperial system friends). Hidden within the Sierra Alhamilla mountains, the road leading up is a smooth ride, paved all the way. It's a bit cozy though, think narrow lanes (about 3-4m wide), but thankfully, you won't be fighting any crowds. Up top, you'll find a radar station and a weather station doing their thing. But the real reward? Epic views! Look northwest for Sierra Nevada, south for Sierra de Filabres and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea. History buffs, take note: the northern slopes once buzzed with iron mining back in the day. Now, about the climb... it's a leg-burner! Starting from Turrillas on the AL-3103, it's a 10.1km trek up, averaging a 5.9% gradient. Hold on tight, because some sections ramp up to a hefty 14%!