Where is Col de la Chambre?
France, europe
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hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Col de la Chambre is calling your name! This high-altitude gem sits pretty high up in the French Alps.
What's the deal? Well, the road to the top is a completely unpaved chairlift service road, so be prepared for a bumpy ride! It's got plenty of narrow and super-steep sections along its length. Towering high in the Alps, it's one of the highest roads you'll find around here.
Want to bag another peak? To the southeast, the road continues to Mont de Péclet, a mountain with even more incredible views. Just remember you'll be following unpaved ski-lift service roads, so it's a proper off-road experience as you approach the top. Get ready for some seriously awesome scenery and a drive you won't soon forget!
Related Roads in europe
moderateA memorable road trip to Cabana Piatra Arsa in the Bucegi Mountains
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're heading to Piatra Arsa cabin, perched way up high in the Romanian Bucegi Mountains, in northern Prahova County. This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking serious altitude: 1,970 meters (that's 6,463 feet!). This route is a real mixed bag – a bit of smooth sailing on the paved DJ713 (aka the TransBucegi Road), then things get a little wilder as we hit the unpaved DJ713B. Starting from Cabana Dichiu at 1,603 meters, the climb to Piatra Arsa is just shy of 9 kilometers (around 5.5 miles). Don’t let the distance fool you; you'll gain 367 meters in elevation, so expect an average incline of around 4%. The scenery is breathtaking, but keep your eyes on the road – this beauty demands respect!
hardHow is the drive to the source of the Bastareny River?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: You're in Catalonia, Spain, deep in the Berguedà region, about to embark on a mini-adventure to the birthplace of the Bastareny River. We're talking about the Adou del Bastareny, a seriously powerful natural spring nestled high in the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park. Think towering limestone cliffs, vibrant forests, and the constant soundtrack of rushing water. The road in? A proper Pre-Pyrenees experience. You'll kick things off in Bagà, veering off the main drag (the one that heads to Coll de Pal) onto a track officially named "Road Beniarres-Vilallonga". This isn't your average Sunday drive. It's a gravel and forest track that winds steadily upwards, and when I say narrow, I mean *narrow*. Passing another car? Get ready for some strategic maneuvering. We're talking about five hairpin turns that demand your full attention. Brush up on your reversing skills on a ledge – you'll likely need them! Weekends and holidays can get surprisingly busy with hikers and locals, adding a fun (or not-so-fun) challenge to the drive. The road's open year-round, but Mother Nature definitely has a say. Berguedà winters can bring snow and ice, and heavy rains can carve out some serious ruts in the gravel. A bit of ground clearance on your vehicle is your friend here. Keep in mind, this is a protected Natural Park. Stick to the designated track, park only in the marked areas, and remember the final stretch to the main waterfall is on foot. But trust me, that drive to the trailhead? Totally worth it. Especially if you can swing a weekday to avoid the potential traffic jams! Oh, and in winter, watch out for black ice lurking in the shady corners. It is at an elevation of above sea level. Get ready for one of the most scenic forest areas of the Pre-Pyrenees. You'll see water gushing directly from the rocks! The environment is full of thick forests and steep limestone walls.
moderateHow long is the Goldeck Panorama Road?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Carinthia, Austria, and you stumble upon the Goldeck-Panoramastraße. This isn't just any road; it's a 14.5km (9-mile) ribbon of pure driving bliss that winds its way from Zlan up to Parkplatz Seetal, perched at a cool 1,895m (6,217ft). Think incredible views of the Carinthian mountains and valleys – seriously, bring your camera! This paved road is generally open from May to October, but keep in mind those dates can shift. You'll want to hit it between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm to make the most of the daylight. The drive itself? Super pleasant, with about 10 hairpin turns to keep things interesting and a max gradient of 10%. In about 15-25 minutes you'll be at the top. From the parking lot, you can see the Staff summit, the Gailtal Alps, and the Karawanken. Just remember, it can get chilly up there, so pack accordingly!
hardPista Hilera de la Cumbre, a track along the Tenerife’s spine
🇪🇸 Spain
# Pista Hilera de la Cumbre Want to experience one of La Palma's best-kept secrets? Head to this gem tucked along the spine of Spain's Canary Islands. The Pista Hilera de la Cumbre is a gloriously winding unpaved track that'll make you feel like you're driving on another planet. This 6.6 km (4.10 miles) adventure starts from the paved LP-301 Road and snakes through the Cumbre Vieja Natural Park. Fair warning: you'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one. The road climbs steeply in sections, cresting at a respectable 1,495 m (4,904 ft) above sea level, and it's narrow enough to keep you honest. But here's the payoff—you'll have the place practically to yourself, with traffic so light you might forget other cars exist. The landscape here is absolutely otherworldly. Imagine volcanic slopes that look like they belong on the moon, surrounded by moody black lava fields that create a dramatic contrast with the emerald forests creeping up behind. You'll wind around a few volcanoes along the way, and the constant trade winds sweep across the landscape most of the year, adding to that wild, untamed feeling. This is the kind of road that doesn't show up in most guidebooks, but it absolutely should be on your La Palma bucket list.