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
extremeWhere is Pico Cervín?
🇪🇸 Spain
Deep in the Ribagorza county of Huesca, Spain, lies Pico Cervín (or Tozal de la Rasa, as the locals call it), a mountain peak that's a real beast for off-roaders. This summit in the Aragon region isn't just any climb; it's a relentless ascent over seriously rugged terrain. Nestled in the Cervín mountain range, this natural lookout gives you world-class panoramic views over the central Pyrenees, including views you won't forget. Perched up high, it's also a key spot for communication towers. Forget smooth tarmac – this road is unpaved. It's steep and the surface is a mix of loose gravel and hard-packed mountain soil. It’s maintained for the towers up top, but that doesn’t make it easy. The track's narrow, with exposed edges, so if heights aren't your thing, steer clear! Starting from the A-1605 road, the journey to the summit is just under 10 kilometers (around 6 miles). But don't let the distance fool you; you'll gain over 800 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of over 9%! There are hardly any flat spots to give your engine a break, so make sure that cooling system is in top shape. Traction is a constant battle, especially on the steeper sections where you need smooth throttle control. Heads up: this road is often impassable in winter after heavy snow. Even at 1,620 meters, snow and ice can stick around in the shady spots for weeks. Wet conditions can turn the dirt into a muddy trap, so the best time to tackle this route is late spring, summer, or early autumn. Always check the local weather for the Huesca Pyrenees, and pack recovery gear, because you’re pretty isolated up in the Cervín range.
hardWhere does the A82 run from?
🇬🇧 Scotland
The A82 in Scotland? Oh, you HAVE to drive it! This beauty stretches 269km (167mi) from Glasgow, up through Fort William, and all the way to Inverness, hugging the shores of Loch Lomond and Loch Ness with Ben Nevis looming nearby. It's easily one of the best drives in the country for pure scenery. Okay, real talk: it's also been called one of Scotland's most "exciting" roads, and not always in a good way. There have been accidents in the past. And the section between Tarbet and Ardlui? Let's just say it gets a *little* cozy. We're talking "hold your breath when two trucks squeeze past" narrow. So, patience is key! But the views, people, the VIEWS! You'll be winding through quintessential Scottish countryside, a main vein for both tourists and locals alike. Expect summer traffic, but trust me, it's worth it. Think shimmering lochs, dramatic valleys, and waterfalls cascading down the hills. And speaking of drama, remember that scene in *Skyfall* where Bond's cruising in his Aston Martin? Yep, that's the A82 between Bridge of Orchy and the Kings House Hotel. Honestly, the Glencoe section alone, with its Rannoch Moor Bridge, is worth the entire trip. From lush valleys to jagged peaks and rivers that sparkle, it’s like driving through a legend. Get ready to be wowed!
hardAn Awe-Inspiring Paved Road to Costalunga Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo di Costalunga: A Alpine Adventure in South Tyrol Ready for some serious mountain scenery? Head to Passo di Costalunga (also called Karerpass) in Italy's South Tyrol region, sitting pretty at 1,745m (5,725ft) above sea level. This isn't your typical pointy peak—the summit spreads out like a plateau, which means you get almost a full 360° view of some seriously impressive mountains: the Ortler, the Cevedale massif, and the Adige Valley stretching below. The 23km (14-mile) route runs west-east from Ponte Nova to Vigo di Fassa, and while it's fully paved and well-maintained, don't let that fool you. This is a legit driving challenge with narrow sections, countless hairpin turns, and steep slopes that hit gradients up to 11%—demanding enough that it's been featured in the Giro d'Italia cycling race. At the summit, you'll find everything you need to break up the drive: cozy hotels, restaurants serving up authentic Alpine fare, souvenir shops, and even a farmer renting horses if you fancy a different kind of adventure. Whether you're a seasoned mountain driver or just looking for stunning views with a side of adrenaline, Passo di Costalunga delivers both in spades.
moderateTravel guide to the top of Col du Chasseral in the Jura Mountains
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Col du Chasseral Ever heard of Col du Chasseral? This 1,606-meter (5,269 ft) alpine gem sits pretty in Switzerland's Jura Mountains, nestled in the Bern canton near Neuchâtel. It's the kind of place that makes you understand why people fall in love with mountain driving. Here's what makes it special: the summit is home to a charming hotel-restaurant and a communication tower, and the views? Absolutely stunning. You get panoramic vistas over three beautiful lakes, with the massive Biel Lake dominating the landscape right below you. It's the kind of spot that makes you want to pull over and just breathe. The route from Nods is a solid 10.4 km (6.46 miles) of pure alpine driving, climbing 710 meters with an average gradient of 6.82%. The road itself is completely paved, but fair warning—it's narrow and seriously steep. You'll navigate some tight switchbacks that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel. The asphalt is in decent shape overall, and the drainage systems are helpfully marked with white lines. The real challenge? Those speed bumps between the pass and the hotel are legitimately tall and demand your full attention and a slow approach. The road ends at a parking area at 1,548 meters, where cars have to call it quits. From there, adventurers can hike or bike the final stretch to the actual summit. **Pro tip:** Don't forget to check conditions before you go—this pass is notorious for winter closures, so timing is everything if you're planning a visit in the colder months.