
Where is Collada de Bracons?
Spain, europe
14.4 km
1,136 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Collada de Bracons in Catalonia, Spain! This mountain pass sits way up high at 1,136 meters (that's 3,727 feet!). You'll find it right on the border between Girona and Barcelona provinces, smack-dab in central Catalonia.
The road, known as GIV-5273, stretches for about 14.4 kilometers (almost 9 miles) from Sant Andreu de la Vola to Sant Esteve d'en Bas. But be warned: it's not exactly a smooth ride. The pavement can be a bit rough, and you'll be facing some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients of up to 14%!
Expect tons of twists and turns as you climb through the Serra dels Llancers mountains, part of the Catalan Pre-Pyrenees. The pass is usually open all year, but keep an eye on the forecast in winter, as snow and ice can lead to temporary closures.
Because this road can be a bit of a beast, they built the Tunel de Bracons to bypass it. This tunnel is a whopping 4.95 kilometers (over 3 miles) long and opened in 2009. It's one of the longest tunnels in Spain, but keep in mind, it's a toll tunnel.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,136 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhat are the highest roads in Turkey?
🇹🇷 Turkey
# Discover Turkey's Epic Mountain Roads Turkey is an absolute beast when it comes to dramatic geography. Straddling Europe and Asia, this country is basically all mountains—seriously, one glance at the map and you'll see why. Sure, there are some gorgeous coastlines along the Black Sea and Mediterranean, but the real action happens inland on those towering peaks. The Anatolian Peninsula is sandwiched between two absolute giants: the Pontic Alps hugging the north and the Taurus Mountains dominating the south. Between them? Vast, sprawling high-altitude plateaus that'll take your breath away. This wild terrain means the roads here aren't your typical highway cruises—they're engineering marvels that twist and turn through some of the world's most stunning (and challenging) mountain passes. If you're a road-tripping adrenaline junkie, Turkey is calling your name. These routes will test your driving skills while rewarding you with some of the most incredible scenery on the planet. Ready to find out which stretches rank as the highest asphalted roads in the country? Explore our interactive map and dive into an adventure across some of the world's most spectacular drives. Got a killer road you think deserves the spotlight? We're always hunting for hidden gems. Share your suggestion with us—your next favorite drive might just make it onto our collection!
moderateA Steep (24%) Paved Road to Nigra Pass in the Dolomites
🇮🇹 Italy
Passo Nigra is a seriously impressive high mountain pass sitting at 1,688m (5,538ft) in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, nestled in northern Italy's South Tyrol region. Here's what makes this route such a wild ride: the 30km (18.64 miles) stretch runs south-north from Carezza (near Costalunga Pass) all the way to Prato Isarco, and it's completely paved. Built back in 1957, this road absolutely doesn't mess around—we're talking a jaw-dropping maximum grade of 24% (the signage claims 27%, but let's go with what's actually there). It's legitimately one of Italy's steepest passes, yet somehow it stays open year-round. At the summit, you'll find a welcoming mountain hut complete with a bar and restaurant—perfect for catching your breath and refueling after tackling those intense grades. Whether you're a hardcore driving enthusiast or just looking for an adrenaline-pumping Alpine adventure, Passo Nigra delivers the goods. The combination of serious elevation, brutal gradients, and stunning mountain scenery makes this one unforgettable journey through the Italian Alps.
hardWhere is Stwlan Dam?
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, picture this: you're in Gwynedd, Wales, smack-dab in Snowdonia National Park. You're headed up to Llyn Stwlan, a mountain reservoir perched way up at 1,679 feet! The road to get there? Totally paved, but hold on tight – it's a wild ride! We're talking narrow, super curvy, and packed with eight hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Starting in Tanygrisiau, it's about 1.8 miles to the top, but those miles are intense. Word of warning: usually you can't drive up in your own car. Also, keep an eye on the weather—you might need chains or snow tires, even when you least expect it. But trust me, the views from the top are SO worth it. You'll be gazing out over the Moelwyn range and the Vale of Ffestiniog, and it's absolutely breathtaking. Llyn Stwlan itself is cool too—it was originally a small lake, but they built a dam in the 50s as part of the Ffestiniog Power Station project. And did I mention it's steep? Seriously steep. At its worst, you're looking at an 18.4% gradient on some sections. You'll climb almost 1,000 feet in just under two miles, with an average gradient of almost 10%. Get ready for a climb!
extremeThe Norwegian Fv946 is one of the steepest roads in the world
🇳🇴 Norway
# Fv946 (Tronåsen): Norway's Gnarliest Mountain Drive If you're craving an adrenaline-pumping road trip, buckle up—Norway's Fv946 might just be your ultimate challenge. Nestled between Rogaland and Vest-Agder counties in southern Norway, this legendary route sits at the northern tip of Lake Lundevatnet and will test even the most confident drivers. We're talking about one of the steepest roads on the planet here. With gradients hitting 25-33%, this isn't your average Sunday cruise. The road demands respect—weak engines and dodgy brakes have no business here. Seriously, some cars actually need to reverse up sections because forward gears just don't cut it. That's the kind of intense you're signing up for. The numbers alone tell the story: just 5.4 km (3.35 miles) of pure, concentrated mayhem. Starting from a parking area along E39 (complete with facilities), it climbs to Bakke Bro, a stunning 1844 suspension bridge spanning the River Sira. The route is narrow—only 2.5 to 3.5 meters wide—and twists through 11 wickedly sharp hairpin turns. The pavement exists, sure, but it's seen better days. Here's the history kicker: this road has been connecting travelers since 1791 and was officially paved in 1844 as part of the Western Highway. It was originally built for horse transport (imagine that!) and was such a proving ground it earned a spot in the 1931 Rally Monte Carlo. Fair warning: it's only open to regular cars May through September. Large vehicles, caravans, and trailers? Not happening—ever.