
Where is Glaubenberg Pass?
Switzerland, europe
30.4 km
1,543 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: the Glaubenberg Pass, a totally awesome road snaking up to 5,062 feet above sea level, right on the border between cantons, in central Switzerland. This pass has history, going way back, but the road as we know it took shape later on, and hey, even prisoners helped build it!
It's all paved now, smooth enough that it's even been part of a cycling race. Expect some pretty steep sections—nothing crazy, but pay attention! The real challenge? Watch out for those cows!
It’s nearly 19 miles of twisting, turning fun from Entlebuch (that's the district seat) to Sarnen (the capital of Obwalden, chilling by the lake).
Heads up, though: winter puts the brakes on this beauty. Usually, it’s closed from November/December until April/May, totally weather-dependent. The road from the south stays open to Langis, but the rest is a no-go until spring.
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,543 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Valparola Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Italian Dolomites on the Passo di Valparola. This beauty sits way up high at 2,168m (that's 7,113ft!), right in the Belluno province. Basically, you're in the Veneto region, that northeastern slice of Italy, hopping between the summit (Veneto side) and Val Badia (South Tyrol). Fun fact: you're also straddling the line between the Adige and Piave river basins. History buffs, listen up! This road has a cool story. It was thrown together during WWI to get supplies to the Falzarego front. Now, it's smooth sailing, thankfully. Before the war, it was just a trail. The area saw some serious action back then and you can even check out a fort-turned-museum. The road itself, Strada Provinciale 24 del Passo Valparola (SP24), is all paved and in tip-top shape. Get ready for curves, though! It's a twisty one, with some seriously steep bits. It's even been featured in the Giro d’Italia, so you know it's legit. All in all, you're looking at a 15.4 km (9.56 miles) stretch of road that runs from La Villa (South Tyrol) to Pian Falzarego (Belluno). Seriously, the Dolomites are calling!
moderateLos Portillinos is a classic road trip in Castile and Leon
🇪🇸 Spain
# Los Portillinos: A Hidden Mountain Gem Tucked away in the heart of Spain's León province, Los Portillinos (also called Alto de los Portillinos) sits at a breezy 1,957 meters (6,420 feet) in the northwestern corner of Castile and León. This is serious mountain pass territory. The 38-kilometer stretch of the LE-CV-192/21 road runs north-south between Salas de los Barrios and Corporales, winding through the stunning Montes de León range and the Valle del Silencio valley in the El Bierzo region. While it's fully paved, expect some rough patches and cracks that'll keep you on your toes—it's got character, you know? The best part? You'll barely see another car on the way up. The road generally stays open year-round, though don't be surprised by the occasional winter closure when the weather gets moody. If you're feeling adventurous, a minor gravel road branches off east toward Silla de la Yegua, a peak that tops out at 2,135 meters (7,004 feet). This is the kind of drive that rewards patient explorers with incredible mountain scenery and that satisfying feeling of discovering somewhere truly off the beaten path.
moderateWhere is Collada Fonda?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Collada Fonda! Nestled high in the Pyrenees near the French border, this unpaved beauty climbs to 6,269 feet. The 12.6-mile journey isn't for the faint of heart – think slow and steady (around 30 km/h) to navigate the rugged terrain. Starting from Espinavell, you'll climb 711 meters with an average gradient of 7.64%. If you're coming from Llano de los Infantes, you'll gain 446 meters. The best time to tackle this route is late spring to early fall – those Pyrenees mountains can get wild in the off-season! But trust me, it's totally worth it. You'll be immersed in a classic Pyrenean high-mountain landscape, and the summit views? Absolutely magnificent. The panoramic vistas from the top are unforgettable!
hardWhere is Cleuson Lake?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Alright, adventure seekers, let me tell you about Lac de Cleuson, a shimmering alpine lake nestled high in the Swiss Valais canton. You'll find this beauty in the Conthey district, hanging out way up in the mountains near the Refuge de Saint-Laurent. Seriously, this place is remote and ridiculously gorgeous. The Cleuson dam, built in the late 40s for hydroelectric power, holds back around 20 million cubic meters of water – pretty impressive, right? Its massive wall looms over everything, a testament to its sturdy reinforced design. Now, about the road... Get ready for a thrilling ride! Starting from Nendaz, you're in for about 11km of mostly paved road that turns to gravel near the very end. This climb is *steep* – we're talking sections hitting 28%! Throw in some narrow stretches, tons of hairpin turns, and tunnels, and you've got yourself an unforgettable drive. Heads up, though – the final stretch is usually closed to public vehicles, reserved only for authorized traffic. Keep in mind that from November to May, this road is totally snowed in. Is it worth the effort? Absolutely! The road offers incredible views of the Nendaz Valley stretching out below, with the distant Vaud Alps gracing the horizon. And right by the lake, you'll find the charming Chapelle catholique de Cleuson (Saint-Barthélémy), the highest chapel in the area. Trust me; this is a Swiss adventure you won't soon forget.