Where is Gurnigel Pass?

Where is Gurnigel Pass?

Switzerland, europe

Length

33.9 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, because Gurnigel Pass in the Swiss canton of Bern is a stunner! Perched at a lofty elevation, this mountain pass winds its way through the gorgeous Gantrisch region in western Switzerland. Heads up for bitumen strips along certain sections of the road! Once you hit the summit (which has seen its share of World Cup cross-country skiing and biathlon events!), peek to your right for mind-blowing views of the Swiss Plateau, with the Bernese Alps providing an epic backdrop.

Yep, the road is paved, so your ride should be mostly smooth. Officially known as Gurnigelstrasse, the road surface is generally in good nick. Get ready for a solid trek – we're talking about 33.9 km (21.06 miles) of pure driving bliss. The route stretches from Zollhaus (in the Fribourg district of Sense) all the way to Rüeggisberg (in the Bern-Mittelland district).

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Switzerland
Continent
europe
Length
33.9 km
Difficulty
easy

Related Roads in europe

Where is Seitan Limania Beach?hard

Where is Seitan Limania Beach?

🇬🇷 Greece

Okay, picture this: you're on Crete, the Greek island paradise, hunting for a hidden gem. Forget the crowded tourist traps, because you're headed to Seitan Limania – aka "Ports of Satan"! Don't let the name scare you; this place is pure heaven. This beach is tucked away on the Akrotiri peninsula, about 20 km northeast of Chania. The road to it? Epic. It's only 2.7 km (a little over a mile) starting near Akropoli, but you'll climb almost 200 meters, so buckle up for some steep sections. The road's paved now, thankfully, but it's still a wild ride. Think hairpin turns clinging to cliffs, with seriously limited room for error. But hey, the views of Crete's rugged beauty are worth every white-knuckle moment. Once you reach the parking area (engage that handbrake!), it’s a 15-minute walk down a narrow, steep path to the beach. Trust me, trade those flip-flops for sneakers – you'll need them. Seitan Limania itself is a tiny, sandy cove squeezed between towering rock formations. It’s stunning. Word to the wise: avoid weekends and peak season, because this little slice of paradise gets crowded *fast*. There's a snack bar on the way down that even delivers to the beach - score! This drive is an adventure, but the reward is one of the most breathtaking beaches you'll ever see. Get ready to be amazed!

You'll never forget the road to Lac de Cemamoderate

You'll never forget the road to Lac de Cema

🇫🇷 France

# Lac de Céma: Alpine Adventure at the Top of France Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France, near the Italian border, Lac de Céma sits at a breathtaking 2,745 meters (9,005 feet) above sea level. This stunning high-altitude lake is nestled in the heart of the Graian Alps within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The journey here starts from Col de l'Iseran—yes, that's the legendary "King of the Alps"—where you'll take the Chemin du Pissaillas for just 900 meters (0.55 miles) to reach the lake. It's a short but scenic drive that ranks among France's highest roads, ending at a spacious parking lot near La Cascade restaurant, the perfect spot to grab a bite after your climb. Fair warning: the road is mostly paved, but Mother Nature hasn't been kind to it. Heavy snow takes its toll, leaving the surface pretty potholed and rough in places. If you're feeling adventurous, an unpaved track climbs even higher to the west, reaching 2,793 meters (9,163 feet) for those seeking extra elevation bragging rights. The catch? This road is strictly a summer affair, typically open from May or June through October, so plan your visit accordingly. But when conditions are right, the alpine scenery and crisp mountain air make every bump worth it.

An iconic road to Puerto de Vegaradamoderate

An iconic road to Puerto de Vegarada

🇪🇸 Spain

# Puerto de Vegarada Tucked away in the Cantabrian Mountains where Asturias meets León, Puerto de Vegarada sits at a breathtaking 1,555m (5,101ft) above sea level in north-western Spain. Two very different routes lead to the summit, each with its own personality. **The León Route (LE-321):** If you're coming from La Vecilla de Curueño in Castile and León, you're looking at a 27.8 km climb. Fair warning though—the asphalt has definitely seen better days, so take it easy and watch for rough patches. **The Asturias Route (AE-6):** Starting from Collanzo, this 18.5 km route is the real deal. You'll encounter a gnarly mix of asphalt, concrete, and gravel sections that only get more intense as you climb. The gradient averages a punishing 7.6%, but the real challenge hits in the middle stretch—a soul-crushing 4 km at 12% where two-thirds of it is rough gravel that'll test your nerves. If that wasn't enough, there's a brutal 25% maximum gradient plus three more ramps steeper than 20%, and another seven that clock in between 15–19%. This one's not for the faint of heart. Whether you're after a scenic climb or a genuine test of driving skill, Puerto de Vegarada delivers unforgettable mountain scenery and a serious adrenaline rush.

Where is Puerto de Pajares?hard

Where is Puerto de Pajares?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, buckle up road-trippers, because Puerto de Pajares in northern Spain is a wild ride! This mountain pass, sitting pretty at 1,381 meters (4,530 feet), straddles the border between León and Asturias. For ages, this was THE way to get in and out of Asturias. Now, the N630 road that takes you there is totally paved, so no need for a heavy-duty off-roader. But don't think it's a Sunday drive. Even with the fancy AP-66 highway nearby, this route still sees a ton of traffic, including its fair share of trucks. Speaking of "heavy-duty," this pass isn't messing around with its gradients. We're talking slopes officially hitting 17%! Plus, those Cantabrian Mountains are known for dumping snow in the winter, and summer nights can get super foggy. Keep an eye on the weather! The nearby Valgrande-Pajares ski resort hints at how snowy it can get. Oh, and did I mention it’s rumored to be the steepest national road in Spain? The whole stretch from Campumanes in Asturias to Villamanín in Castile and León is about 32 kilometers (almost 20 miles) of winding, scenic road. At the summit, you'll find a restaurant and a parking lot – perfect for a breather and a photo op. And if you're a cycling fan, this pass has made appearances in the Vuelta a España race, so you know it's got some serious climbs!