
Where is Lac de Moiry?
Switzerland, europe
N/A
N/A
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through southern Switzerland, heading towards the ridiculously gorgeous Lac de Moiry. This isn't just any lake; it's one of those places that makes you question if the photos are even real.
The road itself? Totally paved and clocks in at around 14 km long, snaking its way up to this alpine paradise. It was carved out in the '60s, which is pretty cool. Even better, the road doesn't stop at the lake but continues for a short distance of 1 km, providing access to the dam.
Expect jaw-dropping views of glaciers and those classic Swiss snow-capped peaks. Keep in mind, though, this road plays by its own rules. Usually, it's open from late spring until the first big snowfall, but Mother Nature can change her mind anytime, so winter access is a bit of a gamble. In the summer, get ready to experience the stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps!
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in europe
hardDriving the road to Picco Pass is not a piece of cake
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo di Picco: Not Your Average Alpine Drive Perched at a breathtaking 1,870 meters (6,135 feet) in the heart of the central Alps, Passo di Picco is a mountain pass that demands respect. Located in Brescia province in Lombardy, this isn't your typical scenic drive—it's an adventure for experienced drivers only. The 8.8-kilometer stretch from Doverio winds upward with serious attitude. We're talking grades that hit 20% in places, rough asphalt that's seen better days, and a road so narrow they've capped the speed limit at a cautious 20 km/h. Trucks and semi-trucks are completely banned here, which tells you something about how gnarly it gets. Winter? Forget about it—the pass shuts down entirely. What makes this route particularly intense is its history as an old military track, which explains the erratic surface and relentless switchbacks. The views are genuinely stunning—those Alps don't disappoint—but you'll need to keep your eyes mostly on the road ahead. This isn't a route for learning on. Oncoming traffic in tight corners, overtaking scenarios, and the constant steep grades mean you need solid mountain driving skills. Stay alert, drive defensively, and take your time. The pass will reward careful drivers with unforgettable alpine scenery and serious bragging rights.
moderateWhere is Col du Soulor?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Pyrenees, wind in your hair, on the incredible Col du Soulor! This baby sits pretty at 1,474m (4,835ft) in the Hautes-Pyrénées department, part of the Occitania region. We're talking serious views here! The road itself? Mostly smooth sailing on the paved Route des Cols des Pyrénées, though it gets a little tight in spots and you'll zip through a tunnel or two. Think of it as one of those insane balcony roads hugging the mountainside. You're in for about 45km (28 miles) of pure driving bliss as you wind your way from Argelès Gazost to Eaux-Bonnes. Cyclists, take note: the Tour de France tackles this beast regularly! From Argelès Gazost, it's a 19.48 km climb gaining 1,019 meters at an average of 5.2%. Coming from Eaux-Bonnes, brace yourself for a 22 km ascent, climbing 1,074 meters with an average gradient of 4.9%. So, pack your camera, and get ready for some breathtaking scenery!
hardPuerto de la Mata, an epic road in Andalusia
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Puerto de la Mata! This high-altitude gem sits pretty at 1,670m (5,479ft) in Andalusia, southern Spain's AlmerÃa province. Think serious climbs - we're talking up to 18% gradients. Tucked away in the Sierra Mágina Natural Park, the road to the top (also called Puerto Torres) is a rugged, unpaved treat that forms part of the GR-7 trail. It's usually open year-round, though winter weather can sometimes throw a curveball with temporary closures. The pass stretches for 20.1 km (12.48 miles), running north-south from the JA-3107 road (near Torres) to the A-324 road (near Mata Bejid), serving up incredible vistas as you go. Heads up - it *might* be closed during the summer fire season. This route is a steady climb, long but not too brutal. From Cambil, it's a 15.1 km ascent with an average gradient of 5.7% (spiking to 11.8% in spots!). Coming from Torres? Get ready for 12.3 km at an average of 6.7%, with some sections hitting that intense 18% mark. Get ready to shift gears and soak in the scenery!
extremeGavia Pass is an epic climb in the Italian Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo di Gavia: One of the Alps' Most Epic Climbs Tucked high in the northern Italian Alps at 2,627m (8,618ft), Passo di Gavia is legitimately one of the most intense driving experiences you can have in Europe. This beast of a mountain pass spans 44.9 km (27.89 miles) between Ponte di Legno in Val Camonica and Bormio, crossing the boundary between Sondrio and Brescia provinces in Lombardy. Here's the thing – this isn't just another alpine road. It's genuinely considered the most challenging climb on the continent. The SP29 route features relentless gradients that constantly hover around 10%, with stretches hitting an eye-watering 16%. The narrow, winding road barely lets up, with hairpin turns so tight that some larger motorcycles need to reverse through them. What really gets you is the exposure – long stretches have zero guardrails overlooking sheer drops, which keeps things genuinely nerve-wracking. The approach from the south (Ponte di Legno) is the classic route and definitely the tougher one, gaining 1,363 meters over 17.3 km with that brutal 7.9% average gradient. Coming from Bormio's northern side is comparatively gentler at 5.5% average, which explains why the Giro d'Italia typically approaches from that direction. As you climb, you'll encounter small parking spots carved into the mountainside – essential when two vehicles need to pass each other on those impossibly narrow sections. Just before the summit, you'll cross the Rezzalasco and reach the alpine lodge "Berni" at 2,545m, which houses a WWI memorial. There's also an infamous tunnel on the south side (3km from the summit) that's genuinely creepy – dark, steep, and famous for speed traps enforcing a strict 30 km/h limit. The views are absolutely stunning. The summit area features the striking Lago Bianco, with the 3,359m Corno dei Tre Signori looming behind it. On the southern descent, you'll spot the equally beautiful Lago Nero at 2,386m. A basic but clean restaurant sits at the top offering affordable food and lodging, and if you look about 50 meters to the right from the road, you can actually see ancient Roman roads dating back roughly 2,000 years. The road surface is excellent throughout, and motorcyclists absolutely love this place – though traffic is generally light. Pack extra layers for the summit, as it's glacier-covered and stays cold even in summer. Snowfall isn't uncommon year-round, and the south side closes during winter, though the north stays partially open thanks to nearby Bormio's ski slopes. This is a ride that demands respect, full concentration, and serious driving skills. Get it right, and you'll have conquered one of Europe's most unforgettable alpine passages.