Where is Lake Goscheneralp?
Switzerland, europe
9.6 km
1,786 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Swiss Alps, heading towards the ridiculously scenic Göscheneralpsee, a high-altitude reservoir chilling at 1,786m (5,859ft). You'll find this gem tucked away in the Canton of Uri, nestled in the Göschenen Valley.
The road up is a blast! It's paved the whole way, but hold onto your hats – it's narrow, steep, and twisty! It's generally open all year round. Think tight tunnels and sections where you'll be grateful for your side mirrors, but the adrenaline rush is totally worth it.
From Göschenen, it's about 9.6 km (5.96 miles) to the lake, climbing a hefty 680 meters. That's an average gradient of 7.08%, with some sections hitting a leg-burning 12%! At the end of the road, you're rewarded with a parking spot, a cozy mountain hut, and views that'll blow your mind.
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,786 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardClue de Saint Auban is a scenic balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Clue de Saint Auban: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure If you're craving one of France's most iconic balcony roads, the Clue de Saint Auban delivers pure adrenaline and jaw-dropping views. This spectacular gorge, carved by the Esteron River, sits tucked between the Alpes de Haute-Provence and Alpes Maritimes departments in the southeastern corner of the PACA region, right where the Verdon meets the Estéron valley. The fully paved D2211 winds its way through the gorge like a ribbon clinging to the mountainside—and we mean *clinging*. This isn't your average scenic drive. The road hugs the cliff edge on a narrow ledge with dramatic rock overhangs that'll make you feel like you're driving through a cathedral. Keep an eye out for a chapel carved directly into the rock face—locals still hold services here every September, and it's legitimately awe-inspiring. The real showstopper? The 7.3 km stretch between Saint-Auban and Briançonnet. This section is where things get serious. You're navigating a single-lane ribbon of pavement that contours impossibly high along sheer ravine walls, with overhanging rock creating a tunnel-like effect. It's one of the deepest and steepest clues in all of Provence, and rock slides are a genuine concern here. Rally Monte-Carlo drivers have tackled this section for years—if that tells you anything about the challenge level. Nestled at the foot of Mont Teillon, this balcony road is famous for good reason. The scenery is absolutely stunning as you snake through forests and mountains, but stay sharp on those hairpin turns. Use those parking spots thoughtfully, and you'll have an unforgettable Alpine adventure.
hardStralegg
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Stralegg Pass: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Nestled in the stunning Appenzell Alps of Switzerland's St. Gallen canton, just a stone's throw from the Liechtenstein border, Stralegg Pass sits at a breathtaking 1,675 meters (5,495 feet). This isn't your average mountain drive—it's an adrenaline-pumping experience that'll test both your skills and nerves. Fair warning: this road is seriously steep and cramped. You'll be navigating hairpin turns and switchbacks with a gnarly 18% gradient that'll have your hands gripping the wheel. Most of the route is paved (thank goodness), but brace yourself for the final 2.5km where the road transitions to gravel. It's rough, it's rustic, and it's absolutely wild. If you're after jaw-dropping Alpine scenery combined with an edge-of-your-seat driving experience, Stralegg delivers on both fronts. Just make sure you're confident behind the wheel before tackling this beast—it's not for the faint of heart!
hardIs Strada dei Cannoni paved?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in Northern Italy, ready for an epic off-road adventure on the legendary Strada dei Cannoni! This former military road snakes its way through the dramatic landscapes of the Province of Cuneo, climbing from a modest 680m all the way up to a breathtaking 2,287m. Also known as the Varaita-Maira-Kammstraße, this route follows the ridge between the Maira and Varaita valleys, treating you to insane views of the Maritime and Cottian Alps. You'll cruise past iconic spots like the official start near Busca, the lower forested section, the panoramic high-altitude areas, and the major junction near Marmora (famous for the Giro d'Italia!). The western terminus is the highest point, offering unparalleled vistas. Just a heads-up: this isn't a Sunday drive. The Strada dei Cannoni is a serious off-road challenge. Think coarse gravel, super tight hairpin bends, and ridiculously steep climbs. Plus, many sections have unprotected drops of hundreds of meters, so you'll need to keep your eyes on the road. Access is also regulated, with closures to motorized vehicles on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays during peak season and at night. Winter? Forget about it—it's usually buried in snow. This road has some serious history, too! The Piedmontese army built it back in the 1740s, and later modernized by the Army Corps of Engineers to adapt the mule track for motorized transit. Keep an eye out for the old military barracks scattered along the way—they're a cool reminder of the road's past!
moderateWhere is Refugi de Comes de Rubio?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a spot for you that's seriously off the beaten path: Refugi de Comes de Rubió, nestled high in the Spanish Pyrenees, in the Alt Pirineu Natural Park, Catalonia. We're talking serious altitude here—1,957 meters (that's 6,420 feet!). Forget smooth asphalt; this is a 5.1-kilometer (3.16-mile) off-road adventure from the starting point. You'll climb 245 meters, so expect an average gradient of around 4.8%. Keep in mind that Mother Nature calls the shots up here. The road is typically closed to private vehicles from November 15th to May 1st due to snow and icy conditions. But when it's open, expect breathtaking views, a thrilling drive, and a true escape from civilization. Just be sure you're prepared for an unpaved and potentially challenging road!