Where is Llanada del Mulhacen?
Spain, europe
N/A
3,408 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, let me tell you about Llanada del Mulhacen! This high-altitude plateau, chilling at over 11,000 feet in the Spanish Sierra Nevada, is a must-see, even though it's a bit of a challenge to reach.
You'll find it nestled in southern Spain, within the Sierra Nevada National Park, just east of Pico Veleta. Forget your dreams of a smooth drive, though. This track is entirely unpaved and dates back to the 19th century. Sadly, you can't drive it anymore. Back in the early 90's they closed it off to cars.
Since it's located in a protected area, the route is now off-limits to all vehicles, even bikes! But, if you're up for a hike, it's still worth the effort. Just remember, this is the Penibética mountain range, so watch out for snow and super strong winds, especially in winter.
Why bother, you ask? Because the views from the top are EPIC! You'll get a panoramic vista of almost all the high peaks of the range.
To get as close as possible, head to the Aparcamiento Hoya del Portillo parking lot. The road is paved up to that point. From there, it’s all about putting on those hiking boots and getting ready for an adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 3,408 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardUltimate 4wd destination: Laghi di Cedec
🇮🇹 Italy
# Laghi di Cedèc: A Wild Alpine Adventure Want to experience one of Italy's most dramatic high-altitude drives? Laghi di Cedèc is a stunning mountain lake sitting pretty at 2,833 meters (9,294 feet) in the Sondrio province of Lombardy, nestled within the magnificent Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio in the northern Alps. Fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road here is completely off-limits during winter, and year-round access is restricted to authorized vehicles only. The entire route is unpaved, so if you're not comfortable tackling serious mountain tracks, this probably isn't for you. You'll definitely need a proper 4x4 to make it work. Starting from Santa Caterina di Valfurva, you're looking at an 11.8 km (7.33 mile) climb with a brutal 1,104-meter elevation gain—that's an average gradient of 9.35%. Translation? Steep doesn't even begin to cover it. This ranks among Italy's highest roads for a reason. Be particularly prepared for the roughest section: the first 1.4 km beyond Rifugio Pizzini (at 2,706m/8,877ft) features some genuinely gnarly terrain that'll test your driving skills and your vehicle's suspension. If you've got a solid 4x4 and nerves of steel, the views and sense of accomplishment at the top make this epic journey absolutely unforgettable.
extremeThe Albanian SH36 road challenges even the brave drivers
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up! If you're heading to Albania and crave a serious off-the-beaten-path adventure, Route SH36 is calling your name! Nestled in the northeast, straddling Lezhé and Dibër counties, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. Most of this 54.7km (34-mile) route is unpaved, so expect a bumpy ride from Muhurr to Burrel (aka Burreli). Seriously, the pavement situation is anyone’s guess! Budget around 2 hours for this epic journey, but trust me, you’ll want to stop and soak it all in. Clocking in at a max elevation of 1,147m (3,763ft), get ready for some serious hairpin action—over 40 of them! And hold on tight, because those steep drops come without guardrails. This narrow, adrenaline-pumping road isn't for the faint of heart. While all motorized vehicles are welcome, a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive is practically a must. Seriously, unless you're looking to upgrade your ride *after* this adventure, leave the 2wd at home. But, oh man, the views? Totally worth it.
hardPuig de Fontlletera
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puig de Fontlletera: A Serious Alpine Adventure Want to experience one of Spain's most thrilling mountain drives? Head to Girona in Catalonia, where Puig de Fontlletera rises to a jaw-dropping 2,401 meters (7,877 feet). This isn't just any peak—it's among the highest roads you can drive in the entire country, nestled right in the Spanish Pyrenees. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday cruise. The road to the summit is raw and unforgiving—gravel, rocky, tippy, and genuinely bumpy in stretches. You'll need a serious 4x4 to handle the steep, muddy conditions, especially when wet. Winter? Forget about it. The road becomes completely impassable once snow and ice move in. This is genuinely a trail for experienced mountain drivers only. If unpaved high-altitude roads make you nervous, or if heights aren't your thing, keep scrolling. But if you're comfortable pushing yourself in challenging terrain and don't mind some mud under your tires, this is an absolute bucket-list drive. The steep climb rewards the brave with some seriously spectacular scenery that'll make every white-knuckle moment worth it. Just remember: this route is off-limits to regular private vehicles, so come prepared, respect the terrain, and bring your A-game.
hardFurka Pass is the Alpine road for James Bond
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Furka Pass: Switzerland's Most Thrilling Alpine Drive Want to experience one of the Swiss Alps' most legendary roads? The Furka Pass is calling your name. Sitting at a jaw-dropping 2,431 meters (7,976 feet) above sea level, this iconic route cuts through one of Switzerland's snowiest regions and delivers some seriously unforgettable Alpine scenery. Located on the border between Uri and Valais cantons near the Italian frontier, Furka Pass has been turning heads since the 14th century. When the 31.5 km route officially opened in 1867, it was Switzerland's longest pass road. Today, the well-maintained Furkastrasse (Route 19) connects Andermatt to Gletsch, mostly paved with just a few cobblestone sections for character. The drive gets serious pretty quickly. From Amsteg, you're climbing 1,942 meters over 42 km with an average gradient of 4.6% (max 10.3%). Starting from Brig? That's a 57.8 km ascent with a maximum gradient of 10.8%. These aren't just numbers on a page—you'll feel every percentage point in those hairpin turns. Fair warning: bring your A-game as a driver. The switchbacks are exhilarating (read: genuinely challenging), especially on the first section with its precipitous slopes. Rain and darkness ramp up the difficulty significantly. But here's the thing—the road is beautifully maintained and well-marked, because, well, it's Switzerland. The views? Absolutely spectacular. Glaciers, mountain peaks, dense forests, and charming villages unfold as you climb. You'll spot the historic rack-and-pinion steam train chugging along the mountainside, adding to the magic. Most thrilling detail: you get within a few hundred meters of the Rhone Glacier, the actual source of the Rhone River. Park up and walk inside the glacier itself (200 meters of pure ice-cold adventure—dress warmly!). Despite dramatic retreating in recent years, this 7 km glacier remains genuinely awe-inspiring. Over 250,000 visitors tackle this pass annually by car, bike, motorcycle, or historic train. Weekends and peak season get crowded, so plan accordingly. Pro tip: only open from late May through early November due to heavy winter snow. Check the weather before you go—driving through clouds kills the whole point. Yes, this road has serious street cred. The legendary hairpin bends made cinema history in 1964's Goldfinger when they filmed that iconic car chase in front of the Rhone Glacier. There's even a "James Bond Strasse" curve with its own lookout point. For the full Bond experience, hunt down the historic petrol station in Andermatt where the characters parted ways (now part of the Aurora Hotel). Bottom line? The Furka Pass is one of the most thrilling, challenging, and visually stunning Alpine crossings you can drive. Take your time, stop constantly for photos, and soak it all in. This is bucket-list territory.