Where is Septimer Pass?

Where is Septimer Pass?

Switzerland, europe

Length

6.5 km

Elevation

2,310 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Wanna feel like a Roman trader? Then head to Septimer Pass, nestled high in the Swiss Alps in Graubünden! This ancient route, also called Passo del Settimo or Pass da Sett, connects the gorgeous Bregaglia and Oberhalbstein valleys in southeast Switzerland.

Once a super important Alpine crossing to Italy, its gentle slopes made it a perfect trade route. But now, it's a bit more off-the-beaten-path since a different road opened up in 1826.

Starting from Sursés, the unpaved road stretches for 6.5 km (4.03 miles) to the top. Get ready for a climb – you'll gain 527 m in elevation, averaging an 8.10% gradient!

Keep in mind, this isn't a drive for your car. The road is closed to private vehicles, so bikes are your best bet. And because it's high in the mountains, it's usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Switzerland
Continent
europe
Length
6.5 km
Max Elevation
2,310 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in europe

Monte Botte Donatohard

Monte Botte Donato

🇮🇹 Italy

# Monte Botte Donato Perched at a dramatic 1,928 meters (6,325 feet) in Calabria's mountainous heart, Monte Botte Donato is a serious climb that rewards bold drivers. The route to the summit follows Strada delle Vette—a paved road that keeps you honest with its narrow stretches and gnarly 11.7% grades that'll definitely test your driving chops. Once you reach the top, you'll find a welcoming mountain refuge where you can catch your breath and soak in those incredible views. If you're feeling adventurous, there are a couple of rougher alternatives worth exploring: an old military road heading down toward Lago d'Arpon and an unpaved track leading to Feudo Pass. These rough tracks add an extra layer of adventure for those looking to go off the beaten path and experience the raw mountain terrain that makes this corner of Southern Italy so compelling.

Laguna de Sobiahard

Laguna de Sobia

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: you're in northern Spain, in the heart of Asturias, ready for an off-road adventure to Laguna de Sobia, a stunning mountain lake perched at 1,363m! You're in Las Ubiñas-la Mesa Natural Park, surrounded by the Cantabrian Mountains. The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. It's a rugged, unpaved climb (with some concrete sections when things get *really* steep), so a high-clearance 4WD is definitely your best friend here. Seriously, this climb is brutal! It's only 3 kilometers from Carrea, a tiny village, but those kilometers pack a punch: think five hairpin turns and an average gradient of 21.13%! You'll gain 634 meters in elevation, so be prepared for a workout! The weather can be super unpredictable up here, and with those high elevations, you're exposed to some serious winds. The road is open year-round, but winter weather can definitely cause temporary closures, so keep an eye on the forecast. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. The drive, though narrow in places, offers insane views of the Teverga valley. If you're a nature lover, this place is heaven. The scenery is mind-blowing, a total feast for the eyes! Get ready to be amazed.

Road trip guide: Conquering Col du Vallonhard

Road trip guide: Conquering Col du Vallon

🇫🇷 France

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Col du Vallon is calling your name. Nestled high in the French Alps, this mountain pass punches in at a whopping 2,456 meters (that's over 8,000 feet!). You'll find it hanging out in the Hautes-Alpes department. Now, fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking a completely unpaved, bumpy ride. Think patched-up spots and a real need for a 4x4. Expect steep climbs, hairpin turns galore, and sections that are, shall we say, "well-worn." Oh, and winter? Forget about it. This route is buried under snow until late June, maybe even July some years. Mostly it’s used to access the ski lifts and lodges. It can get pretty breezy up there, too. The road gets seriously steep, hitting gradients of 10.5% in places. Starting near the village of Vars, the trail stretches for almost 14 kilometers (about 8.6 miles) as it winds its way to the top. And the payoff? Unbelievable views! We're talking panoramic vistas of the Queyras, the Embrunais, and the majestic Pelvoux Massif. So, if you're ready for a rugged, off-the-beaten-path adventure, Col du Vallon is waiting!

The Three Corniches are 3 roads with dramatic coastal views in Cote d'Azurextreme

The Three Corniches are 3 roads with dramatic coastal views in Cote d'Azur

🇫🇷 France

# The Corniche Roads: Three Epic Drives Along the French Riviera Heading east from Nice toward Menton along the stunning Côte d'Azur, you'll find three legendary highways carved dramatically into the mountainside. Known as Les Trois Corniches, these parallel routes stretch about 20 miles between the sea and mountains, offering some of Europe's most breathtaking coastal scenery—and they're honestly some of the world's best drives. Since the 19th century, engineers have built not just one but three scenic routes that became icons in their own right. You've probably seen them in classic films without even realizing it—Hitchcock's *To Catch a Thief*, *Grace of Monaco*, and several James Bond flicks all featured these roads for good reason. Each corniche has its own personality, though fair warning: summer traffic gets absolutely packed on the lower two. **The Grande Corniche** sits highest up at around 1,500 feet elevation, following Napoleon's original route along the ancient Via Julia Augusta. It's the most spectacular but also the most demanding—narrow in spots, prone to fog, and historically the most accident-prone. Still, confident drivers willing to tackle it on clear days get rewarded with truly unspoiled views. You'll understand why it's a favorite for car commercials. **The Moyenne Corniche**, built between 1910 and 1928, offers the perfect middle ground at about 472 meters elevation. It's faster than the coastal route and delivers equally stunning views while cutting through dramatic rock formations. Fair heads-up though: it's known as an accident hotspot, probably because tourists can't stop gazing at the scenery. **The Basse Corniche** hugs the coast, passing through charming seaside towns like Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer. It's the most congested (mostly commuter traffic heading to Monaco) but offers that relaxed seaside vibe if you're not in a rush. Built back in the 1860s, it runs practically alongside the railway for most of the journey.