
Where is Stwlan Dam?
Wales, europe
2.89 km
512 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Gwynedd, Wales, smack-dab in Snowdonia National Park. You're headed up to Llyn Stwlan, a mountain reservoir perched way up at 1,679 feet!
The road to get there? Totally paved, but hold on tight – it's a wild ride! We're talking narrow, super curvy, and packed with eight hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Starting in Tanygrisiau, it's about 1.8 miles to the top, but those miles are intense.
Word of warning: usually you can't drive up in your own car. Also, keep an eye on the weather—you might need chains or snow tires, even when you least expect it.
But trust me, the views from the top are SO worth it. You'll be gazing out over the Moelwyn range and the Vale of Ffestiniog, and it's absolutely breathtaking. Llyn Stwlan itself is cool too—it was originally a small lake, but they built a dam in the 50s as part of the Ffestiniog Power Station project.
And did I mention it's steep? Seriously steep. At its worst, you're looking at an 18.4% gradient on some sections. You'll climb almost 1,000 feet in just under two miles, with an average gradient of almost 10%. Get ready for a climb!
Road Details
- Country
- Wales
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2.89 km
- Max Elevation
- 512 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Nebelhorn?
🇩🇪 Germany
Nebelhorn is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,068 m (6,784 ft) above sea level, located in Bavaria, in Germany. The road to the summit is brutally steep, and the slope—in some parts—is inhuman, with gradients up to 45%. It is one of the highest roads in Germany The peak is located near the village of Oberstdorf, in the southern part of the country, close to the Austrian border. How Steep is the Nebelhorn? Set high in the Allgäu Alps, it is said to be one of the steepest and hardest climbs in Europe. The scenery is outstanding, the best in the northern Alps. How to Climb the Nebelhorn? The climb has two parts. The first part ends at a mountain hut called Edmund Probst Haus, at an elevation of 1,932 m above sea level. The road is pretty narrow, and the asphalt is really poor in some sections. It was paved in 2008. Due to its steepness, a 4WD car is necessary. The climb is not very long but steep. Expect gradients of over 20% in the last kilometers. Beyond the Edmund Probst Haus mountain hut, the road climbs about 1 km more to a cableway at 2,068 m above sea level. This part is closed to motor vehicles. It is a very brutal climb on an unpaved surface. Germany’s 4 Most Beautiful Scenic Drives A Steep Paved Road to Berghaus Schwaben Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardWhere is Mount Kandil?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, fellow adventurers, let me tell you about Mount Kandil in Turkey! This place is seriously epic. We're talking serious altitude here, one of the highest roads in the whole country. Forget your own car though - the road to the top is off-limits to personal vehicles. But the views? Totally worth finding a way up. Expect some serious white-knuckle moments: super steep climbs, super narrow sections, and drops that'll make your stomach flip. And turns? Hundreds of 'em! You'll start near the town of Cennet Cehennem Vadisi. From there, it's around [Length] of pure adrenaline. The scenery is breathtaking. Get ready for the ride of your life!
easyDriving the German Alpine Road, the oldest holiday route of the country
🇩🇪 Germany
# The German Alpine Road: A Bavarian Dream Drive Picture this: a 450-kilometer ribbon of perfectly paved road weaving through the Bavarian Alps, connecting Lake Constance to Lake Königssee along the Austrian border. That's the German Alpine Road (Alpenstraße), and it's genuinely one of those drives that lives up to the hype. Built in the 1930s and finally completed in 1960, this scenic route has earned its reputation as Germany's oldest holiday drive. Sure, you *could* blast through it in 5-6 hours, but honestly? That would be missing the entire point. Most travelers spend 3-4 days exploring, and for good reason. The driving itself is a blast—think occasional climbs, satisfying curves, and long, sweeping straights that beg for a more leisurely pace. The road is totally paved with generous lanes, so you're not wrestling with anything sketchy. What you're really wrestling with is the temptation to stop at every turnout. And there's plenty to stop for. We're talking 25 castles and palaces, 64 wellness resorts, and 21 mountain lakes scattered throughout the route. The scenery is legitimately breathtaking—the kind of landscape that makes you understand why people vacation in Bavaria. Mountains frame everything, charming villages dot the route, and despite being famous, the whole thing somehow still feels wonderfully unspoiled. Whether you're into autumn colors, snowy peaks, or wildflower-filled meadows, this drive delivers year-round. It's the perfect excuse to slow down and actually experience the countryside instead of just passing through it.
hardIs the track to Pico Agujas unpaved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I just found the ultimate off-road experience in León, Spain. Picture this: you're in Castile and León, ready to conquer Pico Agujas, a 2,101m (6,893ft) peak. Forget smooth tarmac; this baby is ALL unpaved. It’s actually a service road for the San Isidro ski resort chairlift, so you know it's gonna be epic. Think hairpin turns galore and gradients that'll make your engine sweat. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended, it’s essential! The route kicks off from the Aparcamiento Sector Cebolledo parking lot and stretches for just 3.8 km (2.36 miles), but don't let the short distance fool you. You'll climb a whopping 406m, averaging a crazy 10.68% gradient! You're smack-dab in the Redes Natural Park, so the scenery is gonna be out of this world. Just a heads-up: this road is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!