Where is the Kaunertal Glacier Road?
Austria, europe
26 km
1,273 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: the Kaunertal Glacier Road, snaking its way up to a staggering 2,750 meters (that's over 9,000 feet!). You'll find this beast in the Austrian Tyrol, near the Italian border, just south of Landeck.
Built back in 1980 to let everyone experience the magic of glaciers, this road is a 26-kilometer ribbon of asphalt that starts in Feichten at 1,273 meters. Prepare for 29 hairpin turns as you climb a whopping 1,500 meters!
Yeah, it's steep, averaging a 10% gradient with spikes hitting 12%. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. This isn't just a road; it's an engineering marvel that feels like you're leaving the world behind. Plus, info panels along the way spill secrets about the local nature, history, and culture.
Give yourself about an hour to soak it all in. Oh, and pro tip: if you're skiing, the toll road is free! The road’s open from 7am to 7:30pm during the summer months (June, July and August) and 7am to 5pm in all other months. Seriously, this road is an Austrian alpine experience you won't forget.
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 26 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,273 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateSela de Culac is a chillout in the Dolomites
🇮🇹 Italy
# Sela de Culac: A Dolomite Adventure Tucked away in South Tyrol's stunning Val Gardena, Sela de Culac is a high-altitude mountain pass sitting at 2,020m (6,627ft) that absolutely lives up to the hype. Also known as Sella del Culaç or Kulatsch Satte, this beauty sits west of the famous Gardena Pass and takes you deep into the heart of the Dolomites. The fully paved Strada Statale 243 (SS243) climbs 15 km (9.32 miles) from Plan De Gralba to Colfosco, and let's be real—it doesn't hold back. You'll encounter some seriously steep sections with gradients hitting 11%, so this isn't a leisurely cruise. The road itself has quite the backstory, originally built in 1915 during World War I and officially completed in 1960, earning its stripes as a stage in the legendary Giro d'Italia race. Fair warning: there's a rock slide area to watch out for, and during summer months, expect company. Tourists, motorcyclists, and cyclists flock here for good reason—the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. The majestic Sasslong/Sassolungo looms in the background while you navigate along the Sella massif, giving you those quintessential Dolomite Alps views you've seen in magazines. Once you reach the top, you'll find Hotel Chalet Gerard ready to welcome you, plus a parking area to catch your breath and soak in the panoramic vistas. It's the kind of road that reminds you why mountain driving is worth every twist and turn.
moderateR21 Highway is one of the great drives in the world
🌍 Russia
Okay, road trip dreamers, listen up! If you're hunting for an epic Russian adventure, the R21 Highway – or Kola Motorway as the locals call it – is calling your name. This bad boy stretches 1,340 kilometers (that's a hefty 832 miles!) from the Baltic Sea all the way up to the Barents Sea. Think St. Petersburg vibes to the port city of Murmansk! Get ready to cross the Arctic Circle just north of Loukhi; bragging rights unlocked! This isn't just a scenic route; it's the main artery for getting around in the Republic of Karelia and the Murmansk Oblast. The good news? It's paved and usually in decent shape. The less-than-awesome news? You'll be sharing the road with some serious heavy-duty trucks. Also, this area has seen its share of pollution. But hey, the road is generally open all year round! Word to the wise: this is a long haul through some pretty rugged territory. Make sure you and your ride are prepped and ready to roll!
moderateRoad Fv98
🇳🇴 Norway
# Road FV98: A Scenic Norwegian Coastal Gem If you're looking for one of those drives that'll have you constantly reaching for your camera, FV98 in Finnmark, Norway is absolutely it. This 123-kilometer stretch of perfectly paved asphalt hugs the coastline with absolutely stunning sea views that'll make your heart skip a beat. The road connects the charming village of Lakselv—sitting pretty at the southern edge of the massive Porsangerfjorden where the E6 passes through—all the way to Ifjord at the tip of Ifjorden. It's basically a scenic detour into a quieter corner of Norway that doesn't get nearly enough love from travelers. The best part? You can drive it year-round. Sure, winter weather might throw the occasional curveball and cause temporary closures when conditions get gnarly, but for the most part, this route is open and waiting for adventurous drivers ready to experience some genuine Norwegian coastal magic. Whether you're chasing the midnight sun in summer or hunting for northern lights in winter, FV98 delivers the goods.
moderateWhere is Col d'Orgambide?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Col d'Orgambide, straddling the Spanish-French border at a cool 992 meters (that's 3,254 feet for you!), is a wild ride. You'll find it connecting the Pyrénées-Atlantiques in France with Navarre in northern Spain, the border itself smack-dab at the top. This baby's about 11.2 km (or 7ish miles) winding from the Spanish town of Orbaizeta, north to meet the D428 road in France. The road? Let's just say it's an adventure. It’s paved, mostly, with a few random concrete sections thrown in to keep things interesting. Prepare for some seriously steep bits. And get this: it's so narrow, forget about two cars passing each other. But the views from the top? Totally worth it! Just imagine those Pyrenees stretching out before you!