Where is the Malta High Alpine Road?

Where is the Malta High Alpine Road?

Austria, europe

Length

14.4 km

Elevation

1,902 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Austrian Alps in Carinthia, north of the adorable village of Malta. You're on the Malta-Hochalmstraße, a toll road that's only open from May to October, so plan accordingly! This isn't just any road; it's a twisting, turning, 14.4km (8.94 miles) masterpiece carved into the mountains, eventually leading you to the Kölnbreinsperre, Austria's highest dam, sitting pretty at 1.902m (6,240ft).

Originally built for dam construction, now it's a thrill ride for drivers and bikers alike. Think hairpin turns, a maximum grade of 13%, and six super cool natural stone tunnels. Keep an eye out, because some of the uphill sections are only one lane. And there are traffic lights at the tightest spots to keep everyone safe and sound. The views following the Malta River? Seriously epic. Get ready for some serious mountain road magic!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Austria
Continent
europe
Length
14.4 km
Max Elevation
1,902 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in europe

Where is Col des Tentes?moderate

Where is Col des Tentes?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Col des Tentes! This stunner of a mountain pass sits way up high in the French Pyrenees, in the Occitania region, at a cool 2,208m (7,244ft). You'll find it in the Hautes-Pyrénées department, twisting and turning along the D923. The pavement isn't the smoothest, and it's a bit of a "what if" road, meant to connect to Spain via the Port de Boucharo, but that never quite happened on the Spanish side. Get ready for some seriously challenging switchbacks (those *lacets*!), but trust me, the views of the Pyrenees from the top are worth every hairpin turn. This little beauty is only 12.4 km (7.70 miles) long, snaking from Gavarnie right up to the Spanish border. The majority of the road is decent, but the last 1.5 km? Pedestrians only, folks! At the summit, there's a big parking lot that's buzzing in the summer. Be prepared for some steep climbs, too—you'll hit gradients of up to 11%. Keep in mind, this pass is usually open from May to November, but being high in the Pyrenees, the weather can change in a heartbeat, so keep an eye on the forecast!

Where is Pla de las Peyres?hard

Where is Pla de las Peyres?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: you're in the Central Pyrenees, near Andorra, ready for an epic drive up to Pla de las Peyres, a high mountain plateau way up in the sky. Trust me, the views are worth it! The road up, known as , is mostly paved, but get ready for some narrow sections that add a little *spice* to the adventure. This isn't just a scenic drive; it's a climb! Starting from , you'll be tackling a stretch with some seriously steep grades, averaging around and maxing out at in spots. That elevation gain? A cool . The road dead-ends at a parking lot, a popular launchpad for hikers eager to conquer the surrounding peaks. And those views along the way? Prepare to be wowed by the breathtaking scenery of . Basically, get your camera ready, because this drive is pure Instagram gold!

Monte Castelbertomoderate

Monte Castelberto

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, picture this: you're in northern Italy, specifically the stunning Trentino-Alto Adige region. You're itching for an adventure, something a little off the beaten path. Well, let me tell you about Monte Castelberto! This high mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,765 meters (that's 5,790 feet for my imperial friends). The road up is Strada Provinciale 64 (SP64), and it's a bit of a throwback – think old military road vibes, mostly gravel. So, yeah, you'll want something with good tires and maybe a sense of adventure. But trust me, the views are worth it. You'll be treated to some seriously amazing scenery. Just be aware of the hazards, as you would expect on a mountain road.

London’s Cycling Infrastructure: Navigating the Capital’s Highest-Risk Zonesextreme

London’s Cycling Infrastructure: Navigating the Capital’s Highest-Risk Zones

🇬🇧 England

Okay, picture this: you're in the heart of London, ready to explore on two wheels. But hold up, cycling here ain't always a picnic in Hyde Park. Forget hairpin turns on mountain roads; London's "danger" is all about navigating a chaotic mix of historic streets and heavy traffic. Trafalgar Square? More like a traffic square! Imagine battling double-decker buses and iconic black cabs just to hold your lane. Sadly, there's no segregated cycle lane to save you here. Watch out for those sideswipes and tourists who haven't quite figured out the roundabout rules! The infamous Rotherhithe Roundabout used to be a nightmare for cyclists coming from South East London. But guess what? They totally revamped it with Cycleway 4! Now there's a physically separated lane that keeps you away from those weaving freight trucks. Genius! And remember the Elephant and Castle roundabout, once called "London's worst for cyclists?" Yikes! After a series of accidents, they transformed it into a cyclist's dream: a two-way segregated bypass with raised cycle lanes! No more HGVs invading your space—hooray for safety! Turns out, separating cyclists from cars and buses is the real deal. These "Cycle Superhighways" are like high-speed bike lanes that drastically reduce injury. But fair warning: until the whole network is connected, you'll still hit spots where you're sharing the road with those massive buses. Ride safe out there! London is getting there, bit by bit, roundabout by roundabout. So while you won't find any cliff edges here, remember that urban cycling has its own kind of "hairy" moments. Be smart, stay alert, and enjoy the ride!