
Where is Unterrothorn?
Switzerland, europe
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! High in the Swiss Alps, in the canton of Valais, lies a beast of a road leading to the Unterrothorn summit. We're talking seriously high altitude here.
You'll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Zermatt, a paradise for skiing, climbing, and hiking enthusiasts.
Now, for the road itself: picture this: a mostly paved but very challenging climb, thanks to some unbelievably steep sections. It’s around long with parts of the drive being part of a chairlift access trail. Plus, forget about driving your own car, as it's closed to private vehicles. And, as you might expect, it's completely impassable during winter.
Trust me, this road is a wild ride, one of the highest in Switzerland, offering views that'll make your jaw drop.
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Difficulty
- extreme
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