Where is Vielha Tunnel?
Spain, europe
5.24 km
1,635 m
moderate
Year-round
Nestled high in the Spanish Pyrenees, in Catalonia's wild northwest corner, you'll find the Tunel de Vielha. This isn't just any tunnel, though. We're talking about a 5.2km (3.25 mile) stretch of paved road boring through the mountains, connecting Vielha, the Aran Valley's main hub, with the Alta Ribagorça region.
A bit of history: Before this tunnel, the Aran Valley was pretty cut off, especially in winter. The original tunnel, once the world's longest, got a bit dicey safety-wise, so the updated Juan Carlos I Tunnel was opened in 2007.
The road itself? It's part of the N230, with two lanes heading south and one going north, so be aware of the traffic flow! Expect some steep climbs inside, with gradients hitting up to 7.5% in places. The elevation peaks at 1,635m (5,364ft) above sea level.
You can usually cruise through year-round, but keep an eye on the weather – it might close briefly in heavy winter storms. If you're coming from Vielha, it's a 12.3 km climb, gaining 664 meters in elevation (averaging 5.4%). Coming from Villaler, it’s a longer, gentler 18.7 km climb with an elevation gain of 656 meters (averaging 3.5%). Prepare for some beautiful mountain scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5.24 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,635 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhat’s at the summit of Pezinská Baba?
🌍 Slovakia
Pezinská Baba is a mountain pass at an elevation of above sea level, located in the What’s at the summit of Pezinská Baba? , at the summit there is a . It is the closest mountain road to the capital of . This makes it very popular with amateur racers from Slovakia's most populous city and those of nearby countries. The views are Is the road to Pezinská Baba paved? Set high in the western part of the country, the road to the summit is Why is the road to Pezinská Baba famous? choice for organisers of mountain road known for its , which allow drivers to take their vehicles to the . The road regularly claims victims, especially Is Pezinská Baba used for races? The road is used for the European Championships of Vintage Cars — a regular contest organised by the Slovak National Automotive Association . The road is a popular venue for motoring competitions and test runs . The racing drivers usually have to tackle How long is the road through Pezinská Baba? The road through the pass is long, running west–east from How steep is the road through Pezinská Baba? long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is . The average gradient is . And starting from long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is . The average gradient is Road suggested by: Pavol Holčík A paved road to Velicke Pleso in the High Tatras Mountains 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.
moderateFurka Pass
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# The Furka Pass: A Swiss Alpine Classic If you're hunting for one of Switzerland's most iconic high-altitude drives, the Furka Pass is calling your name. Perched at a breathtaking 2,429 meters above sea level, this 38-kilometer beauty connects the cantons of Valais and Uri and serves as the gateway to the Rhone Glacier—the very source of the Rhone River itself. The drive from Gletsch to Hospental is pure Alpine drama. You'll climb from verdant valleys into an otherworldly landscape of jagged peaks and windswept plateaus, with the legendary Goldfinger car chase location from 1964 adding a splash of cinematic cool to your journey. The sweeping curves here are built for memorable drives, whether you're a Bond fan or just a lover of mountain roads. The Rhone Glacier is the real star, though it's visibly retreating thanks to climate change. Even so, it's still worth stopping for—they carve out an ice grotto each summer where you can actually walk inside glowing blue ice. The iconic Hotel Belvedere, dramatically perched above the glacier at a hairpin turn, has become a legendary photo spot (even if it's currently closed). Here's the best part: the Furka is part of a triumphant Alpine triple-pass circuit with the Grimsel and Susten passes nearby. Combine them all and you've got one unforgettable road trip. The pass opens June through October with perfectly maintained asphalt and solid guardrails, so the drive itself is surprisingly comfortable. For winter crossings or a nostalgic experience, hop on the historic Furka Steam Railway for a charming steam-powered adventure over the summit.
extremeStrada Berbenno di Valtellina-Caldenno
🇮🇹 Italy
# Berbenno di Valtellina to Caldenno: The Italian Climb That'll Test Your Limits Tucked away in Sondrio Province in Lombardy, Italy, this road is seriously one of the gnarliest bike climbs you can tackle. We're talking about a monster ascent that'll push even experienced cyclists to their breaking point. Starting at a modest 389 meters in the village of Berbenno di Valtellina, you'll grind your way up 13.5 km through 40 hairpin turns, eventually reaching Caldenno at a whopping 1,811 meters elevation. That's a total elevation gain of 1,422 meters—and yes, you'll feel every single one of those meters. The numbers tell the real story: you're looking at an average gradient of 10.53%, but here's where it gets wild—some sections hit a brutal 40% slope. It's relentless. The road is mostly asphalt with some concrete sections toward the top, so a mountain bike is definitely your best bet here. Fair warning: some stretches are *insanely* narrow. We're talking barely wide enough for a car, let alone two vehicles passing each other. In winter, expect occasional closures when weather gets sketchy, but the road is generally open year-round for ambitious riders. If you're looking for an epic, leg-crushing challenge in the Italian Alps, this is absolutely it. Just bring your A-game and plenty of water.
moderateCol de Rousset is an epic road in the Vercors massif
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Rousset Nestled in the Drôme department of southeastern France, Col de Rousset sits at 1,254 meters (4,114 ft) and offers one of those scenic drives that actually lives up to the hype. This mountain pass winds between Die and the charming village of Chamaloc through landscapes that scream Provence—think lavender-scented air and that golden Mediterranean light. You'll be driving through the Vercors Regional Natural Park, part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, where an Alpine ski resort crowns the summit. The viewpoints? Absolutely stellar, stretching across the southern Vercors and into the Pays Diois area. There's some serious history here too—a tunnel carved between 1861 and 1866 opened up trade routes that still define the region today. The road itself (D518) is a dream to navigate: fully paved, impeccably maintained, with clear markings throughout. The 28.5 km (17.7 miles) journey includes eight sweeping hairpin turns that keep things interesting without being too intense. Gradients max out around 8.5%, so it's challenging but not brutal. Fair warning though—you'll share the road with plenty of motorcyclists who love this route as much as road cyclists do (the Tour de France has rolled through here more than once). Coming from Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors, you're looking at a 14 km climb with 464 meters of elevation gain. The Die approach is longer at 20.6 km but steadier at 4.2% average gradient. From Chamaloc, those hairpins really start to shine, treating you to constantly shifting views and colors as you twist upward. The payoff at the top? A panoramic masterpiece overlooking the Diois valley with the Drôme foothills stretching out below. Traffic stays light to moderate, making this one of those perfect roads where you can actually enjoy the ride.