Why is it called Rosi Mittermeier Tunnel?
Austria, europe
15 km
2,830 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Austrian Tyrol, heading up, up, UP into the Ötztal Valley. You're on the Panoramic Glacier Road (or Ötztal Glacier Road if you're feeling German), a 15km stretch of pure alpine bliss.
Then, BAM! You hit the Rosi Mittermeier Tunnel, named after the legendary ski racer. This isn't just any tunnel; at 2,830m (9,285ft) high, it's said to be the highest road tunnel in Europe! It's a 1.729m paved tube connecting the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach Glaciers, both rocking huge car parks.
Built back in '82, it's designed for two lanes each way, so even buses and trucks (up to 38 tons) can handle the 11% incline. But hey, a word of warning: this is serious mountain territory. The weather can flip on a dime, so be prepared for anything, especially snow. Snow chains are a smart move, and keep an eye out for potential road closures due to avalanche risk. Steel tracks may be required throughout the year. But trust me, the views are worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,830 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardCan you drive to Alto de l’Angliru?
🇪🇸 Spain
Nestled in Asturias, Spain, Alto de l’Angliru (aka Gramonal) is a beast of a climb reaching 1,558m (5,111ft). We're talking about one of *the* most epic cycling climbs you'll ever encounter, a paved ribbon winding its way up what was once a simple cattle track. Starting from the RI-5 north of Porció, it's a mere 8.5km (5.28 miles) to the top, but don't let the distance fool you. Traffic is light, especially during the week. Prepare for some serious leg-burning because this road is STEEP! We're talking an average gradient of 10.68%, but it punches you in the gut with a max gradient of 23.5% in spots. You'll gain 908 meters in elevation, and trust me, you'll feel every single one of them. It's one of the most infamous climbs in professional cycling, known for its relentless nature. Forget about catching your breath – aside from a tiny dip early on, it's a constant uphill battle, including a brutal 21% stretch right after the slight downhill! L'Angliru isn't just steep; it's savage. It throws punch after punch with those insane 21%+ slopes, culminating in a wall-like 23.5% ramp just a couple of kilometers from the summit. And to add to the fun, expect frequent rain and fog making conditions extra spicy! Keep in mind, this road is up in Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park, which means winter closures are common due to snow. Even in summer, fog and rain are regular visitors.
extremeAn old military road to Lago d'Arpon
🇮🇹 Italy
# Lago d'Arpon: Not for the Faint of Heart Perched at 1,830 meters (6,003 feet) on the France-Italy border, Lago d'Arpon is a stunning alpine destination—but getting there? That's an adventure in itself. This isn't your typical scenic drive. The road to the lake (also called Lago dell'Arpone) is brutally challenging and strictly 4x4 territory. Forget about winter visits entirely; snow makes this route completely impassable. As you climb up toward Lac de Roterel, you're testing not just your vehicle's capabilities but your nerves too. The views? Absolutely breathtaking—those mountain vistas are postcard-worthy. But here's the catch: they come with a side of serious exposure. Long stretches feature nothing between you and a several-hundred-meter drop except open air and loose gravel. If you're the type who gets dizzy looking down from a tall building, or if landslides keep you up at night, this probably isn't your road. There are no guardrails to reassure you, and the gravel surface demands respect. What makes this route even cooler? It's a historic military road, part of a network built across the French and Italian Alps starting in the late 1800s and heavily developed during World War I. You're literally driving a piece of alpine military history while staring down some of Europe's most dramatic scenery. Only go if you're confident, experienced, and genuinely ready for it.
hardTuca Blanca
🇪🇸 Spain
# Tuca Blanca: A Summer Alpine Adventure Tuca Blanca is this gorgeous high-altitude peak sitting pretty at 2,236m (7,335ft) in the heart of the Pyrenees. You'll find it nestled in northeastern Spain's Huesca province, right where the mountains get seriously impressive. Here's the thing—this isn't your typical scenic drive. The route to the summit follows the Candanchú ski station's chairlift access trail, which means you're basically tackling an unpaved ski service road. This is definitely one for experienced off-roaders only. You'll absolutely need a solid 4x4, and if tight spaces or stomach-dropping views make you queasy, this probably isn't your road. What makes it extra gnarly? The track throws some genuinely wicked challenges at you—narrow passages, steep pitches that climb to 25%, loose rocky terrain, and slippery sections that'll test your driving skills to the max. Some spots feel almost impossible when you're navigating them. Think of it as the ski slopes' grittier cousin. The window to drive this beast is super limited—basically just during summer months. Even then, don't be shocked if sudden snowfall forces closures due to the elevation. Pack your nerves along with your supplies, bring your best off-road game, and prepare for one seriously intense alpine experience. This is mountain driving at its most raw and unforgiving.
extremePetsaki-Drosato Road
🇬🇷 Greece
# The Petsaki-Drosato Road: Greece's Heart-Pounding Mountain Challenge Looking for a drive that'll get your adrenaline pumping? The Petsaki-Drosato road in the mountainous heart of Achaea, Greece is exactly that—and then some. This 7.1km stretch of asphalt winds through some seriously dramatic terrain, connecting the small towns of Petsaki and Drosato with a series of white-knuckle turns and stomach-dropping views. Fair warning: if heights make you queasy or you're worried about landslides, maybe skip this one. The road is genuinely narrow with several blind corners that'll keep you on your toes, and those steep sections? Yeah, they're *really* steep. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking though—we're talking the kind of mountain vistas that make you forget to breathe (though the narrow drops probably help with that). It's so impressive that it's actually used as a special stage for major racing competitions, including the European Rally Championship and Rally ELPA. Pro drivers tackle this road at serious speeds, which tells you everything you need to know about its technical difficulty. If you've got steady nerves, decent driving skills, and a serious love of mountain roads, this is a bucket-list drive that delivers pure adrenaline from start to finish.