38 hairpin turns to Col de la Croix de Coeur in Switzerland
Switzerland, europe
43 km
2,178 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de la Croix de Coeur
Buckle up for one seriously epic ride! This high mountain pass sits at 2,178m (7,145ft) in Switzerland's Valais region, straddling the line between the Entremont and Martigny districts in the southwestern corner of the country.
The Route de la Croix-de-Coeur stretches 43 km (26 miles) from Sembrancher up to Riddes, and let me tell you—it doesn't pull any punches. You're looking at a mix of paved and unpaved terrain, with that final stretch rolling along a gravel track that'll keep you on your toes. The gradient ramps up to a gnarly 12% in places, and you'll navigate five tunnels and a whopping 38 hairpin turns. Fair warning: most of them aren't protected by guardrails, so confidence and steady hands are essential.
The payoff? Absolutely stunning panoramas. From the summit, you'll catch incredible views of the Combins and Mont Blanc to the south, while the Bernese Alps dominate the northern horizon. There's even a little restaurant up top (Restaurant La Croix-de-Coeur) where you can celebrate your conquest with a well-deserved meal, plus a parking area to catch your breath and snap some photos.
This isn't a casual Sunday drive—it's a thrilling mountain challenge that rewards the brave with unforgettable scenery.
Where is it?
38 hairpin turns to Col de la Croix de Coeur in Switzerland is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.5318, 8.3553
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 43 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,178 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.5318, 8.3553
Related Roads in europe
moderateIs CV800 Road to Port de la Carrasqueta paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the CV800 in sunny southeastern Spain, and life is good. This beauty, also called Carretera de la Carrasqueta, winds its way through the Sierra de la Carrasqueta range, and yes, it's paved the whole way. Clocking in at about 36 kilometers (22 miles), it's best tackled from south to north, starting near Sant Joan d'Alacant (off the N-332) and eventually hooking up with the A7 near La Sarga. Get ready for some climbs, though! You'll hit gradients of over 8%, so keep your engine humming. You can usually drive it any time of year, but watch out for snow and fog in the winter. The road peaks at the Port de la Carrasqueta, a cool 1,023 meters (3,356 feet) above sea level. The views from up there? Totally worth it, with panoramic vistas of the l’Alacantí valley. And pro tip: make a pit stop at Venta Teresa – you'll thank me for the refreshments and even more amazing scenery!
extremeHow to get by car to Diafani in Greece?
🇬🇷 Greece
# Diafani: Greece's Hidden Coastal Gem Nestled in the northeastern corner of Karpathos—the second-largest island in Greece's stunning Dodecanese archipelago—lies Diafani, a charming little fishing village that feels like it's been plucked straight out of a postcard. The 6.8km (4.22-mile) drive from Olympos to reach this seaside paradise is an adventure in itself. Sure, the road is fully paved, but don't let that fool you—it's a seriously winding, white-knuckle ride with curves that'll keep you on your toes. Those hairpin turns aren't just for show; they're there for a reason. You're climbing up to 250m (820ft) above sea level, and some sections hit gradients as steep as 22%, so you'll definitely feel the elevation gain. But here's the thing—all those twists and turns come with a payoff. The views are absolutely incredible, with dramatic cliffsides and deep gorges unfolding around every bend. It's the kind of scenery that makes you simultaneously nervous and mesmerized. Once you finally make it down to Diafani, you'll understand why locals have kept this place relatively under the radar. Crystal-clear beaches, a genuine laid-back vibe, and the kind of authentic Greek fishing village experience that's becoming rarer by the year. Yeah, the road's intense, but totally worth it.
moderateWhat are the 18 Official National Tourist Routes of Norway?
🇳🇴 Norway
# Norway's 18 National Tourist Routes: A Road Tripper's Guide Norway's got 18 seriously stunning scenic drives that'll make your jaw drop. These aren't just any roads—they're carefully curated National Tourist Routes that showcase the country's most breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're into dramatic fjords, wild mountains, or windswept coastal vibes, there's a route calling your name. Ten of them are tucked away in Western Norway, perfect for anyone wanting to escape the crowds. Grab a car or hop on a bike and prepare for miles of unspoiled countryside, jaw-dropping views, and some seriously inspiring modern architecture along the way. **Up North: The Arctic Adventures** Head to the far north and you'll find some of Norway's most remote and magical corners. The Varanger National Tourist Route is a 160-km adventure between Varangerbotn and Hamningberg in Finnmark, where you'll catch the midnight sun, spot incredible bird life, and soak in some serious Arctic atmosphere. Just 85 km long, the Havøysund route hugs the ocean's edge through barren, wild terrain, offering that otherworldly Arctic light you've dreamed about. **Island Hopping in the North** Senja's rugged outer coast stretches 90 km (plus 12 km of optional detours) from Gryllefjord to Botnhamn, where dramatic peaks meet the Norwegian Sea. The Andøya route is a breezy 58-km coastal drive famous for its endless white beaches and open ocean views. The legendary Lofoten Islands deserve their reputation—this 230-km epic between Raftsundet and Å takes you across the Arctic Circle through some of Norway's most iconic scenery. Meanwhile, the Helgeland Coast stretches a massive 433 km, featuring everything from the stunning Svartisen Glacier to the scenic Vega Islands. **The Famous Ones Everyone Talks About** The Atlantic Road? It's so good The Guardian ranked it among the world's best road trips. Just 8 km long, but absolutely packed with sharp turns and wild coastal drama between Kristiansund and Molde. The Geiranger-Trollstigen route is a 104-km masterpiece that combines the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord with the famous Trollstigen Mountain Road—two of Norway's most visited (and worthy) attractions. **Mountain Passes & Hidden Gems** Want to skip the tourist crush? The Rondane route (75 km) offers a peaceful alternative through pristine countryside. For something more dramatic, the Old Strynefjellsveien is a historic 27-km stretch completed way back in 1894 that's still a engineering marvel. The Sognefjellet Mountain Road climbs to Northern Europe's highest mountain pass, while the Aurlandsfjellet route takes you across a barren, haunting 49-km plateau of snow and rock. The Valdresflye stretch (49 km) rewards you with endless vistas of rolling hills and dramatic peaks. **Fjord-Side Drives** The Gaularfjellet route (114 km) winds past countless waterfalls alongside the mighty Sognefjord. The Hardangervidda route (67 km) cuts through the continent's largest mountain plateau, while the Hardanger National Tourist Route hugs the stunning Hardangerfjord for 158 km east of Bergen. **Coastal Vibes** Ryfylke completely switches things up—lush green skerries suddenly give way to mountains and fjords across 260 km. And if you want pure beach vibes, Jæren delivers with 41 km of endless sandy beaches, wild dunes, and open skies between Ogna and Bore.
extremeHow to drive to Colle di Sampeyre in the Cottian Alps?
🇮🇹 Italy
# Colle di Sampeyre: Alpine Adventure Awaits Tucked away in Italy's Piedmont region, the Colle di Sampeyre sits pretty at 2,284m (7,493ft) above sea level in the Province of Cuneo. This isn't just any mountain pass—it's one of the highest paved routes you'll find in the Cottian Alps, and boy, does it live up to its reputation. The 33.6 km (20.87 miles) journey from Stroppo to Sampeyre follows the Strada Provinciale 335, serving as the gateway connecting the Varaita and Maira valleys. At the summit, you'll spot where the paved road meets the legendary Strada dei Cannoni, an unpaved ridge road that'll make your heart skip a beat. Here's the thing: don't let that asphalt mislead you. This road is *wild*. The final descent toward Sampeyre is particularly gnarly, with steep grades and crumbling pavement that demand serious respect. You'll need experience and nerves of steel to tackle it safely. But here's what makes it worth it—the views are absolutely insane. From the summit, you're treated to a full 360-degree panorama of the deep, dramatic valleys stretching out below you. The scenery is pure alpine magic, and the road's legendary status speaks for itself. It's been featured multiple times in the Giro d'Italia and remains a bucket-list challenge for hardcore cyclists and drivers seeking that ultimate high-altitude rush, far removed from the usual tourist circuit.