A brutally steep (23%) road to Turracher Hohe pass in Austria
Austria, europe
34.5 km
1,802 m
moderate
Year-round
# Turracher Höhe: Austria's Alpine Thrill Ride
Want to experience one of the Alps' most intense driving challenges? Head to the Turracher Höhe, a jaw-dropping mountain pass sitting at 1,802 meters (5,912 feet) right on the border between Carinthia and Styria in southern Austria.
This 34.5 km (21.43 miles) route—officially called the Turracher Road (B95)—runs north-south from Patergassen to Predlitz, and it's completely paved. Don't let that fool you though: you'll encounter sections with a punishing 23% gradient that'll definitely get your adrenaline pumping. In its heyday, this road was actually Europe's steepest Alpine pass, boasting gradients up to 34% around the 60-kilometer mark. It was so intense that Porsche used it as a testing ground for their high-performance vehicles.
The scenery is absolutely stunning, nestled high in the Nock mountains within the western Gurktal Alps. Most drivers will complete the route in 35-45 minutes without stopping, though you'll probably want to pause and soak in the views.
Good news for year-round adventurers: the pass stays open nearly 365 days a year. Winter weather might occasionally cause brief closures, but the road is generally well-maintained and cleared throughout the snowy season, so you can tackle this beast in almost any season. Just respect the mountain, respect the gradient, and you're in for an unforgettable Alpine experience.
Where is it?
A brutally steep (23%) road to Turracher Hohe pass in Austria is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.6601, 13.6948
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 34.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,802 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 47.6601, 13.6948
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow to Get by Car to the Stunning Veneguera Beach on Canary Islands?
🇪🇸 Spain
# Playa Veneguera: Gran Canaria's Hidden Gem Tucked away in the southwestern corner of Gran Canaria, one of Spain's Canary Islands, lies Playa Veneguera—a stunning 370-meter stretch of beach that feels like stepping back in time. This is one of those rare, genuinely untouched beaches you actually still find on the island, and trust me, it's worth the adventure to get there. The beach itself is a mix of black sand and rocks depending on the tide, framed by some seriously gorgeous landscapes. The real story here, though, is the road getting there. Fair warning: it's rough. Like, really rough. We're talking an unpaved, 12.8-kilometer (7.95-mile) journey from Veneguera that winds through banana, papaya, and mango plantations in a single-lane gravel road. You'll be shifting between first and second gear the whole way, navigating sections of sand and gravel with rocks that can pop up without warning and make the road impassable. A 4x4 with high clearance is essential—non-negotiable. The bumpy ride gets progressively worse as you approach the coast, and honestly, it's so teeth-rattling you'll barely notice the scenery flying by (which is actually pretty beautiful, if you can focus on it). But here's the thing: once you arrive, it's totally worth it. This is a genuine escape where nature lovers can actually unplug. There's no mobile phone reception out here, and help is nowhere close, so plan accordingly. The beach has been a favorite camping spot for decades, and the solitude? Absolutely priceless.
hardIs Road F224 unpaved?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, so you're thinking about heading to Landmannalaugar? Awesome choice! But listen up, because the F224 is no ordinary road. It's a super short (like, 2.4 km!) blast from the Sólvangur area to the Landmannalaugar parking lot, where you'll find the hut and that legendary hot spring (ahhh, 37-39°C!). Expect mind-blowing Highland scenery, seriously, you won't be disappointed. Now, the catch: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking serious 4x4 territory ONLY. Think high clearance, beefy tires, and a driver who knows what they're doing. The road is basically a rock garden – big, immovable rocks everywhere, plus ruts and boulders galore. Leave your rental sedan at home, trust me. Oh, and did I mention the river crossings? Yeah, plural. This road throws a double fjord at you! These crossings are no joke, so be smart. Don't even think about going solo, and definitely not after heavy rain. Water levels can shoot up fast, and you don't want to become a permanent fixture of the Icelandic landscape. Only proper jeeps (NOT the small ones!) should attempt these crossings. Always scout the river first, and if in doubt, don't. Remember, rental car insurance usually doesn't cover river mishaps. Keep in mind the F224 is a summer-only kinda road (usually late June to early September), and while it's passable during the day, it can be a little hairy at night. But if you're prepared and your rig is up to it, this little stretch of road is your ticket to some seriously unforgettable Icelandic adventures!
extremeIs the road to Coll dels Isards unpaved?
🌍 Andorra
Straddling the border between France and Andorra, way up in the Pyrenees, you'll find Coll dels Isards. This isn't your average scenic route, it's a high-altitude adventure right in the heart of the Grandvalira ski domain. This track isn't paved; it's a rugged, unsealed service road used for ski station maintenance. Think loose shale and crushed granite under your tires, making traction a real challenge. A proper 4x4 is essential. Word of warning: this road is usually off-limits to personal vehicles. But imagine tackling it and you'll find yourself in a wild, high-mountain landscape where the wind howls and the views of the surrounding peaks are mind-blowing. Starting near , the road to the top is short, but packs a punch. Over just you climb a seriously steep , resulting in an average gradient of over 15%! That's relentless. Get ready for a constant uphill battle with no breaks. This kind of incline, combined with the loose surface, demands serious driving skills and a vehicle that can handle the torque and keep its cool. Keep in mind, this track is buried under snow for much of the year and is generally inaccessible during winter. It's usually only passable between . But even in summer, the weather can change in a heartbeat, so always check the forecast before heading up.
moderateWhere is Guayadeque Ravine?
🇪🇸 Spain
Cruising through the Barranco de Guayadeque ravine in Gran Canaria is an absolute must-do! You'll find this incredible spot on the eastern side of the island, separating the towns of Ingenio and Agüimes. Getting there is easy – just hop on the GC-103 from Agüimes. This paved road winds for about 9.5 km (5.9 miles) into the ravine, and while it's mostly smooth sailing, watch out for the odd pothole. Keep in mind it's a dead-end, so you'll have to double back! So, is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The views are breathtaking, and the ravine is bursting with unique flora and fauna. Plus, it’s packed with history! You'll see tons of cave houses, some even converted into restaurants and a hermitage. These caves were once home to the island's original inhabitants. Don't miss the Guayadeque Visitor Center at the start – it's a great place to learn about the lives of the Canarian aborigines. As you drive deeper, the cliffs get seriously dramatic, towering over 300 meters. The road is usually open all year, but sometimes it’s closed to cars during busy holidays, so be sure to check before you go!