
A Narrow Paved Road to Pragel Pass in the Swiss Alps
Switzerland, europe
30.8 km
1,550 m
hard
Year-round
# Pragelpass
Nestled in the Swiss canton of Schwyz, the Pragelpass is a thrilling alpine experience sitting at 1,550 meters (5,085 feet). This scenic route stretches about 31 kilometers across the eastern Swiss Alps, connecting the Glarus municipality of Riedern with the charming village of Muotathal.
Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely cruise. The road is fully paved but decidedly narrow and narrow-minded about going easy on you—especially with those gnarly 18-percent grades that'll make your knuckles white. But that's part of the charm, right?
The summit rewards brave drivers with a little parking area and a restaurant, perfect for catching your breath and soaking in those Alpine views. Just keep in mind that the pass shuts down from mid-October through May when winter decides to throw its weight around.
Here's a pro tip for cyclists and motorcycle enthusiasts: the east side of the pass closes to motorized traffic on weekends, turning Saturdays and Sundays into an absolute playground for two-wheeled adventurers. If you're planning a weekend ride through some serious Alpine terrain, this is calling your name.
Where is it?
A Narrow Paved Road to Pragel Pass in the Swiss Alps is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 47.3124, 8.4565
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,550 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.3124, 8.4565
Related Roads in europe
extremeAvrasya Tuneli, built underneath the seabed of Bosphorus
🇹🇷 Turkey
Cruising in Istanbul and need to hop continents? Check out the Eurasia Tunnel! This underwater marvel connects Kazlıçeşme on the European side to Göztepe on the Asian side, zipping you under the Bosphorus Strait. Since opening in December 2016, this double-decker tunnel (two lanes on each level) has been a total game-changer for Istanbul's crazy traffic. The tunnel itself stretches for 5.4 km beneath the seabed as part of a larger 14.5 km route. Rain or shine, it's open! Be warned: it is paved, but it's a fairly steep drive down to its deepest point, 106.4 meters below sea level. Stick to the 70 km/h (43 mph) speed limit, and you'll be fine. Expect to be one of about 120,000 vehicles making the daily commute. Just a heads-up: your ride needs to be under 2.8 meters tall. Oh, and don't worry about earthquakes—this baby is built to withstand a magnitude 9!
hardTake the Scenic Route and Discover Bigorno Pass in Corsica
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're on Corsica, that wild, beautiful island in France, and you're about to tackle the Col de Bigorno! This mountain pass, up in the Serra di Tenda, takes you up to 888 meters (almost 3,000 feet!). The road, also called Bocca di Bigornu, is paved, but let's just say it's seen better days. Think of it as adding character to your adventure! You'll be snaking along the D5 for about 13.2 kilometers (8.2 miles) from Bigorno to Murato, hitting five hairpin turns that will test your driving skills. And get this: some sections are seriously steep, with gradients hitting 12%! Once you reach the top, be prepared for some strong winds, especially from the north and northwest. If you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a gravel road heading west to a communication station. Buckle up for some incredible views!
moderateHow to drive the scenic Ryfylke National Tourist?
🇳🇴 Norway
# Ryfylke National Tourist Route If you're craving one of Norway's most jaw-dropping drives, the Ryfylke National Tourist Route is calling your name. This 260 km (161 miles) beauty stretches from north to south between the charming village of Røldal and the tiny farming community of Oanes, and it's packed with everything that makes Scandinavian scenery legendary. Picture yourself winding through a landscape that screams dramatic contrasts—towering mountains, polished glacier-carved cliffs, cascading rockslides, and the deep blue fjords that Norway is famous for. It's the kind of drive that makes you want to pull over constantly just to soak it all in. The route follows Road 520 and Road 13, both fully paved, though fair warning: the sections heading over the mountain to Røldal get pretty narrow and twisty. If you're thinking of bringing a big bus, you might want to reconsider—shorter buses handle these hairpin turns way better. You'll climb to 972 meters (3,188 feet) above sea level at the highest point, and you'll want to save this adventure for the warmer months. The road typically shuts down starting in November and doesn't reopen until June, so plan accordingly. With two ferries included in the route and scenery that'll make every mile feel like a victory lap, this is absolutely one for the bucket list.
hardWhere is Route de Duranus?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Alpes-Maritimes department in France, just south of that dreamy Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. You're on the Route de Duranus, and let me tell you, the views are insane. We're talking towering rock walls on one side and a dramatic ravine plunging down below on the other. This winding ribbon of asphalt stretches about 6 kilometers from Duranus down to Saint-Jean la Rivière, offering non-stop thrills. Be warned: there are a couple of dark, unlit tunnels and some seriously narrow sections where you'll be holding your breath. If you're not a fan of heights or tight squeezes, this might not be your jam. You'll be clinging to the gray limestone cliffs above the Vésubie river, surrounded by landscapes that are absolutely epic. The road leads you to Le Saut des Français, a historic spot where, back in the day, local rebels supposedly tossed French soldiers to their doom. It's quite a story! While it's tempting to visit during the summer, this area gets packed. To truly savor the drive, aim for the shoulder seasons. Trust me; the scenery is worth it. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road—it's a wild ride!