
A sensational paved road to Gurnigel Pass in the Swiss Alps
Switzerland, europe
33.9 km
1,608 m
easy
Year-round
Gurnigel Pass is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,608m (5,276ft) elevation in the canton of Bern, Switzerland.
Nestled in the gorgeous Gantrisch Region in western Switzerland, this pass is a real gem. At the top, you'll find a Nordic skiing centre that's hosted some seriously impressive World Cup cross-country skiing and biathlon events. Fair warning though—watch out for those bitumen strips scattered along certain sections of the route. But here's the payoff: look to your right at the summit and you'll be rewarded with absolutely spectacular views of Lake Thun with the majestic Bernese Alps sprawling out behind it.
The road itself, Gurnigelstrasse, is fully paved and winds through some genuinely twisty, tricky terrain. Don't worry though—the road surface is in solid condition overall, so you can focus on enjoying the drive rather than white-knuckling it the whole way.
This beauty stretches 33.9 km (21.06 miles) long, connecting the charming village of Plaffeien (in Fribourg's Sense district) all the way to Riggisberg (in the Bern-Mittelland district). It's the kind of drive that makes you remember why mountain passes are worth the detour.
Where is it?
A sensational paved road to Gurnigel Pass in the Swiss Alps is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.9732, 7.9461
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 33.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,608 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 46.9732, 7.9461
Related Roads in europe
moderateMonte Soro: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Soro: A Thrilling Sicilian Summit Drive Ready for some seriously twisty mountain vibes? Monte Soro, perched at 1,848 meters (6,062 feet) in Sicily's Nebrodi mountains, is absolutely worth the drive. This is the kind of road that'll have you gripping the wheel with a huge grin on your face. Starting from Strada Statale 289 at Portella Femmina Morta, you've got a 5.1 km climb ahead of you with 318 meters of elevation gain. Don't let the modest 6.23% average gradient fool you—those hairpin turns are relentless and the narrow asphalt keeps you honest. The pavement's seen better days, but that's all part of the charm, honestly. What makes this drive special? You're surrounded by gorgeous cork oak forests the entire way up, and the landscape colors are absolutely stunning, especially in certain seasons. The summit rewards your efforts with an incredible 360-degree panorama that stretches out in every direction. One heads-up: if you're planning a winter visit between November and April, snow can shut this road down, so check conditions first. Fair warning too—there are TV repeaters at the top, so it's not exactly a pristine wilderness experience at the summit. But yeah, if you love technical driving through beautiful mountain scenery, Monte Soro delivers exactly that. Absolutely worth adding to your Sicilian road trip.
extremeHow To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Olchansky Pass
🌍 Russia
Deep in the Sakha Republic, Russia, you'll find the Olchansky Pass, sitting pretty at 1,183m (3,881ft) in the Verkhoyansk Mountains. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about the Kolyma Highway (R504), a.k.a. the infamous Road of Bones, which some call the world's coldest winter adventure. The road stretches 1,868km (1,160 miles) from near Yakutsk to Magadan on the Sea of Okhotsk. The road is totally unpaved and gets super steep near Ust-Nera, hitting a maximum 10% gradient in spots. Now, for the juicy bits: this road is notorious! Picture this: unmaintained roads, washed-out bridges, and sections reclaimed by streams. Extreme temps, heavy snow, ice, and terrible visibility are the norm. And the mud! Oh, the mud! During rainy season, it turns into an impassable clay blanket that can swallow trucks whole. Forget asphalt, thanks to the permafrost. Summer isn’t much better with mud-induced traffic jams becoming legendary. So, when's the best time to go? Either dry summer or when it's frozen solid in winter. Hazards? Where do we begin? Think unsafe driving, dodgy roads, unmaintained vehicles, large trucks kicking up dust clouds, and outdated maps. Oh, and wildlife, including bears. But hey, if you're after a truly desolate adventure with scenery to die for (maybe literally!), this is your road. Just be prepared for anything!
hardPuerto de Cotefablo
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Cotefablo Tucked in the stunning northeastern corner of Spain's Huesca province, Puerto de Cotefablo sits pretty at 1,423 meters elevation, offering some serious Pyrenean mountain vibes right near the French border. Here's the good news: the N-260 highway leading up to the summit is in fantastic condition and fully paved. The not-so-easy news? It's genuinely steep, with some sections hitting 9.2% grades that'll definitely test your legs (or your car's engine). This pass has earned serious cycling credentials too—it's been featured in Spain's prestigious Vuelta race. You've got two solid options to tackle this beast. Coming from **Broto**, you're looking at a 13-kilometer push uphill, gaining 518 meters of elevation with an average grade of 4%. If you're starting from **Biescas** instead, it's a slightly longer 14-kilometer haul with 548 meters of elevation gain at a more forgiving 3.9% average. Either way, you're in for a rewarding climb through gorgeous mountain terrain that'll make the effort totally worth it.
moderateDriving the demanding Road F35 in the Highlands of Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Get ready for an epic Icelandic adventure on the F35! This gravel road snakes through the highlands of Kjölur, a plateau sitting pretty high at 600–700 meters. Clocking in at 168km (104mi), the Kjalvegur Road (as it's also known) cuts right through the heart of Iceland, running north to south. You'll start south of Iceland near Haukadalur, behind the iconic Gullfoss waterfall, and wind your way up to the north near Blönduós. The road surface is corrugated tuff gravel and this is the second-longest highland route. This path has some serious history, once serving as a crucial horse trail for traders back in the day! Remember, this is an F Road, which means it's only open during the summer months – roughly June to the end of August/September. These roads are mountainous, unpaved, and the weather can change in a heartbeat. A 4WD is a must, and your standard rental car insurance probably won't cover you here. The road can be pretty rough, and maintenance isn't always top-notch, but any river crossings are bridged. While most cars *can* handle it in summer, low-riding vehicles should probably sit this one out. While there aren't any official river crossings on the F35, it's always smart to check the weather forecast. Be warned if you detour to other F roads. Glacial rivers can swell quickly, so watch other cars cross first and, if possible, drive slowly downstream with the current. The first section near Blöndulón is decent, but after that, expect gravel and rocks – drop your speed to around 40km/h. Traffic is usually light, but keep an eye out for other vehicles to gauge conditions. Some sections might even require first gear at under 10km/h! The F35 tops out at 672m (2,204ft), making it one of Iceland's highest roads. Winter brings snow and closures, so plan your trip between late June and mid-September. Pack for cold weather and expect things to change quickly. Allow 5-6 hours for the drive without stops. The views are incredible: glaciers, mountains, and highland lakes stretch as far as the eye can see. You'll be driving between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. There are cool places to stop along the way. Hveravellir, about a third of the way along, is a tiny spot with a restaurant, camping houses, a swimming pool, and hiking trails. Check out the Langjökull glaciers, Kerlingarfjöll, and the Kjalhraun lava field. Don't miss the natural hot springs, where you can experience Iceland's famous "fire and ice." Kerlingarfjöll, about halfway along the route (10km off the F35 via the F347), boasts 100 km2 of mountains reaching over 1.5km high, hot springs, and vibrant vegetation. You might even see snow on the peaks. There are plenty of campsites, or you can embrace Iceland's wild camping freedom. Take a dip in geothermal pools and admire the Gýgjarfoss waterfall. Just remember to drive carefully and enjoy the ride!