A tricky scenic road to Alto de Trobaniello
Spain, europe
5 km
752 m
moderate
Year-round
# Alto de Trobaniello: A Hidden Gem in Asturias
If you're looking for a seriously challenging climb that'll test both your car and your nerve, Alto de Trobaniello in Spain's Asturian mountains is calling your name. This mountain pass sits at 1,625 meters (5,331 feet) and offers an unforgettable ride through some stunning terrain.
Starting from Santa Marina, you're looking at a 17-kilometer ascent with a whopping 1,068 meters of elevation gain—that averages out to 6.3%, but trust me, it gets gnarlier than that. The first stretch is deceptively chill: about 6 kilometers of smooth asphalt through charming mountain villages at a manageable 4.8% gradient. It's the kind of warm-up that lulls you into a false sense of security.
Then things get real. After 5 kilometers, the pavement gives way to unpaved terrain dotted with concrete sections. The road climbs relentlessly, with sections hitting over 15% gradient. Brace yourself for the brutal middle section—between kilometers 12.5 and 13.5 (or about 3.5 kilometers from the summit), the average gradient hits a punishing 12.7%. This is where you'll really feel it.
The good news? The unsurfaced surface is rough enough for cars to handle—just be prepared for a gravel and concrete experience rather than smooth tarmac. You'll trade comfort for an incredibly rewarding journey through Asturian mountain scenery that most casual travelers never experience.
Where is it?
A tricky scenic road to Alto de Trobaniello is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.6527, -5.1734
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5 km
- Max Elevation
- 752 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 40.6527, -5.1734
Related Roads in europe
moderateA steep paved road to the summit of Collado El Gavilan in Teruel
🇪🇸 Spain
# Collado El Gavilán: A Spanish Mountain Adventure Tucked away in Teruel's stunning Aragon region, Collado El Gavilán is a seriously scenic mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,517 meters (4,977 feet) above sea level. This northeastern Spanish gem is one you'll definitely want to add to your bucket list. The TE-V-6006 is your ticket to the top—a 16.6-kilometer (10.31-mile) paved route that winds its way from Camarena de la Sierra over to La Puebla de Valverde, running west to east across the majestic Sierra de Javalambre mountain range. Fair warning: you'll encounter some seriously steep sections pushing up to 10.7%, so come prepared with good brakes and an adventurous spirit. Here's the best part: this pass stays open year-round, so you can tackle it whenever the mood strikes. Whether you're a road-tripper chasing mountain views or a driver who loves a good challenge, Collado El Gavilán delivers on both fronts with breathtaking scenery and a road that'll definitely get your adrenaline pumping.
hardCol de la Biche
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up for Col de la Biche, a crazy-steep mountain pass in eastern France's Ain department! This baby hits an elevation of 1,310m (that's 4,297ft for my American friends). You'll be cruising the D123, a narrow ribbon of asphalt winding through the stunning Massif du Jura. Watch out, though, because some sections of this climb are seriously steep, reaching up to 13.6%! Even the Tour de France has tackled this beast. You've got three ways to conquer Col de la Biche: * **From Talissieu:** A 19.17 km climb with 1,070 meters of elevation gain, averaging 5.5%. * **From Artemare:** A slightly longer 20.5 km ascent, gaining 1,065 meters at an average of 5.2%. * **From Gigniez:** The shortest but perhaps most intense route, stretching 13.8 km with 958 meters of climbing and a 6.9% average grade. No matter which way you go, get ready for some breathtaking scenery and a serious workout for your legs (or your car's engine!).
hardA roller coaster road to Cristo Redentore di Maratea
🇮🇹 Italy
# The Wild Ride to Christ the Redeemer of Maratea Perched on the Tyrrhenian coast in southern Italy, the hilltop town of Maratea is home to one of Europe's most impressive Jesus statues—Cristo Redentore di Maratea. This stunning marble creation, sculpted by Florentine artist Bruno Innocenti in 1965, ranks third among Europe's largest Christ figures, trailing only Poland's Christ the King and Lisbon's Cristo-Rei. Getting to the top of Monte San Biágio is half the adventure. The fully paved route climbs 6.8 km (4.22 miles) from town with a relentless average gradient of 5.82%—and yes, it hits a brutal 11% in some sections. You're gaining 396 meters (1,942 feet) of elevation, ending at 592 meters above sea level. But here's the real thrill: the road is basically a roller coaster in asphalt form. Eighteen hairpin turns snake up the mountainside in a dizzying pattern that'll make your knuckles white if you're not comfortable with tight curves. The last few hundred meters are particularly intense, running along concrete columns that feel genuinely precarious—especially if you're unfortunate enough to be driving a tour bus up here. It's legitimately unnerving. That said, this isn't a road to tackle in bad weather. Low clouds will completely rob you of the spectacular views that make the white-knuckle drive worthwhile. Pick a clear day, embrace the adrenaline rush, and reward yourself with those panoramic vistas and the awe-inspiring statue waiting at the top.
moderateAn iconic road to Glaubenberg Pass in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Glaubenberg Pass is a scenic mountain crossing sitting at 1,543m (5,062ft) in central Switzerland, straddling the boundary between Lucerne and Obwalden cantons. You'll find a convenient parking lot and a cozy bar restaurant right at the summit—perfect for catching your breath after the climb. This pass has serious historical roots dating back to Medieval times, though the road as we know it was built during the late 1800s. Between 1906 and 1920, prisoners actually helped widen and improve the route, adding an interesting layer to its story. The 30.4 km (18.88 miles) stretch connects Entlebuch in Lucerne with Sarnen, the charming capital of Obwalden canton on the shores of Lake Sarnen. The entire road is fully paved, and it's actually challenging enough to have been featured in the Tour de Suisse race. With a maximum gradient of 11%, it's a legitimate workout for cyclists and drivers alike—though honestly, the real "hazard" here is the surprisingly fearless local cows! Just keep in mind that winter closures apply, typically from November/December through April/May depending on conditions. The Sarnen side stays open year-round up to Restaurant Langis, but everything beyond that gets shut down when the snow flies. So time your visit accordingly and you're in for a genuinely rewarding alpine experience.