A Very Relaxing Drive with Nice Views to Col des Mosses in the Swiss Alps

A Very Relaxing Drive with Nice Views to Col des Mosses in the Swiss Alps

Switzerland, europe

Length

32.4 km

Elevation

1,452 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

# Col des Mosses: A Swiss Alpine Adventure

Ready for an epic drive through the Swiss Alps? Col des Mosses is calling your name. This stunning mountain pass sits at 1,452m (4,763ft) in the canton of Vaud and has become legendary among cyclists and road-trippers alike—it's even a favorite of the Tour de France!

The fully paved Route 11 stretches 32.4 km (20.13 miles) between charming Château-d'Œx and the town of Aigle, offering two distinctly different experiences depending on which direction you tackle it.

**Coming from Château-d'Œx?** You're in for the gentler ride. The 14 km ascent climbs 521 meters with an average gradient of 3.7% (maxing out at 8%). Sure, you'll encounter more traffic and pass through villages that'll slow you down, but the road quality is solid and the journey feels more relaxed. Plus, there's an absolutely gorgeous section through a gorge alongside a wild mountain river that'll take your breath away.

**Attacking from Aigle?** Now that's where things get spicy. The 18.8 km climb gains a whopping 1,028 meters with a steeper average of 5.5%—and this is where the real fun happens. Wind through postcard-perfect villages nestled in the foothills, each one tempting you to slow down and soak in the scenery.

The best part? This road stays open year-round, so you can experience Alpine beauty whenever the mood strikes. Whether you're a seasoned driver or just chasing incredible mountain vistas, Col des Mosses delivers on every level.

Where is it?

A Very Relaxing Drive with Nice Views to Col des Mosses in the Swiss Alps is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.6274, 8.2154

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Switzerland
Continent
europe
Length
32.4 km
Max Elevation
1,452 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
46.6274, 8.2154

Related Roads in europe

Padon Passextreme

Padon Pass

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Passo Padon in Northern Italy's Veneto region is a real beast, topping out at 2,427 meters (7,962 feet) in the stunning Dolomiti Range. This isn't your Sunday drive; we're talking a seriously rocky, gravel track where you absolutely need a 4x4. Clocking in at just over 2 kilometers, don't let the distance fool you. You'll gain a whopping 370 meters in elevation, meaning the average incline is a brutal 17%, and in spots, it cranks up to a tire-spinning 25%! At the summit, you're rewarded with Rifugio Padon and incredible views, assuming the altitude and unpredictable mountain weather cooperate. This road's only realistically passable for a tiny window in late summer. Seriously, this climb isn't for the faint of heart – experience and a healthy dose of respect for the mountain are essential. Loose rocks, steep banks, and relentless gradients have humbled many a driver, so know your limits!

How long is MA-1131 road in Mallorca?extreme

How long is MA-1131 road in Mallorca?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for the MA-1131 on Mallorca! This insane road snakes from the Tramuntana Sierra down to the turquoise Med. Picture this: you, a ribbon of asphalt, and some seriously epic views. Stretching just under 6km from the charming village of Valldemossa (home to a famous Royal Charterhouse) down to the hidden gem that is Port de Valldemossa, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget tourist traps, this beach is a local secret! Fair warning: this road gets NARROW. Like, squeeze-past-another-car-with-inches-to-spare narrow. Beginners beware, and if you're not a fan of heights, maybe grab a stress ball. Even buses sweat making some of these hairpin turns (count 'em, there are nine!). We are talking about a max gradient of 16%! Seriously, take it slow (think under 30km/h), roll down the windows, and give a little honk around those blind corners. The road is narrow with extremely sharp corners. Trust me, you want to savor the scenery, not end up in a ditch. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Allow 20 minutes without any stop. You'll climb 365 meters. Keep an eye out for rock climbers clinging to the cliffs above as you descend. The views are unreal, like you're driving off the edge of the world. Just remember, eyes on the road, people! There's only one spot to pull over for that perfect Insta pic. Get ready for a wild ride and some unforgettable memories!

Where is Mont Caro?extreme

Where is Mont Caro?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: you're in Catalonia, Spain, ready to tackle Mont Caro, the highest point in the Ports de Tortosa-Beseit range and the entire province of Tarragona! This peak is famous for its 360-degree views (on a clear day, you can spot the Pyrenees and even the Balearic Islands!), two huge antennas, and a shrine to the Virgin Mary. Situated in the Els Ports Natural Park, the summit sits way up high. The road? It’s fully paved, but don't let that fool you. This climb is a real adventure. Think narrow roads – barely wide enough for two cars, and often without central markings or guardrails. It's a long, tough haul, like a mini version of Mont Faron in France, but longer and more exhausting. As you climb, the road gets more worn, with rocky edges adding to the challenge. The forest can get super hot and dry in summer, but make sure you take in those epic views and keep an eye out for the local birdlife. In winter, snow can turn those final sections into a slippery mess. Stats? The climb winds its way up for over 20km, gaining a massive 1244 vertical meters. The average gradient is around 6.1%, but buckle up because it spikes to a butt-kicking 14% near the top! This legendary climb is so epic it's even been featured in the Vuelta a España cycling race, earning its stripes as a must-do for adventurers.

A scenic paved road to Lavaze Pass in the Dolomitesmoderate

A scenic paved road to Lavaze Pass in the Dolomites

🇮🇹 Italy

# Passo di Lavazé: A Hidden Alpine Gem Nestled in the Val di Fiemme region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Passo di Lavazé sits pretty at 1,824 meters (5,984 ft) above sea level. This fully paved mountain pass—also known as Lavazéjoch—stretches 22.7 km (14.10 miles) through some seriously stunning Dolomite terrain, connecting Cavalese to Ponte Nova on its south-north route via Strada Statale 620 (SS620). What makes this pass special? The panoramic views are absolutely incredible. From the summit, you get jaw-dropping vistas of the Catinaccio and Latemar mountain ranges that'll make you want to stop the car and just stare. It's the kind of place that begs you to explore—summer hikers flock here for epic trails, while winter visitors come for some of Italy's best cross-country skiing. And if you're feeling adventurous, there's a steep little road that climbs even higher to Passo di Oclini at 1,995 meters (6,545 ft). The road itself is in solid condition with moderate traffic, though fair warning: it gets seriously steep—we're talking maximum gradients of 14.8% on some sections. It's famous enough that the Giro d'Italia has tackled it. You can typically access the pass year-round, though occasional winter weather might briefly shut things down. Also worth noting: if you're driving a truck or articulated lorry, you're not allowed between the pass and Cavalese. It's a bucket-list drive for anyone who loves alpine scenery and challenging roads.