A Wild, Defiant Unpaved Road to Hohsaas in the Swiss Pennine Alps
Switzerland, europe
14 km
3,146 m
moderate
Year-round
# Hohsaas: A Swiss Alpine Adventure
Ready for a serious mountain challenge? Hohsaas is calling—a jaw-dropping peak sitting at 3,146m (10,321ft) in the Valais region of Switzerland, just a stone's throw from the Italian border. This isn't just any mountain road; it's one of Europe's highest, and honestly, it's pretty epic.
Starting from the charming village of Saas-Grund, you're looking at roughly 14km of pure alpine terrain that'll test both your vehicle and your nerves. The elevation gain? A hefty 1,553m with an average gradient of 11.09%—so yeah, it's steep. Fair warning: this entire route is unpaved, and it's technically a chairlift access trail, which means it's rustic and raw. But that's part of the appeal, right?
The road is only accessible during summer months when the snow finally clears, making this a seasonal bucket-list experience. Once you reach the summit, you'll find the cozy Berghütte Hohsaas mountain cabin—the perfect spot to catch your breath and soak in the incredible panoramic views of the Swiss Pennine Alps.
If you're after an unforgettable high-altitude driving experience in one of the world's most scenic mountain ranges, Hohsaas absolutely delivers. Just come prepared for a serious climb.
Where is it?
A Wild, Defiant Unpaved Road to Hohsaas in the Swiss Pennine Alps is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 47.1828, 8.0965
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,146 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 47.1828, 8.0965
Related Roads in europe
hardIs the road to Wolfgang Pass paved?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Let's talk about the Wolfgang Pass, a seriously scenic route hanging out in the eastern part of Switzerland. This baby clocks in at a decent length, linking the resort town of Davos to the charming village of Klosters-Serneus. The road is totally paved and in great shape, so no need to worry about that. You'll be cruising along, enjoying the views, on a road that feels smooth. Now, let's talk about altitude. You'll be climbing to a respectable elevation, so expect some incredible panoramic shots. The road itself isn't crazy steep, with a gradient. Heads up: although the road is usually accessible all year, winter can throw a curveball. Expect occasional closures during heavy snow. So, keep an eye on the weather forecast before you head out!
hardBallaghbeama Gap: Don’t Attempt This Drive with a Large Car
🌍 Ireland
Okay, buckle up, buttercup! If you're heading to Ireland's Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, and you're feeling adventurous, Ballaghbeama Gap is calling your name. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive, though. Think super-twisty, single-track road carved right through the mountains! Clocking in at just over 10 miles, this route is a white-knuckle ride with seriously steep sections – we're talking almost 20% gradients! You'll be hugging the curves, praying you don't meet another car head-on (passing spots are your best friend here, so keep your eyes peeled!). Definitely leave the RV at home – small cars and confident drivers only, please. While the drive is challenging, the scenery is absolutely unreal. Expect breathtaking, isolated views that'll make you forget all about the near-misses. Just watch out for the local wildlife – sheep and mountain goats love to hang out on the road! Trust me, if you've got the mountain driving chops, this is one unforgettable Irish adventure.
moderateHow to get to the summit of Monte Toraro in Vicenza?
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Toraro: A Peak Steeped in History Perched at 1,890 meters (6,200 feet) in the Province of Vicenza, Monte Toraro sits proudly in the Veneto Region of northeastern Italy, right there in the scenic Venetian Prealps. This isn't just any mountain—it's a place where history echoes from every stone. The summit has quite the resume. During WWI, it hosted Italian howitzer batteries before being captured by Austro-Hungarian forces during the Battle of Asiago. Fast forward to the Cold War, and Monte Toraro became a strategic NATO hub. From 1966 to 1977, the Passo Coe–Toraro base functioned as a mountain missile launch site, part of a dozen Italian Air Force installations defending southern Europe. Radars, command posts, and communication antennas dotted the peak until everything was decommissioned and demolished in the late 1970s. Today, you'll find a square at the summit with absolutely stunning panoramic views across the Vicenza plain. On those rare, perfectly clear days, you can even spot the Venice Lagoon shimmering in the distance like a silvery ribbon. The road itself? It's a modest 2-kilometer (1.24-mile) climb from Valbona Pass, gaining just 117 meters in elevation with an average gradient of 5.85% (though it does max out at 16% in spots). Fair warning: the asphalt is crumbling and unmaintained, and the route is off-limits to private vehicles these days. But for those with access, it's a fascinating journey through decades of military history wrapped in Alpine scenery.
hardDriving the brutal road to Hellfire Pass in Wales
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, buckle up, because Bwlch y Groes – the "Pass of the Cross" – is about to blow your mind! Perched high in Gwynedd, Wales, at a cool 545m (1,788ft), it's one of the UK's highest roads, period. You'll find this beast nestled in the Aran Mountains, practically on Snowdonia's doorstep in north-west Wales. Clocking in at almost 20km (12.3 miles) between Minllyn and Llanuwchllyn, this isn't just a pass, it's an *experience*. They don't call it "Hellfire Pass" for nothing! The length and the incline of this climb are seriously hardcore – think one of the UK's most brutal ascents. The road's paved, sure, but hold on tight: it gets crazy narrow and steep, with gradients maxing out at a butt-clenching 25% in places. "Brutal" is an understatement! Seriously, this road's legendary – even old-school car companies like Austin and Triumph used it to test their prototypes. So, yeah, maybe skip this one in your big rig. Give yourself at least 30-45 minutes to soak it all in – because this road is drop-dead gorgeous. It's wild, rugged, and unforgivingly steep, but the views? Unreal. You'll be staring out over the Dyfi Valley, catching glimpses of Cadair Idris, and getting up close and personal with Aran Fawddwy. Trust me; you won't forget this drive.