An Unforgettable Drive to Lac d’Emosson in the Swiss Alps
Switzerland, europe
6.2 km
1,970 m
moderate
Year-round
# Lac d'Emosson: A High-Alpine Hidden Gem
Nestled in the Swiss Alps near the French border, Lac d'Emosson sits pretty at 1,970m (6,463ft) elevation in the canton of Valais. This stunning high-mountain reservoir is a seriously underrated driving destination.
The paved road to the lake stretches just 6.2 km (3.85 miles) from the village of Finhaut, climbing a respectable 576 meters with an average gradient of 9.29%. Sure, you'll hit some steep pitches up to 16%, and the switchbacks near the top will keep you engaged, but here's the thing—the road is blissfully quiet. Traffic is minimal, which means you can actually enjoy the unbelievable views of Mont Blanc as you wind your way up. Built back in 1925, this road has serious character.
As you climb, you'll notice the scenery getting progressively more spectacular. The road typically opens from late May through October or early November, depending on snow conditions. Once you reach the top, you'll find a charming restaurant, a little chapel (Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-neiges de La Gueulaz), and a parking area. If you're feeling adventurous, you can continue on foot to Lac du Vieux Emosson, an even higher dam at 2,205m, built in 1955.
Pro tip: If you'd rather skip the driving entirely, check out the Barberine Railway—a jaw-dropping funicular built in 1920 with an 87% gradient. It's literally the world's steepest two-carriage funicular. The road to Emosson even hosted a Tour de France mountain finish, which tells you everything you need to know about its credentials.
Where is it?
An Unforgettable Drive to Lac d’Emosson in the Swiss Alps is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.9376, 8.2346
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,970 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.9376, 8.2346
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Costila Peak?
🇷🇴 Romania
Romania's Coștila Peak is seriously high, clocking in at 8,152 feet! You'll find it nestled in the Bucegi Mountains, a truly stunning area. What's up there? A massive radio relay tower, reaching a combined altitude of 8,448 feet, making it the highest point accessible by road in the country. It's been broadcasting radio and TV signals far and wide since 1961. Building this thing was no joke! Construction took ages, with materials hauled up the mountain using a cable car (that's no longer running) and even tracked vehicles. The team even had to blast into the rock to create the foundation. It was once a strategic military site, guarded around the clock. Now, it's surrounded by a fence. Thinking of driving up? The road, called Drumul Coștila, is unpaved and starts from the end of the paved DN714. It’s just over 5 miles, but it's incredibly steep. Word of caution: because of snow and ice, it's usually impassable from late October until late June. Plus, it's closed to private vehicles.
hardWhy is Monte Giogo famous?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I just found this crazy spot in Tuscany you HAVE to see. We're talking about Monte Giogo, a peak sitting pretty at 1,510 meters (that's 4,954 feet for my American friends). So, what's the big deal? Well, the summit is home to an abandoned NATO radio station from the Cold War era. Picture this: massive, decaying antennas and half-destroyed buildings. Seriously, it’s like stepping into a zombie movie! The road itself? Built back in '64/'65 to get materials up for the NATO base. The road leading to this apocalyptic wonderland? It’s paved, but let’s just say it's seen better days. I'd recommend an SUV or something with decent clearance. From the SP25, it's just a quick 3.2 km (or about 2 miles) to the top, but hold on tight! You'll be tackling four hairpin turns and a pretty steep climb – think an average gradient of 6.62%. You'll gain 212 meters in elevation. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
hardBeachy Head Road
🇬🇧 England
Cruising the Beachy Head Road on England's southeast coast is an absolute must-do! This asphalt ribbon stretches for about 6 km (almost 4 miles) between Birling Gap and the lively resort town of Eastbourne. Picture this: twisty, turny sections hugging the coast, with killer views of the English Channel unfolding around every bend. Seriously, the landscapes are phenomenal, especially on a sunny day – those sea views will take your breath away. Keep an eye out for movie magic too! This spot's a total star, having featured in Harry Potter, James Bond, and even Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Word of warning though, it gets super popular during weekends and holidays, so expect some company. Oh, and hold onto your hats – this road can get seriously windy! Those cliffs are high, so keep your wits about you. Basically, soak in the scenery, but drive smart and you'll have an unforgettable experience.
hardThe winding road to Maniva Pass in the Alps and its 38 iconic hairpin turns
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo del Maniva Ready for an epic Alpine adventure? Passo del Maniva sits pretty at 1,664m (5,459ft) in Lombardy's Brescia province, and it's absolutely worth the drive. This fully paved beauty—officially called Strada provinciale Bresciana 345 delle Tre Valli (or SP BS 345)—stretches 19.3 km (11.99 miles) from San Colombano to Bagolino, running west to east through some seriously stunning Italian Alps scenery. What makes this pass special? For starters, there's a ski station at the summit, plus it's the gateway to two legendary rides: the gnarly SP345B road heading north and the notorious Anfo Ridge Road dropping south. The views are genuinely incredible, but fair warning—this route isn't a leisurely Sunday cruise. You're looking at 38 hairpin turns, narrow sections that'll keep your palms sweaty, and some seriously steep gradients that hit up to 14.6%. This is a road that demands respect and solid driving skills. If you've got the experience and nerve to tackle it, though, Passo del Maniva delivers an unforgettable ride through some of Europe's most dramatic Alpine terrain.