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
easyHow to drive the scenic Hardangervidda National Tourist Route in eastern Norway?
🇳🇴 Norway
# Hardangervidda National Tourist Route Ready for one of Norway's most jaw-dropping drives? Road 7 (RV7) is a 67 km stretch that'll have you questioning why you ever drove anywhere else. Starting in Eidfjord down in Fjord Norway and ending in Haugastøl over in Eastern Norway, this fully paved route takes you straight through Hardangervidda National Park and across the biggest high mountain plateau in all of Northern Europe. The drive climbs to a respectable 1,250 meters above sea level, and here's the best part—it's open year-round. Thanks to the Hardanger Bridge, you won't need to worry about ferries either. Winter driving is definitely doable, though you'll want to pack winter tires and be prepared for occasional closures when the weather turns seriously gnarly. But honestly? Even winter here is spectacular. This is the kind of road that makes you understand why people fall in love with Norwegian landscapes. Buckle up and go experience it.
hardPuntal de la Canilla
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Puntal de la Canilla is calling your name. Nestled high in the Sierra Nevada National Park in Granada, Andalusia, Spain, this peak sits at a staggering 2,335m (7,660ft). We're talking about one of the highest roads in the whole country! Now, fair warning, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road to the top is a rugged mix of gravel and rock, so expect a bumpy, tippy ride. You'll definitely need a 4x4 and some serious off-road skills. Not a fan of heights? Maybe sit this one out. Plus, it's usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. The trail's steep and the weather can change in a heartbeat. Think strong winds, rapid temperature drops, and potential thunderstorms that can turn the road into a 4x4-only zone (or worse, impassable). Pack warm clothes, brace yourself against the wind, and get ready for some seriously epic views. The scenery alone makes it worth the adventure!
moderateIs the road to Kolsuz Pass paved?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for Kolsuz Geçidi in Turkey's Niğde Province! This baby climbs to a cool 1,514m (4,967ft), and it's located smack-dab in the Central Anatolia Region, so expect some classic Turkish landscapes. The good news? It's fully paved and in pretty decent shape, part of the D805 route, so you can leave the off-road tires at home. The whole experience stretches for about 15.3 km (9.50 miles) as you wind your way from Kolsuz to Bayağıl. Get ready for some killer views as you cruise this one!
hardTossa dels Espiolets
🌍 Andorra
Tossa dels Espiolets is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.470m (8,103ft) above the sea level, located on the Canillo and Encamp border, in Andorra. one of the highest mountain roads of the country. The road to the summit is rocky and gravel. It’s a chairlift access trail. The slope is very steep, consists of loose stones and becomes even steeper and rocky in the upper part. This trail can be done only a very narrow time-frame in the summer (end of August). The wind is usually quite strong at mountain areas. High winds blow here all year long. Even in summer you can confront with snowy days. Temperatures here in the winter are brutally cold. The road to the summit is a ski-station service road pretty steep, with some sections up to 30%. The brutally steep road to Coll Blanc Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.