
Can you drive to Oberalp Pass?
Switzerland, europe
32 km
2,000 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for the Oberalp Pass! This epic Swiss Alp adventure straddles the line between Graubünden and Uri cantons, topping out at a cool 2,048m (6,719ft).
You bet your wheels can handle it! Route 19, the fully paved pathway to the summit (also called Alpsu d'Ursera or Oberalppass if you're feeling fancy), is ready and waiting.
Picture this: the road was carved back in 1862/63, making it a true vintage experience. The 32km (almost 20 miles) stretch from Disentis to Andermatt packs a punch, with gradients hitting a maximum of 10% in some spots. This isn't the busiest pass around, so you can enjoy the twists and turns with a bit more breathing room.
Heads up though: Mother Nature usually closes the road from late October until late April or even mid-May, so plan your trip accordingly.
Oh, and get this – there's a freaking lighthouse at the summit! Yep, a 14-meter beacon standing tall above 2000 meters, twinned with Rotterdam's Hoek van Holland lighthouse. It's there as a symbol of being the source of the Rhine River.
While you're up there, take a moment to soak in the views. Just remember Nufenen Pass, is another one of Switzerland's highest paved roads!
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 32 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,000 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
Scenic France: Comparing Iconic Rail Routes and Mountain Roads
🇫🇷 France
# France's Epic Routes: Rails and Roads Through Stunning Landscapes France has this amazing dual personality—the smooth precision of its legendary rail network paired with some seriously thrilling mountain roads that'll get your adrenaline pumping. If you're planning an adventure through France, understanding these corridors is basically your secret map to the ultimate road trip. **The Clermont-Ferrand to Béziers Corridor** This route is pure spectacle. You're crossing the Massif Central with its dramatic plateaus and deep gorges, and the star of the show? The Garabit Viaduct—designed by Gustave Eiffel himself. For drivers, the A75 mirrors this engineering genius, home to the Millau Viaduct, which happens to be the world's tallest bridge. Pretty wild to experience that kind of infrastructure in person. **Gateway to the Alps** Head toward Annecy and you're entering serious mountain territory. While the train brings hikers and climbers closer to the peaks, drivers often push toward the legendary Col du Galibier. Same stunning views of the Alps and Burgundy, but with the added spice of hairpin turns, steep grades, and weather that can turn on a dime. **The Pyrenees Adventure** Near the Spanish border sits a UNESCO-listed railway that climbs 1,200 meters into the Pyrenees, passing through Bolquère—France's highest station. The roads here are intense: narrow canyons, remote wilderness, and driving that demands total concentration. It's beautiful, but it's definitely not for the faint-hearted. **The Three Corniches** The French Riviera rail line is nice, but if you want real thrills, take the Three Corniches between Nice and Monaco. These roads are literally carved into cliff faces with narrow lanes and seriously sheer drops. It's an experience that makes the train ride below look tame. **Nice to Digne-les-Bains** This scenic drive winds through fragrant pine forests and over impressive viaducts. It's the perfect warm-up for what comes next: the Gorges du Verdon, basically the "Grand Canyon of Europe." Driving these cliffside roads with 700-meter vertical drops? That's next-level adventure. **Corsica's Trinichellu** The island's little train is charming, but driving Corsica? That's a different beast entirely. Narrow, winding roads without guardrails, treacherous mountain passes near Corte—this one's for serious thrill-seekers who don't mind sweaty palms. **The Bottom Line** Whether you're a rail enthusiast or a road warrior, France serves up an incredible menu of natural beauty mixed with jaw-dropping engineering. Pick your poison and prepare for one unforgettable journey.
extremeDriving the challenging Via dei Saraceni to Monte Seguret in the Cottian Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Seguret: Italy's Thrilling Alpine Adventure Ready for an unforgettable mountain experience? Head to Monte Seguret, a stunning 2,204-meter (7,230ft) pass tucked in the Metropolitan City of Turin, near Italy's border with France. This gem sits in the Piedmont region, nestled within the breathtaking Cottian Alps. The adventure unfolds via Via dei Saraceni—a gloriously rugged, unpaved military road (also called Strada militare 79) that's been challenging drivers since 1886. This isn't your typical Sunday drive: you're looking at over 20 kilometers of high-altitude thrills, almost entirely above 2,000 meters, weaving past historic forts and through dramatic mountain terrain. What makes this route special—and demanding? The narrow 3-meter-wide track hugs some seriously impressive drop-offs while hairpin turns and tunnels keep you on your toes. Rocky sections pepper the route, and the occasional rockfall means conditions can shift fast. You'll need a sturdy 4x4 to tackle this properly. The good news? The slope maxes out at under 12%, keeping it manageable for prepared adventurers. The pass guides you over other notable peaks like Colletto Pramand (2,087m) and towering Monte Jafferau (2,805m), rewarding every challenging switchback with Alpine scenery that'll take your breath away. Plan your visit between May and October when the road is open—and definitely check the weather before you go. This is serious mountain driving, but absolutely worth the effort.
extremeWhat classifies as a dangerous road?
🇬🇧 England
The A592, winding through the Lake District, is a stunner, but don't let the views distract you! It's the Lake District’s highest pass, meaning plenty of bends and slopes to keep you on your toes. Keep your eyes on the road, not the scenery! Then there's the Snowdonia Mountainous Passage, the A496. Coastal views, mountainous routes, and quaint villages—Snowdonia National Park has it all. This road twists and turns through the best of it, which can be distracting. So keep your concentration levels high! The Snake Pass? It lives up to the name. This winding road cuts through the Pennines and can be treacherous in winter, when snow and ice become a serious issue. It's known for its accident record, so be extra careful. Hardknott Pass is another Lake District beast. This single-track road throws hairpin bends, steep climbs, and potential ice at you. Even confident drivers might get a bit nervous navigating it. Plus, there's an old Roman fort nearby! The A1, linking London and Edinburgh, is a historic road, but watch out for the Rutland section. The high volume of traffic, including lorries, contributes to a higher death rate compared to the rest of the A1 and in general. The A16, running through Lincolnshire, has a concerning number of fatalities. Its long, flat stretches can be monotonous, so stay alert behind the wheel. The A483, connecting Swansea and Chester, is another road to be cautious on. The Welsh section through Powys sees a higher number of accidents. While the exact cause is unclear, keep an eye on traffic reports. Moving north, the A965 is considered one of Scotland's most dangerous roads. A major route for trucks coming off the Scrabster Ferry, supplying towns in Orkney. The narrow roads, combined with a mix of traffic types, can create challenges. The scenery is nice, but the roads are often narrow! The M1 stretches from London to Leeds and carries an immense amount of traffic. Daily accidents and construction sites make it a tricky drive. Be prepared for bumps, holes, and other road hazards. The A39 links Devon and Cornwall with Wales but is infamous for its narrow lanes. Overtaking space is limited and combined with the cambers of the road can be treacherous, especially in poor visibility or bad weather. The A406 (North Circular) in London is often called "The world's largest car park,". If you're unfamiliar with the route, it can be confusing to navigate, and it's packed with traffic. The A6 runs from Luton to Carlisle and is considered one of England's deadliest. This road has been a vital connection for travelers since it was created back in the 18th century and can cause heavy congestion and frequent accidents.
hardA curvy paved road to Col de Perty
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Perty: A Scenic Alpine Challenge in Southeast France Ready to tackle one of the Drôme's most thrilling mountain passes? Col de Perty sits pretty at 1,302 meters (4,271 feet) above sea level in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and the journey to the top is absolutely worth your time. The route follows the D65, a completely paved but delightfully narrow road that snakes its way across 19.8 kilometers of stunning Alpine terrain. Heads up though—this pass doesn't mess around, with grades hitting a jaw-dropping 12% in some sections. Buckle up for the adventure! You've got two main approaches to choose from. Coming from the west via Montauban-sur-l'Ouvèze, you're looking at a 12.5-kilometer push from La Combe, climbing 600 meters at a manageable 4.8% average gradient. If you're coming from the east at Laborel, it's a shorter but punchier 8.5 kilometers, gaining 475 meters with a steeper 5.6% average grade. Whichever way you approach, expect those classic Alpine switchbacks, breathtaking valley views, and the kind of tight curves that make for an exhilarating drive. The narrow pavement means you'll want to take it steady and enjoy the scenery—which, trust us, is absolutely stellar. This is the real deal for mountain road enthusiasts.