Conquering the highest paved road of the Czech Republic to Praded

Conquering the highest paved road of the Czech Republic to Praded

Czech Republic, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

1,489 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're in the Czech Republic, itching for an adventure. Head east to the border of Moravian-Silesian and Olomouc regions, and get ready to conquer Praděd, a beast of a peak soaring to 1,489m!

Now, here's the cool part. Perched right on top is a massive, 162m-tall broadcasting tower, built way back between 1968 and 1983. But it's not just a tower — it's got a small hotel and restaurant inside! And the tippy-top? A watchtower with insane views.

We're talking High Tatras, Malá Fatra Mts., maybe even the Alps on a clear day! The road up here in the Hrubý Jeseník range? Paved, baby! They say it's the highest paved road in the whole country, but here's the catch: it's currently closed to cars and motorcycles. So lace up those hiking boots and get ready to earn those views!

Where is it?

Conquering the highest paved road of the Czech Republic to Praded is located in Czech Republic (europe). Coordinates: 49.4686, 15.4380

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Czech Republic
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
1,489 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
49.4686, 15.4380

Related Roads in europe

How to get by car to Seminsky Pass in the Altai Republic?extreme

How to get by car to Seminsky Pass in the Altai Republic?

🌍 Russia

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Altai Republic of Russia, and you hit this incredible spot called Seminsky Pass. Locals call it Dyal-Menku or Dyal-Menka – "The timeless mountain," which is pretty spot on. We're talking serious elevation here – 1,894m (that's over 6,200 feet!). You're right in the southwest part of the Seminsky ridge, at the highest point on the highway. When you get to the top, you'll find this massive sculpture and a cool little market packed with souvenirs. Plus, there's a monument marking a big anniversary for the region. Plenty of parking, a bar, and more souvenir shopping await. Seminsky Pass is a natural boundary, separating the Northern and Central Altay regions. You'll be driving on the P56, also known as the Chuiskyi trakt road or Chuya Highway – the main artery connecting Siberia to Mongolia and China. Now, this isn't some newfangled road. Back in the day, it was a crazy dangerous horse path. They built a road in 1903, and by '27, cars could *barely* squeeze through. Can you imagine a single lane of crushed stone, honking your horn to warn anyone coming the other way? A proper dual highway wasn't built until 1984! The whole pass stretches for 176km (that's 109 miles) from Tuyekta to Mayma. The climb is about 9km, and the descent is 11km. Get ready for miles of unreal views, twisty hairpin turns, high altitude, and some seriously steep sections. One thing to watch out for: it can get pretty busy with trucks hauling stuff between Russia and Mongolia. This place is steeped in history too. It’s got a "cult of mountains" vibe, where locals honor their ancestors with ceremonies and traditions at these "obo" monuments.

Where is Niederalpl Pass?hard

Where is Niederalpl Pass?

🇦🇹 Austria

Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Niederalpl Pass in scenic Styria, Austria! This beauty sits way up in the Austrian Alps at a cool 1,232 meters (that's over 4,000 feet!). You'll find it in the eastern part of the country. The road itself? Smooth sailing on the L113 (State Highway 113), all paved and ready for your road trip. Just be prepared for some steep sections – we're talking up to a 10% gradient on some of those ramps! The whole experience? It's a 16.3 km (just over 10 miles) stretch of road, running from Mürzsteg to Wegscheid. And when you reach the top, you'll find a couple of restaurants and ski lifts, so you can grab a bite or hit the slopes! Get ready for incredible views and a ride you won't soon forget.

An old military road to Lago d'Arponextreme

An old military road to Lago d'Arpon

🇮🇹 Italy

# Lago d'Arpon: Not for the Faint of Heart Perched at 1,830 meters (6,003 feet) on the France-Italy border, Lago d'Arpon is a stunning alpine destination—but getting there? That's an adventure in itself. This isn't your typical scenic drive. The road to the lake (also called Lago dell'Arpone) is brutally challenging and strictly 4x4 territory. Forget about winter visits entirely; snow makes this route completely impassable. As you climb up toward Lac de Roterel, you're testing not just your vehicle's capabilities but your nerves too. The views? Absolutely breathtaking—those mountain vistas are postcard-worthy. But here's the catch: they come with a side of serious exposure. Long stretches feature nothing between you and a several-hundred-meter drop except open air and loose gravel. If you're the type who gets dizzy looking down from a tall building, or if landslides keep you up at night, this probably isn't your road. There are no guardrails to reassure you, and the gravel surface demands respect. What makes this route even cooler? It's a historic military road, part of a network built across the French and Italian Alps starting in the late 1800s and heavily developed during World War I. You're literally driving a piece of alpine military history while staring down some of Europe's most dramatic scenery. Only go if you're confident, experienced, and genuinely ready for it.

Driving the infamous D220-Les Travers, a French balcony roadhard

Driving the infamous D220-Les Travers, a French balcony road

🇫🇷 France

# Route Departementale 220: France's Jaw-Dropping Mountain Corniche If you're hunting for one of France's most dramatic scenic drives, head to the Isère department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. Route Departementale 220—locals call it Les Travers—is a short but utterly spectacular mountain road that'll have your heart racing for all the right reasons. This 5.7 km (3.54 miles) ribbon of asphalt winds west to east from D1091 to D213, hugging the mountainside as it makes its way toward Les Deux Alpes. And here's the thing: you'll be driving along a genuine cliff face with nothing but a foot-high wall between you and a absolutely insane drop down to the valley. The views toward Col de Sarenne are seriously stunning. Now, let's be real—this road is no joke. The most dramatic section is genuinely narrow (we're talking traffic lights at the tightest spots), with single-track portions and overhanging rock that demand serious respect. Heavy vehicles aren't even allowed, which tells you something. It's one of France's most famous balcony roads near Bourg d'Oisans, and for good reason. Fair warning though: it's busier than you'd expect for such a wild route, so if you were hoping for a peaceful cycling adventure, you might want to look elsewhere. The road typically stays open year-round, but winter snow and falling rocks can force closures, so check conditions before you go. Ready for the experience? This is balcony driving at its finest.