Driver's guide: The curvy road to Cervenohorske Sedlo Pass
Czech Republic, europe
22.7 km
1,011 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Olomouc Region of the Czech Republic, heading towards Červenohorské Sedlo, a mountain pass that tops out at a cool 1,011m (3,316ft). This isn't just any drive; it's an adventure on Road I/44, rumored to be the highest-placed major road in the whole country!
The road stretches for about 22.7 km (14.10 miles), winding from Bělá pod Pradědem up to Loučná nad Desnou. At the summit, you'll find a ski resort, Ski areál Červenohorské sedlo Jeseníky, perfect for a bit of après-drive relaxation.
Now, let's talk about the drive itself. It's not for the faint of heart, with 12 hairpin turns and some seriously steep sections hitting an 8.8% gradient. Keep an eye out for the local constabulary, especially on weekends.
The road used to be a bit of a wild child, but it got a major glow-up in 2017! They widened the curves, added some overtaking sections (about 1,000m long), and generally made things much safer. All this plus the views from the western edge of the Hrubý Jeseník (Jeseník Mountains)? Totally worth the trip!
Where is it?
Driver's guide: The curvy road to Cervenohorske Sedlo Pass is located in Czech Republic (europe). Coordinates: 50.1421, 15.1687
Road Details
- Country
- Czech Republic
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 22.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,011 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 50.1421, 15.1687
Related Roads in europe
hardMount Kouroupa
🇬🇷 Greece
# Mount Kouroupa: Crete's Epic Mountain Challenge Perched at 980m on Crete's stunning south coast, Mount Kouroupa is calling—but only if you're ready for one serious driving adventure. Fair warning: this climb has crushed the spirits of overconfident drivers, and it's definitely not a beginner's playground. Here's what you're getting into: roughly 5km and 17 hairpin turns of pure adrenaline, with an average gradient that'll make your palms sweat at 10.86%. The road is primarily gravel, deteriorating into sketchy pavement on those final twists to the summit. Four-wheel drive isn't just recommended; it's practically essential. The narrow, winding sections offer zero room for passing—even motorbikes are stuck behind you—and the constant ups, downs, and gut-wrenching turns will test even seasoned drivers. Night driving? Hard pass, especially if you're unfamiliar with the route. Winter brings unpredictable fog and heavy rain, plus year-round humidity makes things slick. And then there are the relentless winds that howl across this exposed peak throughout the year. But here's the payoff: jaw-dropping panoramic views stretch across the Libyan Sea, the dramatic east Sfakia region, southern Rethymnon, and charming villages dotting Western Rethymnon. The twists and turns that scare you off in daylight become pure magic when you're committed to the drive. Not confident? You can park in the tiny hamlet of Atsipádhes and approach on foot. At the summit, you'll find a communication tower and a small chapel—proof that you conquered one of Crete's most legendary roads.
extremeDriving the D86: Tour de Madeloc's Hairpin Turns
🇫🇷 France
# The Tour de Madeloc: A White-Knuckle Coastal Adventure Nestled between the Spanish border and Cap Cerbere in southern France, the Tour de Madeloc (Route D86) is one seriously thrilling drive. This scenic gem connects the charming coastal towns of Banyuls-Sur-Mer and Colliure, weaving through the Pyrénées-Orientales department with jaw-dropping Mediterranean views. Starting practically at sea level, this 18.5-kilometer road launches you upward at a genuinely intense pace, climbing about 450 meters in what feels like no time at all. The paved surface—recently refreshed in spots—winds relentlessly through vineyard-covered hillsides, and those gradients? Some sections hit a punishing 20%. Just insane. Here's where it gets real: this road is *tiny*. We're talking barely-room-for-one-car narrow, with sections so tight that passing another vehicle means someone's reversing—possibly for quite a distance. And those guardrails you might be hoping for? They don't exist. The drop-off happens immediately, and one mistake genuinely could be catastrophic. This isn't hyperbole—this is a road that demands serious driving skills and nerves of steel. Local farmers navigate it daily in their vineyard vehicles, which somehow makes it both more impressive and more humbling. Take it slow (aim for 30 km/h max), stay alert for blind corners, and only attempt this if you're genuinely confident driving in reverse on narrow mountain roads. There are two decent stopping points with parking and incredible vistas—the views are absolutely worth the stress. Bonus: A dead-end track leads to a medieval watchtower (closed to traffic, but worth a short walk), and nearby Fort Saint Elme—beautifully renovated and now a museum—showcases impressive Vauban fortifications. Bring your camera; this drive is a photographer's dream.
hardLa Raca
🇪🇸 Spain
# La Raca: A Pyrenean Adventure Nestled in the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees in Huesca province, La Raca towers at 2,271 meters (7,450 feet) and offers an unforgettable high-altitude experience for the truly adventurous driver. Fair warning: this isn't your typical scenic drive. The route to the summit is a raw, unforgiving ribbon of gravel and rock that'll test your skills and your nerves. Expect steep grades, rutted terrain, and conditions that shift from rocky to downright muddy depending on the weather. Winter? Forget about it—this road becomes virtually impassable when snow and ice move in. This is strictly for experienced off-roaders who know their way around a 4x4. If unpaved mountain roads make you sweat, or if heights aren't your thing, do yourself a favor and skip this one. Wet conditions transform the muddy surface into a genuinely challenging drive, so timing your visit matters. But for those with the skills, the vehicles, and the courage? The Pyrenees reward you handsomely. The remote alpine scenery and sense of accomplishment make every bump and rut worth it.
extremeCollade de la Roquette
🇫🇷 France
Alright thrill-seekers, buckle up for Collade de la Roquette, a wild ride in the French Pyrénées-Orientales, practically spitting distance from Spain and Catalonia. This beast of a mountain pass tops out at a cool 2,076m (6,811ft), so be prepared for some thin air! Now, getting there is half the adventure. We're talking serious 4x4 territory, folks. Think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumps to keep you on your toes. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive, and definitely a no-go in winter. Seasoned off-roaders will be in heaven, but if you're not comfy on unpaved mountain roads, maybe sit this one out. At the summit, you'll find the Refuge du Pla Guillem, a cozy mountain shelter with views that'll make your jaw drop. Just a heads up, though: if heights aren't your thing, maybe don't look down! Expect some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 8%. And if it's been raining, that muddy road can get pretty slick. But hey, that's all part of the fun, right?