Driving the Scenic Kalser Glocknerstrasse in Tyrol
Austria, europe
7 km
1,920 m
easy
Year-round
# Kals Glockner Road: Austria's Alpine Masterpiece
Tucked away in Tyrol in southwestern Austria, the Kals Glockner Road is an absolute gem for anyone who loves winding mountain drives. Nestled within the stunning Hohe Tauern National Park, this 7km (4.34 miles) route is basically a highlight reel of Austrian Alpine scenery.
Starting from the charming hamlet of Burg at around 1,400 meters elevation, the well-paved road climbs steadily through dense forests and past gorgeous meadows, dotted with countless hairpin turns that'll keep you engaged the whole way. It's definitely a "sporty" drive, but don't worry—the road is in great condition and actually bus-friendly if you're not feeling too adventurous.
The journey culminates at the Lucknerhaus Lodge car park, perched at 1,920 meters, where you'll have conquered some seriously impressive altitude gain. Along the way, you're treated to jaw-dropping views of glacier-carved valleys and dramatic rocky peaks. But here's the real showstopper: the breathtaking views of the Großglockner, Austria's highest mountain at 3,798 meters, reveal themselves as you climb.
Fair warning though—if you're tackling this in winter, make sure your vehicle is properly equipped. The road stays open year-round, but alpine conditions demand respect and preparation. Summer and autumn are your best bets for an epic, hassle-free experience.
Where is it?
Driving the Scenic Kalser Glocknerstrasse in Tyrol is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.7530, 13.0951
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,920 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 47.7530, 13.0951
Related Roads in europe
hardChampillon
🇮🇹 Italy
Hey, road trippers! Ever heard of Champillon? It's this crazy-beautiful high-mountain plateau in the Aosta Valley, way up in northwestern Italy. We're talking 2,092 meters (that's 6,863 feet!) above sea level. The road up there? Paved, sure, but hold on tight. It's a narrow, winding climb that gets pretty steep in places. Oh, and a heads-up: snow can shut this road down at any time, so check conditions before you go. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. Think panoramic vistas, crisp mountain air, and maybe even a glimpse of Picco Palù-Großer Moosstock or the Fronza alle Coronelle Refuge. It’s a taste of Italy you won’t forget!
moderateCarretera Vieja (TF-28 Road)
🇪🇸 Spain
# TF-28: Tenerife's Legendary Twisty Mountain Road If you're looking for one of the most thrilling drives in Spain's Canary Islands, the TF-28—locals call it Carretera Vieja (the Old Road)—is absolutely worth the trip. This iconic route winds its way across Tenerife, connecting the bustling Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the north to the beachy resort town of Playa de las Américas in the south. Fair warning: this isn't your grandma's Sunday cruise. The asphalt is decent in most places, but you'll hit some rougher patches along the way. And here's the real deal—if your passengers are prone to motion sickness, maybe skip the heavy lunch beforehand. This road earned its nickname "the road with a thousand bends" for a reason, and it's not exaggerating. Spanning nearly 100 kilometers, the TF-28 hugs the mountainside like it was made for it, following every contour and curve nature threw its way. Before the newer TF-1 highway came along, this was *the* main route between north and south, and it's easy to see why drivers still love it. What makes it special isn't just the engineering—it's the constant adrenaline rush of ascents and descents, hairpin after hairpin. The scenery? Absolutely stunning. You're treated to panoramic views the entire way, with the road weaving through the island's dramatic landscape. For anyone who loves a proper driving challenge with jaw-dropping vistas, this is the real deal.
extremeIs Route de l'Hongrin paved?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, buckle up for the Route de l'Hongrin in Switzerland's Vaud canton! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously fun (but challenging!) mountain road that winds through the "Petit Hongrin" military zone. Word to the wise: it's only open on weekends and during summer holidays, so plan accordingly. Also known as Route des Agites, this one-way gem stretches for about 24 km, from La Lécherette to Corbeyrier, and is mostly paved. Picture this: crazy narrow roads snaking through vineyards and light woods in the Vaudois Alps. It's one of Switzerland's best-kept secrets! The highlight? Conquering Les Agites, a mountain pass that hits a lofty 1,558m (5,111ft). The climb is around 13 kms at a 9% average grade, but hold on tight because some sections are seriously steep, even past 20%! And then there's the legendary Tunnel de les Agites, also known as Tunnel de la Sarse. This super-narrow, rough-hewn tunnel, built way back in the late 1930s, is a single-lane squeeze. Weekends and holidays mean sticking to a strict timetable for one-way traffic. Cyclists, bring your headlamps – this tunnel is dark! Heads up on opening times because of its location on the southern slope of Lac de l'Hongrin! From July 1st to August 15th, it's generally open but military exercises might cause delays. Weekends and holidays (7 AM to 7 PM) are governed by a timetable for ascending (direction Lécherette) during the first quarter of each hour (00 to 15), and descending (direction Corbeyrier) during the third quarter of each hour (30-45). June and late August through October, it's weekends only. From November to May, it's closed completely.
hardA narrow unpaved road to Covas do Monte in Portugal
🇵🇹 Portugal
# Covas do Monte: A Mountain Drive Worth the Challenge Nestled in the Serra da Gralheira mountains of central Portugal, Covas do Monte is a charming little town sitting pretty at 536 meters (1,758 feet) above sea level. You'll find it tucked away in the São Pedro do Sul municipality, right in the heart of the Viseu district. Here's where it gets interesting: the road up to town is gloriously unpaved and genuinely steep. Think narrow switchbacks and legitimate elevation challenges—this isn't your average leisurely drive. The route maxes out at 554 meters (1,817 feet), so you're basically climbing as you go. The main event starts from the M559-1 road and stretches for 3.8 kilometers (2.36 miles) of pure ascent. You're gaining 241 meters of elevation over that distance, which translates to an average gradient of about 6.34%. Don't be fooled by "average" though—some sections crank up to a punishing 10% gradient that'll test both your vehicle and your nerve. If you're after authentic mountain driving through spectacular Portuguese terrain, this serpentine route delivers exactly that. Just come prepared: take it slow, mind those hairpins, and enjoy the stunning views this corner of the Serra da Gralheira has to offer.