Driving the wild Tälligrattunnel

Driving the wild Tälligrattunnel

Switzerland, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

2.352 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Tälligrattunnel: A Hidden Alpine Shortcut

Tucked away in Switzerland's Valais canton, the Tälligrattunnel is one of those roads that makes you feel like you've discovered something truly special. The approach is pure backcountry charm—a narrow, gravelly climb that demands respect and rewards you with serious alpine vibes.

Here's the thing: this road is seriously seasonal. You're looking at a pretty tight window from July through September if the weather gods are smiling. October to June? Forget about it—the mountains close the door hard during those months. The narrow, steep gravel approach isn't for the faint of heart, but the payoff is incredible.

The tunnel itself is the real star of the show. Built back in the 1980s, this 1-kilometer passage burrows straight through the Tälligrat mountain, saving you a ton of switchbacks. Originally engineered to redirect water from the Märjelensee down into the valley, it's now a thrilling shortcut for those adventurous enough to tackle the approach.

The numbers? The northern portal sits at 2,352 meters elevation, with the southern exit just a few meters lower at 2,347 meters. You're solidly in the Swiss Alps here, surrounded by some of the continent's most dramatic scenery.

This is the kind of road that locals know and visitors dream about—raw, real, and absolutely worth the gravel dust.

Where is it?

Driving the wild Tälligrattunnel is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.7665, 8.5737

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Switzerland
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
2.352 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
46.7665, 8.5737

Related Roads in europe

The road to El Maigmó: be ready to make room for oncoming vehiclesextreme

The road to El Maigmó: be ready to make room for oncoming vehicles

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Costa Blanca in Spain, and you spot this peak called El Maigmó, or Alt de les Xemeneies as the locals call it. It's a newly paved road, so you know you gotta check it out, right? Heads up: the road gets narrow, and the slopes get seriously steep. If you meet another car, be prepared to do some fancy maneuvering! But trust me, the views are worth it. Once you reach the top at 1,192m (3,910ft), you're greeted with communication towers, a lookout tower, and a mind-blowing 360° panorama stretching across the whole area to the Mediterranean Sea. The climb itself is a beast! Starting from the CV-815, it's only 5.4km long, but you gain a whopping 566 meters in elevation, averaging a leg-burning 10.5% gradient. Some sections even hit a crazy 16%! The best part? You'll probably have the whole road to yourself. Get ready for an epic climb.

Where is Kolokytha beach?hard

Where is Kolokytha beach?

🇬🇷 Greece

Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're headed to Kolokytha Beach on the northern coast of Crete, and let me tell you, getting there is half the adventure. First things first: Kolokytha Beach itself is a slice of paradise with crystal-clear, calm waters. Seriously, you'll want to spend all day swimming. Just a heads up, though, this place is POPULAR, so get there early to snag your spot! Now, about that road... It's a bit of a wild ride! The last stretch is a real test of your driving skills. We're talking about a roughly 2.5-kilometer coastal road that's not for the faint of heart. Ground clearance is a MUST. Usually, the road is closed off to private vehicles near a small church, so you will need to park there and walk the rest of the way.

Where is Aukštojas Hill?moderate

Where is Aukštojas Hill?

🌍 Lithuania

Okay, so you're in Lithuania and itching for an adventure? Forget the crowded tourist traps and head to Aukštojas Hill, the country's highest point! We're talking a modest 294 meters (965 feet) above sea level, so don't expect Everest. It's tucked away in the Medininkai Highlands, east of Vilnius and practically waving hello to Belarus in the southeast. Getting there is half the fun. You'll cruise along the paved 5213 road, but then things get interesting. A 1.4 km (0.86 mile) unpaved stretch leads you to the Aukštojo parkingas - the highest parking lot in Lithuania at 280 meters (918 feet)! From there, it's a short walk to the summit. Is it worth the drive? Totally! You're surrounded by the Migūnai forestry, a sea of pine trees. Up top, you'll find a viewing tower perfect for snapping those panoramic shots, a cool circular monument with horse heads (yes, you read that right!), and a big boulder marking the actual highest point. It's quirky, it's scenic, and it's a great way to experience a different side of Lithuania.

Driving a wild paved road to Buzi Pass in North West Greecehard

Driving a wild paved road to Buzi Pass in North West Greece

🇬🇷 Greece

# Βούζι Pass Perched at a breathtaking 1,747m (5,731ft) above sea level, Βούζι Pass is tucked right on the border between Ioannina and Grevena in northwestern Greece—and it's seriously one of the country's highest drives you can take. This mountain pass sits proudly in the Pindus range, serving as the dramatic link between Epirus and West Macedonia. The 12.7 km (7.89 miles) stretch runs north-south, connecting the village of Fourka (in Ioannina) to Samarina (in Grevena), which happens to be one of Greece's highest villages. Pretty cool, right? The entire road is fully paved, but don't let that fool you—this isn't a leisurely cruise. You'll be thrown curve after curve with steep elevation changes that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel. Throw in some narrow sections along the way, and you've got yourself a proper alpine challenge that demands respect and focus. If you're after stunning Pindus mountain scenery combined with a road that genuinely tests your driving skills, Βούζι Pass delivers on both fronts.