Driving to Stausee Mattmark is an absolute must for road lovers
Switzerland, europe
7.3 km
1,673 m
extreme
Year-round
# Mattmark See: A Alpine Gem Worth the Drive
Tucked away in Switzerland's Valais region near the Italian border, Mattmark See is a stunning high-altitude reservoir sitting pretty at 2,197m (7,208ft) above sea level. Nestled in the scenic Saas Valley, this is the kind of destination that makes the drive totally worth it.
The road up? Absolutely pristine. Built between 1960 and 1965, the fully paved route is in fantastic condition and genuinely fun to tackle. Starting from the charming village of Saas-Almagell (1,673m), you've got a 7.3 km climb ahead with 524 meters of elevation gain. The average gradient sits at a manageable 7.2%, so nothing too brutal for the first stretch.
But here's where it gets interesting: save the best for last. The final 2 km really turn up the heat, averaging around 10% gradient. And just when you think it can't get any steeper, the last half-kilometer before the dam hits a serious 14% gradient. It's gloriously steep and straight, making for an intense but incredibly rewarding finale.
The payoff? A glacier looming above the finish line and one of those "I earned this view" moments that make mountain driving so addictive. If you're hunting for a short, punchy alpine climb with killer scenery, Mattmark See delivers in spades.
Where is it?
Driving to Stausee Mattmark is an absolute must for road lovers is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.8362, 8.0274
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,673 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 46.8362, 8.0274
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