Gerlitzen Alpine Road is a sensational drive south of the Alps
Austria, europe
12 km
1,773 m
moderate
Year-round
# Gerlitzen Alpe Panoramastraße
Tucked along the northern shore of Lake Ossiach in Carinthia, Austria, the Gerlitzen Alpe Panoramastraße is a scenic toll road that's absolutely worth the drive. The name itself has a fiery backstory—it comes from the ancient Slavonic word "Gorelice" (goreti = to burn), a nod to the region's history with wildfires.
This 12km (7.45 miles) route starts near Bodensdorf, right by the lake, and climbs steadily upward to a panoramic car park perched at 1,773m (5,816ft) elevation. You'll gain a serious 1,258 meters of elevation along the way, which translates to an average gradient of about 10.48%—with some sections hitting a punchy 13%.
The road itself is fully paved (though it's seen better days) and pretty narrow at just 5 meters wide, but that's part of its charm. As you wind your way up, you're treated to gorgeous views of the Ossiacher Sea below and the stunning Carinthian landscape unfolding around you. The drive culminates near the Mountain Resort Feuerberg, where that panoramic car park offers some truly breathtaking vistas of central Carinthia.
It's the kind of road that justifies a leisurely afternoon—take your time, soak in the views, and enjoy one of Austria's most scenic drives.
Where is it?
Gerlitzen Alpine Road is a sensational drive south of the Alps is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.8528, 13.1382
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,773 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 47.8528, 13.1382
Related Roads in europe
hardCol du Laux
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Drôme department in sunny southeastern France, and you stumble upon the Col du Laux. This mountain pass sits pretty at 883 meters (almost 2,900 feet!) above sea level. The road, known as the D316, is paved, so no need for a monster truck. But hold on, it gets a little spicy! This climb is surprisingly steep, so keep your ride in a low gear! The pass connects Chauvac - Laux - Montaux in the west with Laux Montaux to the east. Get ready for some killer views, because this one's a treat for the eyes!
easyInlandsvagen (Inland Road)
🌍 Sweden
# The Inlandsvagen: Sweden's Epic Journey Through the Wild North Ready for a real adventure? The Inlandsvagen stretches an impressive 1,300 kilometers through Sweden's interior, starting in Gothenburg and winding all the way north to Karesuando right on the Finnish border. Following the historic Inlandsbanan railway route, this drive takes you straight through the heart of Swedish Lapland and some of Europe's most beautifully remote landscapes—we're talking endless boreal forests, pristine lakes that mirror the sky, and that magical moment when you cross the Arctic Circle. This isn't a road trip for city hoppers. The Inlandsvagen is pure wilderness, pulling you deep into Sweden's untamed heart. You'll roll through Jokkmokk, the Sami cultural hub where a legendary winter market has been going strong since 1605, and pass through Gallivare, an atmospheric old mining town frozen in time. Around Jokkmokk, there's even a roadside marker celebrating your Arctic Circle crossing—a perfect photo op. The experience shifts dramatically depending on when you visit. Summer transforms the region into something almost otherworldly, with the midnight sun refusing to set and bathing the landscape in endless daylight. Winter? That's a completely different beast—deep snow blankets everything, and if you're lucky, the northern lights put on a show that'll leave you speechless. Wildlife watchers will be thrilled: moose, reindeer, bears, and wolverines all call these forests home. Driving the Inlandsvagen is less about getting somewhere fast and more about soaking in the meditative rhythm of one of Europe's last true wilderness routes.
moderateDriving the Churchill Barriers: WWII Naval Defenses Turned Scenic Causeways in Scotland
🇬🇧 Scotland
Alright, adventure awaits in the Orkney Islands! Picture this: You're cruising the A961, a fully paved road snaking through the Northern Isles of Scotland. This isn't just any road trip, though. You're actually driving across the Churchill Barriers, four causeways with a seriously cool history. These aren't just roads; they were built in the 1940s as naval defenses to protect Scapa Flow, constructed between 1940 and 1944. Imagine the stories these stones could tell! The combined length of the four causeways is 1.5 miles (2.4 km). Keep an eye on the weather, though – these exposed stretches can get wild, and crossing during bad weather is at your own risk! The whole journey, from Kirkwall to Burwick, clocks in at about 20.6 miles (33.15 km) of pure Orkney magic, linking Orkney Mainland to Lamb Holm, Glimps Holm, Burray, and South Ronaldsay. Sadly, stopping on the causeways is prohibited. So, keep your eyes peeled for incredible scenery as you make your way across this unique piece of history. It's a driving experience you won't soon forget!
hardWhere is Lac de Céma?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Lac de Céma – we're talking a seriously stunning high-altitude lake at 2,745m (that's over 9,000 feet!) nestled way up in the French Alps, in the Savoie department. You'll find it in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, practically spitting distance from Italy. The road to get there? It's a quick jaunt, only about 900m (just over half a mile), leading you right to a parking area by La Cascade restaurant. And get this – it’s one of the highest roads in France. Heads up though, it's called Chemin du Pissaillas, and while it’s mostly paved, be prepared for some serious potholes from all that snow. Want to go even higher? There's a dirt track that heads west, climbing to a whopping 2,793m! Because it's so high up in the Graian Alps, this road is strictly a summer affair, usually open from May/June to October. Get ready for some insane scenery, though – this is one alpine drive you won't forget! Just imagine the views...