
Is Col des Gentianes unpaved?
Switzerland, europe
6 km
2,906 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in the Swiss Alps, ready for an adventure. You're heading up to Col des Gentianes, a lofty peak sitting pretty at 2,906m. Buckle up, because this ain't your average Sunday drive!
First things first, leave the sports car at home. This is 4x4 territory, baby! The road to the summit is unpaved, and we're talking seriously steep with some loose gravel thrown in for good measure. We're talking a maximum gradient of 27% in places! It's about 6 km of pure grit, climbing 668 meters with an average gradient of over 11%. Think of it as a workout for your vehicle.
Why bother? Because the Valais alpine scenery is off the charts! Just keep in mind that this road is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July. Timing is everything.
Once you conquer the climb, reward yourself at the restaurant up top. Burgers, steaks, the works – mountain fuel! And if you're feeling extra adventurous, hop on the cable car to Mont-Fort. From there, you'll be treated to a 360° panorama of the Alps that'll knock your socks off. Trust me, it's worth the white-knuckle drive!
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,906 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow to drive the challenging access road to Pico del Teide?
🇪🇸 Spain
# Scaling Spain's Highest Peak: The Sendero Montaña Blanca Tenerife is home to Pico del Teide, Spain's most iconic volcano and the third-tallest in the world when measured from the ocean floor. On the island's eastern side, a rugged unpaved route climbs to 2,743 meters (8,999 feet)—making it one of Spain's highest roads and a serious mountain adventure. This is the Sendero Montaña Blanca, nestled in the heart of Teide National Park. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels almost otherworldly, with lunar landscapes, dramatic geological formations, and hardy alpine vegetation clinging to life at extreme elevations. Here's the real talk: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. You'll need a 4x4 vehicle, and private cars aren't allowed—it's strictly regulated. Starting from the paved TF-21 road at 2,351 meters (7,713 feet), you've got a relatively short but seriously steep 4.6-kilometer (2.85-mile) push ahead of you. You'll climb 374 meters with an average gradient of 8.13%—so expect some intense switchbacks and rough terrain. The payoff? You'll finish near Refugio Altavista, perched impossibly high on the volcano's flank, with views that'll make your jaw drop and your legs ache in equal measure.
moderatePasso Vezzena
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up for Passo Vezzena, a seriously stunning mountain pass in Trentino, northern Italy! This baby climbs to 1,402 meters (that's 4,599 feet!), and getting there is an adventure in itself. The road, known as SS349, is paved, but don't let that fool you. Think hairpin turns, narrow stretches, and enough twists to make you dizzy – even seasoned drivers need to pay attention. Trust me, it's a workout! You've got three main routes to tackle this beauty. From Trento, it's a 39km climb, gaining a whopping 1,450 meters, with an average grade of 3.1% and some punchy 9% sections. Coming from Asiago? That's a 21.4km ascent with a more gentle 1.9% average, but still some 6.4% grades. For a real leg burner, try the SP133 from Levico Terme – just 11.8km, but with a hefty 938 meters of elevation gain and gradients hitting almost 13%! Along the way, prepare for incredible scenery. You might even see the SP18 to Ranzo carved into the rock, and catch a glimpse of Picco Palù (Großer Moosstock). It’s the perfect recipe for unforgettable views around every bend.
hardWhere is Glaubenbielen Pass?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to experience Glaubenbielen Pass. This high-altitude stunner sits pretty at 5,298 feet in central Switzerland, near Giswil and Flühli. Locals also call it Schwendi-Käppeli Pass. Picture this: a winding road, carved by the Swiss army and completed just after WWII. It’s paved, thankfully, but don't get too comfy. This baby's narrow and steep – we're talking up to 18% grades as you hug the northern slope of the Fürstein! Be prepared to share the road, because you might find yourself stuck behind a tractor. Clocking in at 18.20 miles, the pass connects Giswil (in Canton Obwalden) and Flühli (in the Lucerne district of Entlebuch). Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The panoramic views of the Alps are insane. Heading towards Giswil, you'll be floored by the views of Lake Sarnen. Cruise toward Flühli, and the majestic Pilatus massif will steal your heart. Oh, and did I mention it's been featured in the Tour de Suisse? Feeling ambitious? From Giswil, it's a 7.2 km climb, gaining 530 meters at an average of 7.3%. From Flühli, brace yourself for an 8.3 km haul, ascending 520 meters at a 6.3% average. Trust me, the views are worth the burn!
moderateDriving the 5 most scenic roads of Wales
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Wales is calling! First up: the Black Mountain Road in Brecon Beacons National Park. Trust me, these 5 miles are pure driving bliss – twists, dips, climbs, the whole shebang! Or, cruise past Blaenavon iron works with Pen y Fan views on a chill drive along the Brecon Beacons' southern edge. Feeling brave? Tackle the "Devil's Staircase" from Tregaron to Llyn Brianne reservoir. Hairpin alert! We're talking bends, straights, bridges, crests and views for days. Oh, and keep an eye out for the local sheep! For an epic traverse, venture through Coed-y-Brenin Forest and scale the Oerddrws Pass in the Cambrian Mountains. You'll climb 1,170ft to the summit on this long Welsh road. It's bleak, it's beautiful! Lastly, soak up the vistas near Capel Curig in northern Snowdonia National Park. You HAVE to see the "Ugly House" past Swallows Falls. Legend says a goblin with a seriously warped sense of humour built it!