Jaun Pass is a 5-star road in the Swiss Alps

Jaun Pass is a 5-star road in the Swiss Alps

Switzerland, europe

Length

18.3 km

Elevation

1,512 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Jaun Pass: A Classic Alpine Challenge

Perched at 1,512 meters (4,960 feet) in the Swiss canton of Bern, Jaun Pass—also called Jaunpass or Col de Bellegarde—is a fully paved mountain crossing that's been welcoming adventurous drivers since 1878. The Jaunpassstrasse connects Im Fang (in Fribourg) to Reidenbach (in Bern) across an 18.3 km (11.37 miles) stretch of pure Alpine drama.

Fair warning: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. You'll navigate 11 hairpin turns, tunnel through mountain rock, squeeze through narrow passages, and tackle some seriously steep grades—the road hits a gnarly 10.5% gradient in places. But the payoff? Absolutely stunning Alpine scenery that makes every twist and turn worth it.

Coming up from Im Fang, you're looking at a 10 km climb that gains 565 meters of elevation—averaging a manageable 5.7%. The approach from Reidenbach is shorter but punchier: just 8 km to climb 664 meters, averaging 8.3%. Either way, your engine (and nerves) will get a proper workout.

If you love mountain driving, this pass is a bucket-list experience. Just make sure your car's in good shape, your brakes are confident, and you're prepared for some seriously technical Alpine motoring.

Where is it?

Jaun Pass is a 5-star road in the Swiss Alps is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.6847, 8.3917

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Switzerland
Continent
europe
Length
18.3 km
Max Elevation
1,512 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
46.6847, 8.3917

Related Roads in europe

How long is the road from Kallikratis to Kapsodasos?hard

How long is the road from Kallikratis to Kapsodasos?

🇬🇷 Greece

Okay, buckle up for a wild ride in southwest Crete! The road from Kallikratis to Kapsodasos is only 10.6 km (6.58 miles), but don't let the short distance fool you. This baby is packed with 27 hairpin turns, making it one of the most intensely winding roads you'll ever experience! Starting in Kallikratis, a charming mountain village, you'll climb 625 meters in elevation, averaging a nearly 6% gradient, with some sections hitting a crazy 28%! The road is paved, thankfully, but it's narrow, bumpy, and lacks barriers, so keep your eyes peeled. It's also pretty empty – you might just have the whole road to yourself! Why brave this intense route? The views, of course! Being in the Skafia region gives you stunning vistas of the Libyan Sea and the Frangokastello plain. Just imagine those sparkling waters and the vast landscape unfolding before you. During winter it is often covered with snow, and most of the villagers move down to the sea coast. So, if you're looking for a challenging drive with incredible scenery, this Crete road is calling your name.

Why is the Storseisundet Bridge famous?moderate

Why is the Storseisundet Bridge famous?

🇳🇴 Norway

Cruising the Atlantic Road on the midwest Norwegian coast? Buckle up for the Storseisundet Bridge! This cantilever marvel is the longest of eight bridges on the route, stretching 260 meters (850 ft) with a maximum clearance of 23 meters (75 ft) above the sea. But here's the kicker: from a certain angle, it looks like a diving board to nowhere! Seriously, as you approach, it seems like you're about to drive right off the edge into the ocean. Locals even call it the "drunk bridge," because once you’re on it, the road seems to disappear before your eyes. Opened in 1989, this paved beauty is perfectly safe, despite its rollercoaster-esque twists and turns. What makes it special is how the shape changes depending on your vantage point. Drivers can’t see the curve when they're on it, making it seem like the road vanishes and any car attempting to cross will plunge into the water. It’s just an optical illusion, of course, but it's guaranteed to give you a thrill!

Is the road to Miserat paved?extreme

Is the road to Miserat paved?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Costa Blanca in Spain, ready for an adventure. You swing off the CV-700 near Pego and start heading up, up, UP toward Alt del Miserat. This isn't just any hill – it's a 7 km climb to a 754m peak, and it's a real leg-burner, even in a car! The road? Paved as of recently, but super skinny – think one-lane, where reversing skills are a must. The climb averages almost 10%, but prepare for some seriously steep sections pushing past 20%. No wonder pro cyclists love this beast! Traffic? Forget about it – you'll probably have the road to yourself. And the payoff? Unreal. Communication towers mark the summit, but the real prize is the panoramic views. You're talking endless Mediterranean Sea on one side and the stunning Costa Blanca interior on the other. Trust me, the sweat (or careful driving) is totally worth it.

Driving the brutal road from Tan Hill Inn to Keldextreme

Driving the brutal road from Tan Hill Inn to Keld

🇬🇧 England

Okay, picture this: you're in North Yorkshire, ready for an adventure. Forget the bus – you'll want a nimble ride for this one! I'm talking about the road that connects the legendary Tan Hill Inn (Britain's highest pub, cheers!) to the sweet little village of Keld. This little gem is snuggled right in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, specifically the breathtaking Swaledale. Clocking in at just under 4 miles, it snakes its way from the Pennine Way near Tan Hill Inn down to the B6270, just west of Keld. Fun fact: it also leads to the seriously charming Frith Lodge B&B, a 300-year-old farmhouse! Now, don't let the "fully paved" part fool you. This road is a proper test of driving skills. We're talking narrow sections, seriously steep gradients hitting a whopping 25% in places, and weather that can turn on a dime. Think moody moors, valleys, hills and potential snow, fog, and biting cold – you're in the middle of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, after all. It's desolate, wild, and utterly unforgettable.