Kreuzkogel

Kreuzkogel

Austria, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,643 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Kreuzkogel is a stunning high mountain peak sitting at 2,643m (8,671ft) above sea level in the High Tauern mountains, just south of Salzburg, Austria.

This isn't your typical mountain drive—it's a chairlift access trail that's as dramatic as it gets. The route is rocky and gravelly throughout, with the ski-station service road climbing at seriously steep grades (some sections hitting 30%). As you push higher, things get even more intense, with loose stones and rocky terrain that'll keep you on your toes.

Here's the catch: you can really only tackle this in a narrow summer window around late August. The mountain serves up plenty of surprises year-round, with ferocious winds that rarely let up, even during the warmer months. Summer days can throw unexpected snow your way, and if you're thinking winter? Forget it—temperatures here are brutally, unforgivingly cold.

It's an adrenaline-pumping adventure for those who time it right and come prepared for whatever the mountain throws at you.

Where is it?

Kreuzkogel is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.9918, 13.6989

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Austria
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
2,643 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
47.9918, 13.6989

Related Roads in europe

How to get by car to Chateau de Queribus in Occitanie?hard

How to get by car to Chateau de Queribus in Occitanie?

🇫🇷 France

# Château de Quéribus: A Wild Mountain Drive Tucked away in the Occitanie region of southern France, the remote Château de Quéribus sits dramatically perched on a rocky hilltop in the tiny commune of Cucugnan. This 14th-century fortress—the legendary last Cathar stronghold—commands attention from miles away, standing sentinel over the plains stretching between Tautavel and Caudiès. Getting there is half the adventure. The 3.3 km route from Cucugnan is fully paved but definitely not for the faint of heart. It's narrow, bumpy, and relentlessly steep, with gradients hitting a jaw-dropping 16.4% in some sections. You'll climb 316 meters (average 9.57% gradient) as you wind your way up the mountain. The good news? You can drive almost the entire way. The road ends at a parking lot 614 meters above sea level, leaving just a short walk to the castle entrance. Fair warning: that final stretch to the castle itself is steep and gravelly, with narrow stone steps that can get slippery when wet. The peak is notoriously windy, so hold onto your hat. The castle underwent a complete restoration between 1998 and 2002, so it's definitely worth the bumpy ride up—especially if you're into Cathar history and spectacular mountain views. Just take it slow, watch your footing, and enjoy one of France's most dramatic hilltop experiences.

A Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Lac de la Glèrehard

A Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Lac de la Glère

🇫🇷 France

# Lac de la Glère Tucked away at 2,152 meters (7,060 feet) in the stunning Néouvielle range of the French Pyrenees, Lac de la Glère is an alpine gem worth the adventure. Located in the Hautes-Pyrénées region of southwestern France, this pristine mountain lake sits in some seriously remote territory. Here's the real talk: the road up here is completely unpaved and basically a no-go zone from October through June (unless conditions are unusually favorable). Mountain weather is notoriously moody, so come prepared for anything. A 4x4 is seriously recommended if you want to tackle this properly. The trail itself is steep with some gnarly hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes, so save this one for when you're feeling confident behind the wheel. Once you make it to the lake, you'll find the charming Refuge de la Glère, a mountain hut that's been welcoming hikers and adventurers since 1953. The scenery alone makes the challenging drive worthwhile—you're looking at some of the most dramatic alpine landscape France has to offer.

Col de la Cucumellehard

Col de la Cucumelle

🇫🇷 France

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Col de la Cucumelle in the Hautes-Alpes of France is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking a legit mountain pass topping out at a cool 2,511 meters (8,238 feet!). Think rugged, think raw: the road here? It's a gravelly, rocky, bumpy roller coaster. Seriously, it's more like a chairlift access trail than a highway. Mother Nature usually shuts this bad boy down from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. Only seasoned off-roaders need apply. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, maybe skip this one. You'll 100% need a 4x4, and a healthy dose of courage too. Expect some seriously steep sections, and those single-track traverses? They're not for the faint of heart! Huge drops and major exposure will test your nerves. But hey, the views are worth it, right?

Where is Albula Pass?hard

Where is Albula Pass?

🇨🇭 Switzerland

The Albula Pass sits high in the Swiss Alps at 2,306m (7,565ft), connecting the Albula and Maloja regions. It's typically open from June to October, offering a fantastic driving experience. This historic route, initially built in 1865, once served as a crucial link between Lombardy and Austria. The fully paved road stretches for 39.3 km (24.41 miles) from Albula/Alvra to La Punt Chamues-ch. Be prepared for some steep sections with gradients reaching up to 15%! The road is a mix of hairpins and sweeping curves, winding through forests and rocky landscapes. While Julier Pass draws more traffic, Albula offers a less crowded, more intimate drive. Watch out for narrow sections and strong winds at the summit. Give yourself about an hour to drive it straight through, but with scenery this good, you'll want to budget more time. Up top, you'll even find a hospice to take a break.