
Lac de Tseuzier
Switzerland, europe
9.7 km
1,780 m
hard
Year-round
# Lac de Tseuzier: A Swiss Alpine Adventure
Perched at 1,780 meters (5,839 feet) in the Bernese Alps, Lac de Tseuzier is an artificial lake that sits just north of the popular ski resort of Crans-Montana in Switzerland's Valais region. What makes this destination truly special? The absolutely wild road that gets you there.
Built between 1953 and 1957, this asphalt route is no joke. Starting from the charming town of Giète, you're looking at a 9.7-kilometer climb that gains a serious 626 meters in elevation. The average gradient sits at 6.45%, but here's where it gets spicy—certain sections hit a stomach-churning 27% steepness. We're talking genuinely steep.
The road itself is pretty narrow, and honestly, passing another car in some spots is basically impossible. As you approach the dam, things get even more dramatic with several tunnels cutting through the rock. A couple of these are seriously long, adding an extra element of adventure to your drive.
Here's the fun part though: the final few kilometers are relatively flat (mainly because you're driving through tunnels), which gives you a chance to catch your breath before you reach the summit. There's a nice big parking lot up top, so you can finally get out, stretch your legs, and take in those incredible Alpine views. Totally worth the adrenaline rush to get there.
Where is it?
Lac de Tseuzier is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.3508, 7.4306
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,780 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.3508, 7.4306
Related Roads in europe
hardCol de Gembre
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Col de Gembre in the Hautes-Pyrénées, France, is calling your name. This high mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,635m (5,364ft) – are you ready for those views? The road starts out smooth in Nistos, a cute little mountain town. Cruise along for 14km on asphalt until you hit the Nistos ski resort, sitting pretty at 1,600m. But that's where the real fun begins! The pavement ends, and the road turns to gravel for the final push to the summit. Word of warning, though: this gravel road is steep and narrow. But don't let that scare you away – it's all part of the experience! Get ready for some seriously epic scenery. Plus, you'll be driving along Route de Thiéry, a balcony road with views for days as you head towards Col de la Madone. What are you waiting for? Time to add this one to your bucket list!
moderateThe awe-inspiring road from Hora Sfakion to Anopolis in Crete
🇬🇷 Greece
# Hora Sfakion to Anopolis: Crete's Wild Coastal Climb Ready for one of Crete's most exhilarating drives? The route from Hora Sfakion to Anopolis in the Sfakiá region winds through some seriously dramatic scenery—but fair warning: if your travel buddies get queasy on curvy roads, you might want to let someone else take the wheel for this one. The good news? It's completely paved, and at just 11.7km (7.27 miles), you can knock it out in about 25 minutes if you're going straight through. The route climbs east to west from the charming coastal town of Hóra Sfakíon up to Anopolis, a quiet village perched 600 meters above sea level on a lush plateau in the foothills of the White Mountains. Now, let's talk about what makes this drive so special—and so intense. You'll tackle 19 seriously sharp hairpin turns while gaining elevation at a brutal 10% gradient. The road itself clings to the mountainside with massive drop-offs and deep gullies on either side, and occasional rockslides can block sections without warning. But here's the payoff: panoramic views that'll make your jaw drop, sweeping vistas toward the island of Gavdos, and some of the wildest, most untamed landscape Crete has to offer. Once you've conquered the climb, you'll find yourself in a hidden corner of Europe—pristine beaches with crystal-clear water, excellent local food and wine, and some of the best coastal walking trails around. This is where Crete's raw natural beauty really shines.
hardTunnel de Peter Both
🇫🇷 France
Alright thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're ever cruising around Réunion Island (that little gem east of Madagascar), and you fancy a real adventure, you NEED to check out the Tunnel de Peter Both. Carved way back in 1960, this tunnel punches a 166-meter hole through the mountains on the Route Nationale nº5, connecting Saint-Louis and Cilaos. Now, here's the kicker: it's NARROW. Think "cozy" rather than "spacious." Seriously, two cars at once? Forget about it! And with a height of only 3 meters, watch those oversized vehicles! The road surface is paved, so that's a plus. But the real draw is the sheer audacity of the thing, and the killer views you get on either side. Just be prepared for a tight squeeze and maybe a little heart-pumping action. Trust me, it's worth it for the bragging rights!
hardThe road to Sobrón Alto is not for the sissies
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk about the A-4324, the road to Sobrón Alto, a tiny village in Álava, nestled right in the Basque Country of northern Spain! Forget your average Sunday drive; this route, squeezed between the Montes Obarenes and Sierra de Árcena mountains, is *intense*. The pavement might be patchy, a mix of asphalt and concrete, but don't let that fool you. This baby is STEEP. We're talking gradients reaching a wild 15.4% in places! Starting from the A-2122 (aka the Sobrón Canyon road), you'll climb for about 2.7km (1.67 miles), gaining a solid 189 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 7%, so prepare for some serious uphill action. Generally, it’s open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter - things can get dicey up there. But, if you're up for a challenge and craving some stunning mountain views, this road is calling your name!