Melchsee
Switzerland, europe
7.5 km
1,891 m
hard
Year-round
# Melchsee: A High-Alpine Adventure
Tucked away in Switzerland's Obwalden canton, Melchsee sits at a breathtaking 1,891 meters (6,204 feet) above sea level. Getting there? It's half the fun—and definitely a workout for your car.
Starting from Stöckalp, you're looking at 7.5 km of pure Alpine climbing. The road is paved, but don't expect wide open highways here. This is narrow, winding terrain with some seriously steep pitches that'll keep your palms sweaty and your eyes on the road. Over those 7.5 km, you'll gain 827 meters of elevation—that's an average gradient of 11%, which is no joke.
If you're into dramatic mountain drives with incredible scenery unfolding around every corner, this one delivers. Just take it slow, keep your wits about you on those tight sections, and prepare for some stunning Alpine views as your reward.
Where is it?
Melchsee is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 47.0971, 7.8886
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,891 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.0971, 7.8886
Related Roads in europe
hardPuerto del Saucillo
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in southern Spain, in the heart of Andalucía, ready for an adventure. Set your GPS for Puerto del Saucillo, a peak sitting pretty at 1,204 meters (3,950 feet) in the Málaga province. The road up here? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart! Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumps, plus hairpin turns galore. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. Also, keep an eye on the weather – a thunderstorm can turn this track into a 4x4-only zone, or even make it impassable. Even seasoned drivers will find it challenging with all the twists and narrows. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. You'll be treated to incredible vistas of the surrounding mountain villages. Just take it slow, enjoy the ride, and get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
hardCollado de la Quesera
🇪🇸 Spain
# Collado de la Quesera Perched at 1,745 meters (5,725 feet) above sea level, Collado de la Quesera is a stunning mountain pass tucked away in Guadalajara province, in the heart of Spain's Castile-La Mancha region. The road up here is fully paved, but don't let that fool you—this is no leisurely cruise. The climb packs some serious punch, with grades hitting up to 12.3% in places. The pass has even earned its stripes as a stage in Spain's legendary Vuelta a España cycling race. Coming up from Riaza? Buckle up for a 14-km push that'll gain you 542 meters of elevation, averaging out to a steady 3.9% grade. If you're approaching from Majaelrayo instead, you're looking at a shorter but steeper 10-km haul with 509 meters of elevation gain—that's a more intense 5.1% average. Either way, you're in for a spectacular drive through the breathtaking Hoces de Bejo landscape. It's the kind of mountain pass that keeps you engaged behind the wheel and gives you seriously rewarding views once you reach the top.
hardHow long is Lefortovo Tunnel?
🌍 Russia
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride through the Lefortovo Tunnel in Moscow! You'll find this mega-tunnel chilling in Lefortovo, a suburb of Russia's massive capital. This isn't your average underpass; clocking in at 3.2 kilometers (that's 2 miles!), it's one of the longest city tunnels in Europe. Imagine cruising along in one of its seven lanes (3 going north, 4 heading south)—smooth sailing, right? Well, hold that thought. This tunnel has a dark side. They don't call it "The Tunnel of Death" for nothing! It's notorious for accidents, and let me tell you, the internet is full of videos showing some serious carnage caught on the tunnel's security cameras. What's the deal? Turns out, the tunnel leaks! Yep, water seeps through the roof and onto the road, which turns into an ice rink in the brutal Moscow winters. The result is a slippery situation that sends cars spinning. So, while you're marveling at the engineering, remember to drive carefully!
hardAn old military road to Fort de Dormillouse
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the French Alps, specifically the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in the gorgeous Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. You're headed up to Fort de Dormillouse, an old military fortress perched way up high at 2,480 meters (that's over 8,000 feet!). This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road is a super-old military track, and let me tell you, it's all dirt – totally unpaved. Plus, it's usually snowed in from late October until almost July, so plan your trip accordingly! The climb starts in Le Lauzet-Ubaye, and it's a beast. You're looking at about 9.8 kilometers (just over 6 miles) of seriously steep uphill driving. We're talking an elevation gain of 1,572 meters with an average gradient of 16%! But the views? Totally worth it. And the best part? There's a restaurant at the top to reward yourself after that epic climb!