Schartenkogel
Austria, europe
N/A
2,289 m
hard
Year-round
# Schartenkogel: A Wild Alpine Adventure
Ready for something seriously challenging? Schartenkogel, towering at 2,289 meters (7,509 feet) in Tyrol, Austria, is calling your name—but only if you're brave enough to answer.
This isn't your typical mountain drive. The road to the summit is a gnarly mix of rocky terrain and loose gravel that'll have your heart racing. Originally built as a ski-station service road, it climbs with some sections hitting a brutal 30% gradient, and the upper stretches get progressively steeper and more technical as you push toward the peak.
Here's the catch: you've got an incredibly narrow window to attempt this—basically the end of August, when summer weather is at its most forgiving. But even then, you're playing with fire. Snow can pop up unexpectedly, winds are relentless year-round and absolutely howling at altitude, and the temperatures can drop to bone-chilling levels. Winter? Forget about it—this mountain is genuinely brutal when the snow arrives.
If you're thinking of tackling Schartenkogel, come prepared with serious driving skills, proper equipment, and a healthy respect for what the mountain's about to throw at you. It's an experience you won't forget, assuming you make it to that summit.
Where is it?
Schartenkogel is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.0175, 14.3671
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,289 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.0175, 14.3671
Related Roads in europe
hardHow long is Mur de Huy?
🌍 Belgium
Okay, cycling fans, buckle up for a ride on the legendary Mur de Huy, located in the heart of Belgium's Walloon Region! This climb, a staple of the La Flèche Wallonne race, is short but oh-so-sweet (or should I say, oh-so-brutal?). Starting in the town of Huy at a mere 121m above sea level, you'll be tackling a 1,300m (4,300 ft) stretch of paved, and narrow, road. You'll finish up at 204m, but don't let the seemingly small elevation gain fool you. The average gradient is a leg-burning 9.3%, but keep an eye out for that S-bend where the gradient soars to a gut-wrenching 26%! They don't call it "The Wall" for nothing! As you grind your way up this iconic climb, keep an eye out for the seven chapels that line the route – hence the nickname "Chemin des Chapelles." While you're catching your breath (or trying to!), soak in the scenery and know you're riding a truly legendary stretch of road.
hardIs the road to Puerto del Tremedal paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through central Spain, Ávila province to be exact, in the heart of Castile and León. You're headed up Puerto del Tremedal, a mountain pass that tops out at 1,642m (5,387ft). Trust me, it's a classic climb, especially if you're into cycling! This pass is nestled in the western Sierra de Gredos mountains, giving you killer views over the Tormes valley. The landscape is all raw granite and windswept broom—totally dramatic. Fair warning though, this spot gets hit hard by winter weather. Think snow, ice, the whole nine yards, so check conditions before you go. They sometimes close it down! The road itself? Paved, but keep your eyes peeled! It's pretty narrow and twisty in places. The whole route stretches for about 20.2 km (12.55 miles), winding its way from north to southeast between a few small villages. Any car can handle it, but black ice is a real possibility in the shadier bends during fall and winter. Cyclists LOVE this climb, and for good reason. It’s been a feature in major pro races. Starting in Becedas, you'll gain 543 meters in elevation, with an average gradient of 5.7%. Don't let that average fool you, though – there are some seriously steep sections, some hitting a whopping 13.6%! Throw in some wind at the summit, and you've got a real challenge on your hands. The descent towards La Carrera is a blast, with hairpin turns and clear views over the Ávila plateau. Highly recommended!
hardA paved road to the summit of Col de la Luzette in the Massif Central
🇫🇷 France
Col de la Luzette is a mountain pass sitting at 1,350m (4,429ft) in the Gard department of southern France, nestled within the stunning Cévennes National Park in the Occitania Region. The 14.7 km (9.13 miles) route—officially Route Départementale 329—cuts through this dramatic landscape running south-north from Mandagout to L'Espérou. Fair warning: the road is fully paved but gets pretty tight in sections, and you'll navigate 15 hairpin turns to reach the top. This is genuinely the toughest climb in the entire Massif Central, no joke. The road throws everything at you—irregular gradients and seriously steep pitches that'll test your driving skills. Some of those corners hit a brutal 14-15% gradient, so expect a real workout. The scenery makes it worth the challenge though. This winding pass delivers authentic mountain driving through one of France's most spectacular regions, with constantly changing vistas as you climb. Just come prepared for the intensity.
hardWhere are the Gorges du Verdon?
🇫🇷 France
Cruising through the Gorges du Verdon in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France, is like driving into a postcard. Picture this: you're snaking along D23, also known as Route des Crêtes, a 22.2 km loop carved into the cliffs high above the turquoise Verdon River. This isn't just any drive; it's the "Grand Canyon of Europe," with depths reaching around 725 meters! Now, let's be real – this road isn't for the faint of heart. Think hair-raising drops of over 2,300 feet, sections barely wide enough for one car, blind curves, and hairpin turns, all without the comfort of guardrails in many spots. Locals say accidents are rare, but you'll need to keep your eyes on the road, especially with those distracting, stunning vistas! Give yourself about an hour without stops, but trust me, you'll *want* to stop. The views of the south side of the rift and the blue Verdon River are epic. You might even spot vultures soaring overhead. Aim to go early in the morning, especially in summer (late June-August) to beat the heat and traffic. For an easier time with the narrow roads, consider going counter-clockwise to hug the cliff. The Verdon's emerald waters, the towering rock formations, the dizzying heights – it's all worth a bit of nail-biting, and you'll be left with memories (and photos) that will last a lifetime.