The pure adventure road to Viderjoch in the Alps
Switzerland, europe
13.8 km
2,737 m
hard
Year-round
# Viderjoch: One of Europe's Most Epic Mountain Climbs
Tucked away on the border between Austria and Switzerland sits the Viderjoch, a jaw-dropping high alpine pass that sits at a whopping 2,737 meters (8,979 feet). This isn't just any mountain road – it's one of Austria's highest, connecting the charming village of Ischgl in Tyrol to the tiny alpine hamlet of Compatsch in Switzerland's Engiadina Bassa region.
Here's where things get intense: the 13.8-kilometer climb from Ischgl is absolutely relentless. You're looking at nearly 1,350 meters of elevation gain, averaging a punishing 9.73% gradient. But it gets wilder – those final sections before the summit hit a brutal 20-30% grade that'll have even experienced drivers gripping the wheel tight. About 60% of the route is paved, though that final push to the top turns into unpaved terrain that demands serious driving skills.
The reward? Stunning views stretching across the Samnaun Alps. If you're feeling adventurous, you can push on to nearby Greitspitz at 2,876 meters for even more breathtaking panoramas. The descent down to the Swiss side is steep but manageable.
Fair warning though: this road plays by alpine rules. Expect it to be completely snowed in and impassable from late October through late June or even early July. Timing is everything when tackling this beast. But for those who time it right, Viderjoch delivers one of the most unforgettable driving experiences the Alps has to offer.
Where is it?
The pure adventure road to Viderjoch in the Alps is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.4059, 8.5023
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,737 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.4059, 8.5023
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