Travel guide to the top of Col des Glieres
France, europe
2 km
1,440 m
hard
Year-round
# Col des Glières
Nestled in the Haute-Savoie department of France's Rhône-Alpes region, Col des Glières is a serious mountain pass sitting at 1,440m (4,724ft) that'll make your heart race—literally. This 24.3 km (15.09 miles) beauty stretches west-east from Fillière to Glières-Val-de-Borne, cutting straight through the heart of the Glières Mountains.
The D55 is mostly smooth asphalt, though you'll encounter a spicy 2 km gravel stretch on the eastern side that keeps you honest. What really makes this pass legendary are the 12 killer hairpins winding up the cliff face like a puzzle—some sections punch it at a brutal 15% gradient. The Tour de France has tackled this beast, and for good reason. Between the white-knuckle switchbacks, you're treated to absolutely stunning mountain vistas and cascading waterfalls that make every pedal stroke (or horsepower) worthwhile.
At the top, there's a substantial parking area and the Monument National de la Résistance. The plateau's dramatic history is impossible to ignore: during WWII, this isolated high-altitude refuge became a crucial Maquis stronghold, shielded by winter weather and perfect for covert weapon airdrops from England. In March 1944, the plateau witnessed one of the most significant clashes between the French Resistance and Nazi forces, with 149 fighters making the ultimate sacrifice.
It's a road that demands respect—challenging, historic, and absolutely unforgettable.
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Col des Glieres is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.3643, 3.8395
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,440 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.3643, 3.8395
Related Roads in europe
hardUltimate 4wd destination: Topuzdüzü Tepesi
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Topuzdüzü Tepesi in Turkey's Black Sea region! This peak hits an elevation of 2,518 meters (8,261 feet), so be prepared for some serious views. The gravel road up is not for the faint of heart. Think hairpin turns, bumps galore, and steep climbs that will test your nerve. A 4x4 is definitely your best friend here. And heads up: this high-altitude road is prone to heavy snowfall, so it might be closed during the winter months. Even a little rain can make conditions tricky, and loose gravel sections can appear out of nowhere. But trust me, the effort is worth it! The scenery is unreal, and the sense of accomplishment when you reach the top (complete with a cool communication tower) is epic. Just make sure you're prepared for a wild ride!
hardThe wild unpaved road to Pico del Nevero
🇪🇸 Spain
# Pico del Nevero: Spain's Sky-High Adventure Nestled in the heart of Spain's Sierra de Guadarrama National Park—straddling the border between Segovia and Madrid—Pico del Nevero stands at a whopping 2,211m (7,257ft) and promises one of the most exhilarating drives you'll experience. Fair warning: this isn't your typical Sunday cruise. The entire route to the summit is unpaved, and you'll be tackling some seriously gnarly sections with grades pushing 37%. Throw in relentless winds that howl year-round, and you're in for a real test of your driving skills. You'll definitely need a 4x4 vehicle for this one. The best time to tackle this beast? Late spring through early fall. Outside these months, you're battling snow-covered mountain roads that'll make your palms sweat. As you climb, you'll spot eerie remnants from the Spanish Civil War scattered along the way—a haunting reminder of history. But here's the payoff: the summit is genuinely spectacular. You're rewarded with panoramic views that'll take your breath away—sweeping vistas of Peñalara, Cuerda Larga, and Bola del Mundo peaks stretching out in every direction. It's honestly one of the best viewpoints in the entire Sierra de Guadarrama, and the photo ops are incredible. This is the kind of drive that tests both your vehicle and your nerve—and delivers an unforgettable experience.
extremeIs Road 955 Paved?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for Route 955 – the Vattarnesvegur! This hidden gem winds along Iceland's eastern coast for about 30 glorious miles, linking the charming villages of Fáskrúðsfjörður (aka Búðir) and Reyðarfjörður (a lively port town). Starting and ending right on Iceland's famous Ring Road, getting here is a breeze. But trust me, this detour is *so* worth it! You’ll hug the south side of that awesome, hollow cliff island, and the views are seriously epic. Heads up, though: sections of the road can be a bit bumpy, so take it slow and enjoy the ride. Keep an eye out for fog – it can roll in thick and fast. Watch for falling rocks, too! This coastal route boasts jaw-dropping landscapes, but be aware of the steep drop-offs to the ocean below along some sections. The road isn't too busy, and the photo opportunities are endless, making this a must-do detour on your Icelandic adventure.
hardSveti Jure is the highest road of Croatia
🇭🇷 Croatia
# Sveti Jure: Croatia's Ultimate Mountain Drive Perched at 1,744m (5,721ft) above sea level in Croatia's Biokovo mountain range, Sveti Jure is one seriously impressive peak. Here's the thing though—if you're the type who breaks into a cold sweat reversing on mountain roads, you might want to skip this one. This stunning drive along the Biokovska cesta (Biokovo Tourist Road) sits high above the Dalmatian coast overlooking the Adriatic Sea, and it's honestly a must-do if you're feeling adventurous. The entire route is paved, and it's considered one of Croatia's highest roads. Fun fact: the Austro-Hungarian Army originally built it up to 897m back in 1878, then it got extended to the summit in 1964 to install a TV transmitter, and finally got completely paved in 1978. Here's where it gets real: this road is *narrow*—we're talking 3-4 meters wide in places. Two cars can't pass each other, so you'll need to back up if you meet someone coming the other way. There are passing areas, but they're few and far between. With a 30km/h speed limit, no overtaking allowed, and the possibility of a 1km drop-off, mistakes aren't really an option here. The final 3km climb gets especially gnarly with gradients hitting 14%, and the overall steepest sections reach 23%. Starting from the D512 road at 365m elevation, you're looking at a 23km (14.29 miles) climb with 1,379 meters of elevation gain. Budget about an hour for the drive without stops. Wind is a real concern, especially higher up, so check the weather before you go. Winter driving is possible but requires checking snow conditions first. The payoff? Absolutely worth it. The views from the top are simply unreal—sweeping vistas of the Adriatic, Croatian islands, and mountains cascading down to the sea. On clear days, you can actually see parts of Bosnia and Italy across the water. The road winds through Biokovo National Park (open 7:00-20:00, €4 entrance fee during the day, free at night) and has a decent parking area for 30-40 cars at the summit. A couple of restaurants operate along the route, mostly during tourist season. Just come prepared, stay focused, and you'll have an unforgettable experience.