When was Gerlos Alpine Road built?
Austria, europe
120.7 km
1,628 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Austria's Salzburg region on the Gerlos Alpenstraße, one of those epic Alpine roads you've always dreamed about. This baby was built back in the early '60s, and it's a 12-kilometer (7.5 miles) stretch of pure driving bliss, winding its way from Krimml to Königsleiten.
Now, hold on tight, because this isn't just a leisurely drive. We're talking hairpin turns – eight of 'em! – and some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting a maximum of 9%. You'll climb to a whopping 1,628m (5,341ft) above sea level in the High Tauern National Park.
The best part? It's open year-round, so you can experience the views no matter the season. Locally, it's called the Gerlos Strasse or Pinzgauer Höhe. Trust me, it's worth every penny of the toll to explore the alpine landscape and get up close and personal with the incredible 380-meter high Krimml Waterfalls! Forget that crazy climb to Kitzbuhler Horn with the insane gradients and skip the Radstadter Tauern Pass. This one is the real deal.
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 120.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,628 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
extreme5 Great Roads in the UK
🇬🇧 England
Craving an epic UK road trip that goes beyond the tourist trail? Ditch the motorways and dive into these five stretches of tarmac that demand respect, skill, and a well-maintained ride. Get ready for a true taste of the British landscape! First up, the legendary Snake Pass! This beast winds through the Peak District, topping out at 1,680 feet. Think hairpin bends, crazy cambers, and views of the Ladybower Reservoir. But don't get distracted! Landslides and black ice are real possibilities, making this a proper test of your car's handling. Next, brace yourself for the raw power of the Northern Irish coast. Nine distinct drives hug the edge of the Atlantic, with insane cliffside roads near Carrick-a-Rede and seriously steep climbs in the Glens of Antrim. Coastal winds are fierce, and saltwater spray can make grip unpredictable. Prepare for a wild ride! Down in the southwest, the A39 Atlantic Highway snakes through Devon and Cornwall. Forget the beaches—we're here for the technical descent between Barnstaple and the Cornish border! Your brakes will be working overtime, especially on hills like Porlock, where that 25% gradient will challenge even the best engine braking. Venture into the North York Moors National Park, where you’ll find dense forests and rollercoaster roads. Routes to Mallyan Spout and through Dalby Forest are narrow and isolated, demanding your full attention. Watch out for farm equipment and wandering sheep on those tight, stone-walled turns! Finally, for something completely different, explore the serene but deceptive Norfolk Coast. Here, the roads skirt the edge of the Broads, navigating a fragile landscape of salt marshes. Expect tidal flooding, soft verges, and a tranquil atmosphere that hides some tricky road conditions. These routes aren't just scenic drives; they're a masterclass in British road craft. Whether you're conquering the Pennine passes or navigating the Norfolk marshes, mechanical respect and local awareness are your keys to success. Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
moderateWhere is Mount Saleve?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Haute-Savoie region of France, you HAVE to check out Mount Saleve. Seriously, locals call the top "the balcony of Geneva," and for good reason. This isn't just a Sunday drive, though. The road's completely paved, sure, but it's narrow with hairpin turn after hairpin turn! Some sections will have your heart pounding as you grind up some seriously steep ramps. The whole route stretches for about 29.4 km (or 18.26 miles), running from Collonges in the north ( practically spitting distance from Switzerland!) down to Archamps in the south. But trust me, all the white-knuckle driving is totally worth it. The views are absolutely insane! You'll be gawking at Geneva and the surrounding landscape. Get your camera ready! And maybe pack a spare pair of pants...just in case those hairpins get a little *too* exciting.
moderateWhere is the Afsluitdijk causeway?
🌍 Netherlands
Okay, buckle up for a seriously cool drive across the Afsluitdijk! This isn't just a road; it's a 32-kilometer (20-mile) watery tightrope connecting parts of Holland and drawing in around 300,000 visitors every year. Yep, it’s one of the country's most popular feats of water engineering! Built way back, this causeway is so long you might just start to feel like you're sailing. You'll start near a charming village and cruise along, experiencing a unique view. Get ready for wind, water on both sides, and a serious dose of Dutch ingenuity!
hardWhere is Monte Saccarello?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between Italy and France, way up in the Ligurian Alps. You're headed for Monte Saccarello, a peak soaring to 2,178 meters (that's 7,145 feet!). This isn't just any mountain; it's the highest point in Liguria, and the views? Killer! The road to the top kicks off from Monesi, a little town in the Province of Imperia. From there, it's a 9-kilometer (5.59-mile) rollercoaster of a climb. Be warned, this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking steep, narrow, and mostly unpaved. You'll gain a whopping 799 meters in elevation, with an average gradient of 5.79%. A 4x4 or motorcycle is your best bet for tackling this beast. Keep an eye out for rock slides along the way, and forget about it in the winter – snow makes it impassable. But the effort is worth it. At the summit, you'll find a bronze statue of Jesus, standing tall since 1901, and the ruins of old artillery batteries. It's a history lesson with a view! Just remember to take it slow, watch for hazards, and soak in the incredible scenery.