When was the road to Col de la Forclaz built?
Switzerland, europe
21.5 km
1,532 m
moderate
Year-round
Col de la Forclaz is a seriously scenic mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,532m (5,026ft) in the Swiss Alps. We're talking Valais region, right near Martigny – so Switzerland at its finest.
This road has some serious history, once used by mules and even smugglers heading between Switzerland and France. The road as we know it started taking shape in 1827, with a tunnel added later on.
The Route de la Forclaz is totally paved and well-kept, making it a smooth ride. It's about 21.5 km (13.35 miles) long, winding from the French border all the way to Martigny-Combe in Switzerland.
At the top, you'll find a hotel-restaurant that's been around since about 1830. Heads up – it can get pretty busy up there.
This road is not for the faint of heart! It's a Tour de France favorite because it's steep, hitting gradients of up to 11.1% in places. But trust me, those short, sharp climbs are totally worth it for the views.
Generally, you can drive the pass year-round. But keep an eye on the weather during winter. It can get dicey, and temporary closures are common. Snow chains or winter tires are usually a must-have during the colder months. Get ready for an epic drive!
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 21.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,532 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardDriving the wild F223 Road in southern Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Hey adventurers, let me tell you about the F223, or Eldgjárvegur, in Iceland's wild Southern Region! This little gem is short—only about a mile—but don't let that fool you. You'll need a serious 4x4 with some major river-fording skills to even get to it, as it’s one of Iceland’s famed F-roads. Forget about phone service or any kind of help out here; you're on your own! Think of the F223 as the easy part. It's a pretty chill, unpaved track that takes you from the F208 to a parking area near the stunning Ófærufoss waterfall. From there, you can hike to Eldgjá, a massive canyon formed by one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in history. The real challenge is the F208 to get to the F223! It’s a beast with steep, rocky hills, bumpy sections, loose rocks, and boggy areas. Once you arrive, though, you're rewarded with insane Icelandic scenery. Plus, there’s a big parking lot, a ranger station, and even fancy toilets at Eldgjá! This road is usually only open in the summer, from late June to early September, so plan accordingly!
hardWhere is Monte Oiz?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! Let's talk about Monte Oiz, a peak in northern Spain that'll test your mettle. Nestled in the Basque Country, this climb to 1,026 meters (3,366 ft) is not for the faint of heart! They don't call the summit the "Biscay Balcony" for nothing—the views are killer, stretching from the nearby sea to the mountains. Just be warned: fog and rain are frequent visitors. You'll spot a big antenna and a geodesic dome which make the mountain hard to miss. It's also infamous for a plane crash in 1985, when a flight hit the radar tower in thick cloud. The Munitibar-Arbatzegi-Gerrikaitz ascent is only 8.6 km (5.34 miles), but don't let that fool you. For the first 6 km, the road's smooth sailing, but then it turns into a corrugated concrete track that gets bumpier as you go. Those last 5 km are brutal, averaging a gradient of 10.5%, with some sections hitting a whopping 24%! It’s a half-asphalt, half-concrete beast with irregular ramps. You may recognize it from the Vuelta a España race. Ready for the challenge?
moderateA memorable road trip to Verva Pass in the Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
Passo di Verva is a seriously impressive high mountain pass sitting at 2,301m (7,549ft) in the Province of Sondrio, up in Lombardy, Italy's northeastern corner near the Swiss border. It's part of the Livigno Range in the Central Eastern Alps, nestled around the charming village of Livigno. Here's the thing—this isn't your typical paved mountain road. The 13.4km (8.32 miles) route runs north-south from Strada Statale 301 near San Carlo down to Eita, and it's entirely unpaved the whole way. You'll need either a sturdy mountain bike or a serious 4x4 to tackle it, as regular cars aren't allowed. Expect rocky terrain, steep gradients, and a gravel surface that keeps things challenging right up to the summit. If you're into Transalp biking, you already know this pass is legendary—it's the go-to crossing between Val Viola and the Valtellina. Just remember that winter shuts this place down completely. Plan your adventure for the warmer months if you want to experience one of the Alps' most thrilling mountain crossings.
hardCuchillar del Zapatero
🇪🇸 Spain
# Cuchillar del Zapatero Ever dreamed of conquering a Spanish mountain peak? Cuchillar del Zapatero might just be your ultimate driving challenge. This rugged summit sits at 1,914m (6,279ft) in Avila province, deep in the heart of Castile and León's stunning landscapes in north-central Spain. Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. The road up is steep, gravelly, and seriously bumpy—think more off-road adventure than scenic cruise. If you're prone to vertigo or get nervous about landslides, you'll want to skip this one. The narrow, winding route is tight in places, and Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate. Snow and ice regularly shut it down, making it basically a no-go zone from November through March. Bottom line? Bring your 4x4, pack your patience, and save this beauty for the warmer months. The payoff? Incredible mountain views and serious bragging rights.