Where is Coll de Jou?
Spain, europe
14.7 km
1,637 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk Coll de Jou! Nestled way up in the Pyrenees, in Catalonia, Spain, this mountain pass is a real treat for the senses. Picture this: you're winding your way up, up, up to 1,637 meters (that's 5,370 feet!).
The road itself? Well, it's a bit of an adventure. Think mostly paved, with some cool concrete sections thrown in to keep things interesting. It's a bit of a climb, and yeah, some spots are steeper than others, hitting a maximum gradient of 16.0% – get ready for those ramps! It’s fairly narrow, so maybe leave the RV at home for this one.
Clocking in at 14.7 kilometers (or 9.13 miles) stretching from Bruguera to Ogassa, the journey is as rewarding as the destination. And what awaits you at the top? A parking spot with incredible views and a mountain refuge – Refugi De Sant Jordi. The refuge is not maintained, but it consists of two rooms, one with a fireplace. So, pack a picnic, charge your camera, and get ready to be blown away by the scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,637 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardCol de la Quillane
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Quillane Tucked away in the Pyrénées-Orientales of southern France, Col de la Quillane sits pretty at 1,714 meters (5,623 feet) above sea level. This is the real deal for mountain enthusiasts. The climb up via the D118 is all asphalt—no gravel surprises here—but don't let that fool you. You'll encounter some seriously steep pitches along the way, hitting grades up to 9.0%, which means your engine (and your legs, if you're cycling) will definitely feel the burn. The gradient is legit enough that the Tour de France has actually featured this pass during the race, so you know it's got some serious credentials. If you're planning a drive through this stretch of the French Pyrenees, expect a challenging but rewarding climb with some stunning alpine scenery. It's the kind of road that'll test your driving skills while rewarding you with incredible views. Perfect for anyone looking to tackle an authentic mountain pass experience.
hardThe steep road to Kjeåsen, the world’s most inaccessible farm
🇳🇴 Norway
# Kjeåsen: Norway's Most Remote (and Epic) Mountain Farm Perched like an eagle's nest 600 meters (1,969 feet) above the stunning Simadalsfjorden in Eidfjord, Hordaland county, Kjeåsen is basically the definition of "middle of nowhere" — and we mean that as the highest compliment. This legendary mountain farm has been clinging to its clifftop home since around 1650, and honestly, the isolation is part of its charm. Getting there is half the adventure. The fully paved 5.3km (3.29 miles) road was only built in 1975 to support hydroelectric projects, and it's earned the nickname "the world's most expensive farm road" for good reason. Trust us, this isn't your average country drive. The route is seriously intense: a narrow, winding single-lane road that climbs with gradients up to 30% as it snakes through towering pines and misty mountain air. But here's the wild part — about 2.8km of the journey cuts straight through a hand-carved tunnel with zero lighting. Yep, you're relying entirely on your headlights to navigate through total darkness. Plus, it's one-way only, with traffic coordinated on the hour going up and every half hour coming down, so you might need to hang tight and wait your turn. Fair warning: the tunnel's off-limits for pedestrians and cyclists, and if you're heading up, aim to arrive by 5 pm to respect the residents' peace. It's quirky, it's intense, and it's absolutely unforgettable.
hardWhere is Fuentes Altas located?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Fuentes Altas! This high mountain pass sits way up at 1,736 meters (that's 5,695 feet!) in the heart of the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park, nestled in Spain's Jaén province, Andalusia. Think of it as a back door into Spain's largest protected playground. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. Forget pavement – you're tackling an unpaved forest track, a real throwback to old-school forestry routes. Expect loose gravel, rocks, and maybe even mud if you're visiting during the wetter months. Snow? Yeah, that's a regular thing from December to March, so plan accordingly! While the climb isn't crazy steep (around 9% max), this track is narrow and uneven. A high-clearance 4x4 is practically a must. Seriously, your average car might not cut it, especially on those trickier sections of the plateau. Fuentes Altas is more than just a pretty drive. It's a vital connector in the Segura mountains, linking you to a network of remote forest roads far from the usual tourist crowds of the Guadalquivir valley. So, if you're craving an off-the-beaten-path experience with views for days, Fuentes Altas is calling your name!
hardMont du Chat is one of the toughest paved climbs in France
🇫🇷 France
# Mont du Chat: France's Relentless Alpine Beast If you're looking for a climb that'll test every ounce of your driving (or cycling) skills, Mont du Chat is calling your name. Perched at 1,504 meters in the Savoie department of southeastern France, this monster pass has earned its fearsome reputation fair and square. The D42 road winds its way up 22.2 km from Le Bourget-du-Lac to Cremaire, gaining over 1,250 meters of elevation along the way. What makes it genuinely brutal? It averages nearly 9% gradient throughout, but here's the kicker—after the first 2 km, it never drops below 8%, and some sections hit a punishing 15% steepness. This isn't a climb you can coast through; it demands your full attention and respect. Starting from the picturesque shores of Lac du Bourget at just 250 meters elevation, you'll be climbing continuously through stunning Jura Mountain scenery. The good news? The D42 is fully paved in excellent condition, and traffic is minimal on both sides of the col, so you won't be battling other vehicles while battling the gradient. The pass has earned its stripes on the pro cycling circuit, featured in both the Tour de France and Critérium du Dauphiné races—proof that this is legit hard. Reach the summit and you'll find a welcoming bar-restaurant and the Belvédère du Mont du Chat observation deck, where panoramic views of the lake below make all that effort worthwhile. Just keep in mind the road closes from November to March, so plan your visit for warmer months.