
Where is Grosser Speikkogel?
Austria, europe
4.3 km
2,130 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure awaits on the road to Grosser Speikkogel in Carinthia, Austria! You'll find this peak bordering Styria in the southern reaches of the country. This route, built back in '76, climbs to 2,130m (6,988ft) – the highest point on the Koralm ridge, a place that's been strategically important since Roman times!
The road is paved the whole way, but heads up from the Koralpe parking area for just 4.3 km (2.67 miles). Don't let the short distance fool you! This is one serious climb, gaining 480 meters in elevation. Get ready for some steep sections with a max gradient of 20.4% and an average of 11.16%. The final kilometers are a real leg-burner!
Heads up: this road is closed to the public. If you do get up there, the summit is dominated by radio/TV facilities and a couple of huge radar domes used by the Austrian Army. The views are bound to be killer!
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,130 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardGorges du Verdon is a balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges du Verdon: Europe's Answer to the Grand Canyon Ready for one of Europe's most jaw-dropping drives? The Gorges du Verdon, nestled in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France, is where adventure meets stunning natural beauty. This narrow canyon stretches for 21 kilometres between the charming towns of Castellane and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, sitting right in the heart of Provence's Verdon Natural Regional Park. The numbers alone are staggering: we're talking about a 725-meter-deep chasm (that's twice the height of the Eiffel Tower!), which is why locals proudly call it the "Grand Canyon of Europe." The turquoise river snaking through below is absolutely mesmerizing. ## The Road Itself The D23, also known as Route des Crêtes, is a completely paved 22.2-kilometre loop carved dramatically into the cliff face above the river—and it's genuinely one of Europe's most beautiful roads. But here's the catch: this isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. You're looking at sheer 700-meter drops with barely a foot-high guard wall between you and the abyss. Hairpin turns, blind curves, craggy rock overhangs, and narrow sections that only allow one-way traffic make this a thrilling (and slightly white-knuckle) experience. The good news? Locals insist accidents are actually rare here. Plan for 45 to 60 minutes of driving, but honestly, you'll want to stop constantly. The viewpoints are phenomenal, and if you're lucky, you might spot griffon vultures soaring overhead. **Pro tip:** Skip the summer months when tourist caravans create traffic jams. If you're nervous about those hairpin turns, tackle the route anti-clockwise so you're hugging the cliff rather than perched on the edge. And start early to beat both the heat and the crowds.
extremeTête de Veret: Driving the Inhuman Unpaved 21% Ramps of the Grand Massif
🇫🇷 France
# Tête de Veret: A Legendary Alpine Challenge Perched at 2,309 meters (7,575 feet) in the Haute-Savoie region of southeastern France, Tête de Veret sits high above the iconic Flaine ski resort—you know, that place famous for its quirky Bauhaus concrete buildings and Picasso sculptures. But skip the resort crowds, because the real adventure lies on the gnarly network of unpaved service roads hidden above it. The main track to the summit stretches 5.7 kilometers (3.54 miles) of pure technical mayhem. This isn't a casual drive—we're talking an incredibly steep, rocky ascent that demands serious four-wheel drive and maximum ground clearance. While the overall climb is relentless, certain sections ramp up to a jaw-dropping 21% gradient. Throw in constant high winds battering the exposed mountainside, and you've got yourself one seriously challenging alpine experience. Here's the catch: the road sits locked behind gates most of the year. Private vehicle access is restricted unless you've got special permission, and even then, conditions are brutal. The window of opportunity? Roughly June through September, weather permitting. But don't get too excited—heavy mist frequently rolls in, dropping visibility to dangerous levels even during peak season. Winter? Forget about it. From October through May, snow and ice make the whole thing completely impassable. Still, this rough-and-tumble 4x4 track serves as the lifeline connecting several major peaks across the Grand Massif area, making it a legendary route among serious off-road adventurers willing to tackle the elements.
moderateWhere is Col de la Madeleine?
🇫🇷 France
Col de la Madeleine: Picture yourself cruising through the French Alps in the Savoie department, because this is one mountain pass you won't want to miss! Sitting pretty at almost 2,000 meters, this beauty links the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys. You'll find it nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France, and the road itself? Totally paved and part of the Route des Grandes Alpes – so expect some serious scenery. Clocking in at just over 37 kilometers from Sainte-Marie-de-Cuines to La Léchère les Bains, it's a challenging climb, famous for its Tour de France cameos. Be warned, some ramps hit a thigh-burning 13.5% gradient! The climb from La Chambre is relentless, but the north side from Bonneval is a bit gentler. Keep an eye out for those kilometer markers showing how far to the top, your current altitude, and the slope ahead. Heads up: it's usually closed from November to June due to snow. But when it's open? The views of Mont Blanc and the Lauzière massifs are insane! If you're feeling extra adventurous, there’s a super-steep, unpaved road that branches off to a higher peak to the west – but maybe skip that one if you're not an experienced driver.
moderateWhere does Carretera de la Arrabassada start and end?
🇪🇸 Spain
Cruising the Carretera de l’Arrabassada near Barcelona, Spain is an absolute must if you're a thrill-seeking driver! This beauty, officially the BP-1417, stretches for about 11.4 km (7.08 miles) between Barcelona and Sant Cugat del Vallès, carving its way through the Collserola mountain range and peaking at the coll de l'Erola, a mountain pass sitting at 396m (1,299ft). Be warned, though – this road's got a reputation. It's seriously winding, thanks to the rugged terrain, and you'll find yourself navigating hairpin turns like the infamous Paella curve. It's a haven for motorcyclists looking to test their skills, but with its popularity comes heavy traffic, especially since it leads to the Tibidabo amusement park. Beyond the adrenaline, the scenery is incredible. Keep an eye out for cool spots like the Arrabassada casino ruins, the Font Groga, and the Rabassada viewpoint. Just be aware that, despite its beauty, the Carretera de l’Arrabassada has a history of accidents and illegal races. So, while you're soaking in the views and enjoying the ride, remember to stay alert and drive safe!