Where is Stausee Mattmark?

Where is Stausee Mattmark?

Switzerland, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Alright adventurers, buckle up for a trip to Mattmark See, a stunning alpine reservoir tucked away in southern Switzerland, near the Italian border. The road is a dream – perfectly paved and smooth as butter from start to finish! The climb itself is about 10 km long, starting around 2,100 meters and rising over 600 meters, making for an average gradient of around 6%. Don't let that fool you though, the final few kilometers are where the fun really begins, ramping up to a challenging 12% as the dam looms into view. Just imagine, a straight, steep shot right at the base of a glacier! Seriously epic scenery. While the road is in great shape, keep an eye out for cyclists, and be aware that mountain weather can change rapidly. Pack accordingly and get ready for breathtaking views!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Switzerland
Continent
europe
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in europe

Gavia Pass is an epic climb in the Italian Alpsextreme

Gavia Pass is an epic climb in the Italian Alps

🇮🇹 Italy

# Passo di Gavia: One of the Alps' Most Epic Climbs Tucked high in the northern Italian Alps at 2,627m (8,618ft), Passo di Gavia is legitimately one of the most intense driving experiences you can have in Europe. This beast of a mountain pass spans 44.9 km (27.89 miles) between Ponte di Legno in Val Camonica and Bormio, crossing the boundary between Sondrio and Brescia provinces in Lombardy. Here's the thing – this isn't just another alpine road. It's genuinely considered the most challenging climb on the continent. The SP29 route features relentless gradients that constantly hover around 10%, with stretches hitting an eye-watering 16%. The narrow, winding road barely lets up, with hairpin turns so tight that some larger motorcycles need to reverse through them. What really gets you is the exposure – long stretches have zero guardrails overlooking sheer drops, which keeps things genuinely nerve-wracking. The approach from the south (Ponte di Legno) is the classic route and definitely the tougher one, gaining 1,363 meters over 17.3 km with that brutal 7.9% average gradient. Coming from Bormio's northern side is comparatively gentler at 5.5% average, which explains why the Giro d'Italia typically approaches from that direction. As you climb, you'll encounter small parking spots carved into the mountainside – essential when two vehicles need to pass each other on those impossibly narrow sections. Just before the summit, you'll cross the Rezzalasco and reach the alpine lodge "Berni" at 2,545m, which houses a WWI memorial. There's also an infamous tunnel on the south side (3km from the summit) that's genuinely creepy – dark, steep, and famous for speed traps enforcing a strict 30 km/h limit. The views are absolutely stunning. The summit area features the striking Lago Bianco, with the 3,359m Corno dei Tre Signori looming behind it. On the southern descent, you'll spot the equally beautiful Lago Nero at 2,386m. A basic but clean restaurant sits at the top offering affordable food and lodging, and if you look about 50 meters to the right from the road, you can actually see ancient Roman roads dating back roughly 2,000 years. The road surface is excellent throughout, and motorcyclists absolutely love this place – though traffic is generally light. Pack extra layers for the summit, as it's glacier-covered and stays cold even in summer. Snowfall isn't uncommon year-round, and the south side closes during winter, though the north stays partially open thanks to nearby Bormio's ski slopes. This is a ride that demands respect, full concentration, and serious driving skills. Get it right, and you'll have conquered one of Europe's most unforgettable alpine passages.

Road Fv888hard

Road Fv888

🇳🇴 Norway

# FV888: Norway's Midnight Sun Highway If you're craving a genuinely remote driving experience, FV888 in Finnmark, northern Norway, delivers in spades. This 101-km coastal beauty—lovingly called Middnattsolveien—stretches from the small village of Ifjord down to Mehamn, a charming port town on the Vedvik peninsula that sits at the southern edge of Mehamnfjorden, overlooking the Barents Sea. The road itself is well-maintained and fully paved, hugging dramatic fjords as it winds along the coast. You'll have stretches of peaceful driving with minimal traffic—honestly, the quietness is part of the appeal if you're seeking solitude. The scenery is genuinely stunning, with sweeping sea views that'll make you want to pull over constantly. If you're lucky, you might spot white-tailed sea eagles soaring overhead. Just watch out for sheep casually hanging out on the pavement! **Here's the thing though:** this is serious road-trip territory. Summers up here are short, chilly, and often overcast. Winters? Think long, brutally cold, snow-covered, wickedly windy stretches with grey skies that seem endless. Come prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you. Since you're driving through genuinely remote terrain, breakdowns are no joke. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent in parts, and you won't see many other cars or people to flag down for help. Stock up on supplies in Ifjord before you go, stay alert, and bring a solid backup plan.

How long is the Nockalmstrasse (Nockalm Road)?easy

How long is the Nockalmstrasse (Nockalm Road)?

🇦🇹 Austria

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Austria, specifically the Karnten region, and you stumble upon the Nockalm Road. Seriously, this drive is a must-do! Winding through Nockberge National Park, this alpine road stretches for 34 kilometers (around 21 miles) between Innerkrems and Ebene Reichenau. Built back in 1981, it’s a toll road well worth the price of admission. Get ready for 52 hairpin bends (that's 104 if you're doing the whole loop!), weaving and winding through the mountains. The road's in great shape, so the curves are smooth, even with a maximum gradient of 12% in places. Keep in mind, because it's located way up in the Carinthia's Nock Mountains, peaking at 2,042 meters (almost 6,700 feet) above sea level at Eisentalhöhe, it's only open from early May to late October. And a heads up for bikers: it's closed to motorcycles between 6 PM and 8 AM. Trust me, it's worth planning your trip around the road being open! You'll be driving through Europe’s only national park nestled in high mountains, with views that stretch forever. The mountains themselves, the Nockbergs, are these amazing rounded summits, totally unique to the Alps. You'll pass through spruce and stone pine forests, and there are plenty of spots to pull over, snap photos, and just soak it all in. Plus, keep an eye out for the mountain huts serving up local Carinthian food! Just a word of warning, it gets pretty busy on weekends and holidays.

The road to Heimischgarten in Valais isn’t an easy onehard

The road to Heimischgarten in Valais isn’t an easy one

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Heimischgarten Pass: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Ready for some serious mountain driving? Heimischgarten sits pretty at 2,770m (9,087ft) in Switzerland's Valais region, nestled in the Visp district near the Italian border. This isn't your average scenic drive—it's a legitimate high-altitude challenge that'll test both your vehicle and your nerve. The real prize? Once you conquer the pass, you're rewarded with access to Grüebusee, a stunning alpine lake perched even higher at 2,862m (9,389ft). But getting there is no walk in the park. Starting from Saas-Balen at the bridge over the Vispa, you're looking at 12.9 km (8 miles) of pure mountain warfare. Your elevation gain? A whopping 1,278m with an average gradient of 9.90%—and that climbs to a gut-wrenching 20% in the steepest sections. This is strictly 4x4 territory with high clearance a non-negotiable must. The unpaved road treats you to narrow passages, loose gravel, and teeth-rattling steep sections that demand respect and skill. And here's the kicker: Mother Nature keeps this alpine playground locked down from October through June, making the summer season your only window to attempt this beast. One of Switzerland's highest driveable roads? Absolutely. Not for the faint of heart? Definitely. But if you've got the guts and the right gear, Heimischgarten delivers an unforgettable alpine experience.