Where is the Felbertauern Tunnel?
Austria, europe
5.3 km
1,650 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising through Austria and want to avoid those crazy high alpine passes? Check out the Felbertauerntunnel! Nestled between Salzburg and Tyrol, inside the stunning Hohe Tauern National Park, this tunnel clocks in at a cool 1,650m (5,413ft) above sea level.
Before this beauty opened in '67, getting from East Tyrol to Innsbruck was a trek through either South Tyrol or over the Großglockner High Alpine Road (only open in summer!). But now, you can zip right through this 5.3 km (3.3 mile) marvel.
The whole Felbertauern road (B 108) experience is about 65 km (40 miles) from Mittersill to Lienz. The road is fully paved and shielded by avalanche galleries, making it a pretty smooth ride. While gradients can hit 9.3% in places, most of the route is modern and easy to handle. Plus, it's generally open year-round, so you can enjoy those mountain views no matter the season. Just be ready for a toll – it's worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,650 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardA dangerous cliff road to Qafe e Malit Shoshi
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to northern Albania, specifically Shkodër County, you NEED to experience Qafe e Malit Shoshit. This high mountain pass tops out at 1,213m (almost 4,000ft) and sits nestled within the beautiful Maranai Park. Now, fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking mostly unpaved roads, so a 4x4 is a MUST. The 65.8km (40+ mile) route from Shkodër to Theth throws a lot at you: think narrow stretches, seriously steep climbs, and, oh yeah, some pretty wild drop-offs! But the views? Totally worth it! Plus, you get to ford not one, but TWO rivers (Kiri and Lumi i Shales) via bridges that have definitely seen better days! And if you need a pit stop, there's a bar/restaurant called Mali i Shoshit near the top. Trust me, this drive is an unforgettable Albanian experience!
hardWhere is Pico de Urbión?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a trek for you that'll test your mettle and reward you with views for days. We're heading to Pico de Urbión, a mighty peak way up in the north of Soria, Spain, reaching a dizzying 2,168 meters (7,112 feet)! You'll find this gem in the Castile and León region, not far from the mysterious Laguna Negra de Urbión. Think dramatic landscapes and seriously epic scenery. So, how do you get to the top? Start in El Quintanarejo, off the SO-830, and get ready for a 19.9km (12.36 miles) climb. Here's the thing: you NEED a 4x4 for this one, especially beyond the Refugio El Muchachón mountain hut. The entire road is unpaved and seriously steep in sections, and be warned — there are some super narrow spots and major drop-offs. Keep in mind that winter can throw a wrench in your plans, thanks to heavy snowfall in the Picos de Urbión range. But if you time it right, this drive is SO worth it. The views are insane, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks and not one, but TWO incredible glacial lagoons: Laguna de Mojón Alto and Laguna Helada. Trust me, your Instagram will thank you!
moderateAn iconic road to Glaubenberg Pass in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Glaubenberg Pass is a scenic mountain crossing sitting at 1,543m (5,062ft) in central Switzerland, straddling the boundary between Lucerne and Obwalden cantons. You'll find a convenient parking lot and a cozy bar restaurant right at the summit—perfect for catching your breath after the climb. This pass has serious historical roots dating back to Medieval times, though the road as we know it was built during the late 1800s. Between 1906 and 1920, prisoners actually helped widen and improve the route, adding an interesting layer to its story. The 30.4 km (18.88 miles) stretch connects Entlebuch in Lucerne with Sarnen, the charming capital of Obwalden canton on the shores of Lake Sarnen. The entire road is fully paved, and it's actually challenging enough to have been featured in the Tour de Suisse race. With a maximum gradient of 11%, it's a legitimate workout for cyclists and drivers alike—though honestly, the real "hazard" here is the surprisingly fearless local cows! Just keep in mind that winter closures apply, typically from November/December through April/May depending on conditions. The Sarnen side stays open year-round up to Restaurant Langis, but everything beyond that gets shut down when the snow flies. So time your visit accordingly and you're in for a genuinely rewarding alpine experience.
moderateA defiant road to Col des Cortalets
🇫🇷 France
# Col des Cortalets: A Wild Ride in the French Pyrenees Ready for an adventure? Head to the Pyrénées-Orientales in southern France and tackle Col des Cortalets, a seriously impressive mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,050m (6,725ft). Starting from the small town of Fillols, this route is a mixed bag—part gravel, part pavement—that climbs a staggering 1,500+ meters. Fair warning: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The surface is rough and uneven, with loose gravel lurking everywhere, especially along the roadside. You'll also encounter some gnarly rippled pavement sections caused by frost heaves (yeah, that's when the ground freezes and thaws seasonally—fun times). A 4WD vehicle is pretty much essential if you want to tackle this one safely. Mother Nature's got the final say here too. The pass can close without warning whenever snow decides to block access, so check conditions before you head out. The payoff? Stunning Pyrenean scenery and the kind of road that'll make for an unforgettable story. Just respect the terrain, keep your speed in check, and watch out for those sudden loose-gravel sections that can catch you off guard. This mountain pass is definitely one for experienced drivers who crave a proper challenge.