Where is the Malta High Alpine Road?

Where is the Malta High Alpine Road?

Austria, europe

Length

14.4 km

Elevation

1,902 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Austrian Alps in Carinthia, north of the adorable village of Malta. You're on the Malta-Hochalmstraße, a toll road that's only open from May to October, so plan accordingly! This isn't just any road; it's a twisting, turning, 14.4km (8.94 miles) masterpiece carved into the mountains, eventually leading you to the Kölnbreinsperre, Austria's highest dam, sitting pretty at 1.902m (6,240ft).

Originally built for dam construction, now it's a thrill ride for drivers and bikers alike. Think hairpin turns, a maximum grade of 13%, and six super cool natural stone tunnels. Keep an eye out, because some of the uphill sections are only one lane. And there are traffic lights at the tightest spots to keep everyone safe and sound. The views following the Malta River? Seriously epic. Get ready for some serious mountain road magic!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Austria
Continent
europe
Length
14.4 km
Max Elevation
1,902 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in europe

Where is Col de l’Hysope?hard

Where is Col de l’Hysope?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: Col de l’Hysope, a seriously epic mountain pass nestled high in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of France! We're talking Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur vibes, in the southeastern corner of the country. The D3 road? Paved, yes, but hold on tight. It's a twisty-turny adventure, super narrow in places, with some seriously steep sections cranking up to almost 15%! If you're not a fan of tight squeezes and hairpin heaven, maybe give this one a miss. Reversing skills are definitely a plus. This scenic route stretches for about 27 kilometers (or 17 miles for you imperial folks) between Authon and Champtercier. And the reward? A breathtaking natural viewpoint at the summit with a cute, tiny parking spot. Trust me, the views of Lac de Cema and Gorges de la Blanche are totally worth the white-knuckle drive! You won't forget this one.

A paved curvy road to Col de Castellarashard

A paved curvy road to Col de Castellaras

🇫🇷 France

# Col de Castellaras Nestled in the Alpes-Maritimes of southeastern France, Col de Castellaras sits pretty at 1,248 meters (4,094 feet) above sea level. This is a solid climbing destination that rewards you with some genuine Alpine vibes. The paved D5 Road gets you there, and yeah, it's no gentle cruise—this one's legitimately steep. If you're starting from Pont du Loup, you're looking at a 3.7 km push uphill with 178 meters of elevation gain. That works out to an average gradient of 4.8%, which means your legs will definitely know you've done something. Alternatively, if you're coming from the D2 approach, it's a shorter but still punchy 1.8 km climb with 84 meters of gain (averaging 4.7%). Either way, you're getting a proper workout. The whole route is tarmacked, so at least you've got solid pavement beneath your wheels. It's the kind of pass that feels achievable but demands respect—perfect for cyclists looking to test themselves or drivers wanting to experience some quality Alpine scenery without going completely off the deep end.

How to get by car to Pre de Madame Carle?extreme

How to get by car to Pre de Madame Carle?

🇫🇷 France

# Pré de Madame Carle: Alpine Adventure Awaits Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France sits Pré de Madame Carle, a stunning alpine meadow perched at 1,879m (6,164ft) above sea level. This is where the Pays des Écrins meets serious mountain country—think dramatic peaks, pristine glaciers, and some seriously rewarding views. The real star here is the road itself. Built back in 1934, the D204T is a fully paved 21.4 km (13.29 miles) drive from L'Argentière-la-Bessée that'll test your driving skills. We're talking genuinely narrow sections, tight hairpin turns, and steep climbs that max out at a lung-busting 13.4% gradient. It's intense, but totally doable if you respect the road. You'll find a cozy mountain refuge—Chalet Le Pré de Madame Carle—waiting at the top, plus a spacious car park where you can finally catch your breath. From here, adventurers can tackle the walking trail to Glacier Blanc or explore countless mountaineering routes through the Southern Alps. It's basically mountaineer central. Fair warning though: winter closes the road somewhere around the Claux tunnel (between Pelvoux village and the hamlet of Ailefroide), and avalanche danger is real. Summer? That's peak season, and I mean *peak*—nearly 150,000 visitors annually make this the most visited spot in Écrins National Park. Come prepared, check conditions before you go, and get ready for one heck of an alpine experience.

How to drive the challenging Road F905 in Eastern Icelandextreme

How to drive the challenging Road F905 in Eastern Iceland

🇮🇸 Iceland

Okay, buckle up for the Arnardalsleið (F905) in Iceland's wild East! This isn't your average Sunday drive—we're talking a proper 4x4 adventure that demands a high-clearance vehicle. This famous F Road stretches for about 63 km (almost 39 miles) between the 910 Road and the F910. Seriously, leave the city car at home. This track throws stream crossings at you, and some of the rivers can get seriously dicey. You'll climb to a peak of almost 660 meters (over 2100 feet) above sea level, and it's only open during the summer months. Even then, keep an eye on the weather—snow and sandstorms can roll in unexpectedly. Those river crossings? They're the real deal. If you are not experienced with fording rivers, do not proceed. Only go with a super-equipped jeep/truck and with experience, and *always* check water depths. River levels can change *fast*. Oh, and pro tip: most rental insurance doesn't cover water damage from crossings, so be smart and safe. This road is a visual stunner, but she can bite. Get stuck? Call 112 for help.