Where is Viderjoch in the Alps?
Switzerland, europe
13.8 km
2,737 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're carving your way up Viderjoch, a seriously epic pass straddling the Austrian-Swiss border. We're talking almost 9,000 feet high!
You kick things off in Ischgl, Austria, winding your way up 8.5 miles towards Compatsch, a charming Swiss village. But hold on tight, this ain't your average Sunday drive! While most of the road is paved, the final stretch throws some serious gravel your way.
And get this: some of those climbs hit a brutal 30% gradient! Yep, you read that right. This ascent is a leg-burner, gaining over 4,400 feet in elevation. Average grade? Almost 10%! The Swiss side isn't a cakewalk either — super steep all the way down.
Heads up: snow usually shuts this bad boy down from late October to late June/early July. But when it's open, the views from Viderjoch are insane. And if you're feeling ambitious, hike up to Greitspitze for even more breathtaking panoramas. Trust me, the scenery is worth the challenge.
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,737 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is The Burway?
🇬🇧 England
The Burway, nestled in Shropshire's Cardingmill Valley in the West Midlands, is a wild ride! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a proper adventure up Long Mynd, a mountain plateau reaching 488m (1,601ft). Clocking in at 7.88km (4.9 miles) from Church Stretton to Longmynd (where it's known as The Port Way), this paved road is narrow. Really narrow. We're talking single-track narrow, with gradients hitting a punchy 20% in places. Inexperienced drivers, be warned! The views from the top are absolutely stunning, stretching across Shropshire and beyond. But getting there? It's not for the faint of heart. One side offers a sheer, unprotected drop into the valley below. Seriously, this "high shelf road" can be intimidating! Forget about bringing a caravan – it won't fit. Starting from Church Stretton, the first 3.24 km (2.01 miles) climb 281 meters, averaging an 8.6% gradient. And a word to the wise: this "highest public road in Shropshire" isn't maintained in the winter. Deep snow and icy conditions can make it totally impassable – and incredibly dangerous. One slip, and you're over the edge. So, check the forecast and drive with extreme caution!
moderateRoad 590 (Klofningsvegur)
🇮🇸 Iceland
Road 590, or Klofningsvegur, is an epic, if bumpy, adventure through Iceland's Western Region, specifically the remote Klofningsvegur Peninsula. Think rugged coastline meets dramatic mountains! This loop begins and ends on Road 60 (Vestjarðavegur), clocking in at around 83 km. Be warned, though: this coastal route is gravel, so a 4x4 is highly recommended. And keep an eye on the weather; conditions change FAST out here, and the wind is almost always howling. You'll feel wonderfully isolated, which is part of the charm. But that also means you might not see another soul for a while, and cell service can be spotty. So, be prepared! The reward? Incomparable views of the sea, stunning fjords, and the breathtaking Breiðafjörður bay. Just be aware, this area can be prone to avalanches, so keep an eye out.
moderateLocation and Geography
🇦🇱 Albania
Get ready for an epic trek across Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro! This 192km route plunges you into some seriously remote landscapes. Think rugged karst peaks, forests so dense they feel untouched, and shimmering glacial lakes. We’re talking the Accursed Mountains here, forming the natural border between the three countries. You'll be climbing to some pretty high altitudes, reaching way over 2,000 meters. The payoff? Absolutely mind-blowing panoramic views, plus access to dreamy alpine meadows, serene highland lakes, and charming, traditional villages. This area holds some of the last truly untouched forests in Europe. And guess what? You'll also be near Lake Skadar, the biggest lake in the Balkans! Heads up: since you're crossing borders, you'll need to sort out your permits. Usually, you can grab these online, but sometimes, especially for , you might need to snag one in person from a local police station. So, how do you get there? Most adventurers start from either Shkodër (Albania), a major city about 70km south of Theth and Valbona. Or you can head to closer to , near the Kosovo border. Flying in? Tirana International Airport (Albania) is your best bet. It’s about 2.5 to 3 hours by road from Shkodër. Podgorica Airport (Montenegro) is another option, located closer to the Albanian border with road access to Shkodër. Once you land, you've got options. Regular buses run from to . Renting a car gives you the most freedom to reach those remote trailheads. Or, hop on a shared taxi or minibus – they're easy to find from Shkodër to Theth or Valbona during hiking season. Just remember, those mountain roads can be twisty and slow! Always check road conditions. Don't expect fancy hotels. You'll find places to stay in Theth, Valbona, and other spots. They're usually family-run rural homes, offering a taste of local life. Accommodation is limited, so book ahead! Best time to hit the trail? . October and early November can still work, but expect colder temperatures. Outside this window, the weather can be rough with snow or rain. Think you're up for something similar? Check out Romania’s Carpathian Mountains (Viscri to Stejarisu and Sighișoara) or Norway’s fjord region (Nordfjordeid, Geiranger, and Sandane) for similar wilderness vibes. This is the ultimate adventure for experienced hikers, cyclists, or even pack-animal treks. Just make sure you plan everything carefully, considering the remoteness and those border requirements. It's a trip you won't forget!
moderateDriving the Exciting ER338 Road in Serra da Estrela
🇵🇹 Portugal
Get ready for a thrill ride! High up in Portugal's Serra da Estrela mountains, in the Guarda district, awaits the incredible ER338. This paved beauty winds for 28.1 kilometers (about 17.5 miles) between Col de Zezere and Manteigas, promising breathtaking scenery. Keep an eye out, though – this stunning road can close without warning. Landslides, especially after storms or fires, are a real possibility thanks to the unstable mountain terrain. And, of course, winter snowfall can shut it down completely. You'll spot signs reminding you to "Test Your Brakes" and "Use Low Gears," hinting at the road's steepness – some sections hit a maximum gradient of 10%! But the views? Absolutely worth it! There are plenty of viewpoints to soak in the panorama. Plus, you'll be driving along the Zêzere glacier valley, a prime example of how glaciers shaped this landscape. This valley, the largest of the Estrela glacial valleys, stretches for around eight kilometers and boasts a classic U-shape carved by the ice age. Word of warning: this isn't a route for big rigs. The middle part gets super narrow, turning into a single lane in spots due to those pesky rockfall risks. Pro tip: Before you go, double-check if the road is open! With the potential for closures after storms, fires, and winter weather, knowing the conditions is crucial for a safe and unforgettable adventure.