Where is Vielha Tunnel?
Spain, europe
5.24 km
1,635 m
moderate
Year-round
Nestled high in the Spanish Pyrenees, in Catalonia's wild northwest corner, you'll find the Tunel de Vielha. This isn't just any tunnel, though. We're talking about a 5.2km (3.25 mile) stretch of paved road boring through the mountains, connecting Vielha, the Aran Valley's main hub, with the Alta Ribagorça region.
A bit of history: Before this tunnel, the Aran Valley was pretty cut off, especially in winter. The original tunnel, once the world's longest, got a bit dicey safety-wise, so the updated Juan Carlos I Tunnel was opened in 2007.
The road itself? It's part of the N230, with two lanes heading south and one going north, so be aware of the traffic flow! Expect some steep climbs inside, with gradients hitting up to 7.5% in places. The elevation peaks at 1,635m (5,364ft) above sea level.
You can usually cruise through year-round, but keep an eye on the weather – it might close briefly in heavy winter storms. If you're coming from Vielha, it's a 12.3 km climb, gaining 664 meters in elevation (averaging 5.4%). Coming from Villaler, it’s a longer, gentler 18.7 km climb with an elevation gain of 656 meters (averaging 3.5%). Prepare for some beautiful mountain scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5.24 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,635 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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