You like to drive, you’re more than convinced of this. When you plan your vacations you always try to include a good number of kilometers. Not just to reach your destination but, once you’re there, to do even more driving. The more curious the routes, the better.
If you agree with what we’ve just said, then we have a plan for you: to drive along some of the roads that are farthest from sea level. Do you want to learn about some of the highest and most spectacular roads in Europe?
1. Pico de la Veleta (Spain)
Only its neighbor, the Mulhacén peak, which at 3,479 meters is the highest on the peninsula, exceeds La Veleta’s 3,396 meters. And it’s close to the highest paved mountain pass in Europe: the Collado de la Carihuela at 3,367 meters above sea level.
2. Stelvio Pass (Italy)
At its highest parts it exceeds 2,700 metres. And with its 48 curves over a little more than 24 kilometers, it’s a must for people who like driving through impressive surroundings. And this highway –built in the time of the Austro Hungarian Empire– is also very popular with cyclists, because for many years it has been included in the Giro d’Italia road race.
3. Furka Pass (Switzerland)
Also known as Furkapass, this is one of Europe’s highest roads (a little more than 2,500 meters above sea level) and also one of the most impressive.
Film buffs may remember its curves from one of the most famous scenes from the movie Goldfinger, part of the James Bond saga, in which the secret agent engineers an accident of the co-star.
4. Grossglockner (Austria)
The road that bears the name of Austria’s highest mountain is also one of the highest in the country. Its highest point is 2,428 meters above sea level, and driving through its 36 curves has become one of the favorite trips of European mountain lovers.
5. Col de l’Iseran
Located near the Vanoise National Park, its 2,770 metres above sea level make it the first mountain pass into the French Alps and the highest in all the Alps. During the winter it is closed to traffic, and it is close to the ski slopes of the Val d’Isère resort. The Col de I’Iseran is another of the best-known landscapes by cycling fans, and regularly features in the Tour de France.
