Driving the 27 hairpins to El Moixer: The 1,441m wall of Roc del Comptador
Located on the border between Spain and France, the ascent to El Moixer (also known as Roc del Comptador) is the highest and most technical drive in the Serra de l'Albera. Reaching an elevation of 1,441m (4,727ft) above sea level, the track towers over Maçanet de Cabrenys. It is a route built for the maintenance of the telecommunication towers at the summit, meaning the road is a raw, functional path where the Tramuntana wind and the steepness of the Pyrenees define the driving experience.
| Road facts: El Moixer (Roc del Comptador) | |
|---|---|
| Location | Maçanet de Cabrenys, Girona (Spain) |
| Elevation | 1,441 m (4,727 ft) |
| Length | 13.0 km |
| Hairpin Turns | 27 |
| Surface | Unpaved / Concrete ramps |
Where exactly is El Moixer located?
The peak sits right on the international boundary between Alt Empordà in Catalonia and the Pyrénées-Orientales in France. While the French side is a vertical wall of forest and rock with no vehicle access, the Spanish southern face has a technical track that climbs from Maçanet de Cabrenys. It is a border crossing in spirit only, as the road ends abruptly at the summit antennas, leaving you on a high-altitude balcony overlooking both countries.
How long and steep is the road to El Moixer?
Starting from Maçanet de Cabrenys, the drive is 13.0 km long. This is not a relaxing trip; you have to overcome a vertical desnivell (elevation gain) of 1,067 meters. This results in a sustained average gradient of 8.20%, but the reality is much harsher. The track features 27 sharp hairpin turns where the incline spikes significantly. Your vehicle will be under constant high-torque demand, and the tight radius of the hairpins requires a short wheelbase or very precise steering maneuvers to avoid having to shunt back and forth on the edge of the drop-offs.
Is the road to Roc del Comptador unpaved?
The road is mostly a gravel track consisting of loose mountain soil and rocks. You absolutely need a high-clearance 4x4. To prevent furgonetes and maintenance trucks from losing traction, the steepest ramps and the 27 hairpins have been reinforced with concrete slabs. These sections are a double-edged sword: they provide grip in the dry but become lethally slippery when wet or covered in a light dusting of snow. The track is notably narrow, and passing another vehicle is a logistical problem that often involves one driver reversing hundreds of meters along the ridge to find a safe shoulder.
What are the main hazards on the 13km climb?
The primary hazard is the Tramuntana, the powerful north wind that hits the summit ridge with enough force to buffeting the vehicle. The track is completely exposed with no safety barriers, and the 200-meter drops are always inches away from your tires. During winter, ice often forms on the concrete ramps, making the climb impossible even for 4x4s. You must monitor your engine temperature during the 1,067m ascent, as the low-speed, high-rev driving will cook a weak cooling system. On the way down, the 13 km descent is a brutal test; engage heavy engine braking to avoid boiling your brake fluid before you reach Maçanet.
What will you find at the summit of El Moixer?
The summit is dominated by several telecommunication towers and antennas. Space at the top is limited, so don't expect a large parking area; you'll have to maneuver carefully between the fences of the installations. From 1,441 meters, you can see from the Mediterranean coast at Cap de Creus to the French Pyrenees. However, the real reason to drive up here is the mechanical challenge of the 27 paelles (hairpins). Make sure your vehicle is in top shape, check your tire pressures, and be ready to do some serious steering work to reach the highest point of the Albera range.
Pic: Peter Silberhorn