
42 hairpin turns on the Tusenmeteren Road
Norway, europe
N/A
1,117 m
hard
Year-round
# Tusenmeteren: Norway's Ultimate Mountain Challenge
Ready for one of Norway's most thrilling drives? Head to Vestland county and discover Tusenmeteren, a wild unpaved road that'll test your nerves and reward you with incredible views.
This legendary route winds from Sletterust up to Øvre Årdal at the eastern edge of Sognefjord, climbing to a jaw-dropping 1,117 meters (3,664 feet) at Lake Tyin. The road is basically a rollercoaster carved into the mountainside—we're talking 42 hairpin turns and a tunnel to navigate, all while wrestling with steep drop-offs that'll keep your heart racing.
Built starting in 1910 and finally completed in 1934, this road became so notoriously hairy that they eventually bypassed it in 1962 with a safer route (Road 53). Today, that's kept the original road beautifully preserved and refreshingly car-free. Now it's gated and open only to pedestrians and cyclists—which honestly makes it even more special.
The panoramic views along the way are absolutely stunning, especially if you catch it during the open season from June to September when the weather cooperates. This is the kind of drive (or hike, depending on how you tackle it) that reminds you why Norway's mountain roads are legendary among adventure seekers.
Where is it?
42 hairpin turns on the Tusenmeteren Road is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 65.0134, 14.6119
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,117 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 65.0134, 14.6119
Related Roads in europe
hardGros Crey
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Gros Crey, nestled in the French Alps of the Savoie department (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region), is calling your name. We're talking serious altitude here: 2,581 meters (that's 8,467 feet!). Heads up, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road is a gravelly, rocky, and at times, pretty rough chairlift access trail. Expect a steep climb, and be prepared for conditions that can make it impassable from October to June. And the wind? Let's just say it's a constant companion up here. Even in summer, you might find yourself dodging snowflakes! Winter? Brutally cold. But the views, oh, the views! Driving to the summit of Mont Rond provides a natural balcony with a panorama of Lake Geneva and the Alps. Worth the bumps, right?
hardAn old military dirt road to Monte Rite in the Dolomites
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Rite: A Legendary Mountain Drive in the Dolomites Perched at 2,168 meters (7,112 feet) in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, Monte Rite is calling your name. This isn't your typical scenic drive—it's a raw, unpaved adventure that takes you back in time along a WWI military road that's as much history lesson as it is thrill ride. Starting from Passo Cibiana (where you'll find a convenient car park), the 6.2-kilometer climb to the summit is no joke. Expect steep grades reaching 12% at their worst, with an average gradient hanging around 9.6% as you gain 593 meters of elevation. But here's the thing: the payoff is absolutely worth every switchback. Once you reach the top, you're rewarded with jaw-dropping 360° views of the Dolomites' most iconic peaks. You'll find the charming Rifugio Dolomites for a well-deserved break, plus the Forte Monte Rite—an impressively preserved WWI fortress built between 1912-14. And if you're feeling cultured, there's the Messner Museum (also called "The Museum in the Clouds"), Europe's highest museum, named after legendary mountaineer Reinhold Messner. A heads-up though: private vehicles are banned on this road, and Mother Nature closes the party late October through late June or early July, depending on snow conditions. Plan accordingly, and you've got yourself one unforgettable alpine experience.
extremeCollada del Vent
🇫🇷 France
Collada del Vent is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.301m (7,549ft) above the sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France, near the border with Spain and the Autonomous Community of Catalonia. The road to reach the summit, located within the Réserve Naturelle de Py, is extreme. Only 4x4. The trail is gravel, rocky, tippy and bumpy at times. It’s impassable in winters. Great trail for experienced wheelers. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point. At the summit there’s a mountain shelter called Refuge du Pla Guillem. Stay away if you're scared of heights. Expect a trail pretty steep, with sections up to 8%. Wet conditions may make for tough driving along the muddy road. Col de Scaldasole is the highest road of Corsica Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
easyHow to Drive Safely in Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Iceland is calling all road trip warriors! Get ready for a wild ride through landscapes that'll blow your mind. Think long, winding roads that carve through a land of fire and ice. If you dare to venture into the highlands on those infamous F-roads, prepare for river crossings and gravel mountain tracks that'll test your mettle. Trust me, it's a driving experience unlike any other on Earth! When you're plotting your course, remember: * **Kilometers, not miles:** Iceland runs on the metric system, so keep an eye on those speed limits – fines can be hefty! * **Right-hand drive:** Just a heads-up if you're used to driving on the left. * **F-Roads Require 4x4:** Not all roads are created equal! F-roads demand a sturdy 4x4 and are often only open in the summer. They're your gateway to the rugged highlands and remote beauty of North Iceland. And because they can be quite remote, it's smart to travel with at least one other vehicle in case something goes wrong. * **Park Smart:** Resist the urge to pull over *anywhere* for that perfect ice cave shot. Use the designated areas – they're there for a reason! The same goes for campervanning – stick to the campsites. * **Weather Watch:** Icelandic weather is notorious for its rapid changes. Tune into local broadcasts for warnings, and don't hesitate to pull over and wait out a storm. Always check for road closures! * **Essentials are Key:** Pack a first-aid kit, flashlight, extra blankets, and snacks. Be mindful of the wind when opening your car door during a storm! * **Map it Out:** Ditch the GPS sometimes! Old-school maps can be more reliable than GPS, which can give literal (and confusing) translations of Icelandic place names. You might also stumble on hidden gems. * **Fuel Up:** Always fill your tank, even if you just did. Gas stations can be few and far between, especially in the highlands. Consider bringing extra fuel. Want some road trip inspiration? * **Snæfellsnes Peninsula:** A short two-hour drive from Reykjavik and a world away. Golden and pink sand beaches and the stunning Snæfellsjökull glacier. * **The Highlands:** If you have a 4x4, venture into the highlands, an area accessible only to those with the right vehicle and the thirst for adventure. Iceland is a country that should be high on everyone's bucket list!