A high mountain road from Zeyrek to Aşağı Özbağ

A high mountain road from Zeyrek to Aşağı Özbağ

Turkey, europe

Length

30.3 km

Elevation

2,701 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the rugged landscapes of Eastern Anatolia, Turkey, specifically in the Erzurum Province. You're headed from Zeyrek to Aşağı Özbağ on a wild, unpaved road that climbs all the way up to a staggering 2,701 meters (that's 8,861 feet!).

This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a full-on 4x4 adventure through the İspir District. The whole route is about 30.3 km (18.82 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-roading, snaking its way south-north. Give yourself around 2 hours to soak it all in – without stops!

Prepare for some serious hairpin action – we're talking 30 turns that'll have you grinning (or gripping the wheel!). And hold on tight, because this route isn't shy about steep climbs. You'll hit gradients of up to 21% in sections. Just a heads up: when winter rolls around, this place transforms into a snowy wonderland. So, make sure to be ready for slippery conditions if you're planning a trip then!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Turkey
Continent
europe
Length
30.3 km
Max Elevation
2,701 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Grimsel Pass is a 5-star road in the Swiss Alpshard

Grimsel Pass is a 5-star road in the Swiss Alps

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Grimsel Pass: Alpine Excellence in the Swiss Mountains Nestled at 2,164m (7,100ft) on the border between Bern and Valais, Grimsel Pass is one of Switzerland's most legendary Alpine drives. The fully paved Grimselstrasse stretches 38 km (23 miles) from Gletsch in Valais to Meiringen in Bern, connecting the Hasli Valley with the Goms district through some seriously stunning terrain. This route has serious history—traders have been crossing here since Roman times, and the pass became crucial for medieval commerce between Brugg and Milan. The modern road opened in 1895, engineered with federal support and initially just 4.2 metres wide. It was such an engineering feat that it literally split Lake Grimsel in half. **What to Expect on the Drive** The ascent is genuinely fantastic, featuring some beautiful switchbacks with killer views the whole way up. Blind bends are rare, and the road surface is smooth. The descent is tighter and demands more concentration—oncoming traffic can be tricky on certain stretches, and you'll encounter several blind corners. There are quite a few tunnels along the route, though if you're feeling adventurous, old alternative roads let you bypass some of them (though they're unpaved). The climb maxes out at 12% gradient in spots—it's relentless, mixing super steep sections with false flats that'll keep you engaged the entire way. **Timing and Conditions** Plan your visit between late May and early November. Snow typically blocks the pass from November through May, and temperatures stay cool year-round. The area gets serious precipitation, mostly as snow from late September through June. **The Scenic Experience** Expect reservoir lakes glittering alongside the road, incredible mountain vistas, and dramatic granite, gneiss, and slate formations. The lush vegetation thrives thanks to heavy rainfall and Foehn winds. When you reach the summit, there's a cozy cafe perfect for catching your breath and grabbing a coffee. This is the ultimate bucket-list Alpine drive—pair it with Susten and Furka Passes for an unforgettable loop.

Road Fv888hard

Road Fv888

🇳🇴 Norway

# FV888: Norway's Midnight Sun Highway If you're craving a genuinely remote driving experience, FV888 in Finnmark, northern Norway, delivers in spades. This 101-km coastal beauty—lovingly called Middnattsolveien—stretches from the small village of Ifjord down to Mehamn, a charming port town on the Vedvik peninsula that sits at the southern edge of Mehamnfjorden, overlooking the Barents Sea. The road itself is well-maintained and fully paved, hugging dramatic fjords as it winds along the coast. You'll have stretches of peaceful driving with minimal traffic—honestly, the quietness is part of the appeal if you're seeking solitude. The scenery is genuinely stunning, with sweeping sea views that'll make you want to pull over constantly. If you're lucky, you might spot white-tailed sea eagles soaring overhead. Just watch out for sheep casually hanging out on the pavement! **Here's the thing though:** this is serious road-trip territory. Summers up here are short, chilly, and often overcast. Winters? Think long, brutally cold, snow-covered, wickedly windy stretches with grey skies that seem endless. Come prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you. Since you're driving through genuinely remote terrain, breakdowns are no joke. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent in parts, and you won't see many other cars or people to flag down for help. Stock up on supplies in Ifjord before you go, stay alert, and bring a solid backup plan.

Water, snow and fog at the top of Mont-Aigoualextreme

Water, snow and fog at the top of Mont-Aigoual

🇫🇷 France

# Mont-Aigoual: Where Sky Meets Stone Perched at a breathtaking 1,567 meters (5,141 feet) on the border between Lozère and Gard in southern France, Mont-Aigoual isn't just another mountain pass—it's a destination that delivers jaw-dropping 360-degree views and the chance to visit France's highest manned weather station. Nestled within the Cévennes National Park as part of the Massif Central, this place feels genuinely special. The D118 road winds its way to the summit with a solid asphalt surface, though fair warning: you'll encounter some seriously steep pitches reaching up to 10% gradient. At the top, you'll find the Mount Aigoual Observatory and Météo France station, where researchers battle some of the harshest conditions in mainland France. **Here's the real talk though:** skip this pass if bad weather's brewing. Winter transforms this place into something entirely unforgiving—think sub-zero temperatures (we're talking -28°C!), winds exceeding 300 km/h, and over 2 meters of annual rainfall. The name Aigoual itself actually means water, snow, and fog, so yeah, Mother Nature takes this peak seriously. **Ready to climb?** You've got options. From Meyrueis, it's a 26 km push gaining 862 meters (3.3% average). Rousses offers a shorter 16.6 km route with a steeper 5% average. Le Vigan's route stretches 37.3 km with 1,336 meters of elevation gain, while Valleraugue gives you 28.5 km at a 4.3% average. The Tour de France crews have tackled this beast too. The payoff? Absolutely stunning photography opportunities. On a clear day, you can see roughly a quarter of France spread beneath you—from Mont Ventoux to Mont Blanc, the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean. Don't forget your camera!

SP22 Road, a sensational drive in Calabriamoderate

SP22 Road, a sensational drive in Calabria

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Calabria, Italy, in the province of Catanzaro, and you stumble upon Strada Provinciale 22. Trust me, you'll want to have your camera ready! This mountain road is a total gem, winding its way between the towns of Ciricilla and Buturo for about 15.4 kilometers (or 9.5 miles). The road is paved, but be prepared for some narrow sections, so keep your eyes peeled! You'll be hugging the edge of Riserva Statale Gariglione – Pisarello and Riserva Statale Coturelle – Piccione, two absolutely stunning nature reserves. The road climbs to a whopping 1,646 meters (that's 5,400 feet!) above sea level, so the views are insane. It's generally open year-round, but keep in mind that winter weather can occasionally cause temporary closures. Prepare for countless tunnels on Ponti di Vara, a place to transport marble to the quarry. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!