A wild road to Ushguli in Goergia, the highest town in Europe
Georgia, europe
92.3 km
2,411 m
hard
Year-round
Way up in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region of Georgia, nestled at the top of the Enguri gorge, lies Ushguli, the highest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe, sitting pretty at 2,410m (7,910ft)!
Tucked away in the western part of the country, getting to this town—really a collection of four tiny villages—is an adventure in itself. The road is completely unpaved, so you'll need an SUV, a spare tire, and a full tank of gas. Some even say calling it a "road" is generous; think more like a challenging mud track or a seriously rugged walking path.
Starting from Tsageri (a town in the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region), the 92.3km (57.35 miles) journey serves up breathtaking views of towering peaks, vibrant valleys, and the ghostly remains of glaciers.
Keep in mind, this road is usually snowed under for about six months of the year, making it impassable from late October until late June or early July (weather depending, of course).
Located at the foot of Shkhara, one of the highest peaks in the Caucasus, the road to Ushguli can be a real beast. It constantly crisscrosses the Patara Enguri River, and things get dicey after heavy rains—rock slides are a real risk. Expect a bumpy ride full of rocks, frequent streams, and seriously steep drops. It's not for the faint of heart! The road is in rough shape, and heavy rains can make it completely undrivable, even washing sections away. Fortunately, those armed robbery stories seem to be a thing of the past, so feel free to explore and even pick up a hitchhiker or two. The highest point of the road is at Zagari Pass, reaching a staggering 2,620m (8,595ft) above sea level.
Where is it?
A wild road to Ushguli in Goergia, the highest town in Europe is located in Georgia (europe). Coordinates: 42.1932, 43.2204
Road Details
- Country
- Georgia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 92.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,411 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.1932, 43.2204
Related Roads in europe
hardHow to Get by Car to Lac d'Aumar, One of the Highest Paved Roads in the Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
# Lac d'Aumar: A High-Altitude Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the Hautes-Pyrénées of southwestern France, near the Spanish border, Lac d'Aumar sits pretty at 2,192 m (7,191 ft) above sea level. This pristine mountain lake—sometimes called Lac d'Aumer—lies just east of its neighbor, Lac d'Aubert, in the Occitania region. The Route des Lacs, combining the D177 and D929 roads, is your fully paved ticket to this alpine gem. But don't let the pavement fool you—this drive is seriously exhilarating. We're talking steep climbs, relentless curves, and hairpin turns that'll keep you gripping the wheel. The finale? Pure magic. As the cliff-hugging road wraps around the dam, you'll tackle some genuinely thrilling switchbacks that make the whole journey worthwhile. Starting from Aragnouet, you're looking at a 15.7 km (9.75-mile) push uphill with a staggering 1,097 m elevation gain and an average gradient of 6.98%. Some sections hit a punchy 15% gradient, so this isn't a leisurely cruise. This isn't just any mountain road—it's one of the highest paved routes in the entire French Pyrenees, sitting even higher than the legendary Col du Tourmalet. That altitude comes with a trade-off: the road is typically closed during winter, so plan your visit for warmer months if you want to experience this spectacular drive.
moderateHow to get by car to Lindesnes Lighthouse?
🇳🇴 Norway
# Lindesnes Fyrstasjon Lighthouse Road Ready for a scenic coastal drive with some serious history? Head to Agder County, Norway, where you'll find Lindesnes Fyrstasjon—home to the country's oldest lighthouse, standing proud at mainland Norway's southernmost point where the North Sea crashes into the Skagerrak. This isn't just any old beacon. When the lighthouse was first lit back in 1656, it was a game-changer for sailors navigating these treacherous waters. The area's notorious for unpredictable currents, gnarly storms, and visibility that can vanish in a heartbeat—exactly why someone smart decided a lighthouse was desperately needed. The tower you see today is the cast iron version from 1915, and it's still doing its job guiding ships safely around Norway's dangerous southern tip. The 26.3-kilometer (16.34-mile) drive along Rv460 starts in Vigeland and hugs the coastline the entire way, treating you to constant sea views. The road is fully paved but narrow, so take your time and soak it all in. The landscape is classic Norwegian rugged—all dramatic cliffs, powerful waves, and winds that'll remind you you're at the edge of something wild. Once you arrive, there's a museum on-site that dives into the lighthouse's fascinating maritime heritage, plus a handy car park for visitors. It's the perfect spot to stretch your legs, breathe in that salty air, and appreciate why this 400-year-old lighthouse has saved countless ships from disaster.
hardDriving the Scenic F337 Road Through Lunar-like Fields
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're headed to Iceland's Southern Region and craving an off-the-beaten-path experience, you HAVE to check out the F337, also known as Hlöðuvallavegur. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks! Nestled in the Icelandic interior, near the stunning Þingvellir National Park, this 28.9 km (17.95-mile) beauty runs from Road 37 up to Road F338. Think lunar landscapes, a rough lava field at the foot of Mt Hlodufell, and some seriously epic views. Word to the wise: This is strictly 4x4 territory. We're talking high clearance is a MUST. The road is entirely unpaved, and you'll be navigating some seriously rugged terrain, with big stones and sandy spots aplenty. Seriously, leave your little rental car at home. Get ready for a climb! This road is STEEP. We're talking 500 vertical meters in just 4 km, with an average grade of 15%! It tops out at a whopping 681m (2,234ft) above sea level, making it one of Iceland's highest roads. Heads up: it's usually closed from late October to late June/early July due to snow. And be prepared to be totally alone out there. This track is remote, traffic is minimal, and cell service can be spotty. Make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape before you go! But trust us, the views are SO worth it!
hardCol de Marocaz
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, because Col de Marocaz in the French Alps is calling your name! This beauty winds its way up to 958 meters (that's 3,143 feet, folks) in the Savoie department. The road, known as D11, is paved, but keep your eyes peeled – it gets pretty narrow. You've got a couple of ways to tackle this climb. Option one: a punchy 9.3 km ride from Arbin, where you'll gain a solid 688 meters with an average gradient of 7.4%. Feeling a bit more leisurely? Take the longer 18.3 km route from Chambery, still gaining 688 meters, but at a more relaxed average of 3.8%. Whichever you choose, get ready for some classic Alpine scenery!