
Almannaskard Pass
Iceland, europe
N/A
162 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Eastern Region of Iceland, right? You spot this insane mountain pass called Almannaskard. It tops out at 162 meters – not Everest, but trust me, it packs a punch.
The road's mostly paved, but hold onto your hats, people, because it gets seriously steep—over 11% in places! It's wedged between Hornafjörður and Lón, and let me tell you, the views from the top? Unbelievable. Think endless coastline stretching out before you.
Now, here's the thing: Almannaskard used to be a total winter nightmare, always getting snowed in. So, they built this tunnel, Almannaskarðsgöng, to bypass it. But guess what? You can still drive the pass during the summer! Just a heads-up: the southwest side is now closed.
Where is it?
Almannaskard Pass is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 65.2447, -17.8559
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 162 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 65.2447, -17.8559
Related Roads in europe
extremeA brutally steep (35%) road to Col de Tanay
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Col de Tanay Nestled in Switzerland's Valais canton at 1,440m (4,724ft), Col de Tanay is one seriously steep mountain pass that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Located south of Lake Geneva near the French border, this road is absolutely wild—we're talking sections that hit 35% gradient. Yeah, you read that right. Starting from the village of Vouvry, you're looking at a 10.4km (6.46 miles) climb with an average slope of over 20%. The road starts off fairly normal—decent asphalt, decent width, plenty of hairpins to keep things interesting. But then? It all goes sideways. The surface deteriorates pretty dramatically, and the gradient becomes absolutely bonkers. It's narrow, barely traveled, and totally paved throughout, but those road conditions will definitely test your nerves and your vehicle's brakes. Once you crest the pass, you'll discover something special. A small trail (closed to vehicles) leads down to Lake Tanay, tucked away in the Chablais Alps. It's a charming little spot—modest in size but surrounded by cozy chalets and a restaurant where you can catch your breath and celebrate surviving that insane climb. If you love steep alpine roads and don't mind white-knuckling your way up a mountain, Col de Tanay delivers an unforgettable experience.
hardNuevo Mundo
🇪🇸 Spain
# Nuevo Mundo: A Thrilling High-Altitude Adventure Ready for some serious mountain driving? Nuevo Mundo sits pretty at 2,115 meters (6,938 feet) in Almería province, Andalusia, Spain—and the route to its summit is definitely not for the faint of heart. The road itself? Think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumpy sections that'll keep you on your toes. This isn't your typical Sunday cruise—it's a genuine off-road challenge that demands serious wheeling skills. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, honestly, skip this one. A 4x4 vehicle is pretty much essential if you want to make it up there safely. Here's the thing: winds absolutely howl through this area year-round, and they don't play around. Combined with the steep gradient and the fact that you're way up in the air with nothing but views below you, this trail requires nerve and respect. Heights-phobic? Yeah, this might not be your vibe. The payoff? Once you summit, you'll find a communication tower standing sentinel over breathtaking panoramic views. It's the kind of accomplishment that makes your arms ache but your heart sing. **Bottom line:** This is experienced mountain drivers only. Come prepared, come confident, and come ready for one wild ride.
moderateWhere is Plateau de Bure?
🇫🇷 France
Wanna feel like you're driving on the moon? Head to Plateau de Bure in the Hautes-Alpes department of France! Perched way up high at 2,560m (8,398ft), this remote plateau is home to some serious radio astronomy gear. You'll find it nestled in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. It's where the NOEMA interferometer hangs out, with its ten giant antennas scanning the skies. Now, about getting there... the road is a wild 10.3 km (6.4 miles) stretch of unpaved terrain that kicks off from Le Pré. Think lunar landscapes, killer panoramic views of the Vercors and Écrins massifs, and an adventure only suitable for 4x4s. Built back in the late 80s, this road is usually snowed in during winter, so plan accordingly. Keep in mind that private vehicles are not allowed to drive to the plateau.
moderateWhere is Puerto de las Señales?
🇪🇸 Spain
Las Señales Pass in León, Spain, sits way up high at 1,629m (5,344ft)! This epic route, snaking through the Cantabrian Mountains, connects Asturias and Castilla y León. The road, known as LE-333, is totally paved, although the weather can take its toll in places. The pass runs for 14.4 km (8.94 miles) from Puebla de Lillo up to Puerto de Tarna, throwing in some serious climbs with gradients hitting almost 8%. It’s even been featured in the Vuelta a España! Typically, you can drive it year-round, but keep an eye on winter weather – closures aren't uncommon. Trust me, though, this drive is worth it! The scenery is unreal, especially near Picos de Europa National Park. Think lush flora, abundant fauna, and natural viewpoints for days. From the top, you can soak in the whole Cantabrian range. There are trails leading off into the forests and up to even higher viewpoints, including one that overlooks the Picos de Europa. Seriously stunning!