Bulgaria has the EU’s deadliest roads
Bulgaria, europe
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for a Bulgarian adventure! The drive from Shanovo to Kolena is a stunner, but let's be real – it's not for the faint of heart. Bulgaria's roads can be a bit wild, and safety is a serious concern here. Sadly, the country had a high road death rate.
Expect some aggressive driving, so stay alert. Watch out for speeding and risky overtaking, and keep a safe distance from other drivers. And infrastructure can be rough in places. Still, the scenery is incredible, making it a memorable (if intense) driving experience. Keep your wits about you, and you'll be rewarded with some truly breathtaking views!
Where is it?
Bulgaria has the EU’s deadliest roads is located in Bulgaria (europe). Coordinates: 43.3139, 25.4138
Road Details
- Country
- Bulgaria
- Continent
- europe
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 43.3139, 25.4138
Related Roads in europe
hardWhat’s the Cap Corse Road?
🇫🇷 France
Cruising the D80, aka Cap Corse Road, in northeastern Corsica, France, is an absolute must-do! This 102 km (63 mile) coastal gem winds from Bastia to Saint-Florent, serving up non-stop ocean views and postcard-perfect villages. Picture this: wild mountains tumbling into sparkling beaches, charming towns clinging to the cliffs, and views for days! The road itself? Let's just say it keeps things interesting. It's paved, but the surface can be a little rough, and some sections get seriously narrow – think "barely enough room for a bus" narrow. Maneuvering past oncoming traffic on those cliffside curves definitely adds a thrill! Trust me, the views are worth it. Drive north to south to hug the seaside for the best panoramas. Pull over often – there are plenty of spots to soak it all in, especially on the west coast with its sweeping views of the Gulf of Saint-Florent. Keep your speed around 40 km/hour on that side; this road hasn't changed much in decades! Pro tip: South of Pino, look for a super-tight, paved road just a few hundred meters from the D80. It's even more exhilarating, but take it slow – there's zero room for error! Get ready for a drive that's both breathtaking and maybe just a little terrifying, in the best possible way!
moderatePave de la Croix Blanche is a wild cobbled road
🇫🇷 France
# Pavé de la Croix Blanche If you're looking for a true cycling legend, head to the Nord department in Hauts-de-France, just east of Mons-en-Pévèle. This is where Pavé de la Croix Blanche sits—a gloriously brutal stretch of ancient cobblestones that's earned its place in cycling history. This isn't your typical smooth asphalt experience. At just 3 kilometers long, the road climbs a modest 10 meters (from 53m to 63m elevation), but don't let that fool you. The Paris-Roubaix and Tour de France have both made this section famous for a reason—it's rated five stars for difficulty, the absolute hardest tier. Here's what you're actually getting into: The first 1.1 kilometers starts off relatively rideable, but then things get real. The remaining stretch transitions into a muddy mess as water and earth run down from the surrounding fields. Rain? Expect puddles and slippery conditions that'll test your nerve. Mud? Count on it coating everything. This is bucket-list territory for cycling enthusiasts and adventure seekers. It's short, it's historic, and it'll humble you in the best way possible.
hardRefuge du Saut
🇫🇷 France
Okay, fellow adventurers, let me tell you about Refuge du Saut, a seriously cool mountain hideaway nestled in the French Alps (Savoie department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region to be exact) at a lofty 2,137 meters (that's 7,011 feet!). Getting there is half the fun, but be warned, it's not for the faint of heart! The road, which winds through the stunning Réserve Naturelle du Plan de la Tuéda, is a gravelly, rocky rollercoaster. Think tippy, bumpy, and totally awesome (if you're into that sort of thing!). This trail is best left to experienced off-roaders in a 4x4. Seriously, you'll need it! It's steep in sections, and if it's been raining, expect some seriously muddy conditions. Oh, and did I mention it's closed from October to May due to snow? The views are totally worth the challenge!
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Col de l’Eychauda
🇫🇷 France
# Col de l'Eychauda Looking for an Alpine adventure that'll get your adrenaline pumping? Welcome to Col de l'Eychauda, sitting pretty at 2,433 meters (7,982 feet) in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France. This chairlift-access trail takes you up through the stunning Massif des Cercès range, but fair warning—it's not for the faint of heart. The route up to the summit is pure raw mountain experience: think gravel, rocks, ruts, and plenty of bumpy patches that'll keep you honest. You'll be navigating some seriously steep sections with single-track traverses that feature genuinely heart-stopping drops on either side. If you've got even a mild fear of heights, this one might not be calling your name. Here's the real talk: this trail demands serious wheeling skills and nerves of steel. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 vehicle—no exceptions. The road is only passable from late June through September (weather depending), so winter and spring are total no-gos. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your specialty, do yourself a favor and skip this one. But if you're an experienced off-roader who laughs in the face of Alpine challenges and doesn't get queasy at cliff edges? Col de l'Eychauda will reward you with one heck of a mountain experience and some truly spectacular scenery along the way.