Col de Chanrossa
France, europe
N/A
2,545 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Col de Chanrossa! This epic mountain pass punches through the Savoie region of the French Alps, clocking in at a whopping 2,545 meters (that's 8,349 feet!). You'll find it deep inside the Vanoise National Park.
Heads up: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bump and grind. This track is typically closed from October to June, so plan accordingly. Definitely bring your 4x4 and your A-game if you're hitting this one. Not for the faint of heart, especially if heights aren't your thing.
Prepare for a steep climb, and watch out for mud if it's been raining – things can get slick. The reward? An amazing little lake awaits you at the summit. The views? Absolutely priceless!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,545 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Geamăna?
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, picture this: you're heading to Geamăna, a totally eerie and abandoned village nestled in Romania. This place has a seriously tragic backstory involving a copper mine that swallowed the whole town! Geamăna *was* a pretty village out west in Romania. But then, BAM, the government decided to flood it back in the day to create a waste pond for a massive copper mine nearby. Can you imagine? People were forced to leave their homes as toxic sludge filled the valley. The only thing left sticking out of the lake of pollution is the old church tower – it's a truly bizarre and haunting sight. So, is it safe? Honestly, not really. You're talking about a toxic lake with all sorts of nasty chemicals in it. The ground can be unstable, and there are risks of landslides. If you DO go, be super careful: don't touch the water, wear good shoes, and definitely avoid it after rain. It's a good idea to tell someone where you're going and maybe even find a guide who knows the area. Now, the road to Geamăna... it's an adventure in itself. About 7km long, unpaved and loose gravel that can make you lose control easily. In winter, you can forget it; it's usually impassable.
easyIs the road from Trollanes to Sydradalur paved?
🌍 Faroe Islands
Okay, picture this: you're on Kalsoy island in the Faroes, ready for an adventure. The Trøllanes-Syðradalur Road is where it's at! This paved coastal road stretches for about 17km (10.6 miles), linking the tiny village of Trøllanes in the north with Syðradalur in the south. Talk about remote! This isn't just any drive; it's a landscape that starred in the James Bond flick, so you know it's dramatic. But be warned: fog and rain are frequent guests. The real kicker? Four unlit tunnels. Seriously. Prepare for narrow, chilly, and damp passages – the Villingadalstunnilin (1195m), Ritudalstunnilin (685m), Mikladalstunnilin (1085m), and the mega Trollanestunnilin (2250m). It's a wild ride, but with only a handful of locals using it, you'll feel like you have this epic scenery all to yourself.
hardWhere is Vršič Pass?
🌍 Slovenia
Okay, picture this: Slovenia, the Julian Alps, and you behind the wheel. You're about to tackle Vršič Pass, a seriously epic road that climbs to 5,354 feet. This isn't just any drive; it's a 27-mile stretch of pure adrenaline, winding from Bovec to Trenta. Built by Russian prisoners back in 1915, this road—now known as Ruska cesta, the "Russian Road"—is a monument to history and a testament to driving skill. Get ready for 50 hairpin bends, yes, FIFTY! Each one is numbered, so you can keep track as you snake your way up and over the mountains. The views? Absolutely insane. You're surrounded by the towering peaks of the Julian Alps and nestled near Triglav National Park. The road itself is in great shape, surprisingly wide, and well-maintained, but don't let that fool you—this is a drive that demands your full attention. No room for daydreaming or overtaking here. Starting from Trenta, you'll climb almost 3,300 feet over about 7.3 miles, with an average grade of 8.4%. It's steep! Plan for about 1.5 hours of driving time, not counting stops. And you WILL want to stop. There are plenty of parking spots to soak in those panoramic views. Heads up: the road is typically open for about seven months of the year, closing in winter due to heavy snowfall. And even when it's open, expect high traffic during peak season. Don't miss the Russian Orthodox Chapel near hairpin 8, built by prisoners to commemorate comrades killed in an avalanche. It's a sobering reminder of the road's history. You can also explore remnants of WWI bunkers and a telpher cable-car line!
hardA memorable road trip to Coll dels Reis in Mallorca
🇪🇸 Spain
Coll dels Reis is a mountain pass sitting pretty at 658m (2,158ft) above sea level on the northwest coast of Mallorca in Spain's Balearic Islands. It's basically the holy grail for cyclists visiting the island. The route to the top—also called Col de Cal Reis—takes you up the famous Sa Calobra Road (MA-2141), a fully paved stretch that was originally built back in 1932. You're looking at 12.2 km (7.58 miles) of pure adrenaline, starting from the scenic MA-10 road near an aqueduct and finishing up at a parking area overlooking the stunning Sa Calobra beach. Fair warning: this isn't your straightforward climb. The road is narrow and gloriously winding, packed with tight hairpin bends—including one jaw-dropping 270-degree switchback—that'll keep you on your toes. Short straights between the turns mean the gradient is constantly shifting, with some sections hitting steep 11% grades that'll test your stamina and make it nearly impossible to find a comfortable riding rhythm. It's challenging, intense, and absolutely unforgettable.