Col de Riondet
France, europe
N/A
2,409 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Col de Riondet, perched way up in the French Alps at nearly 8,000 feet! You'll find it nestled in the Vanoise National Park, part of the stunning Massif de la Vanoise range.
Now, heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road's gravel, rocky, and can get pretty bumpy. We're talking a proper 4x4 job here. It's usually closed from October to May due to snow, and even when it's open, you'll want some experience with unpaved mountain roads. It can be steep, and rain turns the road muddy! Definitely not for the faint of heart (or those scared of heights!).
But, oh, the views! From the top, you're rewarded with panoramic vistas, including glimpses of the Col de la Madeleine's hairpin turns way down below. Trust me, if you're up for the challenge, the scenery is absolutely worth it.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,409 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhat are the 18 Official National Tourist Routes of Norway?
🇳🇴 Norway
# Norway's 18 National Tourist Routes: A Road Tripper's Guide Norway's got 18 seriously stunning scenic drives that'll make your jaw drop. These aren't just any roads—they're carefully curated National Tourist Routes that showcase the country's most breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're into dramatic fjords, wild mountains, or windswept coastal vibes, there's a route calling your name. Ten of them are tucked away in Western Norway, perfect for anyone wanting to escape the crowds. Grab a car or hop on a bike and prepare for miles of unspoiled countryside, jaw-dropping views, and some seriously inspiring modern architecture along the way. **Up North: The Arctic Adventures** Head to the far north and you'll find some of Norway's most remote and magical corners. The Varanger National Tourist Route is a 160-km adventure between Varangerbotn and Hamningberg in Finnmark, where you'll catch the midnight sun, spot incredible bird life, and soak in some serious Arctic atmosphere. Just 85 km long, the Havøysund route hugs the ocean's edge through barren, wild terrain, offering that otherworldly Arctic light you've dreamed about. **Island Hopping in the North** Senja's rugged outer coast stretches 90 km (plus 12 km of optional detours) from Gryllefjord to Botnhamn, where dramatic peaks meet the Norwegian Sea. The Andøya route is a breezy 58-km coastal drive famous for its endless white beaches and open ocean views. The legendary Lofoten Islands deserve their reputation—this 230-km epic between Raftsundet and Å takes you across the Arctic Circle through some of Norway's most iconic scenery. Meanwhile, the Helgeland Coast stretches a massive 433 km, featuring everything from the stunning Svartisen Glacier to the scenic Vega Islands. **The Famous Ones Everyone Talks About** The Atlantic Road? It's so good The Guardian ranked it among the world's best road trips. Just 8 km long, but absolutely packed with sharp turns and wild coastal drama between Kristiansund and Molde. The Geiranger-Trollstigen route is a 104-km masterpiece that combines the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord with the famous Trollstigen Mountain Road—two of Norway's most visited (and worthy) attractions. **Mountain Passes & Hidden Gems** Want to skip the tourist crush? The Rondane route (75 km) offers a peaceful alternative through pristine countryside. For something more dramatic, the Old Strynefjellsveien is a historic 27-km stretch completed way back in 1894 that's still a engineering marvel. The Sognefjellet Mountain Road climbs to Northern Europe's highest mountain pass, while the Aurlandsfjellet route takes you across a barren, haunting 49-km plateau of snow and rock. The Valdresflye stretch (49 km) rewards you with endless vistas of rolling hills and dramatic peaks. **Fjord-Side Drives** The Gaularfjellet route (114 km) winds past countless waterfalls alongside the mighty Sognefjord. The Hardangervidda route (67 km) cuts through the continent's largest mountain plateau, while the Hardanger National Tourist Route hugs the stunning Hardangerfjord for 158 km east of Bergen. **Coastal Vibes** Ryfylke completely switches things up—lush green skerries suddenly give way to mountains and fjords across 260 km. And if you want pure beach vibes, Jæren delivers with 41 km of endless sandy beaches, wild dunes, and open skies between Ogna and Bore.
hardWhere is Ziyaret Dağı?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Ziyaret Dağı, a high-altitude pass that'll test your mettle! Perched way up in the clouds in northeastern Turkey, on the border between Sivas and Erzincan provinces, this ain't your average Sunday drive. First off, forget the pavement – this road is all rugged, unadulterated dirt. We're talking seriously narrow stretches, hairpin turns that'll make your palms sweat, and drop-offs that plunge into the abyss. You'll definitely want 4x4 for this one! The road stretches for about 17 kilometers to the summit, climbing a whopping 1,334 meters in elevation! That means an average gradient of around 8%, but trust me, there are steeper sections that'll really get your engine roaring. While you're fighting gravity, be sure to peek around — the views are epic. This is truly a wild, remote ride.
extremeA sensational road to Beklemeto Pass in the Balkan Mountains
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, buckle up for the Beklemeto Pass in Bulgaria, a wild ride sitting way up high at 1,525 meters! You'll find it snaking along the Lovech and Plovdiv province line, right in the heart of the Balkan Mountains. This is Road 35, a fully paved route also known as Troyan Pass that even follows the ancient Roman Via Trayana. It's a major artery connecting northern and southern Bulgaria, so expect some traffic. Clocking in at about 48 kilometers between Karnare and Troyan, this pass throws down a serious driving gauntlet. Get ready for some steep climbs hitting gradients of over 11% and a dizzying collection of more than 30 hairpin turns! The name Beklemeto hints at its history, with Turkish roots meaning 'guard'—likely a watchtower stood sentinel here long ago. Keep an eye out for the ski resort at the pass, perfect for a winter detour. And just east of the summit, a rugged, unpaved road leads to the Arch of Freedom, a massive 35-meter concrete monument celebrating Bulgarian liberation. Worth the bumpy side trip!
extremeForcella Àuta/Alta
🇮🇹 Italy
# Forcella Àuta/Alta: A Mountain Pass Adventure Ready for some serious Alpine thrills? Forcella Àuta/Alta is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,984m (6,509ft) in the heart of the Dolomites, northeastern Italy's crown jewel. Fair warning: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road is seriously steep and narrow—we're talking single-lane-in-places tight, with some sections dropping hundreds of meters straight down and absolutely zero guardrails to catch you. It's an old military road with serious personality. The good news? They resurfaced it a while back, so it's actually in pretty decent shape. Most of the route is nicely asphalted, though you'll encounter some wild 29% gradient ramps with loose gravel sitting right outside your tire tracks—keep your wits about you on those stretches. Starting from Misurina, you're looking at a 5.3km climb to Rifugio Bois at Monte Piana (or 6.3km if you're tackling the full gravel section to the mountain's top). Along the way, you'll conquer three passes—Forcella Bassa, Forcella de Mèdo, and finally Forcella Àuta—while the dramatic Tre Cime di Lavaredo beckons nearby. Pro tip: bring your camera! Beyond the insane scenery, this area is soaked in World War I history. Monte Piana is scattered with relics from the Italian-Austro-Hungarian conflicts, making it a fascinating stop for history buffs and tourists alike. Absolutely worth the adrenaline rush.