
Col du Coin
France, europe
N/A
2,275 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Col du Coin, a legit mountain pass chilling at 2,275 meters (that's 7,463 feet for my American friends) way up in the French Alps. Seriously epic views from up there!
Now, getting there? Adventure time! We're talking mostly gravel roads, and some pavement. It gets pretty rocky and bumpy, and you'll definitely be tipping back and forth. Winter? Forget about it – this road is CLOSED. This trail is really better suited for people who know their way around off-road driving. If you're not confident on unpaved mountain roads, maybe skip this one. A 4x4 is pretty much essential. And if heights aren't your thing? Yeah, this one's gonna be a no. Expect some seriously steep sections. Also, if it's wet, things get muddy and slippery – so be warned!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,275 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardPuerto Collado
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto Collado: A Rocky Adventure in Andalusia Tucked away in the stunning Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park near Málaga, Puerto Collado is a thrilling mountain pass sitting at 914 meters (2,998 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical smooth, paved road experience — and that's exactly what makes it fun. Starting from the A-7207 road in Cómpeta, you're looking at a 3.3 km climb that'll test your skills and your vehicle. The elevation gain of 264 meters might not sound like much, but with an average gradient of 8%, you'll definitely feel it. The route gets properly steep at points, and the gravel and rocky terrain is bumpy and unpredictable — so this one's definitely for experienced drivers only. Seriously, you'll want a 4x4 for this adventure. Here's the real kicker: weather can flip the script instantly. Thunderstorms in the area can transform these unpaved roads into full-blown four-wheel-drive territory or make them completely impassable in minutes, so timing is everything. But here's the reward for making it to the top? There's a bar at the summit where you can celebrate conquering this wild ride while soaking in those incredible mountain views. Welcome to one of Andalusia's most unpolished — and unforgettable — driving experiences.
hardBelchen Tunnel is haunted by the ghost of an old lady
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# The Belchen Tunnel: Switzerland's Spookiest Drive Perched on the border between Solothurn and Basel-Landschaft cantons in Switzerland, the Belchen Tunnel has earned itself quite the reputation—and we're not talking about its impressive engineering. This 3,180-meter (10,430-foot) stretch of the A2 motorway, which connects Basel to Chiasso, is widely considered one of the world's most haunted tunnels. The tunnel opened in 1996 as a fully paved passage cutting through the Jura Mountains, and underwent a complete renovation in 2003. But here's where it gets interesting: locals and travelers have reported some seriously creepy encounters inside. The star of the show is the famous "White Lady"—a ghostly old woman dressed entirely in white who's become legendary among drivers passing through. The most chilling account involves two law students who picked up a pale woman on the hard shoulder who claimed she desperately needed help and warned that something terrible was about to happen. She climbed into the backseat, but somewhere in the darkness of the tunnel, she simply vanished. Other drivers report seeing this phantom hitchhiker appear from nowhere, sometimes even speaking to them, only to disappear mid-journey. Then there's the darker legend surrounding the tunnel's construction. The story goes that workers died in a catastrophic collapse during the building phase, and their restless spirits are said to linger in the tunnel, creating an unsettling atmosphere that persists to this day. Whether you're a paranormal enthusiast or just looking for an unforgettable drive, the Belchen Tunnel certainly delivers the thrills.
moderateRifugio Monte Curcio: Driving the steep service road in the heart of Sila National Park
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Curcio: A Thrilling Alpine Challenge in Southern Italy Tucked away in Calabria's stunning Sila National Park sits Rifugio Monte Curcio, perched at 1,769m (5,803ft) and offering one of those "pinch yourself" mountain experiences. The real adventure starts once you've climbed the scenic Strada delle Vette—from there, it's just 600 meters to the summit, but don't let that fool you. Those final 600 meters pack a serious punch. You're gaining 74 meters of elevation in a pretty short burst, which translates to a genuinely steep gradient that'll have your heart racing. This is a working ski-station service road, which means it's unpaved, narrow, and built for utility vehicles rather than comfort. Loose gravel, tight corners, and zero safety barriers make this a ride that demands your full attention. Traction can get sketchy on the steepest bits, especially if conditions aren't perfect. But the payoff? Absolutely worth it. Once you crest that final push, you're rewarded with 360-degree views that'll make you forget every bump along the way. The Calabrian mountains sprawl out in every direction, crowned with dense forest that earns this region its "Southern Alp" nickname. Winter transforms the area into the Camigliatello Silano ski resort, while summer and early autumn become paradise for hikers and 4x4 adventurers. Timing is everything here—vehicle access gets locked down during ski season, so aim for summer through early autumn once the snow's completely gone. Just check the weather and local conditions first; this road can deteriorate fast after heavy rain.
moderateRiksvegen Old Road is a unique piece of engineering along Eidfjord Lake
🇳🇴 Norway
# Riksvegen Old Road: A Hidden Gem in Norway's Fjord Country Nestled in Vestland county's Eidfjord municipality, the Riksvegen Old Road is a nostalgic slice of Norwegian engineering history that's perfect for those who prefer a slower pace. This charming 2.3 km (1.42 miles) stretch hugs the western shore of Eidfjordvatnet, treating you to absolutely stunning lake views at every turn. Here's the cool part: this road is now exclusively for bicycles and pedestrians—no cars allowed. Back in the day, it was the main route, complete with a tunnel that King Oscar II himself opened. You can still spot that historic tunnel today, a testament to the road's bygone era as a motorway. The entire route is paved and manageable, making it ideal for a leisurely bike ride or scenic walk. That said, keep your eyes peeled for the occasional rockslide, which is a real hazard in this mountainous region. It's a small price to pay for the experience, honestly. So what happened to all the traffic? In stepped the Eidfjordtunnelen, a modern tunnel that's part of Norway's National Road 7 (Rv7). The new route is wider, faster, and comes loaded with multiple tunnels—perfect for those in a hurry. But if you're anything like us, you'll skip the highway and stick to this beautifully preserved old road for an authentic Norwegian adventure.