
Col Nord des Lacs
France, europe
N/A
2,533 m
hard
Year-round
Col Nord des Lacs is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.533m (8,310ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
The surface of the road to the summit is rocky with lots of slippery gravel. It’s pretty steep and deserted. The road is usually impassable from October to June (weather permitting). Great trail for experienced wheelers. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point. 4x4 vehicle required. Stay away if you're scared of heights. Expect a trail pretty steep. At the summit there are spectacular views and two lakes: Lac Bramant and Lac Blanc. In the far distance you can see the Glacier de St. Sorlin.
Pic: pascal desgardin
A wild unpaved road to Palet
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,533 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateMambet Rock
🌍 Russia
Okay, buckle up for an off-road adventure to Mambet Rock! This incredible 450-foot rock formation hides out in the Gafuriysky District of Bashkortostan, Russia. You'll be rambling through the Ural Mountains, following the Zilim River. The road kicks off from Tolparovo and stretches for about 30 km. Now, hold on tight – we're talking gravel and dirt here, and it can get pretty gnarly. This isn't a Sunday drive; it’s a proper off-road trail far from civilization, so come prepared. Forget about checking your Insta, you will have no cell service! Leave your low-riding vehicles at home; this is strictly 4x4 territory. And definitely don’t even think about it if the weather turns sour. But hey, the views? Totally worth the bumpy ride!
hardHow to drive the challenging Road F894 (Öskjuvatnsvegur)?
🇮🇸 Iceland
F894, also known as Öskjuvatnsvegur, is a wild ride through the Northeastern Region of Iceland! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's one of Iceland's famous F Roads, so you'll need a 4x4 with serious ground clearance. The road leads to a truly remote and surreal place: the Askja caldera and the Víti crater. This east-west route stretches for 7.8 km (4.84 miles), starting from the F910 road and ending at a car park in Vikraborgir, right near the edge of the Askja caldera, and very close to the stunning Öskjuvatn lake. Expect a rough and challenging experience. The black volcanic surface is what makes it unique but demanding. It’s a completely unpaved track, and gets narrow in spots, with plenty of big rocks, deep potholes, and ruts to navigate. Some sections are pretty steep and bumpy. Seriously, leave the small car at home. This terrain isn't forgiving, but luckily there are no major river crossings. Perched way up in the Icelandic Highlands, this road is usually only open in the summer months (late June to early September), depending on snow and weather. Even then, be prepared for sudden changes – strong winds, storms, or rain can roll in fast. Don't expect crowds – this track is remote, and it's not recommended to travel alone. Cell service is spotty, and you won't find any inhabitants nearby. But the views! Lunar landscapes stretch out around you, with volcanic plains, lava fields, and the towering peaks of Askja. From the Vikraborgir car park, you can hike to the Víti crater and Öskjuvatn lake – some of Iceland's most spectacular sights.
easyWhere is the Houtribdijk Causeway?
🌍 Netherlands
Cruising through North Holland? You HAVE to check out the Houtribdijk, a massive causeway built back in the day (1963-1975). Also called the Markerwaarddijk, this thing cuts right through the IJsselmeer and Markermeer, two huge lakes smack-dab in the middle of the Netherlands. Basically, it's a long, straight shot—all 27.6 km (17+ miles) of it—connecting Enkhuizen (near West Friesland) to Lelystad. Picture this: you're cruising on the N307, part of a major water management project, doing maybe 100 km/h with about 8,500 other vehicles, and there's water as far as the eye can see. Yep, you can totally lose sight of land out here! But it's SO worth the drive. The views of both lakes are incredible. Plus, they've made a bunch of cool spots along the dike for chilling out, watching birds, or even hitting the water. And halfway across? Trintelhaven, a sweet rest stop with a restaurant and radio station! Cyclists love it too, with a path running the whole length. Trust me, if you're nearby, you've gotta experience this unique road trip.
hardWhere is the road to Lac de Plan d’Aval?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the French Alps, specifically the Savoie department, ready for a quick but intense climb up to Lac de Plan d’Aval. This isn't just any lake; it's a shimmering reservoir perched way up at 2,041m (that's 6,696ft!). You'll find it snuggled within the stunning Vanoise National Park. The road itself, the D108 (or Route des Barrages), is a blast from the past, built back in the day for a hydroelectric project. Now, it’s your gateway to hiking and pure mountain bliss! Starting from the adorable village of Aussois, it’s a 6.8 km (4.22 miles) shot straight up. Don't let the short distance fool you. You're gaining 558 meters in elevation, so get ready for an average gradient that'll make your calves burn. We're talking about some serious ramps topping out at almost 12%! The pavement is smooth, but those hairpin turns demand your full attention. Your reward? A huge parking lot between two dams overlooking the turquoise waters of Plan d’Aval, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Massif de la Vanoise. It’s an adventurer’s paradise! Just a heads-up, being on the south-facing slopes, this road gets buried in snow during winter, so plan your trip accordingly. Good news for all vehicles: it's paved all the way! But pro-tip: those steep downhills mean your brakes might get a little toasty. Cyclists, this is your Everest! The consistent climb makes it a legendary training spot in the Savoie region.