Crossing Vado del Río Eljas
Portugal, europe
N/A
52 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: straddling the border between Spain and Portugal, you'll find the Vado del Río Eljas. It's less a bridge and more of a concrete ribbon, just over 170 feet long, draped across the Erges/Eljas River. Now, this isn't your average smooth highway; it's seen some serious floods in its time. Adding to the thrill, there are *zero* guardrails separating you from the drop. Oh, and did I mention it's so narrow that only one car can cross at a time? It's all part of the adventure on this international crossing!
Where is it?
Crossing Vado del Río Eljas is located in Portugal (europe). Coordinates: 39.1372, -8.3210
Road Details
- Country
- Portugal
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 52 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.1372, -8.3210
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow to get by car to Lac des Bouillouses in the Pyrenees?
🇫🇷 France
# Lac des Bouillouses: A High-Alpine Adventure Picture this: a stunning high mountain lake sitting pretty at 2,016m (6,614ft) in the Pyrénées-Orientales, nestled in the Occitania region of southern France. Also known as Llac de la Bollosa locally, this gem was created back in the day to power Le Train Jaune with hydroelectric energy—pretty cool, right? The road up is entirely paved (it's the D60 if you're checking your GPS), and it's a proper climb. Starting from Mont-Louis, you're looking at 12.8 km (7.95 miles) of ascending, with 418 meters of elevation gain. That works out to an average grade of about 4.18%, but don't let that fool you—there are sections that'll ramp up to 9.2%, so your legs (or your car's engine) will definitely feel it. The payoff? You'll reach what's claimed to be the highest lake accessible by road or cable car in the entire Pyrenees. Here's the thing though: winter shuts this place down completely thanks to heavy snow. Come summer, there are access restrictions between 7 AM and 7 PM, and the final stretch is completely off-limits to regular vehicles. The area got so popular it needed serious crowd control, so now you can only reach it via shuttle buses from the "les Bouillouses" road or cable car from Font-Romeu or Les Angles (which adds a 2-hour walk if you're coming from there). Pro tip: get there early to catch the best light and soak in the scenery at your own pace—those afternoon thunderstorms that roll in during summer are no joke.
hardTravel guide to Kuhleitenhütte
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, so you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Italy? Check out the route up to Kuhleitenhütte, a mountain cabin perched way up in South Tyrol's Sarntal Alps at a lofty 2,360 meters (that's 7,742 feet!). This isn't your typical Sunday drive. The "road" is actually a super steep, unpaved track mainly used to access the chairlift. You're definitely gonna need a 4x4 for this one. Keep in mind, it's really only doable in the summer months, usually from June to September. Starting near Falzeben, it's a 6.8-kilometer (4.22-mile) climb to the top, and get ready for a serious workout! You'll gain a whopping 743 meters in elevation, making for an average gradient of almost 11%. Expect some stunning scenery – you're in the Italian Alps, after all! Just be prepared for a rugged ride.
moderateWhere is Resia Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Italian Alps, not far from Austria, on the SS40 – the road over Reschenpass, or Passo di Resia if you're feeling Italian. This isn't your typical Alpine crossing; at 1,522m (4,993ft), it's one of the lowest, making it a sweet alternative to the Brenner Pass. The road itself? Paved all the way and stretching for 22.4km (13.91 miles) from Malles Venosta up to the border. It's a smooth ride for the most part, but don't get too comfy – you'll hit some ramps with gradients up to 8%. Back in the day, Mussolini had some serious defenses built here during WWII, just in case things got hairy. The scenery is incredible, and this road built between 1850 and 1854 offers a unique perspective on the Alps.
extremeThe insane mountain road to Nørdstedalseter
🇳🇴 Norway
# DNT Nørdstedalseter: A Mountain Cabin Adventure in Western Norway Perched at 961 meters (3,152 feet) in Vestland county, Norway, the DNT Nørdstedalseter cabin sits at the head of the stunning Fortunsdalen valley—and getting there is half the adventure. This isn't your typical Sunday drive. Starting from Fortun on the Sognefjell National Route, you're looking at 24.1 kilometers (14.97 miles) of pure mountain driving. About a third of the road is paved, but most of it is rough gravel that demands respect. Built back in 1937, this cabin has been welcoming adventurers for nearly a century, and the views are absolutely worth the effort—think fjords, jagged peaks, deep valleys, and glacier-capped mountains stretching out in every direction. Fair warning: this road is *serious*. The climb is relentless, with elevation gains totaling 1,328 meters and sections hitting a brutal 25% gradient. The average climb sits at 5.51%, and hairpin curves keep you on your toes. Rock slides are a genuine hazard you need to watch for, and the road is typically blocked by snow from late October through late June (sometimes into early July). Winter? Forget about it. This is a summer-only route for experienced drivers who respect the mountains. But if you time it right and come prepared, you'll experience one of Norway's most rewarding mountain drives.