
Dare to drive the dangerous Kilise Tepe
Turkey, europe
12 km
2,669 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers, because Kilise Tepe in Turkey's Artvin Province is calling! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a wild, unpaved climb to 2,669 meters (8,756 feet)!
Starting near Erenköy in Yusufeli, get ready for 12km of hairpin heaven (or maybe hell, depending on your driving skills!). You'll be clawing your way up, gaining a whopping 1,212 meters with an average gradient of 10.1%. Let's just say your engine will get a workout, and your brakes will get a test.
Definitely bring your 4x4 – you'll need it. And maybe pack a change of pants. The views are epic, but the road? Let's just call it "challenging". Oh, and don't even think about it in winter – this road is a no-go when the snow flies. But if you're up for a serious off-road adventure with incredible scenery, Kilise Tepe is waiting! It's a proper 4x4 road to the gorgeous Yildiz Lake in Bayburt.
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,669 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateCrossing the beautiful Pont de Normandie
🇫🇷 France
# Pont de Normandie: A Sky-High French Icon If you're craving some serious bridge-crossing drama, the Pont de Normandie in northern France is absolutely the place to experience it. This stunning cable-stayed bridge is genuinely one of the most spectacular spans you'll ever drive across. The bridge carries the A29 autoroute and connects Le Havre (an industrial hub) with picturesque Honfleur, a charming tourist destination in Normandy. Stretching for 2,143 kilometers with an impressive 856-meter span, this architectural marvel soars over the River Seine at a height of over 50 meters—and trust us, you'll feel every bit of that elevation. Opened back in January 1995, the Pont de Normandie has a seriously dramatic presence. As you approach it, the bridge seems to shoot straight up into the sky, creating this almost surreal climbing sensation. It's genuinely awe-inspiring. The structure faces some serious environmental challenges though—this area gets absolutely battered by winds that can reach up to 180 kph, so the engineering here is seriously impressive. Fair warning: if you're not comfortable with heights, this might not be your jam. But if you can handle it, crossing the top feels like you're actually flying. It's an unforgettable experience that'll stay with you long after you've reached the other side.
hardAlpe di Tires
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: Alpe di Tires, a killer peak way up in the Italian Dolomites at 2,456m (that's over 8,000 feet!). You'll find it nestled inside the Sciliar-Catinaccio Natural Park. Now, heads up, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a bumpy, gravel road all the way to the top. Snow's a real possibility up there, so it could be closed in winter. Definitely prep your ride and yourself before heading out! Seriously, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. And if you're not a fan of heights… maybe skip this adventure. It's STEEP. But if you're prepared, the views are insane. At the summit, you'll find the Tierser-Alpl-Hütte (Rifugio Alpe di Tires), a mountain hut that's been serving adventurers since '63. Oh, and pro tip: you'll need special permission to drive up there. Worth it? Totally.
hardThe Wild Road to Col de Jou in the Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
Col de Jou is a mountain pass in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of southern France, sitting at 1,125 meters (3,690 feet) above sea level. It's tucked away in the Occitania region, and there's a convenient parking lot right near the summit if you need a breather. Here's the thing about Route de Mariailles—it's technically paved, but honestly, it looks like it's barely made it past the unpaved stage. This isn't a road for the faint of heart. We're talking seriously narrow, switchback-laden terrain that'll test your nerve and your steering wheel skills. If tight mountain roads make you sweat, you might want to give this one a pass. Starting from Casteil, you're looking at a 3.7-kilometer (2.3-mile) climb with 323 meters of elevation gain. That works out to an average gradient of about 8.7%—steep enough to feel it in your legs if you're cycling, or in your engine if you're driving. The combination of the narrow road, crappy pavement, and serious incline makes this a proper adventure. It's the kind of drive that's exhilarating once you've conquered it, but definitely not one to tackle on autopilot.
moderateWhat’s Route des Cols des Pyrenees?
🇫🇷 France
Get ready for an epic adventure across the French Pyrenees! Route des Cols des Pyrénées is a wild ride from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, stringing together 34 incredible mountain passes. Created back in the 19th century as a "thermal route" for spa-goers, this 942 km (585 miles) paved road now takes you through all six French Pyrenees departments, showcasing the raw beauty of the region. You'll climb a total of 15,937 meters, discovering breathtaking panoramic landscapes. But hold on tight! This journey isn't for the faint of heart. Expect ice, snow, the occasional Atlantic storm, and even the risk of flash floods and rock slides. Plus, you'll be sharing the road with speedy drivers and free-roaming cattle, horses, and deer. But trust me, it's all worth it. The scenery is mind-blowing, changing dramatically from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic side. You'll also experience a shift in language, food, and culture as you travel through Occitan and Basque regions. Be sure to keep an eye out for iconic passes like Col de Burdincurutcheta and Col de Portet-d'Aspet along the way. Keep in mind that some of the higher passes, like Tourmalet and Aubisque, are often snowed in from late October to mid-June. And even in summer, bad weather can make many of the cols treacherous. From April to mid-June, check the forecast each morning due to the risk of flash floods and sudden temperature drops. Here's a pro tip: If the weather's terrible on the French side, just hop across the border into Spain! It's usually only a short drive (20-30 km) to find clear skies and sunshine. Just be aware that many high mountain border crossings like Col du Pierre St Martin, Port Larrau, and Col du Pourtalet are along the way, as well as the insane road up to Cirque de Troumouse.