Driving the paved SH20 road in Albania
Albania, europe
30 km
684 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trip dreamers, let's talk Albania! Head to the northwest, near the Montenegro border, and find yourself in Shkodër County. Specifically, you're looking for SH20, an absolute *gem* of a road that zigs and zags its way through the former Kelmend municipality.
This beauty stretches for about 30 km (18.6 miles) from Hani i Hotit heading north to Tamarë. You'll climb to the Leqet e Hotit mountain pass, topping out at 684m (2,244ft), so keep an eye on the weather, as it can get snowy up there and might close.
The best part? It's paved! Yes, the entire road was redone a few years back and is now in great shape for any car or motorcycle. Even the section beyond Tamare is paved almost all the way to the border with Montenegro.
Seriously, this might be one of Albania's best-kept secrets. It's still pretty quiet, which is a huge plus. Get ready for a steep climb (averaging around 7%) and hairpin turns galore! Think twisties, incredible views of the rocky mountains, and the Cem Selcit river. Keep an eye out for bunkers and abandoned military houses along the way, too! Cyclists and motorcyclists, you'll feel right at home.
Where is it?
Driving the paved SH20 road in Albania is located in Albania (europe). Coordinates: 40.8969, 20.1150
Road Details
- Country
- Albania
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 684 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.8969, 20.1150
Related Roads in europe
extremeHow long is the Lena River Ice Road?
🌍 Russia
Ever dreamed of driving across a frozen river? Then pack your bags for the Lena River Ice Road in the Republic of Sakha, Russia! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Connecting Yakutsk (on the west side of the Lena River) with Nizhny Bestyakh, this 15.6 km (9.69 mile) stretch of ice is a lifeline for remote settlements, and definitely an adventure. Open from late December to mid-April, it's a critical route for supplies. But don't let the stunning Siberian scenery fool you—this road's got a reputation. It's known as one of the most dangerous ice roads in Russia. The ice can crack, melt, or simply not hold the weight of heavy vehicles. The river is impassable for much of the year due to flooding, ice floes, or semi-thawed ice. If you're up for a unique travel story, this is your ticket but you need to be aware that dozens of lives are lost each year when vehicles plunge through the ice. Occasionally, ice accumulates, and the crossing is closed. Proceed with caution!
extremeRoad Chera-Sot de Chera
🇪🇸 Spain
# Carretera Chera-Sot de Chera (CV-395): A Thrilling Mountain Ride in Spain Tucked away in the Requena-Utiel region of Spain's Valencian Community, this 10km mountain road connecting the towns of Sot de Chera and Chera is an absolute adrenaline rush—and definitely not for the faint of heart. Running north-south through the stunning Chera-Sot de Chera Natural Park, this freshly resurfaced asphalt road delivers serious drama. The curves are relentless and the elevation changes are intense, with some sections so narrow that two cars barely squeeze past each other. Overtaking? Probably skip that. Meeting oncoming traffic around a blind corner? Yeah, keep your wits about you. The scenery is genuinely gorgeous—you'll catch incredible views of the Embalse del Buseo reservoir while the road hugs the Rio Reatillo river. But beauty comes with a price here. The road is wickedly winding and seriously demanding, with steep mountainous drops that'll make your palms sweat. Rock slides are a real concern in these parts, so stay alert. Fair warning: the Vilafranca detour road nearby has earned itself a sinister reputation among locals and drivers alike. If you're looking for a road that'll test your skills and your nerve, this is it. Just remember—respect the mountain, take your time, and keep both hands on the wheel.
hardA mule track to Col d’Artzatey in the Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
# Col d'Artzatey If you're looking for an authentic mountain adventure that straddles two countries, Col d'Artzatey delivers exactly that. This scenic pass sits pretty at 662 meters (2,171 feet) and marks the border between Spain's Navarre region and France's Pyrénées-Atlantiques, tucked away in the heart of the Pyrenees. Here's the thing though—this isn't your typical paved highway. The route is a genuine mule track, which means you're looking at an unpaved, rough-and-tumble drive that really only works with a sturdy 4x4 vehicle. It's narrow, winding, and demands respect, especially after rainfall when things get seriously tricky. The actual drive from the parking area at Col de Mehatche Pass to the summit is mercifully short at just 1.3 kilometers, which is good news considering the challenging terrain you'll be navigating. This is the kind of mountain pass that rewards adventurous drivers willing to take the road less traveled—literally.
moderateExploring Kirkstone Pass: A Scenic Drive with a Spooky Legend through the Lake District
🇬🇧 England
Fancy a drive through the heart of the Lake District? Kirkstone Pass is calling! This beauty sits at 459m (1,505ft) above sea level, in Cumbria, England. The A592 stretches for 18.5km (11.5 miles) from Windermere up to Patterdale. It's a historic route, once a drover's road for farmers. Be warned: this road is twisty, narrow, and seriously steep, with gradients hitting a hefty 17%! You'll want to keep it in low gear – it's no wonder they used to call it 'The Struggle'. As the highest pass in the Lake District open to cars, it's often closed in winter when snow and ice make it treacherous. Mist is common at the top too. The views are amazing, but maybe keep an eye out for ghosts! This road has more than its fair share of spooky stories, from a grey woman to a lost hiker and a woman hanged for killing her child. Allow around 30 minutes to drive without stops, but you’ll want to add extra time to enjoy the scenery! Near the top, you'll find the Kirkstone Inn, a pub that's been serving travelers for over 500 years. The views over the Lakeland fells and Brothers Water are simply stunning.