
Ermita de la Virgen de Lomos de Orios
Spain, europe
30 km
1,433 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, let's head to northern Spain! Deep in La Rioja, you'll find the Ermita de la Virgen de Lomos de Orios, a sweet little chapel perched way up high at 1,433 meters.
The road to get there? Picture this: twisty asphalt ribbon winding through the Sierra de Cebollera Natural Park. It's a bit narrow in places, so keep it chill at 30km/h. Good news: there's a big parking area at the top! The climb kicks off in Villoslada de Cameros and stretches for 8.5 km, gaining 393 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 4.62%, so nothing too crazy. FYI, this climb is so scenic it has even been featured in the Vuelta Ciclista a la Rioja! One thing to keep in mind: being so high up, expect some serious snow in the winter. The road can get closed if it's not cleared, so plan accordingly.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,433 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Pic de Carroi?
🌍 Andorra
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near La Massana and Andorra la Vella in the western part of the country, you NEED to check out the road to Pic de Carroi. Nestled high in the Pyrenees, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Clocking in at just under 7 kilometers (around 4.3 miles), don't let the distance fool you. This baby packs a punch with an average gradient of over 14%! You'll definitely be feeling the burn, and your car might too. Speaking of feeling it, you'll be WAY up there. We're talking serious elevation, so be prepared for some breathtaking panoramic views. Word on the street is the road is paved, so no need for a monster truck. Just be sure to check local conditions, especially in winter, as it's likely closed. But trust me, if you're after a memorable driving experience in the Pyrenees, this should be on your bucket list!
moderateTravelling the General Wade’s Military Road from Inverness to Fort Augustus
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the southern edge of the legendary Loch Ness, camera in hand, ready to capture some serious Scottish magic. That's General Wade's Military Road for you! This road has some history, dating back to the 1720s when General George Wade decided to build a route across Ashie Moor. Turns out the first attempt was a bit of a fail in winter, so they rebuilt it in 1732. Keep an eye out for deer, they love hanging around here. The B862 and B852 combine to make this twisty treat, but don't underestimate it! This road is narrow, like seriously narrow, so be prepared to use those passing places. And with all those blind bends, you'll want to keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you. Snuggled in the Highlands, this 51km (32 mile) stretch between Inverness and Fort Augustus is pure scenic gold. It will take around an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes to drive without stopping, but you will want to stop! Breathtaking views are practically guaranteed around every corner, and the traffic is usually pretty light. Just watch where you park and soak it all in. Trust me, you will need to bring your camera!
extremeThe dark legend of Dyatlov Pass: Russia's biggest unsolved mystery
🌍 Russia
Dare to explore the enigmatic Dyatlov Pass, perched at 831m (2,726ft) in the remote reaches of Russia! Nestled on the border between the Komi Republic and the Sverdlovsk Oblast in the Ural Mountains, this place isn't just a scenic spot; it's steeped in mystery. Famous for the unsolved deaths of nine hikers back in '59, the pass is now a magnet for extreme travelers. Think you're tough? This route will test you. Getting there is an adventure in itself. Starting near Ivdel, you'll need a serious 4x4 – high clearance is a must. Consider a snowmobile for the winter months. The first 125 km (78 miles) takes you through Severnyy, Burmantovo, and Vizhay, aiming for the nomadic village of Ushma. From Ushma, it’s a 35.59 km (22.12 miles) hike, as the terrain becomes too gnarly for vehicles. Expect extreme weather: heavy snow, biting winds, and temperatures that plummet well below zero. Keep an eye out for remnants of old Gulag camps along the way. The pass is named after Igor Dyatlov, the leader of the group who tragically perished here. Are you brave enough to uncover the secrets of Dyatlov Pass?
moderateWhen was Gerlos Alpine Road built?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Austria's Salzburg region on the Gerlos Alpenstraße, one of those epic Alpine roads you've always dreamed about. This baby was built back in the early '60s, and it's a 12-kilometer (7.5 miles) stretch of pure driving bliss, winding its way from Krimml to Königsleiten. Now, hold on tight, because this isn't just a leisurely drive. We're talking hairpin turns – eight of 'em! – and some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting a maximum of 9%. You'll climb to a whopping 1,628m (5,341ft) above sea level in the High Tauern National Park. The best part? It's open year-round, so you can experience the views no matter the season. Locally, it's called the Gerlos Strasse or Pinzgauer Höhe. Trust me, it's worth every penny of the toll to explore the alpine landscape and get up close and personal with the incredible 380-meter high Krimml Waterfalls! Forget that crazy climb to Kitzbuhler Horn with the insane gradients and skip the Radstadter Tauern Pass. This one is the real deal.