Get behind the wheels for North Cape Tunnel, a subsea road tunnel
Norway, europe
129 km
212 m
moderate
Year-round
# The North Cape Tunnel: Norway's Arctic Gateway
Ready for something truly unique? Head to the remote reaches of Troms og Finnmark in northern Norway to experience the North Cape Tunnel—a wild subsea adventure that'll take your breath away.
This isn't your average drive. The tunnel burrows 6.8km (4.27 miles) beneath the Magerøysundet strait, plunging a mind-boggling 212 meters (696 feet) below sea level. It's one of the most northernmost subsea tunnels in the country, connecting the rugged island of Magerøya to mainland Norway and serving as the gateway to Nordkapp (North Cape)—literally the northernmost point of Europe.
The full route stretches 129km (80 miles) along the world's northernmost highway, running south-north from Olderfjord all the way to North Cape. Fair warning: you'll tackle some serious gradients of up to 10% on your way, so take it slow and steady.
Built between 1993 and 1999, this tunnel comes with some quirky features that make it feel like driving into another world. Automated doors guard both tunnel entrances, slamming shut when temperatures drop too low—because yeah, it gets *cold* up here. And here's the thing: fog can roll in at the lowest point, so keep your headlights on and your eyes peeled.
It's an epic final stretch to one of Earth's most extreme destinations.
Where is it?
Get behind the wheels for North Cape Tunnel, a subsea road tunnel is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 64.1586, 12.8341
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 129 km
- Max Elevation
- 212 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 64.1586, 12.8341
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Skúvoyarfjall?
🌍 Faroe Islands
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Skúvoyarfjall! This mountain peak is a hidden gem on Sandoy Island, near the charming village of Dalur. The road up? Oh, it's an experience! We're talking an unpaved rollercoaster – think grassy patches, rocky climbs, and hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Seriously, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. It's not a Sunday drive, but that's what makes it awesome! From Dalur, you've got about 3 km to the peak, climbing a solid 270 meters. The gradient? Averages out to around 9%, so hold on tight! But trust me, the views are worth every bump and scrape. Picture this: rolling grasslands and rugged mountains unfolding before your eyes. It's pure, unadulterated Faroe Islands beauty! Just be warned, there are some seriously narrow sections where passing another car would be…unpleasant. Plan accordingly and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardMonte Botte Donato
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Botte Donato Perched at a dramatic 1,928 meters (6,325 feet) in Calabria's mountainous heart, Monte Botte Donato is a serious climb that rewards bold drivers. The route to the summit follows Strada delle Vette—a paved road that keeps you honest with its narrow stretches and gnarly 11.7% grades that'll definitely test your driving chops. Once you reach the top, you'll find a welcoming mountain refuge where you can catch your breath and soak in those incredible views. If you're feeling adventurous, there are a couple of rougher alternatives worth exploring: an old military road heading down toward Lago d'Arpon and an unpaved track leading to Feudo Pass. These rough tracks add an extra layer of adventure for those looking to go off the beaten path and experience the raw mountain terrain that makes this corner of Southern Italy so compelling.
hardTripiti Beach
🇬🇷 Greece
# Tripiti Beach Road: A Thrilling Drive Through Crete Craving an adventure? The road to Tripiti Beach on Crete's southern coast delivers exactly that. This 7.3 km gravel track starting from Vasiliki is pure adrenaline—nine hairpin turns, seriously steep grades, and narrow passages that'll keep you gripping the wheel the whole way. Fair warning: this one's not for the faint of heart. An SUV or 4x4 is pretty much essential, and you'll want to avoid driving after rain since the loose gravel becomes treacherous fast. The 5% average gradient means you're constantly climbing or descending, and near the beach, things get *really* intense. There's a section called Steno Faragi where the gorge narrows so dramatically it practically blocks out the sky—and the road somehow squeezes through. That said, the payoff is incredible. The twisting, turning drive offers stunning views that'll take your breath away (along with those hairpin turns). Just be prepared for summer crowds heading to the same spot—this beach is popular for good reason. The road ends at a parking area, and despite the challenging drive, locals and tourists tackle it regularly. Just go in with your eyes open: respect the terrain, watch for that loose gravel, and take your time navigating those curves. It's one hell of a ride.
extremeWhere is Colle della Ciabra?
🇮🇹 Italy
Colle della Ciabra: Picture this - you're cruising through Italy's Piedmont region, Province of Cuneo, right between the Varaita and Maira valleys in the Cottian Alps. This is the eastern entry point to the high alpine ridges, a key stop on the legendary Varaita-Maira-Kammstraße. The views? Unreal. Think wide-open panoramas of the Piedmontese plains and surrounding peaks. But hold on, it's not all smooth sailing. The road is paved...sort of. The asphalt is super thin, weathered, and bumpy—think bone-shaking levels of "character," whether you're in a car or on two wheels. About 100 meters past the summit sign, the pavement gives up entirely. The most common (and challenging) route? Starting from Sampeyre in the Varaita Valley. It's about 19.7 km (12.2 miles) of pure, unadulterated mountain road. Expect some seriously steep sections that will test your grit (some ramps exceed 15%). It's narrow, often single-track, so passing requires some strategic wider spot hunting. Is it worth it? Absolutely. If you crave solitude, untamed beauty, and roads less traveled, the Ciabra is your spot. No tourist hordes here, just pure, raw mountain wilderness. For cyclists and off-road adventurers, it's the gateway to the epic high-altitude gravel military roads.