How long is D915 (Bayburt-Of Road) in Turkey?
Turkey, europe
106 km
2,330 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! I've just tackled the legendary D915 in Turkey, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. This wild ride stretches for 106 km (65 miles) from Bayburt to Of, a cool little coastal town on the Black Sea.
This road? Oh, it's got stories. Built way back in 1916, it's seen some things! Just picture yourself navigating 38 hairpin turns, some of them seriously tight. It's a vital link for locals, so you'll see everything from lorries to motorbikes sharing the road. Speaking of sharing, be prepared to share some serious thrills (and maybe a little fear).
Heads up, this baby's usually closed from late October to late June/early July because, well, snow. You're climbing to 2,330 m (7,644 ft), so pack your layers!
Most of the D915 is unpaved, with just a sprinkle of asphalt at the start and end. Expect narrow sections, those aforementioned crazy turns, and some serious drop-offs. Think adrenaline-pumping, white-knuckle driving. Some spots are seriously sketchy, especially where the road spirals down cliffs.
It's popular with thrill-seekers, but safety first, people! Bad weather is a game-changer, so check the forecast. Fog, rain, heavy trucks, and even falling rocks can make things even more interesting (in the worst way). In the wet, the road turns into a muddy slip-n-slide.
The highlight? Definitely Derebaşı Turns near Çaykara. This 5.1 km (3.2 mi) stretch packs in 13 hairpin turns, climbing from 1,712 m (5,617 ft) to 2,035 m (6,677 ft). We're talking gradients up to 17%! Yeah, it's dangerous, but the mountain views are out of this world. Would I do it again? Maybe… just maybe!
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 106 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,330 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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