How long is the Vildmarksvägen road?
Sweden, europe
360 km
42 m
easy
Year-round
Get ready for an epic Swedish adventure on the Vildmarksvägen, or Wilderness Road! This isn't just a drive, it's a 360-kilometer (220 mi) fully paved journey from northern Jämtland to southern Lapland, taking you through some of Sweden's wildest terrain.
Starting near the Norwegian border in Strömsund, you'll wind your way through Gäddede, Jormvattnet, Stora Blåsjön, and Stekenjokk, before cruising on to Klimpfjäll, Kultsjön, Saxnäs, and finally Vilhelmina. Word to the wise: some call it Stekenjokkvägen!
Be warned: this route isn't for the faint of heart. It climbs to 876m (2,874ft) above sea level at the Stekenjokk plateau – said to be the highest paved road in Sweden! Due to heavy snow (we're talking up to 6 meters!), the mountain plateau of Stekenjokk is usually only open from early June to mid-October. Plus, you're in prime bear country, so keep your eyes peeled!
But the views? Absolutely stunning. Think breathtaking natural spectacles, a taste of Sami culture, and Northern Swedish hospitality.
Don't miss the Korallgrottan (Coral Cave) near Stora Blåsjön, a unique limestone cave that's only accessible with a guide (book ahead!). And check out the longest canyon in Sweden outside Gäddede, complete with a gorgeous 42-meter waterfall. It's the perfect spot for a picnic or, if you're feeling brave, an abseiling adventure. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
Road Details
- Country
- Sweden
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 360 km
- Max Elevation
- 42 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in europe
easyWhere is Andøya National Tourist Route?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the west coast of Andøya Island, way up in the Vesterålen archipelago of Norway. This isn't just any drive; it's the Andøya National Tourist Route, one of those legendary scenic routes Norway is famous for. This gem is nestled in the northern reaches of the country, a bit off the beaten path. If you time it right in the summer, you can drive under the magical glow of the midnight sun! The road itself is paved, following Norway routes 974, 976, and 82, twisting and turning through landscapes that will leave you speechless. It's generally open year-round, but keep an eye on the wind – it can get pretty wild up here. Spanning 58km (36 miles), the route stretches from Bjørnskinn in the south all the way up to Andenes at the northern tip of the island. You can also connect to the National Tourist Route Senja. So, is it worth the trip? Absolutely! Situated in the Arctic Circle, the views are out of this world. Think rugged coastline, sculpted by the Norwegian Sea. Keep your eyes peeled for seals, whales, and eagles – you might spot them right from your car! Expect stunning white sandy beaches, dramatic peaks, and the endless horizon of the open ocean. There are plenty of charming little towns along the way, so finding a place to stay is a breeze. And a fun fact: Andenes is also home to the Andøya Air Station, a military base. The road tops out at 65m above sea level. Just a heads up, even though it's usually open in winter, it can close temporarily due to severe weather. Be sure to check local conditions before you go.
hardWhere does Snaefell Mountain Road start and end?
🇬🇧 England
Buckle up, thrill-seekers! We're heading to the Isle of Man to tackle the legendary Snaefell Mountain Road (also known as Mountain Road or A18). This isn't just any road; it's a ribbon of tarmac that's become a pilgrimage site for motorsport enthusiasts. This 15.3-mile (24.62 km) stretch of pure adrenaline connects Douglas, the island's capital, with the northern coastal town of Ramsey. Picture this: You're carving through a landscape that was shaped from a mix of old roads, cart tracks, and bridle paths back in the mid-1800s. The views? Absolutely breathtaking as you climb towards Snaefell Mountain, reaching a peak elevation of 1,385 feet (422m). Keep your eyes peeled for stunning vistas, but also be aware of the risk of landslides. This road isn't just a scenic route; it's a part of the iconic Snaefell Mountain Course, home to the Isle of Man TT and Manx Grand Prix races. Since 1911, racers have tested their limits on this course, navigating over 200 corners (with about 60 uniquely named!). The Isle of Man has been a mecca for motorsports since 1904, helped by the fact that they don’t have a national speed limit.
hardD29 is a scenic balcony road in the Alpes-Maritimes
🇫🇷 France
# D29: The Alpine Balcony You Need to Drive Looking for one of France's most stunning mountain drives? The D29 is a gem that connects the quaint villages of Guillaumes and Valberg in the Alpes-Maritimes, and honestly, it's an absolute must-do if you're exploring southeastern France. This scenic 14.3 km stretch winds through the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and climbs nearly 900 meters as it takes you from the charming village of Guillaumes (795m elevation) up to the alpine beauty of Valberg (1,672m). The journey is short but packed with drama—think narrow, winding sections, 13 hairpin turns that'll keep your palms slightly sweaty, and tunnels that add an extra layer of adventure to your drive. Starting in Guillaumes, you're at the gateway to Mercantour National Park, nestled in the stunning Var River valley. From there, the road climbs relentlessly toward Valberg, tucked into the magnificent Mercantour Massif. The whole route is fully paved, but don't let that fool you—it's genuinely thrilling with its tight curves and steep sections. The best part? Valberg sits just an hour from the French Riviera, making this an incredible addition to any Nice-area road trip. It's the kind of drive that makes you feel alive—mountains, switchbacks, and some seriously breathtaking Alpine scenery all rolled into one unforgettable experience.
moderateA Wild Road to Cote Verbier-Les Savoleyres in Valais
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Côté Verbier-Les Savoleyres: A High-Alpine Adventure Ready for a proper mountain challenge? Côté Verbier-Les Savoleyres sits pretty at 2,374m (7,788ft) in Switzerland's Valais canton, just east of Martigny in the southwestern corner of the country. Here's the thing—this isn't your typical scenic drive. The road is completely unpaved and doubles as a chairlift service route, which means you'll absolutely need a sturdy 4x4 to tackle it. Starting from Col de la Croix de Coeur, you're looking at just 1.9 km (1.18 miles) of climbing, but don't let that fool you. You'll gain 202m of elevation with an impressive average gradient of 10.63%, so it's definitely steep. Nestled high in the Swiss Pennine Alps, this route dishes up some seriously stunning alpine scenery—but there's a catch. The road is only accessible from July through September, with weather conditions potentially extending or shortening that window. Come October, snow and ice lock it down until June rolls around again. If you're after that true high-altitude, off-the-beaten-path experience and you've got the right vehicle and skills to match, this peak is calling your name.