How to get by car to Commerson Crater on Reunion Island?
France, europe
24.3 km
2,328 m
moderate
Year-round
# Cratère Commerson: A High-Altitude Adventure on Réunion Island
Ready for an epic drive? Cratère Commerson is a stunning volcanic crater sitting pretty at 2,328m (7,637ft) on the eastern side of Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean. The crater's named after Philibert Commerson, a French explorer who clearly made an impression back in the day.
The route to get there—Route Forestière 5 du Volcan, aka Volcano Road—is a fully paved 24.3km (15.09 miles) stretch that climbs from N3 Road all the way west to Pas de Bellecombe, a dramatic mountain pass at 2,361m (7,746ft). Fair warning: this road is steep, so you'll definitely feel the elevation gain as you ascend.
Here's what you need to know before you go: The lava fields create an intense reflective glare on sunny days, which can absolutely wreck your skin, so pack a seriously good hat and sunscreen. Weather changes fast up here—visibility can drop to nothing in minutes when storms roll in, so keep your schedule flexible and don't push it in iffy conditions. Plus, this is a rainfall hotspot, especially during tropical storm season, so check forecasts before heading up.
It's an unforgettable drive through some seriously otherworldly volcanic landscape. Just be prepared and respectful of the mountain's moods.
Where is it?
How to get by car to Commerson Crater on Reunion Island? is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 44.3226, 2.6638
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 24.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,328 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 44.3226, 2.6638
Related Roads in europe
hardSella di Leonessa
🇮🇹 Italy
# Sella di Leonessa Buckle up for a thrilling ride to Sella di Leonessa, a stunning mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,890 meters (6,200 feet) in Italy's Central Apennines. You'll tackle this beast via SP 10, a winding road that climbs toward Monte Terminillo with serious ambition. Fair warning: this route is strictly a summer adventure. Expect it to be completely impassable from November through May, so plan accordingly. The road doesn't hold back—hairpin turns keep you on your toes, and some sections hit a brutal 12.2% gradient that'll make your calves (and brakes) work for it. Pro tip: this pass is legendary enough that the Giro d'Italia has featured it, so you'll be cycling (or driving) in some pretty famous tire tracks. The real magic? Connecting two charming spots: the provincial capital of Rieti—supposedly smack in the geographic center of Italy—with the picturesque mountain village of Leonessa nestled on the northern slopes of the Monti Reatini. It's a quintessential Central Italian experience with switchbacks, stunning alpine scenery, and the kind of challenging drive that makes for great stories back home.
hardAdventure along the dangerous Lena River Ice Road
🌍 Russia
Hey thrill-seekers! Ever dreamed of driving on a frozen river? Then pack your bags for the Republic of Sakha in Russia! Here, you'll find the legendary Lena River Ice Road, connecting Yakutsk to Nizhny Bestyakh. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a 15.6 km (9.69 mile) stretch across the mighty Lena River, the 11th longest in the world. Picture this: you, your vehicle, and nothing but a ribbon of ice separating you from the frigid depths. Open only from late December to mid-April, this ice road is a lifeline, delivering crucial supplies to remote Siberian villages. It’s the only way to get from Yakutsk to the northern districts. But hold on tight – this journey comes with risks! The ice can be unpredictable, with cracks and thaws that have claimed vehicles and lives. You might even encounter closures due to sudden icing. Despite the hazards, this icy route offers breathtaking scenery. Just imagine the vast, white expanse stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget – if you dare to take it!
hardAn iconic paved road to Furkajoch in the Austrian Alps
🇦🇹 Austria
# Furkajoch: A Scenic Alpine Adventure Want to experience some serious Alpine drama? The Furkajoch is calling your name. Perched at 1,761 meters (5,778 ft), this mountain pass cuts right through Vorarlberg, Austria's westernmost state, connecting the Bregenzer Ach valley with the Frutz River valley. The 29-kilometer (18-mile) journey runs west to east, starting in Rankweil (the second-largest town in the Feldkirch district) and winding up in Damüls—a snow-lover's paradise and official "snowiest village in the world" since 2006. Trust us, this place gets *buried* in winter. The L51 is fully paved, which is great, but don't let that fool you. This road gets steep and narrow in places, keeping you on your toes around every hairpin turn. Plus, you'll want to keep an eye out for rockslides along the way. Winter driving? Forget about it—the pass closes seasonally because Mother Nature doesn't mess around up here. If you're chasing stunning Alpine scenery and don't mind a bit of white-knuckle driving, the Furkajoch delivers both in spades. Just hit it during the warmer months when the pass is actually open, and you're in for an unforgettable ride.
hardWhere is Laghi di Cedec?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just discovered the most incredible, heart-pumping climb to Laghi di Cedèc, a stunning mountain lake chilling at 9,294 feet in the Italian Alps! We're talking Lombardy region, deep within the Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio. Word to the wise: this road is NO joke. It's only open to authorized vehicles, so check before you go. And forget about cruising up here in your Fiat – you'll NEED a 4x4. The road to the top is completely unpaved, with a particularly gnarly 1.4km stretch, so if you're not comfortable navigating rough mountain tracks, maybe skip this one. But if you're game? Oh man, are you in for a treat. Starting in Santa Caterina di Valfurva, it's a 7.33-mile grind with an elevation gain of 3,622 feet! That's an average gradient of over 9%! It's super steep! The views are unbelievable, the air is crisp, and the feeling of reaching that pristine lake is totally worth the white knuckles. Get ready for one of the highest, most unforgettable drives in Italy.