How to get by car to Desfiladero de La Hermida?
Spain, europe
27.7 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
# Desfiladero de La Hermida: Spain's Most Thrilling Gorge Drive
Nestled between Cantabria and Asturias on Spain's rugged northern coast, Desfiladero de La Hermida is an absolute gem for road trip enthusiasts. This stunning gorge, carved out by the Deva River over centuries, features those jaw-dropping vertical walls that'll have you constantly reaching for your camera.
The main event is the N-621, a 27.7 km (17.21 miles) rollercoaster ride from Potes to Panes. Fair warning: this route packs about 175 turns into those kilometers, so if you're prone to motion sickness, maybe grab some ginger candy before you go. But trust me, every hairpin turn is worth it for the scenery.
Before or after tackling the gorge itself, definitely make time for the charming village of Potes, where dramatic mountain ridges frame everything you see. If you're feeling a bit more cultural, swing by Nuestra Señora de Lebeña to check out the gorgeous Mozarabic church tucked into the landscape.
Here's a fun fact: this road has serious history. Back in 1863, entrepreneurs with Belgian and French backing carved out the first route through these gorges to transport minerals and goods like wood and food. What started as a trade route is now one of Spain's most scenic drives.
The whole road is paved and well-maintained, so you can focus on soaking in the incredible landscape around every bend.
Where is it?
How to get by car to Desfiladero de La Hermida? is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.4667, -2.7659
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 27.7 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 40.4667, -2.7659
Related Roads in europe
hardFurggen
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! High up in the Valle d'Aosta region, nestled between Italy and Switzerland, you'll find Furggen peak. We're talking a whopping 2,949 meters (9,675 feet) above sea level - seriously high! Forget smooth asphalt, this road is all about the rugged stuff. Think rocky gravel tracks that double as a chairlift access trail for the Cervinia ski resort. And when I say steep, I mean *steep*. Loose stones under your tires and gradients hitting up to 30% in places? You bet. The window to tackle this beast is super tight – late August, if you're lucky. Oh, and did I mention the wind? It's a constant companion up here, howling year-round. Even in summer, you could be battling snowy conditions. Winter? Let's just say you'll need some serious thermal gear. But the views, people, the views! The Matterhorn lords over everything, offering incredible, ever-changing perspectives with every twist and turn. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateDriving the Scenic Fylkesvei 50 (Fv50) Road in Southern Norway
🇳🇴 Norway
# Fylkesvei 50 (Fv50): Norway's Alpine Beauty Ready for one of Norway's most breathtaking drives? Fylkesvei 50 in Vestland County is calling your name—seriously, pack your camera because you'll be stopping constantly. This 94 km (58.40 miles) ribbon of asphalt stretches from Aurlandsvangen (sitting pretty on the east side of Aurlandsfjorden) all the way east to the tiny village of Hagafoss in Buskerud. What started as a summer-only route back in 1974 is now a year-round adventure, though fair warning: you'll encounter some genuinely steep and narrow sections with grades reaching up to 10%. Don't let that intimidate you though. The road is fully paved, and the engineering is solid—you'll cruise through 12 tunnels, including the epic 4.2 km Berdal Tunnelen. These aren't just practical passages; they're part of the experience. The real magic? You're driving through Hallingskarvet National Park with jaw-dropping views of Strandavatnet lake unfolding around every corner. And here's the bonus: this route is basically the front door to the spectacular Aurlandsdalen valley, a glacially-carved wonderland that'll make your jaw drop. Whether you're a serious road-tripper or just someone who appreciates stunning scenery, Fylkesvei 50 delivers.
extremeHow to get to Glacier du Varet in Savoie?
🇫🇷 France
# Glacier du Varet: Alpine Adventure Awaits Nestled in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Glacier du Varet sits at a breathtaking 2,883 meters (9,458 feet) and ranks among the country's most impressive high-altitude drives. This gem lies within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, protected within the Réserve Naturelle des Hauts de Villaroger—and for good reason. Picture this: a crystal-clear day where you can spin around 360 degrees and see nothing but the snow-capped Alps stretching endlessly in every direction. That's what awaits you here. Now, let's talk real talk about getting there. This isn't your typical scenic cruise. Starting from Col de la Chal, you're looking at 4.6 kilometers (2.85 miles) of pure unpaved road—think service track for the chairlift. It's relentlessly curvy, pinches narrow in places, and climbs at an average gradient of 8.47% while gaining 390 meters of elevation. Translation? You'll need a capable 4x4 to even attempt it. Here's the catch: this road is off-limits to regular vehicles and only opens seasonally from July through September. Even then, avalanches frequently close it without warning. It's not for the faint-hearted, but for those ready to conquer it, the rewards are absolutely unforgettable.
hardWhere Are Gorges de la Vésubie?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southeastern France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, on an 11-mile (18 km) stretch of pure driving bliss between Lantosque and Saint-Martin-du-Var. This isn't just any road; it's carved right into the Gorges de la Vésubie, a canyon sculpted by the Vésubie River itself, a tributary that eventually feeds into the Mediterranean Sea near Nice. The road is paved, but hold on tight because you're hugging towering rock walls and the Vésubie River, with steep cliffs rising dramatically above. There are even some overhanging sections that will give you that extra thrill! The views? Absolutely spectacular. Just be mindful, because this gem is close to some pretty popular spots, so you might find some tourist traffic. Time your adventure right, and you'll have an unforgettable drive.