How to get to Mount Kékes?
Hungary, europe
3.9 km
1,026 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Hungary's Mátra mountains, heading for Kékestető, the summit of Mount Kékes. This is Hungary's highest paved road, folks!
Starting in Mátraháza, get ready for a short but intense 3.9 km (2.42 mile) climb on road 24134, built back in '33. You'll gain 307 meters, averaging a gradient of almost 8% – with some spots kicking up to a leg-burning 11%! It's been featured in the Tour de Hongrie, so you *know* it's a decent climb.
Word to the wise: the road surface can be a bit rough in places, so watch out for potholes, especially if you're tempted to put your foot down.
So, is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The summit is a buzzing tourist spot with hotels, restaurants, shops and even skiing in the winter. And you can't miss the Kékestető TV Tower, a giant transmitter towering almost 600 feet. The views from the top are pretty special, and this road is way more fun than taking the M3 motorway (although that's an option if you're coming from further away). Just remember to grab a vignette for the motorway!
Road Details
- Country
- Hungary
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 3.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,026 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere Is the Königshaus am Schachen?
🇩🇪 Germany
Okay, so you wanna get to Königshaus am Schachen, a castle built way up high by King Ludwig II? This place is nestled in the Bavarian Alps near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, putting it among the highest roads in Germany at a whopping 6,112 feet above sea level. Now, King Ludwig wasn't into hunting despite this being called a castle, so he made this two-story wooden structure. It might not look as fancy as his other palaces from the outside (except for those balcony railings!), but trust me, it's special. What's cool is at the summit near the castle, you'll find the Alpengarten auf dem Schachen, a whole hectare of alpine botanical garden sitting pretty at around 2,000 meters! The mountain's limestone and dolomite soil creates a home for all sorts of plants. You'll see species from the Bavarian Forest, Alps, Carpathians, Patagonia, the Rocky Mountains, and even the Himalayas! It's open during the summer and is managed by the Botanischer Garten München-Nymphenburg. Heads up: the road to the top is closed to regular cars. It's only driveable with a 4x4, and even then, only from June to October. So plan accordingly!
hardThe road to Mount Helmos is not for timid drivers
🇬🇷 Greece
# Mount Helmos: Greece's Sky-High Adventure Looking for a real adrenaline rush? Head to Mount Helmos (aka Mount Chelmos) in Western Greece, where you'll find yourself climbing to a jaw-dropping 2,340 meters (7,677 feet) above sea level. This is legitimately one of the highest roads in the entire country, and it's absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive. Tucked in the northwestern Peloponnese, about 130 km west of Athens and just 15 km from the charming town of Kalavryta, this peak isn't just stunning—it's scientifically significant. The summit hosts the Helmos Observatory, run by Greece's National Observatory of Athens. Want to know why? At this elevation, you're literally above the light pollution that plagues the rest of Europe. Stargazers and astronomers absolutely love it here. Now, let's talk about the road itself. Starting from the Kalavryta ski resort, you're looking at 8.3 km (5.15 miles) of pure challenge. You'll gain 635 meters in elevation with an average gradient of 7.65%—and here's the kicker: it's completely unpaved. Bring a high-clearance vehicle, and honestly? A 4x4 is your best friend here. This isn't for the faint of heart. The road features hair-raisingly narrow sections, steep drops, and moments where you'll genuinely question your life choices. That tiny brick wall lining the edge? Yeah, it's more psychological comfort than actual safety net. Pretty wild, right? Winter here (November through May) transforms the peak into a snow-covered wonderland, adding another layer of complexity to an already intense drive. Buckle up—this one's unforgettable.
extremeDriving the demanding Road F235 (Langisjór)
🇮🇸 Iceland
Craving an off-the-beaten-path Icelandic adventure? Then F235 to Langisjór is calling your name! Tucked away in the south of Iceland, this road isn't for the faint of heart – you'll need a 4x4 beast with serious ground clearance to tackle it. Clocking in at about 25km (15.8 miles), the F235 winds its way from the F208 to the breathtaking Langisjór, a glacial lake known for its stunning clarity. Seriously, this lake is a hidden gem! But fair warning: getting there involves some rugged terrain and a barren landscape. The track? Let's just say it's "character-building." Think rocky, rough, and definitely not suitable for your average car. Seriously, don't even try it. If you conquer the initial river crossing, the rest of the path is manageable, albeit still bumpy. Nestled in the Icelandic Highlands, within Vatnajökull National Park, the F235 is only open during the summer months (late June to early September). This route climbs to a dizzying 686m (2,250ft), making it one of Iceland's highest roads! Now, about those river crossings... They're part of the adventure! But approach with caution. Never attempt a crossing alone, especially during heavy rain. Water levels can rise faster than you can say "glacier," and only experienced drivers in properly equipped jeeps or super trucks should even think about it. Always check the river's depth first and remember – rental car insurance rarely covers water damage! It's an unforgettable drive, especially during the day, but be aware that it can be particularly treacherous at night.
hardThe Ultimate Guide to Traveling Tanarello Pass in the Ligurian Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Tanarello Pass: A Wild Alpine Adventure Perched at 2,042m (6,699ft) on the French-Italian border, Tanarello Pass is where the Alpes-Maritimes in France meets Cuneo province in Italy's Piedmont region. But here's the thing—this isn't your typical mountain crossing. Welcome to Via del Sale, a medieval salt trading route that's been connecting Ventimiglia to Turin since way back when. The locals weren't messing around when they carved this path through the Alps, and honestly, it still feels like stepping back in time. The 30km (18.64 miles) stretch from Limone Piemonte to Monesi di Triora is pure, unapologetic gravel and dirt. Sure, it gets some maintenance here and there, but don't let that fool you—this road demands respect. You'll spot fragments of old asphalt scattered throughout, but deep potholes and rough patches are the real stars of the show. Bring an off-road capable vehicle with decent ground clearance, or you'll regret it fast. Fair warning: landslides are practically part of the landscape here, which means the pass can disappear from your route without notice. It's stunning, it's raw, and it's absolutely not for the faint of heart or your average sedan. But if you've got the right vehicle and a taste for authentic alpine adventure? This is the real deal.