Is the Albanian SH36 road unpaved?
Albania, europe
54.7 km
1,147 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to northeastern Albania and craving a drive to remember (or maybe forget!), check out SH36, snaking between Lezhé and Dibër counties. Fair warning: "road" is a generous term here. Let's just say the pavement plays hide-and-seek.
This 54.7 km (34-mile) route connects Muhurr to Burrel (or Burreli, if you’re feeling fancy). Budget around two hours to soak it all in – and trust me, you’ll want to stop.
SH36 throws down the gauntlet with over 40 hairpin turns and some serious cliffside exposure. Reaching 1,147m (3,763ft) high, the narrow sections and lack of guardrails will definitely get your pulse racing. Not for the faint of heart!
While technically open to all vehicles, a high-clearance 4x4 is your best bet. Seriously, attempting this in your average sedan might leave you stranded… or at least wishing you had a different ride. But the views? Totally worth the nail-biting journey!
Road Details
- Country
- Albania
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 54.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,147 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardHI-500 is a paved road on an active volcanic area
🇪🇸 Spain
# HI-500: El Hierro's Thrilling Coastal Ride Ready for a wild adventure? Head to El Hierro, the Canary Islands' remote southwestern gem sitting in the Atlantic off Africa's coast, and tackle HI-500—a stunning 18 km (11.18 miles) coastal road that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Starting from Sabinosa and winding toward HI-400, this beautifully paved route (albeit narrow!) rewards you with access to the stunning Verodal Beach and the historic Orchilla Lighthouse. Fair warning: this isn't your typical scenic cruise. The road is a legit rollercoaster that climbs from sea level to 677 meters, packed with hairpin turns and steep stretches that'll keep you gripping the wheel. And here's the kicker—there are cliff-side drops without guardrails, so this definitely isn't the road for beginners or anyone who gets nervous on heights. The good news? The road's in excellent shape and mercifully quiet, so you'll have plenty of room to focus on those curves. The bad news? Being situated in an active volcanic area means sections can close unexpectedly. Mother Nature runs the show here, so conditions can shift fast. This is seriously one for experienced drivers seeking that perfect blend of challenge and natural beauty. Just respect the road, respect the volcano, and you'll have an unforgettable experience.
moderateThe World's Longest Road Tunnel is Being Planned — and It Will Include a Roundabout
🇳🇴 Norway
# The Boknafjord Tunnel: Norway's Game-Changing Underwater Drive Picture this: you're cruising beneath the sea for over 26 kilometers, no ferries, no endless waits—just open road. Norway's making this dream real with the Boknafjord Tunnel, and it's honestly wild. For decades, travelers between Randaberg (near Stavanger) and Bokn have been stuck taking ferries that add hours to their trips. Not anymore. This 27-kilometer underwater tunnel plunges 392 meters below sea level, making it the longest and deepest subsea tunnel ever built. When it opens in 2033, it'll steal the crown from the Lærdal Tunnel to become the world's longest road tunnel, period. ## Why Everyone's Excited This isn't just about shaving time off your commute. The tunnel connects the entire E39 highway—linking Kristiansand, Stavanger, Haugesund, Bergen, Førde, Ålesund, Molde, and Trondheim. Freight operators, emergency services, tourists, and everyday drivers will all benefit from a ferry-free route that cuts 50 kilometers off the current 21-hour journey. ## The Engineering Marvel Skanska is handling construction on this NOK 5 billion project, with Norway investing a massive $45.5 billion in the entire E39 modernization. The tunnel features cutting-edge safety systems and infrastructure designed to handle the extreme conditions of the deep. Beyond Boknafjord, Norway's even experimenting with floating underwater tunnels—a revolutionary concept that navigates the country's dramatic coastline while protecting the natural environment. It's not just infrastructure; it's a statement. Norway's showing the world how to build smarter, faster, and greener.
moderateTransfagarasan: From a Bloody History to One of the Best Highways in the World
🇷🇴 Romania
Romania's Transfagarasan Highway! This road is a wild ride through the heart of the country, snaking through the majestic Fagaras Mountains. Think of it as a roughly 90-kilometer (56-mile) thrill, where you'll probably average around 40 km/h (25 mph) because you'll be too busy gawking at the scenery. Picture this: stunning peaks, dramatic valleys, and hairpin turns galore as you traverse between Romania's tallest mountains, Moldoveanu and Negoiu. Built in the early 70s, it was meant as a strategic military route, so expect some serious engineering! Keep your eyes peeled, though – this road has some serious elevation changes and tight curves, so stay sharp. It's usually open from late spring to early autumn, so plan accordingly. Get ready for an unforgettable driving experience, surrounded by some of the most breathtaking views in Eastern Europe!
hardPuntal Refuge
🇪🇸 Spain
# Refugio del Puntal: A Sierra Nevada Adventure Nestled high in Spain's dramatic Sierra Nevada mountains, Refugio del Puntal (also called La Piuca or Casilla del Mundo) sits at an impressive 2,242 meters in Granada's Andalucía region. This remote mountain hut is only for the truly committed—and well-equipped. Starting from the A-4132 road at 946 meters elevation, you're looking at a seriously intense 17.3 km climb that'll gain you nearly 1,300 meters of elevation. We're talking an average gradient of 7.49%, with some sections hitting a brutal 12%. Yeah, it's steep. The road itself? Think gravel, sand, and rocky sections that'll test your vehicle's limits. You'll absolutely need a high-clearance 4x4—no exceptions. Fair warning: this route is basically closed from November through April (weather dependent), and afternoon thunderstorms can turn this already-challenging mountain road into an impassable mess in minutes. One moment you've got gravel under your tires, the next you're stuck without four-wheel drive. If you time it right and the weather gods smile on you, the rewards are worth it. The Sierra Nevada's raw, dramatic scenery unfolds as you climb higher, offering some truly unforgettable views. Just make sure you're prepared, respect the mountain's moods, and bring your best driving skills.