Is the road to Cankurtaran Geçidi paved?
Turkey, europe
59 km
2,150 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk about Cankurtaran Geçidi! This high mountain pass punches through the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey, specifically in Ardahan Province. We're talking serious altitude here, topping out at 2,150 meters (that's 7,053 feet for my imperial system friends!).
The entire 59 km (36 miles) route from Ardahan to Göle is paved and generally in good condition, so no need for a monster truck. Think wide roads, mostly straight, but be prepared for some seriously steep climbs. Nestled within the Mehmetçik Hatıra Ormanı national forest, the scenery is fantastic. Keep an eye on the weather, though; winter can bring closures. But if you catch it right, you're in for a treat!
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 59 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,150 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardRing of Kerry is a scenic road through majestic landscapes
🌍 Ireland
Get ready for an epic Irish adventure on the Ring of Kerry! This legendary route, a complete loop formed by the N70, N71, and N72 hugging either side of Killarney, carves its way across the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry. Clocking in at 179 kilometers (111 miles), you’ll be plunged into 10,000 years of history, from ancient forests to the wild Atlantic coast. Starting and ending in the bustling tourist hub of Killarney, this coastal road (known as *Mórchuaird Chiarraí* in Gaelic) meanders through a landscape of mountains and shimmering lakes. Be warned: the road can be narrow and winding, and it gets busy during peak season. Keep in mind tour buses run counter-clockwise. Some say go the opposite direction in your car, others say go counter-clockwise – it's your call based on your vehicle and preference. Located in the southwest of Ireland, prepare to be blown away by the scenery. Think rugged coastlines hammered by Atlantic storms, towering mountains, emerald green fields, ancient ruins, and those iconic dark, glacial lakes, all dotted with charming towns. It’s a journey through dramatic landscapes, where you might spot wild deer and cascading waterfalls plunging into salmon-filled streams. While you *could* technically drive the whole loop in about 3.5 hours without stopping, trust me, you'll want to dedicate a full day to soak it all in! It is one of Ireland's most popular attractions outside of Dublin and Knock for a reason. You'll be cruising past untouched beaches, medieval remnants, mountains, and lakes, with panoramic vistas of the island-strewn Atlantic around every bend.
hardWhere is Sveta Nedjelja?
🇭🇷 Croatia
Okay, picture this: you're on the Croatian island of Hvar, heading to the seaside village of Sveta Nedjelja. This place is famous for its vineyards clinging to the mountainside, tumbling all the way down to the sea. But getting there? That's an adventure in itself! The road in is about 6.7 km (4.16 miles) long, starting from the main D116 road. It's mostly unpaved, winding through fragrant pine woods with views that will absolutely knock your socks off. Think crystal-clear turquoise water and the scattered islands of the Adriatic shimmering in the sun. Seriously, breathtaking! But hold up, it’s not all sunshine and sea breezes. This road is NARROW. We're talking edge-of-your-seat narrow, with some seriously scary drop-offs straight into the Adriatic. There are no guardrails, so you're basically relying on your driving skills and a whole lot of faith. Also, watch out for potential rock slides and strong winds. Definitely check the weather forecast before you go! If you or your passengers are afraid of heights, this might not be the road for you. But if you're up for a thrilling drive with unbelievable scenery, this is one you won't forget! Just make sure your brakes are in tip-top shape and maybe chat with the locals about current road conditions before you head out.
hardCorne de Sorebois
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Corne de Sorebois: A Summer Alpine Adventure Perched at a breathtaking 2,879 meters (9,445 feet) in Switzerland's Valais region, Corne de Sorebois is one of the country's most extreme mountain roads. This chairlift access trail winds through the stunning Swiss Pennine Alps with rocky, gravel terrain that'll test your nerve and your vehicle's suspension. Fair warning: this isn't for the faint of heart. The gradient exceeds 30% in places, and it only gets gnarlier as you climb higher, with loose stones giving way to pure rock. Those upper sections? Absolutely relentless. The wind here is no joke either—it howls year-round and can be seriously powerful, even catching experienced drivers off guard. Here's the kicker: you can really only tackle this in late August when conditions are semi-reasonable. Even then, don't be shocked if summer snow catches you. Winter? Forget about it—the temperatures are absolutely brutal, and the road becomes virtually impassable. This is genuinely one of Switzerland's highest drivable routes, and it demands serious respect. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, this is your sign to skip it. But if you're a seasoned mountain driver craving an unforgettable alpine challenge, Corne de Sorebois delivers the goods.
hardA Memorable Road Trip to Karaula Zastan
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, adventure time! Let's talk about Karaula Zastan, an old military outpost turned storm shelter nestled way up high in Montenegro's Lim Valley. We're talking serious altitude here: 1,347 meters (that's over 4,400 feet!). You'll find it tucked away in the southeast corner of the country, practically waving hello to Albania. This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Forget pavement; you're dealing with the rugged, unpaved GU-03, an old military access road. Trust me, you NEED a 4x4 for this one. That last kilometer? Hold on tight, it gets super narrow. Picture this: the Prokletije Mountains towering around you as you climb. It's steep, with gradients pushing almost 19% in places. The adventure kicks off from Vusanje, and the 6.5-kilometer climb gains 337 meters, averaging around 5% grade. The views are unreal. And at the end? You're perfectly positioned to start the hike up to Maja Jezercë peak. What are you waiting for?