Is the Road to Tanin Geçidi paved?

Is the Road to Tanin Geçidi paved?

Turkey, europe

Length

23.4 km

Elevation

2,230 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, folks, buckle up for Tanin Geçidi, a high-altitude stunner in Turkey's southeastern Şırnak Province! This recently paved road snakes its way up to 2,230m (7,316ft), south of Lake Van and practically kissing the Iraqi border.

Get ready for a wild ride, though! We're talking steep climbs, hairpin turns galore (think around 34!), and a proper test of your driving skills. The 23.4 km (14.54 miles) stretch connects Özelli to Uzungeçit, offering some seriously epic scenery along the way.

Word to the wise: winter is a no-go. This area gets hammered with snow, so plan your trip accordingly.

But wait, there's more! For the truly adventurous, an unpaved track branches off south of the pass and climbs even higher to a true summit of 2,432m (7,979ft). This 1.5 km off-road section is not for the faint of heart. We're talking serious incline (averaging 13.46%!), so a 4x4 is an absolute must.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Turkey
Continent
europe
Length
23.4 km
Max Elevation
2,230 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in europe

What’s Møns Klint?moderate

What’s Møns Klint?

🌍 Denmark

Okay, picture this: you're on the eastern coast of the Danish island of Møn, Baltic Sea breezes in your hair, heading towards one of Denmark's most stunning spots – Møns Klint! The road, Møns Klint road, is totally paved and stretches for about 9.6 kilometers (almost 6 miles) from Magleby to Mandemarke. As you get closer, prepare to be wowed. These aren't just any cliffs; they're towering chalk cliffs that dramatically jut out of the turquoise Baltic Sea. Seriously, they reach up to 128 meters (that’s a whopping 420 feet!). The road to the cliffs is pretty narrow, so take your time and enjoy the ride. As you cruise along the coastline, which spans for about 6 kilometers (almost 4 miles), get ready for seriously breathtaking views. The cliffs are ever-changing, sculpted by wind and weather. And Møns Klint itself? Totally worth it! There's a visitor center, exhibitions, and even guided tours where you can geek out on the area's geology, ecology, and history. Trust me; this is an experience you don't want to miss in southwest Denmark.

Was Objekat 505 the largest underground airport in the Balkans?extreme

Was Objekat 505 the largest underground airport in the Balkans?

🌍 Bosnia

Okay, picture this: you're about to explore the mind-blowing Željava Air Base, hidden away on the border of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This isn't just any old abandoned place; it was *the* underground airport in the Balkans and one of Europe's biggest! Back in the day, this place was a top-secret military hub, built between 1957 and 1965 at a cost of around $6 billion (whoa!). Think of it as a super-fortified command center, built to house fighter jets and a thousand personnel, nestled deep within Plješevica Mountain. You can technically get to it, though a rotting Douglas C-47 at the entrance definitely sets the mood. But here's the thing: proceed with SERIOUS caution. While a permit from local police may help, the entire area is potentially riddled with landmines. Exploring the underground complex is even more risky, with the potential for radiation, unexploded bombs, toxic gases, and landslides. This isn't your average tourist spot! The location of Željava Air Base is eerily desolate, so extreme caution must be used when visiting the area. Local police and CPA use the area to train dogs with the use of landmines. It's a real trip. And hey, if you're into epic drives, have you heard about the road to Pločno in the Čvrsnica mountain – the "roof" of Bosnia and Herzegovina? Or maybe the route to Bjelašnica, with its 17 hairpin turns and… a slight mine risk? Adventure awaits!

Coll de la Portellaextreme

Coll de la Portella

🇪🇸 Spain

# Coll de la Portella: A Wild Alpine Adventure Nestled in Catalonia's stunning Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, Coll de la Portella sits at a breathtaking 2,269 meters (7,444 feet) and isn't for the faint of heart—or those who hate reversing! This is a proper mountain challenge. The road to the summit is rough and unforgiving: gravel, rocky terrain, and plenty of bumpy sections that'll test your suspension and your nerve. With an average gradient of 7.5%, it climbs relentlessly. You'll absolutely need a 4x4, and if mountain driving isn't your jam, best steer clear. Narrow passages barely wide enough for two vehicles means you might find yourself reversing for kilometers to find passing spots—seriously, know your reverse before attempting this one. The scenery is incredible, but so is the exposure. Hundreds of meters of unprotected drops frame much of the route, with zero guardrails to reassure you. Vertigo sufferers and anyone nervous about sheer cliffs should definitely skip this one. Wet conditions transform the muddy surface into a slippery nightmare. Winter? Completely impassable. If you somehow consider it, extreme precautions become essential. This road rewards experienced, confident drivers with one of Spain's most thrilling alpine experiences—just respect what you're getting into.

Experience Europe's Highest Fjord View: Dalsnibba, Norway's Scenic Roadmoderate

Experience Europe's Highest Fjord View: Dalsnibba, Norway's Scenic Road

🇳🇴 Norway

# Mount Dalsnibba: Norway's Most Thrilling Fjord Drive Perched at 1,460 meters (4,790 feet) above sea level in Stranda Municipality, Mount Dalsnibba is an absolute gem for anyone chasing mountain views and adrenaline rushes. This scenic overlook ranks among Norway's highest road-accessible peaks, and honestly? The journey up is just as incredible as the destination. The road itself—called Nibbevegen or the Eagle Road—is the real star here. Paved in 2013, this 4.7km (2.92 mile) toll road climbs 438 meters with an intense average gradient of 9.31% (hitting a crazy 14% at its steepest). But here's what makes it legendary: 11 hairpin bends that'll have your knuckles white on the steering wheel. Most drivers tackle the route in 12 to 20 minutes of pure, unadulterated focus. Built way back in 1939 (though WWII delayed its opening until 1948), this engineering marvel was one of Norway's most ambitious road projects. As you wind your way up, you'll spot info boards sharing the fascinating history while the valley drops away on either side. At the summit, the payoff is massive—you're standing at Europe's highest fjord viewpoint by road, with the Geirangerfjord sprawling beneath you in all its glory. The massive parking lot means you can soak in these mountain vistas without needing to hike for hours. **Fair warning:** The weather up here is absolutely moody. Open May through October (snow and avalanche risk depending), the summit can shift from thick fog to brilliant sunshine in minutes. Seriously, you could experience all four seasons in a single day. If it's looking foggy down below, it might still be gorgeous up top—but if it's genuinely murky at the peak, maybe save your toll fee for another attempt.