
JF-7038: a fabulous road if you are not scared of heights
Spain, europe
42.6 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southern Spain, in the Jaén province of Andalusia. You veer off the JF-7016 and find yourself on the JF-7038, a totally amazing road snaking through the Segura valley.
This paved ribbon of asphalt is your ticket to some seriously stunning scenery. We're talking a narrow mountain road hugging the Segura River, with incredible views of the Embalse de Anchuricas-Miller reservoir. Spooky fact: beneath those waters lies the drowned village of Las Casicas, and you can still spot the old church! The whole adventure is about 42.6 km (26.47 miles) of pure bliss, ending at the A63 on the border with Albacete.
Nestled in the Sierra de Segura mountains, within the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park, this road is no walk in the park. It's a bit of a challenge, especially along the reservoir where it gets super narrow. But trust me, the insane views more than make up for it. Imagine driving through tunnels of trees, with vistas that will blow your mind. You'll likely have the road almost entirely to yourself, as there's barely any traffic. You can hit this road year-round, but be warned: it might be closed temporarily in winter if the weather gets dicey.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 42.6 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow to Get to Sant'Anna di Vinadio in Cuneo, the Highest Sanctuary in Europe by Car?
🇮🇹 Italy
Sant'Anna di Vinadio is a stunning high mountain sanctuary perched at 2,000m (6,600ft) in Italy's Cuneo Province, dedicated to Sant'Anna and Gioacchino, the parents of Mary. Tucked into the Orgials side valley within the Stura Valley in the Piedmont region, this sacred spot holds the distinction of being Europe's highest Christian place of worship. The winding road up to the sanctuary starts in the charming village of Vinadio at 900m and climbs for 17km, gaining a serious 1,100m in elevation. You'll navigate a mix of tight bends, steep climbs, and occasional flat sections along a fully paved but remarkably narrow route. Fair warning: as you approach the sanctuary, three particularly gnarly switchbacks await, with gradients reaching up to 20%. The road accommodates vehicles up to 10 meters long, though navigating this serpentine path in anything larger requires some careful maneuvering. At the summit, you'll find a spacious parking lot and access to accommodations housed in a converted military barracks—the Casa di San Gioacchino guesthouse offers rooms and dining facilities, while the San Giuseppe refuge provides hostel-style lodging. This has been a cherished pilgrimage destination for centuries, drawing the faithful from far and wide. Just keep in mind that this Alpine gem is only accessible during the brief summer months, so timing your visit is essential. The Maritime Alps landscape surrounding the sanctuary makes every hairpin turn worth it.
hardCarosello 3000
🇮🇹 Italy
# Carosello 3000: Italy's Alpine Adventure Perched at a jaw-dropping 2,783 meters (9,130 feet) in the Province of Sondrio, Carosello 3000 ranks among Italy's most impressive mountain summits. Straddling the line between Lombardy and the Swiss border in the heart of the Alps, this peak is seriously not messing around. Getting to the top? You've got yourself a proper mountain challenge here. The route is basically a chairlift access trail that demands serious off-road chops. We're talking 4x4 only, folks—no exceptions. The terrain is steep, unpaved, and unforgiving, so unless you're genuinely comfortable tackling gnarly mountain tracks, you'll want to skip this one. If heights make you queasy, definitely keep scrolling. Mother Nature calls the shots here. The window for attempting this drive is tight—typically just July through September (weather willing). Come October, you're looking at impassable conditions that'll stick around until June. And here's the kicker: afternoon thunderstorms can transform those gravel roads from tricky to completely undrivable in the blink of an eye. On the flip side? The reward is real. You're looking at some genuinely stunning Alpine scenery, and there's a legit restaurant waiting at the summit to celebrate your victory. Just make sure you've got the skills, the right vehicle, and zero fear of heights before you attempt this beast.
easyWhere is the Gudvanga Tunnel?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're in the heart of Norway, just north of Gudvangen, smack dab in the Nærøyfjord World Heritage Park. You're about to plunge into the Gudvanga Tunnel, a serious feat of engineering! Before this tunnel existed (it opened back in 1991), getting around here was a nightmare, especially in winter. Think treacherous mountain roads or relying on boats. But now, thanks to this marvel, you can cruise right through. You’ll be rolling on E16, a major highway connecting Bergen and Oslo. This beast of a tunnel stretches for a whopping 11.4 kilometers (7.1 miles), linking Gudvangen and Undredal. Pro-tip: Download your playlists beforehand because you'll have zero internet or GPS signal inside. Also, keep an eye on your vehicle height. Anything over 4.2 meters is a no-go! Enjoy the ride - it’s a wild one!
extremeDriving the wild F26 Road (Sprengisandsleið) in Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Get ready for an off-road adventure of a lifetime on Iceland's F26, also known as Sprengisandsleið! This highland gravel road slices right through the desolate heart of Iceland's Southern Region, giving you a raw taste of the country's untouched beauty. Clocking in at 232 km (144 miles), it's supposedly the longest of Iceland's infamous F-roads, winding between the majestic Hofsjökull and Vatnajökull glaciers. Think stark landscapes and a glimpse into the tough lives of medieval Icelanders. You'll know you're entering Sprengisandur's southern side when you spot Hekla. From there, it's all about the icy, remote plateau stretching between the glaciers. This high-altitude route tops out at 861m (2,824ft), giving you some serious views. Keep in mind that the road usually opens around late June, but the weather is a big factor. Rain and warm temps can swell those glacial rivers, so keep an eye on the forecast. The F26 is a wild ride, with several unbridged rivers to ford – some can get up to a meter deep! Driving it is epic in the daytime but can be sketchy at night. Legend has it, this road is haunted! Pro tip: Fill up your tank because gas stations are scarce. You don't want to be that unprepared driver begging for fuel. About halfway along, near Nýidalur hut, you'll encounter the Hagakvislar River. It can be pretty unpredictable, so be careful! Don't attempt solo crossings or in heavy rain. Always check the depth and current before you go in, and ideally, wait for another vehicle to cross with you. Only well-equipped jeeps and larger 4x4s should even attempt it. Remember, rental car insurance won't cover water damage, so err on the side of caution. The road itself is rough – expect potholes, ruts, and boulders galore! This is a true 4WD-only route. But the scenery? Unforgettable! You'll feel completely alone in this vast, remote landscape. Think endless grey sand, stones, and rocks stretching as far as the eye can see, framed by distant glaciers and mountains. It's a landscape of pure, untouched nothingness.