
Lac d'Aubert
France, europe
N/A
2,163 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, listen up, fellow road trippers! I've got a killer route for you in the French Pyrenees. We're talking Lac d'Aubert, a stunning alpine lake chilling at a cool 7,096 feet! This baby's tucked away in the Hautes-Pyrénées, part of the Midi-Pyrénées region in southwestern France.
The road up? Seriously epic. Think one of the highest paved routes you can find in these mountains—even higher than some *other* famous climbs I won't name! Get ready for some serious fun as the cliff road winds its way around to the dam, throwing some seriously tight hairpin turns at you.
Be warned, this isn't for the faint of heart. Expect some steep sections, maxing out at 15% grades. Plus, being so high up, snow is a real possibility in winter, and the road can close if things get too snowy. It's about 26 hairpin turns all the way to Pas de l’Escous. But trust me, the views are SO worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,163 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeArriving at the Airport
🇪🇸 Spain
Mallorca's driving scene, while not super extreme, definitely keeps you on your toes! This island packs a ton of routes into a small space, so choosing your wheels wisely is key. One must-do drive is the MA-1131. This paved road stretches for 51km, serving up drop-dead gorgeous views. It's known as the island's wildest ride, and it's not hard to see why. Think hairpin turns, tunnels, and shimmering reservoirs along the way. It's a blast to drive, but be extra cautious on rainy days – those curves can get pretty slick. Also, these roads can be super narrow, sometimes barely wide enough for two cars to squeeze by at once. Keep an eye out for those rocky cliffs, too. Some sections don't have netting, so there's a small chance of rocks crumbling onto the road. Mallorca might not be the most dangerous place to drive, but paying attention and knowing what you're getting into is essential for an unforgettable road trip.
moderateWhere is Cam Geçidi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Cam Geçidi, a mountain pass sitting way up high in Turkey's Black Sea region, around 2,466 meters (that's over 8,000 feet!). You'll find it right on the border between Artvin and Ardahan provinces, practically at the eastern edge of the country. The whole route, known as D010, is paved, so no need for a 4x4, but hold on tight – it's a steep climb with some sections hitting a 14% gradient! Trust me, you'll feel it! This beauty stretches for about 31.4 kilometers (almost 20 miles) between Yavuzköy and Sulakyurt. At the top, there's a little cabin where you can soak in some amazing panoramic views – totally worth a stop if you're driving. Just a heads-up: winter can be brutal up there, so the pass might be closed due to heavy snow. Keep an eye on the weather forecast before you go.
hardDriving the wild FV475 road
🇳🇴 Norway
# FV475: Norway's Hidden Coastal Gem Tucked away in Nordland county in Northern Norway, FV475 is a stunning 12km (7.45 miles) stretch that hugs the dramatic Norwegian Sea coastline. This is the kind of road that makes you want to pull over every few minutes to snap photos. Starting where it branches off from FV17, the route curves south-northeast toward the charming village of Valle and the picture-perfect Forstranda beach. Fair warning though—don't expect a perfectly paved highway. Most of this drive is unpaved gravel, with only about 4.4km of asphalt to smooth things out. The real adventure? A gnarly 1.1km tunnel that cuts through the landscape. It's narrow, mostly unlit, and definitely demands your full attention. Bring a headlight and take it slow. But honestly? That's what makes it special. This isn't a sanitized, tourist-friendly route—it's raw, rugged, and authentically Norwegian. The reward for navigating those rough patches and that moody tunnel is some genuinely spectacular scenery. If you're after a road less traveled that actually delivers on the views, FV475 is worth the detour.
moderateHow long is Vecchia Strada della Fricca?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region of northern Italy, there's this crazy-cool, totally abandoned road called Vecchia Strada della Fricca. Seriously, this place is a relic! We're talking a super-narrow, 2km (1.24 miles) stretch of road, clinging to the side of the Venetian Prealps. This isn't just any road – it’s carved straight into the rock. And get this: there are 9 dark tunnels along the way! Built way back when, this road was crucial during World War I, funneling troops and supplies. Imagine Austrian soldiers retreating along it in 1918! The views connecting the highlands to Valsugana and Trento must have been incredible. Now, for the sad news: Vecchia Strada della Fricca is currently closed. Massive rockfall risk! Barriers are up, so no cars, bikes, or even walking. It's been bypassed by the super-long Fricca Tunnel on the SS349. Still, you can admire this testament to military engineering, while staying safe!