Lac Long Supérieur
France, europe
N/A
2,126 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Lac Long Supérieur is calling your name! This incredible mountain lake sits way up high in the French Alps, a whopping 2,126m (6,975ft) above sea level in the stunning Mercantour Massif.
Heads up: the road to get there is a wild ride! Think gravel, rocks, bumps – you name it. Definitely need a 4x4 for this one. It’s pretty steep in places, and usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. But trust me, the views are SO worth it!
Plus, you'll find the Refuge des Merveilles mountain hut right on the lake’s edge. And get this: Lac Long Supérieur is smack-dab in the middle of the Valley of Merveilles, home to over 40,000 ancient rock engravings! It's the biggest site of its kind in Europe, all nestled at the foot of majestic Mt. Bego. Seriously, this trip is a feast for the eyes and a thrill for the soul.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,126 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardLago Volaia
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're winding your way up to Lago Volaia (or Wolayersee if you're feeling German!), a stunning alpine lake chilling way up at 6,440 feet. We're talking Carnic Alps territory, right on the border of Switzerland and Italy. Now, heads up, this isn't your average Sunday drive! The road? Well, let's just say it's more "adventure" than asphalt. Think gravel, rocks, and a bumpy ride all the way to the top. It's a super narrow path, so get ready for some serious hairpin action. Snow and ice can shut things down in a heartbeat, and usually you can't even get through from September to June. Oh, and pro tip: the final stretch is off-limits to cars, so prepare for a bit of a hike to the lake itself. But trust me, the views are worth every bump and step!
moderateHow to drive to Slettnes fyr, the world’s northernmost mainland lighthouse?
🇳🇴 Norway
# The Road to the End of Europe Nestled in Finnmark County, where mainland Europe literally meets the sea, Slettnes Lighthouse stands as the world's northernmost mainland lighthouse. This isn't just any old beacon—it's a piece of history perched dramatically between the Barents Sea and the Nordkyn mountains. Built back in 1905, the 39-metre (128 ft) tower has quite the story. German troops partially destroyed it during World War II, but locals weren't about to let that stand. It was rebuilt between 1945-48 and still stands strong today. The lighthouse sits just 4 km north of the charming village of Gamvik, right within the Slettnes Nature Reserve. This is it—the northernmost point you can drive to on mainland Europe. No joke. The drive itself is refreshingly straightforward. The 3.4 km (2.11 miles) road from Gamvik is mostly unpacked and dotted with potholes, but don't worry—any regular passenger car can handle it. Just keep an eye on the wind; it's no joke out here at the edge of the continent. What awaits at the end? A small parking lot, a cozy café, and some of the most jaw-dropping photo opportunities you'll find anywhere. The lighthouse sits on a vast coastal plain, with the ocean stretching endlessly before you and jagged mountains rising behind. The surrounding 12 square-kilometre area earned nature reserve status back in 1998 for good reason. Climb that tower and soak in views that feel like you're standing at the very edge of the world. Trust us—this drive is absolutely worth it.
extremeWhy was Strada delle 52 Gallerie built?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in Italy, ready for an adventure, and someone tells you about the Strada delle 52 Gallerie – the Road of 52 Tunnels. This isn't just any hike; it's a historic military trail carved into the Pasubio mountains during World War I. Why build a road through solid rock? Well, this area, straddling Trentino-South Tyrol and Veneto, saw some serious action. They needed a supply route safe from enemy fire, and this incredible feat of engineering was the answer. Think steep cliffs, deep canyons, and rugged terrain – intense! The trail itself is about 5.3 km (3.29 miles) long, winding its way from Bocchetta di Campiglia. But here's the kicker: almost half of that distance is underground, snaking through 52 tunnels drilled straight through the mountain. These aren't just holes in the rock; they're numbered, named, and range from tiny to the monster #19 tunnel with a helical path, a whopping 318 meters long. Expect a serious workout as you hike. You'll be climbing, sometimes steeply, and the temperature can change dramatically from bottom to top. Bring a good headlamp – those tunnels get dark. The path can be uneven and slippery in spots. But trust me, the views are insane, and reaching the Refuge Achille Papa at the end for a well-deserved break is epic. This road is for hikers only now; cars are banned because, let's be honest, it's narrow, cliffy, and a bit too exciting for four-wheeled vehicles. In winter, forget about it – snow and ice make it way too dangerous. Is it worth it? Absolutely. It's a challenging but unforgettable trek through history and stunning scenery. Just be prepared, be careful, and get ready to be blown away!
hardRoad R319 Travels by Hairpins to the Edge of the Sea
🌍 Ireland
Okay, picture this: You're on Achill Island, just off the coast of County Mayo in Ireland, ready for one of the world's best coastal drives! This is the R319, a total gem winding along the wild Atlantic shore. This road clocks in at about 35 km, and get ready for some serious views! We're talking dramatic cliffs and the vast expanse of the ocean. The road's paved, but keep your eyes peeled – it can get busy with other drivers, walkers, and the occasional wandering sheep. Expect some narrow sections and a few bridges to keep things interesting. It gets progressively tighter and twistier as you head towards the western edge of the island, eventually ending at a big parking area in Toorglass West. Basically, you'll be cruising from Mallaranny – that cute seaside village connecting Clew Bay and Blacksod Bay – all the way west. Trust me, this drive is pure magic!