
Road of Life is an epic adventure
Russia, europe
10.87 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ever dreamed of cruising beyond the Arctic Circle? Then you HAVE to check out the Road of Life on Kildin Island in the Russian Murmansk Oblast.
This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a 10.87 km (6.75 mi) stretch linking the tiny towns of Zapadny Kildin and Vostochny Kildin. Picture this: a rugged, old military track, rumored to have been built by prisoners way back in the 20s and 30s. Most of it is gravel, but the real star of the show is the "Golden Kilometer" (or Kilometer Rokossovskogo). This 1200m section is paved with nothing but smooth, round pebbles! It’s a bumpy ride, but the views are unlike anything you’ve ever seen! Get ready for a wild ride!
Where is it?
Road of Life is an epic adventure is located in Russia (europe). Coordinates: 56.6075, 37.2441
Road Details
- Country
- Russia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.87 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 56.6075, 37.2441
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