Surviving Chicago's Winter Roads: Tips for Group Travelers
Iceland, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: a winding ribbon of asphalt called the Million Dollar Highway. It's a 25-mile stretch of U.S. 550 in southwest Colorado, linking Ouray and Silverton. Don't let the name fool you; it's not about luxury, but the insane cost of building it back in the day!
You're talking some serious elevation gains here—hitting over 11,000 feet at Red Mountain Pass. The views? Absolutely mind-blowing! Think towering peaks, colorful cliffs, and plunging valleys. But hold on, because this beauty comes with a price.
We're talking hairpin turns that'll make your head spin, steep drop-offs with zero guardrails in places (yikes!), and the constant threat of rockslides and avalanches. Basically, you need to keep your eyes glued to the road and your wits about you.
So, if you're up for an adrenaline-pumping drive with scenery that'll knock your socks off, the Million Dollar Highway is calling your name. Just remember to take it slow, stay focused, and maybe say a little prayer before you start!
Where is it?
Surviving Chicago's Winter Roads: Tips for Group Travelers is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 64.9019, -17.5361
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 64.9019, -17.5361
Related Roads in europe
hardHow long is the ice road from Sviby to Rohuküla?
🌍 Estonia
Okay, picture this: it's winter in Estonia, and you're about to drive on *ice* to an island! This isn't your average road trip. We're talking about the epic Sviby-Rohuküla ice road, a 10.2 km (6.33 mile) stretch of frozen Baltic Sea connecting the mainland near Rohuküla (west of Haapsalu) to Vormsi Island. Finding it is part of the fun! Head towards the Rohuküla ferry port, and just as you think you're there, BAM! A signed right turn leads you to a quirky caravan that marks the start of your icy adventure. You'll find access points near both the Rohuküla and Sviby ports. This icy wonder usually opens mid-January and lasts until mid-March, so timing is everything. There are longer, wilder routes out there, but those require serious prep. Oh, and word to the wise: stick to the official road! Every year, a handful of cars discover the hard way that not all ice is created equal. So, you're ready to roll? Keep your vehicle under 2.5 tonnes, and only travel during daylight hours with good visibility. Here are the *very* specific rules of the road: either cruise under 25 km/h (16 mph) or go between 40-70 km/h (25-43 mph). Seriously, avoid that 25-40 km/h zone – it can cause the ice to resonate and crack! Buckle up... just kidding, *un*buckle your seatbelts (seriously!), and keep at least 250 m (820 ft) between you and the car in front. No stopping allowed, and they let cars on in 3-minute intervals. But get this, back in the Middle Ages, armies used to *walk* across these frozen seas to invade the islands! Talk about a historical shortcut.
extremeWhere is Pirin Kayalar Geçidi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through eastern Anatolia in Turkey, heading towards the Erzurum province. Suddenly, you hit the Pirin Kayalar Geçidi – a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,122 meters high. You'll find this gem nestled in the Uzundere district, right by the western edge of Lake Tortum. This isn't just any random stretch of road; it's a 3.3 km paved section of the Erzurum-Artvin highway, connecting Erzurum to Artvin. Now, I'm not gonna lie, this road has a reputation. Locals call it the "Road of Death" because, yeah, it's seen its share of accidents. Think sharp, steep bends that can be a real headache for truck drivers, especially when winter rolls around. Plus, there's a landslide risk! But here's the good news: they built the Pirin Kayalar Tunnel to bypass the trickiest part! This 2,246-meter tunnel is a game-changer, keeping traffic flowing smoothly, even when the snow starts piling up. So, is it worth the trip? Absolutely! Even though the drive can be intense, passengers get treated to breathtaking views of Tortum Lake. Just sit back, relax (maybe not *too* much if you're the driver), and soak in the scenery!
extremeWhere is Pico Cervín?
🇪🇸 Spain
Deep in the Ribagorza county of Huesca, Spain, lies Pico Cervín (or Tozal de la Rasa, as the locals call it), a mountain peak that's a real beast for off-roaders. This summit in the Aragon region isn't just any climb; it's a relentless ascent over seriously rugged terrain. Nestled in the Cervín mountain range, this natural lookout gives you world-class panoramic views over the central Pyrenees, including views you won't forget. Perched up high, it's also a key spot for communication towers. Forget smooth tarmac – this road is unpaved. It's steep and the surface is a mix of loose gravel and hard-packed mountain soil. It’s maintained for the towers up top, but that doesn’t make it easy. The track's narrow, with exposed edges, so if heights aren't your thing, steer clear! Starting from the A-1605 road, the journey to the summit is just under 10 kilometers (around 6 miles). But don't let the distance fool you; you'll gain over 800 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of over 9%! There are hardly any flat spots to give your engine a break, so make sure that cooling system is in top shape. Traction is a constant battle, especially on the steeper sections where you need smooth throttle control. Heads up: this road is often impassable in winter after heavy snow. Even at 1,620 meters, snow and ice can stick around in the shady spots for weeks. Wet conditions can turn the dirt into a muddy trap, so the best time to tackle this route is late spring, summer, or early autumn. Always check the local weather for the Huesca Pyrenees, and pack recovery gear, because you’re pretty isolated up in the Cervín range.
hardDriving to the iconic Eigeroy Lighthouse in Egersund
🇳🇴 Norway
# Eigerøy Lighthouse Road: Norway's Thrilling Coastal Drive Perched on the tiny island of Midbrødøya in Rogaland county, Norway's iconic Eigerøy Lighthouse is worth every twist and turn to reach it. This stunning beacon holds the distinction of being Norway's first cast iron lighthouse, and it's absolutely worth the adventure. The 2.6km road leading out to the lighthouse is fully paved but seriously narrow—think roller-coaster vibes with plenty of steep climbs and descents that'll keep you on your toes. Fair warning: the final 1.5km section is blocked off to regular vehicles by a barrier, so you'll need to park and continue on foot. This is also *not* the road for anyone uncomfortable with reverse driving—there's not much room to maneuver, so come prepared. Built back in 1854 and automated in 1989, this 32.9-meter tall lighthouse boasts one of Europe's most powerful lights, cutting through the North Sea fog to guide ships safely along the coast. The views here are spectacular year-round, but they're absolutely jaw-dropping during storms when the waves crash against the rocks below. Wind is a constant companion—this place really knows how to make an impression. Beyond the lighthouse itself, the keeper's residence now offers overnight accommodation and a cozy Sunday café, making it easy to linger longer and soak in the dramatic southwestern Norwegian coastline. Just embrace the wind, take the curves carefully, and prepare yourself for one unforgettable experience.