
Take the Scenic Route and Discover Alto de la Tornería
Spain, europe
6.2 km
469 m
hard
Year-round
# Alto de la Tornería: A Thrilling Asturian Adventure
Tucked away in Asturias, northern Spain, Alto de la Tornería is a mountain pass sitting at 469m (1,538ft) that'll have your heart racing and your camera working overtime. This isn't your average scenic drive – it's a proper adrenaline rush wrapped in stunning countryside.
The road up (LLN-7) is asphalt, but it's narrow, steep, and gloriously twisty. You'll encounter hairpin after hairpin with grades regularly hitting 10% and some sections pushing 15%, so buckle up! The good news? Traffic is basically non-existent, giving you plenty of space to tackle those curves. Winter occasionally throws a spanner in the works with snow closures, but the rest of the year you're golden.
What makes this climb truly special are the views. As you wind your way up, the landscape just keeps getting better – unspoilt Asturian countryside giving way to absolutely stunning coastal vistas. By the time you reach the summit, you'll understand why this pass has earned its spot on the Vuelta a España cycling route. Just fair warning: those grades mean you'll be focused on the road more than the scenery, so plan your photo stops wisely.
Coming from Parres? That's 6.2 km with 409m elevation gain (6.59% average). From the AS-115 road, you're looking at 9.1 km with 387m gain (4.25% average). Either way, you're in for a driving experience that's equal parts challenging and utterly rewarding.
Where is it?
Take the Scenic Route and Discover Alto de la Tornería is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.5765, -3.9653
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 469 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.5765, -3.9653
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Col de Chérine?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in southeastern France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur to be exact, ready to tackle the Col de Chérine. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 13.9 km (8.63 miles) climb up to a whopping 2,295m (7,529ft) above sea level. Get ready for some steep sections topping out at 10.5%, hairpin turns galore, and a narrow track that mostly serves ski lift and lodge maintenance. Oh, and did I mention it gets seriously windy up there? In the winter, forget about it – this road is totally impassable. But the views! As you wind your way up through the passes, you'll be treated to some seriously breathtaking panoramas of Queyras, the Embrunais, and the Pelvoux Massif. D29 is a scenic balcony road in the Alpes-Maritimes. This drive is pure magic, if you're up for the challenge!
easyHow long is the Eysturoyartunnilin?
🌍 Faroe Islands
Cruising around the Faroe Islands? You HAVE to experience the Eysturoyartunnilin! This isn't just any tunnel; it's an underwater marvel connecting the capital, Tórshavn, to the island of Eysturoy. Clocking in at a whopping 11,238 meters (that's over 36,000 feet!), this paved route plunges you deep beneath the Atlantic, reaching a low point of -189 meters (-620 feet), before rising to a modest 21.6 meters (71 feet) above sea level. Opened in December 2020 after nearly four years of drilling, it links Tórshavn with Strendur and Runavík. But the real kicker? It's home to the world's only sub-sea roundabout! And get this: local artist Trondur Patursson created an 80-meter high sculpture right in the middle. Talk about a photo op! Forget boring commutes; this is an underwater adventure.
extremeGorges de la Ruda: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges de la Ruda: Corsica's Most Thrilling Canyon Drive Ready for one of France's most jaw-dropping road experiences? Head to Haute-Corse and tackle the Scala di Santa Regina, a 16 km (10-mile) masterpiece carved right into the red granite cliffs of the Gorges de la Ruda. This isn't just any scenic drive—it's a legitimate balcony road that'll have your heart racing and your knuckles white on the steering wheel. Located in the heart of Corsica's Regional Natural Park, this historic passage connects the remote Niolu basin to the rest of the island. The Ruda and Golo rivers have spent centuries sculpting these dramatic canyon walls, and now you get to drive along them. The entire D84 is paved, but don't let that fool you—sections are literally chiseled straight into the mountainside with zero buffer between you and some seriously vertical drops. Fair warning: this road is *narrow*. We're talking single-vehicle-wide in many spots, with no center line and overhanging rocks that'll make you duck instinctively. The roughly 25-30 minute journey demands serious focus, especially during summer when tourist traffic creates a parade of vehicles navigating blind corners. While regular cars handle it just fine, leave the campervans and trucks at home—they simply won't fit. Parking? Forget about it. It's basically non-existent in the trickiest sections. This is pure, unadulterated driving, and it's absolutely worth every adrenaline-fueled minute.
hardHow long is the road through Haukadalsskardh?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Haukadalsskarð is a mountain pass that'll have you holding your breath (in a good way!), perched 375 meters (1,230 feet) high on Iceland's west coast. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks! We're talking about a 34.8 km (21.62 miles) stretch of pure, unadulterated F-Road fun, running from Road 60 to, well, the middle of nowhere spectacular! You'll start on Road 60 and BAM! You're on F586, climbing out of the valley and heading straight for the pass. Forget smooth asphalt; this baby's all gravel, all the time. Think narrow, think steep, and definitely think "four-wheel drive." Oh, and did I mention you'll be fording a shallow river multiple times? Expect some ankle-deep splashes, maybe a creek or two, keeping things interesting. This road is strictly a summer fling, usually open from late June to early September. You'll likely have the place all to yourself, sharing it with the occasional sheep and views that'll make your jaw drop. Seriously, the scenery is out of this world. Get ready for landscapes you won't believe are real!