Taking on the Twists and Turns of Jæren National Tourist Route
Norway, europe
41 km
35 m
easy
Year-round
# Jæren National Tourist Route
Craving one of Norway's best coastal drives? Head to Rogaland in Fjord Norway and tackle the Jæren National Tourist Route – seriously, this one belongs on every driving enthusiast's bucket list.
This fully paved 41km (25 miles) beauty stretches south to north from Ogna to Bore, following roads 44 and 507 through the southwestern corner of the country. What makes it so special? Endless sandy beaches, dramatic sand dunes interrupted by massive boulders, and salmon-filled rivers that'll make you want to stop and explore around every bend. The scenery is pure magic – think wide-open skies, endless horizons, and that stunning ocean view that just keeps going.
The highest point sits at a modest 35m above sea level, so it's a pretty chill elevation-wise. No ferries needed here, and the road stays open year-round, though you might encounter occasional closures during particularly rough winter weather. Spring through autumn? Peak driving season, though honestly, this route is gorgeous no matter when you visit.
Where is it?
Taking on the Twists and Turns of Jæren National Tourist Route is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 65.3549, 10.6960
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 41 km
- Max Elevation
- 35 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 65.3549, 10.6960
Related Roads in europe
moderateRoad DP-2205
🇪🇸 Spain
# The Cliff Road: Galicia's Most Breathtaking Drive Tucked away in the far northwest corner of Spain, in A Coruña province, DP-2205 has earned itself the nickname "The Cliff Road" — and honestly, once you drive it, you'll understand why. This is one of those routes that makes it onto every "most beautiful drives in Spain" list, and for good reason. Fair warning: if your passengers get queasy around heights, maybe suggest they take a nap before you start. This 13.9 km stretch connecting the small towns of Cariño and San Andrés de Teixido isn't for the faint of heart, but it's absolutely worth the white knuckles. The road itself is narrow and winding, with some seriously steep sections that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The pavement is decent, but you're essentially hugging the edge of some of Europe's most dramatic coastline. The real showstopper? Vixía Herbeira's cliffs, which tower at 621 metres — the highest on mainland Europe. The views are absolutely spectacular, with dramatic inlets and powerful Atlantic waves crashing below you. What makes this drive special is the atmosphere. This is an isolated, quiet road where you can actually feel the Atlantic wind whipping around you, smell the salt air, and soak in some genuinely awe-inspiring coastal scenery. There are plenty of viewpoints — both official and hidden gems — perfect for stopping and taking in the raw beauty. Local legend says you'll visit San Andrés de Teixido in the afterlife if you don't make it there in life, so maybe use that as extra motivation. Just avoid this drive during bad weather — the narrow, steep sections demand clear conditions and full concentration.
moderateIs Kitzbüheler Horn paved?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: you're in the Austrian Tyrol, ready to tackle one of the most intense climbs in cycling history. I'm talking about the Kitzbüheler Horn! This baby sits at almost 2,000 meters high! The Kitzbühel Horn Alpine Road is paved, yes, but don't let that fool you. We're talking seriously steep – like, up to 22.4% gradient in sections, and the road gets pretty narrow in spots. You'll be winding your way up past charming alpine huts with switchbacks galore. Heads up though, this road is usually closed from late October to May due to snow. And the last 2.2 km? That's where things get *really* interesting. It's privately owned, with a little gate, and trust me, it's the toughest part – narrow, steep, and the road surface isn't the greatest. Starting in the sweet little town of Kitzbühel, this panoramic beauty stretches for almost 11 kilometers, climbing over 1,200 meters. The average gradient is over 11%, but that last kilometer before the top? Hold on tight, because that’s where you hit that crazy 22.3% slope! Is it worth it? Absolutely! At the summit, you're rewarded with a restaurant, a chapel, and this huge TV tower – the Sendeturm Kitzbüheler Horn. The views are insane! Get ready for an unforgettable ride (or drive!).
moderateHow long is the Western Europe-Western China Highway?
🌍 Russia
Okay, picture this: an epic road trip stretching from the beaches of China's Yellow Sea all the way to St. Petersburg, Russia! We're talking about the Western Europe-Western China Highway, aka the New Silk Highway. This beast clocks in at a mind-blowing 8,445 km (5,247 miles) – yeah, one of the planet's longest roads! This fully paved route links tons of cities across China, Kazakhstan, and Russia. Built from 2008 and completed in 2018, it's more than just asphalt, it's a game-changer! Forget slow boats and packed trains, this highway is slashing cargo transport times. We're talking about getting goods from Asia to Europe in just 10 days! Get ready for trade, travel, and culture overload!
moderateGarganta del Cares: One of the Most Difficult Roads in Spain
🇪🇸 Spain
# Garganta del Cares: Spain's Most Thrilling Canyon Drive Nestled in León province within Spain's stunning Picos de Europa National Park, the Garganta del Cares (aka the "Divine Throat") is an absolute must-drive for adventure seekers. This narrow canyon carved by the river Cares sits in the heart of northwestern Castile and León, and trust us—it's unlike anything else you'll experience on four wheels. Here's the deal: the entire route is paved, but calling it "narrow" might be an understatement. You'll literally have one wheel kissing the rock face while the other hovers over a river precipice. This isn't a road for the faint of heart or anyone who breaks into a cold sweat when reversing. And if your travel companions are easily car sick? Maybe give them fair warning. The real adrenaline rush happens over the 6.2 km stretch from Cordiñanes de Valdeón to Caín de Valdeón, where the road is dramatically carved directly into the mountainside. It's the kind of drive that makes for incredible stories back home. Timing matters too. Autumn and spring hit the sweet spot with comfortable temps and fewer tourists crowding the tight curves. Summer (especially July-August) and Easter season get hectic, so plan accordingly. Winter's beautiful but demands serious caution—snow and this road don't mix well. Ready to tackle one of Spain's most spectacular drives? Just make sure you're comfortable with tight spaces and mountain views.