
The road to Bulgurlu Dağı isn’t an easy one
Turkey, europe
30.3 km
2,905 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Bulgurlu Dağı in Turkey's Van province is calling your name, if you're brave enough. We're talking a whopping 2,905 meters (9,530 feet) above sea level!
This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. The entire road is unpaved, so a 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's REQUIRED. Seriously, don't even think about it without one. And keep in mind, this beast is typically snowed in from late October until almost July. Mother Nature calls the shots here.
But for those willing to brave it, the views are absolutely insane. The road is super steep in sections, reaching a max gradient of 15%! Hold on tight as you tackle this 30.3 km (18.8 miles) stretch from Aksu in Hakkari Province, all the way north to Kılıçtutan in Van Province. Trust me, it's a climb to remember!
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,905 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardHow to get by car to Barbara Lowrie Refuge in Piedmont?
🇮🇹 Italy
# Rifugio Barbara Lowrie Tucked away in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, near the French border, sits Rifugio Barbara Lowrie at a breathtaking 1,753m (5,751ft) elevation. This high mountain refuge is nestled in the Val Pellice, surrounded by larch woods and rolling pastures, with the impressive peaks of Monte Manzol and Monte Granero standing guard overhead. Here's the thing about getting there: the road is paved, but don't expect a smooth cruise. It's narrow, rough around the edges, and seriously steep—we're talking a 14.7% maximum gradient in some sections that'll definitely get your heart pumping. In fact, every September, cyclists take on this exact route for the Cronoscalata, a legendary cycle race that's considered one of Italy's toughest climbs. Yeah, it's that intense. This is an old military road starting from Perlà, stretching 9.5 km (5.90 miles) uphill with a grueling 1,042m elevation gain and an average gradient of 10.96%. Sitting high in the Cottian Alps—that stunning southwestern section of the Alps—the road becomes impassable come winter, so you'll want to time your visit accordingly. If you're up for a challenging drive through dramatic alpine scenery, this road delivers in spades.
moderateWhere is Cuitu Negru in Spain?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, buckle up for Cuitu Negru, a seriously epic peak sitting at 1,848m (6,062ft) high in Spain! You'll find this bad boy straddling the border between Asturias and Castile and Leon, way up in the northern part of the country. The road up here, also known as Cuetu Negro or Cuitu Nigru, is paved these days—believe it or not, it was gravel until they smoothed it out for the 2012 Vuelta a España race. So, how long is this climb? You'll kick things off from the N-630, south of something iconic, and tackle 5.1km (3.16 miles) of pure uphill madness. We're talking an elevation gain of 487 meters here. The average gradient is a leg-burning 9.54%, but hold on tight... This isn't your average climb; it's a monster! Some ramps hit a ridiculous 28% gradient. The first stretch throws slopes of 24% to 25% at you, and the last 500m? They're above 17%. Seriously, the top 2.5 kilometers were basically just a goat track before they laid down concrete for the Vuelta. Get ready for a wild ride!
hardWhere is Regia Trazzera Prestanfuso Road?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: Sicily, Italy. Sun-drenched landscapes and…one seriously insane road. It's called the Regia Trazzera Prestanfuso, and trust me, it lives up to the hype. You'll find this beast in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, up north on the island. Don't let the short distance fool you; this 1.4 km (that's less than a mile!) stretch from Scillato to the SP24 packs a punch. The road *is* paved, mostly concrete, which should be reassuring...until you hit those gradients. We're talking up to 27% in some spots! Seriously, you'll be hugging the tarmac uphill, just praying your car has enough juice. Going down? Foot glued to the brake, my friend. They limit speed to 20 km/h, and for good reason. Rain makes it slick as ice. Also, big rigs are a no-go; if you’re wider than 2.30 m or taller than 2.80 m, find another route. But if you’re brave (and your vehicle is suited), the views are totally worth the white-knuckle experience!
moderateCorkscrew Hill is a thrilling drive through time on Ireland's historic route
🌍 Ireland
Okay, buckle up, road trip fans, because Corkscrew Hill in County Clare, Ireland is calling your name! This isn't just any drive, it's a full-on historical adventure through the wild and wonderful Burren region. Part of the N67, this baby is paved, stretching for about 10 miles (16.1 km) from Lisdoonvarna up to Ballyvaughan. Word to the wise: pay attention! Those curves are seriously twisty, and this old road wasn't exactly built for today's family cars and minivans. Keep it slow, watch for the signs, and you'll be golden. Get ready for four major switchbacks that'll have you gripping the wheel (in a good way!). This narrow, winding route snakes its way through the Clare countryside, and trust me, you'll want to pull over at the scenic viewpoint. The view of the natural amphitheater carved out by ancient glaciers is seriously mind-blowing. But here's the really incredible part: Corkscrew Hill was built between 1845 and 1851 during the Great Famine. Imagine peasants, working for food during those tough times, building this road to survive. It's a powerful reminder of history right beneath your tires. So, are you ready for a drive you won’t soon forget?