The road with 25 hairpin turns to Macahel Gecidi
Turkey, europe
39.9 km
1,821 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a killer road trip idea for you: Macahel Gecidi, a mountain pass that'll blow your mind. Picture this: you're cruising through Artvin Province in Turkey's Black Sea region, almost close enough to wave at Georgia.
This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive though! We're talking about a fully paved road – Borçka Camili Yolu – that climbs to a dizzying 1,821m (5,974ft). Get ready for a wild ride packed with hundreds of twists and turns, including a whopping 25 hairpin bends. If your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale!
The pass stretches for almost 40km (25 miles) from Borçka up to Düzenli. Word of warning: winter can be brutal up here, so expect closures. And hold on tight, because this route gets seriously steep in places, hitting gradients of up to 25%! But trust me, the incredible scenery makes it all worthwhile.
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 39.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,821 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardA curvy paved road to Lago della Sella
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Lago della Sella: A Scenic Alpine Drive Nestled in Switzerland's Ticino canton, Lago della Sella sits pretty at a breathtaking 2,297 meters (7,536 feet) above sea level. Getting there? It's an adventure in itself. The asphalt road—affectionately known locally as Lago della Selia—winds its way up from Passo del San Gottardo with character and charm. Built back in 1947, this narrow ribbon of pavement hugs the shoreline and offers some seriously stunning views. Fair warning though: it's tight in places (sometimes barely wide enough for two cars to pass), and more than a few stretches lack guardrails, with water lapping right alongside the road. Snow can close it down anytime during winter, so timing is everything. The real vibe here? It's walker-friendly and refreshingly quiet—you'll hardly spot another vehicle, which somehow makes it feel even more special when you do. Once you reach the lake, there's a gravel road extension (marked as E) that climbs even higher via a series of hairpin turns, reaching 2,525 meters if you're feeling extra adventurous. This is the kind of drive that sticks with you—intimate, dramatic, and utterly Swiss Alpine.
hardLac de la Blanche
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Lac de la Blanche in the Hautes-Alpes of southeastern France is calling your name. Picture this: a stunning mountain lake sitting way up high at 2,501 meters (that's 8,205 feet!). Getting there is half the fun – and a bit of a challenge! You'll be tackling the Piste de Clausis, a gravel road that gets rocky, tippy, and bumpy in sections. We're talking seriously unpaved territory within the gorgeous Queyras Regional Natural Park. Definitely not one for the faint of heart, and absolutely not passable in winter. 4x4 is your best friend here. This trail is steep, so get ready for some serious uphill climbs. Wet conditions can turn the road muddy and even tougher to navigate. But the views? Totally worth it. At the top, you'll find the Refuge de la Blanche, a mountain refuge where you can rest and take it all in. Just a heads up: if you're not a fan of heights, this might not be the road for you.
hardTread Depth vs. Stopping Distance: Why the 1.6mm Legal Limit Isn't Enough
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up, road-trippers! Let's talk about the Grimsel Pass in Switzerland. This beauty clocks in at around 23 km (14 miles), snaking its way through the Alps and peaking at a dizzying 2,164 meters (7,100 feet). Now, the views are absolutely unreal – think sparkling reservoirs, granite cliffs, and that classic Swiss alpine scenery. But don't get *too* distracted! This road is narrow, seriously twisty, and features hairpin turns that will test your driving skills. Pay attention: some sections have super steep gradients and blind corners. Plus, keep an eye out for cyclists and the occasional postbus hogging the road! If you're not comfortable with heights, this might not be your cup of tea, as there are some serious drop-offs. But if you're up for the challenge, the Grimsel Pass offers an unforgettable driving experience.
hardA wild road to Zare Lazarevski
🌍 Macedonia
Okay, picture this: You're headed to Zare Lazarevski, a ski resort tucked way up in the mountains of northwestern North Macedonia. We're talking serious elevation here – 5,456 feet above sea level! The road winds its way up the slopes of Bistra mountain, right in the heart of Mavrovo National Park. Good news: it's paved the whole way! Bad news (or good news, depending on how you look at it): it's a seriously steep climb. Get ready for some incredible views, though!