The Ultimate Guide to Conquer the Kepa-Mittagskogel
Slovenia, europe
7.8 km
1.6 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! I've found a gem straddling the border of Slovenia and Austria: Kepa-Mittagskogel. This majestic mountain peak soars to 2,145 meters (7,037 feet), a rocky pyramid connecting Slovenia's Upper Carniola region with Carinthia in Austria, high up in the Western Karawanks.
The real kicker? An old-school, forest dirt road—a relic from between the World Wars—winds its way up from the Slovenian village of Belca to a saddle right at the border, around 1,600 meters. Sadly, it's closed to public traffic beyond that point.
This isn't just any road; it's a 7.8-kilometer (4.84-mile) stretch of pure, unadulterated beauty, easily one of the most stunning dirt roads you'll find.
Now, there *was* a road heading up from the Austrian side (starting in Kaernten) to Bertahuette, a mountain hut near the peak. But alas, it was closed way back in 2006 at 1,180 meters. But hey, at least there's a sizable parking spot there!
Where is it?
The Ultimate Guide to Conquer the Kepa-Mittagskogel is located in Slovenia (europe). Coordinates: 46.0365, 15.0471
Road Details
- Country
- Slovenia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1.6 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.0365, 15.0471
Related Roads in europe
hardTake the Scenic Route and Discover Alto de la Tornería
🇪🇸 Spain
# 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.
hardDriving the 4x4 road to Collada de la Gallina
🇪🇸 Spain
Collada de la Gallina is a jaw-dropping international mountain pass sitting at 1,912m (6,272ft) in the eastern Pyrenees, straddling the border between Spain and Andorra. This isn't your average Sunday drive—it's a serious, demanding climb that'll test both your skills and your nerve. On the Andorran side, you're looking at a fully paved route that typically opens from April through November. The road stretches 14.4 km (8.94 miles) from Bixessarri up to Fontaneda, and it's packed with challenges: 33 hairpin turns and some brutally steep sections that regularly hit gradients above 14.5%. It's been tough enough to feature in Spain's prestigious Vuelta race. The good news? Hardly anyone drives up here, so you'll have the mountain mostly to yourself. If you're approaching from the Spanish side near Civís, prepare yourself for something different. You're trading pavement for a rough, narrow unpaved road that demands a 4x4 vehicle to handle safely. This shorter route covers just 4.2 km (2.60 miles) but climbs 385 meters with an average gradient of 9.16%—still no joke, even if it sounds easier on paper. The pass connects Catalonia's province of Lleida with Andorra's parish of Sant Julià de Lòria, making it a thrilling frontier crossing for adventurous drivers who can handle serious mountain terrain.
moderateHow long is Yedigöller Yolu?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk about Yedigöller Yolu – the Seven Lakes Road! This gem is tucked away in Bolu Province, right in Turkey's Black Sea region, and carves its way through the stunning Yedigöller National Park. So, how long is this adventure? You're looking at about 85.8 km (53.31 miles) from Bolu to Mengen of pure driving bliss. Now, a heads up – this isn't a straight shot. We're talking narrow, winding roads with some seriously steep climbs and descents, all fully paved. Factor that into your travel time! This northwestern route peaks at a cool 1.710m (5,610ft) above sea level, so keep an eye on the weather. Snow's definitely a possibility in winter, so check local conditions before you go. But is it worth it? Absolutely! You're cruising through Yedigöller National Park, famous for its seven interconnected lakes. The scenery is out-of-this-world, especially in the Fall when the colors are popping. Expect panoramic views of the landscapes, with all the amazing plants and animals the park has to offer. Get ready for some serious photo ops!
extremeDriving the curvy Road 610 in Slovenia
🌍 Slovenia
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for Road 610 in Slovenia! This beauty straddles the line between Inner Carniola and Upper Carniola, offering a taste of both worlds. You'll find this paved road snaking through the northwestern part of the country, serving up some seriously steep climbs and hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. We're talking 713 meters (2,339 feet) of elevation, so prepare for those views! Clocking in at around 11.7 kilometers (7.27 miles), this route runs from west to east. Picture yourself cruising from Road 102 near Spodnja Idrija, nestled on the Idrijca River, all the way to Road 408 in Žiri. Get ready for a ride filled with curves and stunning scenery!