
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Collado de Orgambide
Spain, europe
11.2 km
992 m
hard
Year-round
# Collado de Orgambide
Tucked away in the Pyrenees, Collado de Orgambide is a stunning international mountain pass that sits right on the Spanish-French border at 992m (3,254ft). This hidden gem connects the charming Spanish town of Orbaizeta in Navarre with the D428 road over in France's Pyrénées-Atlantiques department.
The 11.2 km (6.95 miles) journey winds its way up from south to north through some seriously dramatic mountain terrain. Fair warning: this isn't your typical wide highway. The road is narrow—really narrow—with stretches so tight that two cars passing each other would be a squeeze. You'll want to take it slow and watch for oncoming traffic around those blind curves.
The pavement is solid throughout, with just a few concrete sections breaking things up, but those steep grades are no joke. Your brakes will definitely get a workout on the way up. The payoff? Once you crest the summit and hit that border crossing, the views are absolutely worth every hairpin turn. The landscape here is raw and spectacular, with sweeping vistas that make you understand why these mountains have captivated travelers for centuries.
This is the kind of road that rewards patient drivers who respect the mountain's mood. Bring your A-game, take your time, and soak in every incredible moment.
Where is it?
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Collado de Orgambide is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.5106, -4.4170
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 992 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.5106, -4.4170
Related Roads in europe
hardColle San Zeno
🇮🇹 Italy
# Colle San Zeno: A Thrilling Alpine Climb in Lombardy Nestled in the province of Brescia in Lombardy, Italy, Colle San Zeno (also called Colma di San Zeno) sits at a respectable 1,434 meters (4,704 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to tackle some seriously fun alpine driving. The road up—officially known as Via Case Sparse Mondaro—is a narrow, steep asphalt ribbon that'll definitely keep you on your toes. Most of it's a single lane, and while you'll spot the occasional pothole here and there, the overall condition is genuinely excellent. It's the kind of road that rewards careful driving with stunning mountain scenery. You've got two solid options for reaching the top. Coming from Pisogne? Prepare for a 16.65 km climb that'll pump 1,244 meters of elevation gain into your legs (or your engine). That works out to an average gradient of 7.5%—nothing outrageous, but definitely respectable. Prefer a slightly gentler approach? Start from Lavone instead. This route stretches 13.8 km with 936 meters of elevation gain, averaging a more forgiving 6.8% gradient. Either way, you're in for a memorable drive through some spectacular alpine landscape.
hardDN73A is a curvy road with 12 steep hairpin turns in Transylvania
🇷🇴 Romania
Get ready for an epic Romanian road trip! DN73A, or as the locals call it, "Paraul Rece" (Cold Stream Road), winds its way through the legendary Transylvania region. This paved road, located in Brașov County, is a total feast for the eyes, serving up incredible vistas of the Bucegi and Postăvarul mountains. The real thrill starts with a 21km stretch running from Râșnov to Predeal. Predeal is Romania's highest town, perched over 1,000m above sea level in the Prahova Valley. Hold on tight as you climb to the road's peak at 1,127m! You'll be tackling 12 seriously steep hairpin turns and some ramps that hit a wild 22% gradient. Word to the wise: winter driving can be super dicey. After the snow melts, the road needs some serious TLC with all the patching. But if you're up for an adventure, this curvy, steep climb is an absolute must-do!
hardA Most Tricky Scenic Road to Samistal Plateau
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: you're in Turkey, specifically in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize province, and you're craving some serious altitude. I'm talking 2,838m (9,311ft) high! Then get ready to rumble to the Samistal plateau. The route? Amlakit-Samistal Yolu. Forget smooth asphalt; this is an unpaved adventure through the heart of the Kaçkar Mountains. And when I say adventure, I mean it. This winding track is narrow, with some nerve-wracking drop-offs that will test your courage. Summer is your window of opportunity here. Otherwise, snow will make this road impassable. Starting near Yaylaköy, it’s a 21km climb to the plateau. You'll gain 937 meters along the way, with an average gradient of 4.46%. In other words: it's steep! But trust me, the views from the top are *absolutely* worth it.
hardDriving the Scenic F337 Road Through Lunar-like Fields
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're headed to Iceland's Southern Region and craving an off-the-beaten-path experience, you HAVE to check out the F337, also known as Hlöðuvallavegur. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks! Nestled in the Icelandic interior, near the stunning Þingvellir National Park, this 28.9 km (17.95-mile) beauty runs from Road 37 up to Road F338. Think lunar landscapes, a rough lava field at the foot of Mt Hlodufell, and some seriously epic views. Word to the wise: This is strictly 4x4 territory. We're talking high clearance is a MUST. The road is entirely unpaved, and you'll be navigating some seriously rugged terrain, with big stones and sandy spots aplenty. Seriously, leave your little rental car at home. Get ready for a climb! This road is STEEP. We're talking 500 vertical meters in just 4 km, with an average grade of 15%! It tops out at a whopping 681m (2,234ft) above sea level, making it one of Iceland's highest roads. Heads up: it's usually closed from late October to late June/early July due to snow. And be prepared to be totally alone out there. This track is remote, traffic is minimal, and cell service can be spotty. Make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape before you go! But trust us, the views are SO worth it!