Travelling through the defiant Gorges of Zarnesti
Romania, europe
4 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Zărneştilor Gorges! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a 4 km trek into the heart of Transylvania, Romania, in Brașov County.
Picture this: you're hugging a narrow, unpaved forest road carved by the Valea Prăpăstiilor River. Towering cliffs, reaching up to 200 meters, loom on either side. Seriously, the rock walls are epic! You can visit this stunning canyon anytime of the year.
You'll find this natural wonder nestled within the Piatra Craiului National Park, part of the majestic Southern Carpathians. The gateway? The slightly wild DJ112G road from Zărnești or Peștera. Word to the wise: weekends, especially in summer, can get crowded. But trust me, the breathtaking views are worth it. In fact, it’s so spectacular that they filmed the death scene of Jude Law’s character in “Cold Mountain” here. Just try not to think about that while you're taking in the scenery!
Where is it?
Travelling through the defiant Gorges of Zarnesti is located in Romania (europe). Coordinates: 45.8684, 24.9682
Road Details
- Country
- Romania
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 45.8684, 24.9682
Related Roads in europe
hardThe breathtaking road to Ennisháls Pass
🇮🇸 Iceland
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Ennisháls Pass in western Iceland is calling your name! This gravel road, also known as Road 68, isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking seriously steep inclines – some spots clock in at a whopping 12%! But trust me, the reward is worth it. This pass connects the charming villages of Borðeyri and Hólmavík, and once you reach that 280m (918ft) summit, prepare to be blown away. Picture this: panoramic views of Broddanes and the stunning Húnaflói Bay stretching out before you. It's a view you won't soon forget. Just take it slow and steady, and soak it all in!
extremeWhere is Port des Canonge?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the north coast of Mallorca, headed toward the tiny beachside paradise of Port des Canonge – or Port d'Es Canonge, if you want to get local. Nestled right next to Banyalbufar in the Tramuntana Mountains, about 30 km from Palma de Mallorca, this place is seriously charming, with old fishermen's huts (called "escars") still standing. Now, getting there? That's part of the adventure. The road, carved back in the 50s and paved in the 2000s, clocks in at just under 3 miles (4.7 km). Don't let the short distance fool you, though. This isn't a Sunday drive! We're talking 24 hairpin turns, winding and twisting on a narrow road – sometimes only 3.5-4 meters wide. It’s got serious curves. The speed limit is 30 km/h, and honestly, you'll want to stick to that. It's best to avoid this route at night, and watch out for bigger vehicles. It's a road less traveled, so it's mostly unspoiled with great views. Just be aware of the occasional rockfall, and keep your eyes peeled. The views are definitely worth it, just stay focused on the road!
moderateKurtatinsky Pass: a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure to the summit
🌍 Russia
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You HAVE to add Pereval Kurtatinskiy to your bucket list. This mountain peak, nestled way up in the Alagirsky District of North Ossetia–Alania, Russia, sits at a whopping 3,297m (that's 10,816ft!). Seriously, this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking a totally unpaved, super windy, and exposed road clinging to the Caucasus Range in the Reka Zakka Valley. It's rough, and you'll need a serious 4WD beast to make it. Summer is your window – this beast is snow-covered until late June or even July! But oh, the views! Once you conquer the climb, you're rewarded with insane panoramic vistas from the top (and a few communication towers). The road starts near Abaytikau, south of the peak, and it's only 5.4 km (3.35 miles) to the top, BUT, be warned, it's a relentless climb with an average gradient of 19.6%, and some sections crank up to a crazy steep 29.8%! It’s wild, it’s challenging, and it’s unbelievably rewarding.
hardDriving the curvy EN15 to Alto de Espinho
🇵🇹 Portugal
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Northern Portugal, winding your way up the Serra do Marão mountains. You're on Estrada Nacional 15 (EN 15), the old road connecting Porto and Bragança, a totally epic route known as Alto de Espinho. This paved road stretches for 46.6 km (29 miles) between Amarante and Parada de Cunhos. You'll climb to a cool 1,025m (3,362ft) above sea level, so get ready for some views! Fair warning: this isn't a straight shot. Expect countless turns, some pretty narrow stretches, and some seriously steep climbs - we're talking gradients of up to 9.2%! Though it's a pretty quiet road, keep an eye out for cyclists, especially on weekends. This pass has even been featured in the Vuelta a Portugal cycling race, with stages finishing atop Monte Farinha. History buffs will dig that this road used to be *the* main route, but a new road (IP4) and the A4 expressway (with the Túnel do Marão) now handle most of the traffic. So get ready for an adventure!