Was Objekat 505 the largest underground airport in the Balkans?
Bosnia, europe
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're about to explore the mind-blowing Željava Air Base, hidden away on the border of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This isn't just any old abandoned place; it was *the* underground airport in the Balkans and one of Europe's biggest!
Back in the day, this place was a top-secret military hub, built between 1957 and 1965 at a cost of around $6 billion (whoa!). Think of it as a super-fortified command center, built to house fighter jets and a thousand personnel, nestled deep within Plješevica Mountain.
You can technically get to it, though a rotting Douglas C-47 at the entrance definitely sets the mood. But here's the thing: proceed with SERIOUS caution. While a permit from local police may help, the entire area is potentially riddled with landmines. Exploring the underground complex is even more risky, with the potential for radiation, unexploded bombs, toxic gases, and landslides. This isn't your average tourist spot!
The location of Željava Air Base is eerily desolate, so extreme caution must be used when visiting the area. Local police and CPA use the area to train dogs with the use of landmines. It's a real trip.
And hey, if you're into epic drives, have you heard about the road to Pločno in the Čvrsnica mountain – the "roof" of Bosnia and Herzegovina? Or maybe the route to Bjelašnica, with its 17 hairpin turns and… a slight mine risk? Adventure awaits!
Related Roads in europe
extremeHow is the road to Braña de Vega La Cueva?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure-seekers, listen up! I've just tackled the Braña de Vega La Cueva, also known as Braña La Cueva, and you NEED to add it to your Spain itinerary. We're talking southern Asturias, right in the heart of Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park. This isn't your average Sunday drive. Starting from a small village, you'll be crawling up, up, up into the Cantabrian Mountains, aiming for the gorgeous Lagunas de Canchongo, a small glacial lake. The 5.4 km road is mostly unpaved – think loose rock and dirt – with some seriously steep concrete ramps thrown in for good measure! And hold on tight, because there are 6 hairpin turns that demand your full attention. A high-clearance vehicle is a must here. Those central ruts on the dirt sections are no joke! Winter? Maybe not. This road is technically open year-round, but snow can shut it down for weeks. Plus, even a little rain turns the dirt into serious mud. Check the Quiros forecast before you go. The main challenges? Super steep gradients and, gulp, unprotected edges. The road's narrow, so be prepared to reverse if you meet another vehicle. Those concrete ramps? Treacherous if they're covered in wet leaves or frost! And watch out for free-roaming cows and horses. Heads up: once you leave Villamarcel, you're on your own. No services, no gas, no signal. Make sure your engine's cooling system is in tip-top shape because this climb is intense. And definitely pack a full-size spare tire – those sharp limestone rocks are tire-killers. Finally, if you make it to the lake, turn around ONLY in the designated areas to protect the environment. Enjoy the wild ride!
hardTossal d'Estivella
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving epic views and a serious off-road challenge, Tossal d'Estivella in the Catalan Pyrenees is calling your name. We're talking a 2,193-meter (7,194 ft) peak smack-dab in the Serres d'Odèn-Port del Comte range. Word to the wise: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is unpaved and seriously steep, so a 4x4 is a must. The window to tackle it is tight – usually late August – and be prepared for some seriously strong winds up there. But trust me, the views of the Pyrenees are worth every bump and gust. You'll be surrounded by that classic high mountain scenery. Get ready for a breathtaking panorama from the top!
hardWhere is Akoren Gecidi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Akören Geçidi, a mountain pass that'll get your heart pumping! You'll find this beauty nestled in Erzurum Province, in eastern Turkey, clocking in at a lofty 2,105m (6,906ft). The road, stretching for 26.3 km (16.34 miles) from Körsu to Hınıs, is fully paved, but let's be real, it's seen better days. Expect some rough patches, and hold on tight for those seriously steep sections! Budget around 20 minutes to soak it all in (without stops, of course – you'll want to pause for the views!). Akören Geçidi is generally open all year, but Mother Nature can be a bit temperamental. Winter brings snow and blizzards, so closures are pretty common. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared for anything! The scenery? Absolutely stunning. Get ready for panoramic vistas you won't forget!
easyPasul Gutâi, an awe-inspiring hairpinned drive
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, wanderlusters, buckle up for the Gutâi Pass in northern Romania's Maramureș County! This baby clocks in at 28.5 km (17.7 miles) of pure driving bliss (and maybe a little terror!) as it climbs to 993m (3,257ft). Think endless forests stretching as far as the eye can see – the views are seriously epic. The DN 18 road, also known as Gutin Pass, Paltinu Pass, Paltinului Pass or Pintea Pass is completely paved, winding its way from Baia Sprie towards Mara through the "Russian mountains". Just a heads-up, that southern slope is hairpinned HEAVEN (or hell, depending on your comfort level!). Seriously, take it slow. You'll want to soak in the views anyway, and this ain't a racetrack! This Eastern Carpathian gem shows off the region's natural beauty. Look out for the giant wooden crucifix near the top, erected in 2015. Word to the wise: weather in these parts can be unpredictable, especially in winter. Check the forecast before you hit the road!