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
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🇨🇭 Switzerland
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hardWhere is Collado de Sahún?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright thrill-seekers, buckle up for Collado de Sahún, a beast of a mountain pass nestled in the Huesca province of Spain! You'll find this gem tucked away in the northern reaches of Aragon. This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road, a 24.1 km (14.97mi) stretch running from Chía to Plan, is mostly unpaved, mixing gravel with concrete sections. While passable in a car, be prepared for some seriously loose gravel. Think tight twists, hairpin turns galore (we're talking 20!), and some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients hitting a whopping 25%! Seriously, an SUV or high-clearance vehicle is your best bet. Comparisons can be drawn to some epic climbs in France. The Sahún side can be compared with the well-known ascent to in France, while the Ribagorzana side is quite similar to another mythical French pass. The official summit sits at 1,998m (6,555ft), overlooking the incredible Barranco Llisat, though the actual highest point of the road sneaks a little higher to 2,028m (6,653ft). Keep an eye out for rock slides along the way, but don’t miss the viewpoints – they're insane! Located between the Gistain and Benasque valleys, within the Chia mountain range, this road is often closed in winter. The north-facing sections on the west side make snow clearing a major challenge. Fog and rain? Expect them. At the top you'll find Refugio Puerto Sahún a mountain cabin.
moderateThe Paved Road to Aramon Formigal-Panticosa with 10% Ramps in Huesca
🇪🇸 Spain
Aramón Formigal-Panticosa is a ski resort perched at 1,790 m (5,872 ft) in the heart of Spain's Huesca province. You'll find it nestled in the Aragon region in the northeastern part of the country, and let me tell you—this place is legendary among road enthusiasts. Located high up in the stunning Pyrenees, the route to get here is an absolute dream. The A-136 is fully paved and in excellent condition, stretching 27 km (16.7 miles) from the charming town of Biescas all the way north toward the French border at Col du Pourtalet. The road climbs steadily with some sections hitting a gnarly 10% gradient, which is why it's earned serious respect as one of the area's most iconic ascents—so iconic, in fact, that it's been featured in Spain's prestigious Vuelta race. Whether you're a cyclist tackling those legendary switchbacks or a driver soaking in the mountain scenery, this is a road that delivers an unforgettable Alpine experience. The views alone make it worth the drive.
moderateRoute Chalais-Vercorin
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Route Chalais-Vercorin: A Thrilling Alpine Drive Nestled in the heart of Switzerland's Rhone Valley, the Route Chalais-Vercorin is an absolute gem for anyone craving dramatic mountain scenery. This 10.2 km stretch connects the charming villages of Chalais and Vercorin and delivers some seriously fun driving through the Swiss Alps. The well-maintained asphalt road is a driver's dream—think hairpin turns hugging the mountainside with jaw-dropping valley views below. It's exhilarating stuff, though fair warning: things get considerably busier on weekends and during peak holiday season, with over a thousand vehicles sometimes making the climb in a single day. Here's where it gets interesting. The route squeezes through three narrow tunnels that are genuinely tight—we're talking single-file traffic only, so passing isn't an option. There's a strict 4-meter height restriction too, so oversized vehicles need not apply. The real challenge? Frequent rockfalls keep this stretch genuinely unpredictable, particularly between the tunnel sections. Bottom line: If you're after a scenic, adrenaline-pumping Alpine drive with some teeth to it, Chalais-Vercorin delivers. Just go in with your eyes open and respect the mountain's moods.