
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
hardWhere is the road from Guillaumes to Saint-Martin-d'Entraunes?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: You're cruising in the Alpes-Maritimes of France, heading from Guillaumes to Saint-Martin-d'Entraunes. You're basically right in the sweet spot, north of those incredible Gorges de Daluis in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. This is part of the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes, so buckle up! The road is paved, thankfully, and it hugs this insane canyon carved out by the River Var. The landscape is unreal! And get this: you'll plunge through five tunnels blasted right into the rock face! Keep your eyes peeled, though, because there are some spots that get pretty darn narrow. You're basically skirting the edge of the Mercantour National Park, so expect stunning views, but maybe not a ton of wiggle room! The whole shebang is only about 11.6 km (7.2 miles) long, running from Guillaumes up to Saint-Martin-d'Entraunes. It's a quick blast, but you'll remember it!
hardCol de la Bataille
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Bataille: A Thrilling Alpine Climb Tucked away in the Drôme department of southeastern France, Col de la Bataille is a mountain pass that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Sitting at 1,313 meters (4,307 feet), this beauty is all asphalt—you'll be cruising on the D199—but don't let that fool you. The road is seriously steep with plenty of hairpin bends to keep things interesting. Fun fact: the actual highest point hits 1,336 meters right inside the Tunnel du Col de la Bataille, so you'll literally reach the peak while driving through! Ready to tackle it? You've got options depending on where you're starting from: **From Saint Jean en Royans**: This is the long game—30.3 km of climbing with 1,063 meters of elevation gain. You're looking at a mellow 3.5% average gradient, perfect if you want to take it easy and soak in the scenery. **From Oriol en Royans**: A solid middle-ground route at 23.7 km with 1,028 meters of elevation gain and a 4.3% average grade. Still challenging but more manageable than the first option. **From Leoncel**: The hardcore route. Just 8.3 km but absolutely punchy—400 meters of climbing with a steep 4.8% average grade. This one'll test your nerve. **From Les Trois Routes**: The gentle approach at 16.6 km and only 1.2% average gradient—basically a warm-up compared to the others. However you approach it, Col de la Bataille delivers an unforgettable Alpine experience.
hardVrh Gobelja
🌍 Serbia
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Vrh Gobelja, a seriously awesome peak in southwestern Serbia's Raška District. This bad boy sits at a cool 1,926 meters (that's over 6,300 feet!). Now, getting to the top is where the real fun begins. Picture this: a bumpy, gravel road snaking its way up the Kopaonik mountain. Yeah, it's a bit rough. Word to the wise: 4WD isn't just recommended; it's practically a requirement. And heads up, this area gets hammered by snow in the winter, so it might be closed if the plows haven't been through. The climb is pretty steep, so be prepared for a workout for your vehicle (and maybe your nerves!). But trust me, the views are worth it. Once you're at the summit, you'll find a communication tower and, more importantly, bragging rights that you conquered Vrh Gobelja!
hardPista de Chía is a very intense drive in the Pyrenees
🇪🇸 Spain
# Pista de Chía: A Wild Mountain Adventure in the Spanish Pyrenees Ready for a serious adrenaline rush? The Pista de Chía is calling your name—if you're brave enough to answer. This absolutely bonkers high-altitude road winds through the heart of Huesca province in Aragon, Spain, and it's not for the faint of heart. Stretching 24.1 km (14.97 mi) from Chía to Plan, this beast climbs to a jaw-dropping 2,028m (6,653 ft) elevation and delivers some of the most insane driving you'll ever experience. We're talking 20 hairpin turns, countless switchbacks, and grades that hit a brutal 25% in places. The road alternates between unpaved terrain and concrete sections, but watch out for loose gravel—it'll catch you off guard fast. You'll need an SUV or something with serious ground clearance for this one. Narrow, steep sections dominate the landscape, and the scenery? Absolutely worth every white-knuckle moment. Perched on the boundary between Gistain and Benasque valleys within the Chia mountain range, the views are genuinely spectacular. Here's the catch: this road is pretty much a summer-only affair. Heavy snow typically blocks access through May and June, and winter conditions make it impassable. The northern-facing sections of the western side don't get much sun, making maintenance a nightmare during colder months. Throw in fog, rain, and the constant threat of rockslides, and you've got yourself one seriously unpredictable route. Not everyone can handle Pista de Chía—but those who do won't forget it.