What’s Bardenas Reales?
Spain, europe
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moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you HAVE to check out the Bardenas Reales in northern Spain! It's this crazy, unique desert landscape that feels totally out of place in Europe.
Think semi-desert badlands with bizarre clay and sandstone formations sculpted by wind and water. Seriously, the erosion is unreal! You'll see these crazy structures called "cabezos" that stick out like something from another planet.
You can totally drive through it! One popular route is the Carcastillo-Figarol road (El Paso), which then hooks up with the track that runs alongside the military shooting range. Yep, you read that right. Another option is the earth track that starts near the petrol station on the edge of Carcastillo and circles the firing range.
Just be warned: the area is pretty remote, and vegetation is super sparse. Most of the streams are dry too. Even though it looks barren, it's actually got a surprising amount of natural diversity!
Oh, and did I mention they filmed parts of "The World Is Not Enough" here? Talk about an epic backdrop! You can easily spend a whole day cruising around on the many tracks, but definitely bring water and supplies. It’s wild out there!
Related Roads in europe
extremeIs the road to Berghaus Nagens paved?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Nestled high in the Swiss Alps, in the Imboden Region of Graubünden, you'll find Berghaus Nagens, a mountain escape sitting pretty at 2,172 meters (7,121 feet). It's smack-dab in the middle of the Flims-Laax-Falera playground. Okay, road trippers, here's the deal: getting there is an adventure in itself! The 8.0 km (4.9 miles) gravel service road from Flims is strictly off-limits to private cars, so this is one you'll have to earn with your hiking boots or bike tires. Don't let that deter you though, because this climb is intense! Prepare for a serious workout as you gain a whopping 1,031 meters in elevation. We're talking average gradients of 13% and some thigh-burning stretches hitting 20%. Ouch! The views? Absolutely worth the sweat. This track serves up panoramic vistas of the Graubünden mountains. As you snake up those steep Alpine slopes, the entire Flims-Laax-Falera region unfolds beneath you. Heads up, this road is usually a no-go from September to June. Winter brings heavy snow, burying the track until things thaw out. So plan accordingly for a summer or early fall trek!
hardAlpe Colina
🇮🇹 Italy
# Alpe Colina Tucked away in the Province of Sondrio in Lombardy's Italian Alps, Alpe Colina sits at a seriously impressive 2,076 meters (6,811 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's an adventure for those who crave mountain thrills. The road itself is beautifully rough and raw, mixing asphalt, concrete, and gravel in a patchwork that demands respect. You'll want a 4x4 under you for this one, seriously. Winter? Forget about it—the pass becomes completely impassable when the snow rolls in. Even in better conditions, expect narrow stretches that'll test your nerve, slippery sections that appear after rain, and ridiculously steep grades that hit 20% in spots. But here's the payoff: near the summit, you'll find Lago di Colina, a tiny alpine lake that makes the white-knuckle drive absolutely worth it. This is the kind of road that'll have you grinning (and probably gripping the wheel tightly) all the way up.
easyHow long is E272 Road?
🌍 Lithuania
Hey road trippers! Wanna cruise from Lithuania's capital all the way to the Baltic Sea? Then buckle up for the E272! This beauty stretches for about 361 km (224 miles) from Vilnius, heading through Panevezys and Siauliai before landing you right on the coast in Palanga. And the best part? It's paved the whole way, so no need for a monster truck! This isn't just about getting from A to B; it's a visual feast. Think charming historic cities and breathtaking natural parks. You HAVE to check out Samogitian National Park – it's got this totally unique Soviet vibe. And don't even get me started on the Hill of Crosses, a pilgrimage site that's seriously moving. You'll roll through major cities like Siauliai and Panevezys, plus those gorgeous manor towns like Kretinga and Plunge. And Ukmerge, a super cute stop-off. The grand finale? The seaside resort of Palanga, ready for your beach selfies!
extremeDriving to Stausee Mattmark is an absolute must for road lovers
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Mattmark See: A Alpine Gem Worth the Drive Tucked away in Switzerland's Valais region near the Italian border, Mattmark See is a stunning high-altitude reservoir sitting pretty at 2,197m (7,208ft) above sea level. Nestled in the scenic Saas Valley, this is the kind of destination that makes the drive totally worth it. The road up? Absolutely pristine. Built between 1960 and 1965, the fully paved route is in fantastic condition and genuinely fun to tackle. Starting from the charming village of Saas-Almagell (1,673m), you've got a 7.3 km climb ahead with 524 meters of elevation gain. The average gradient sits at a manageable 7.2%, so nothing too brutal for the first stretch. But here's where it gets interesting: save the best for last. The final 2 km really turn up the heat, averaging around 10% gradient. And just when you think it can't get any steeper, the last half-kilometer before the dam hits a serious 14% gradient. It's gloriously steep and straight, making for an intense but incredibly rewarding finale. The payoff? A glacier looming above the finish line and one of those "I earned this view" moments that make mountain driving so addictive. If you're hunting for a short, punchy alpine climb with killer scenery, Mattmark See delivers in spades.