What’s Bardenas Reales?
Spain, europe
N/A
N/A
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
hardNedeia
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Let's talk about the Nedeia Pass in Romania, straddling Vâlcea and Gorj counties. This baby climbs up to a whopping 2,085 meters (that's 6,840 feet!), making it one of the highest roads you'll find in the country. Now, don't get any ideas about cruising in your grandma's sedan. This is a gravel road, and it's bumpy. Plus, being so high up, it gets hammered with snow in the winter, so it might be closed without warning. Seriously, come prepared. You'll absolutely need a 4x4. And if it's rained recently? Forget about it – things get tricky with the loose gravel. Do your homework, pack right, and you might just have an unforgettable (and safe!) trip.
moderateLenzerheide Pass
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Lenzerheidepass: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Tucked away in Graubünden, Switzerland, the Lenzerheidepass sits pretty at 1,547 meters (5,075 feet) above sea level. This asphalt road, known locally as the Hauptstrasse, serves as the main artery connecting Chur in the Rhine Valley with Tiefencastel in the Albula Valley—and it's definitely not your typical Sunday drive. Fair warning: this pass has earned its reputation for being seriously unpredictable. Sudden snowstorms and whiteout conditions can materialize out of nowhere, so it demands respect and preparation. You'll want winter tires in your arsenal, especially between December and March, though technically the road stays open year-round. Depending on which direction you're coming from, you've got two distinct routes to the summit. **From Chur**, you're looking at a 17.6 km climb with a punchy 952 meters of elevation gain. The average grade hangs around 5.4%, though you'll hit some steeper sections pushing up to 11%. **From Tiefencastel**, it's a slightly shorter 14 km ascent with 713 meters of elevation gain and an average gradient of 5.1%—a bit more forgiving, but still serious business. The scenery? Absolutely worth the effort. Just come prepared, respect the weather, and you'll have an unforgettable Swiss Alpine experience.
hardWhere is Alto de La Nava Grande?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: Alto de La Nava Grande, a hidden gem tucked away in the Sierra de Guadarrama near Madrid. Locals just call it Alto de La Nava, and trust me, it lives up to the hype. It's a 20.8km climb from Manzanares el Real, gaining 1,114m in elevation — so buckle up! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking unpaved roads, the kind with gravel and loose rocks. The first part is pretty chill, but things get real after you pass the bridge. Get ready for "las famosas zetas de La Pedriza" — a wild series of 12 hairpin turns that'll test your skills. The last 1.5km? You'll probably want a high-clearance 4x4 for that rocky, steep section. When you finally make it to the top at 1,963m (6,440ft), you'll find a survey marker and mind-blowing 360-degree views over the Lozoya Valley and the Santillana reservoir. History buffs, take note: these heights were once part of the Spanish Civil War defense lines, and you can still spot old trenches nearby. A word of warning: vehicle access can be restricted to authorized forest vehicles, mountain bikers, and hikers only. So, check with the local authorities in Manzanares el Real before you go!
hardA wild road to Ushguli in Goergia, the highest town in Europe
🇬🇪 Georgia
Way up in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region of Georgia, nestled at the top of the Enguri gorge, lies Ushguli, the highest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe, sitting pretty at 2,410m (7,910ft)! Tucked away in the western part of the country, getting to this town—really a collection of four tiny villages—is an adventure in itself. The road is completely unpaved, so you'll need an SUV, a spare tire, and a full tank of gas. Some even say calling it a "road" is generous; think more like a challenging mud track or a seriously rugged walking path. Starting from Tsageri (a town in the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region), the 92.3km (57.35 miles) journey serves up breathtaking views of towering peaks, vibrant valleys, and the ghostly remains of glaciers. Keep in mind, this road is usually snowed under for about six months of the year, making it impassable from late October until late June or early July (weather depending, of course). Located at the foot of Shkhara, one of the highest peaks in the Caucasus, the road to Ushguli can be a real beast. It constantly crisscrosses the Patara Enguri River, and things get dicey after heavy rains—rock slides are a real risk. Expect a bumpy ride full of rocks, frequent streams, and seriously steep drops. It's not for the faint of heart! The road is in rough shape, and heavy rains can make it completely undrivable, even washing sections away. Fortunately, those armed robbery stories seem to be a thing of the past, so feel free to explore and even pick up a hitchhiker or two. The highest point of the road is at Zagari Pass, reaching a staggering 2,620m (8,595ft) above sea level.