What’s the history of Alan Pass?
Croatia, europe
25.7 km
5 m
hard
Year-round
Cruising through Lika-Senj County, Croatia? You absolutely HAVE to experience Veliki Alan pass! Nestled in the Velebit mountains, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, this road clocks in at 25.7 km (15.96 miles) of pure adrenaline.
Okay, let’s be real – this isn’t your average Sunday drive. We’re talking a seriously narrow, mostly paved road with some pretty intense drop-offs. This is the highest point of the road, reaching 1,414m (4,639ft)!
The pass has a crazy history, too! It's been used for thousands of years, even by the Romans! Then it was critical for trade, and timber transport... Even crazier, the road was built under terrible conditions by political prisoners.
Heads up: this road isn't maintained in winter, and is generally open from June until the first snow. Just because the lower slopes look clear doesn’t mean you're in the clear either – huge drifts can build up.
Important safety tip: stick to the road! This area saw some heavy fighting, and there are still minefield warning signs posted. Better safe than sorry, right?
The payoff? Jaw-dropping views! The road winds mostly through the forest, but the summit is something else. Mountain huts dot the top, along with a monument honoring the Partisans who defended Velebit. And the panorama? Think endless sea, dotted with islands – absolutely unforgettable!
Road Details
- Country
- Croatia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 25.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 5 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Kotsifou Canyon?
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, picture this: Crete, south coast, you. You're about to cruise through the Kotsifou Canyon, one of the island's most stunning gorges. The road itself stretches for about 4.2 km (2.6 miles), a north-south route connecting Agios Ioannis and Sellia. As you enter, the canyon walls close in, starting super narrow at around 10 meters, with cliffs soaring almost vertically to 600 meters! Trust me, it's breathtaking. The pavement's in good shape, but keep your eyes peeled for potential rockfalls – those cliffs are dramatic for a reason! And oh, the scenery? Totally Instagrammable. There's even a little parking area where you can safely stop and soak it all in. Summer's a great time to visit because the canyon offers a cool escape from the Cretan heat. In winter, a 20-meter waterfall can appear. Be warned: It can get pretty windy, so hold onto your hats (and maybe your car doors!). Seriously, though, this drive is an absolute must-do.
hardDriving the slippery Lefortovo Tunnel of Death in Moscow
🌍 Russia
Alright, buckle up, road trippers! Ever heard of the Lefortovo Tunnel in Moscow? This beast sits in the Lefortovo district, just outside Russia's mega-capital. This isn't your average underpass; at 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) long, it's one of the longest inner-city tunnels in Europe. Think smooth asphalt and seven lanes of traffic – three heading north and four south. It's been open since 2003, so it's relatively new. But here's the spooky part: Locals call it "The Tunnel of Death," and not without reason. This tunnel has a reputation for accidents, especially in the winter. Word on the street (or should I say, under it?) is that ice buildup is a major culprit, turning the roadway into a skating rink. There is even video circulating online showcasing some of these accidents that were captured by security cameras inside. Beyond the hazards, it's a crucial part of Moscow's Third Ring Road, diving deep under the Yauza River. The roof has been known to leak, which turns into ice in winter. So if you're brave enough to drive it, keep your wits about you, especially when the temperatures drop!
hardTravel Guide to the Cirque de Gavarnie
🇫🇷 France
# Cirque de Gavarnie: A Glacial Wonder in the Pyrenees Tucked away in the Hautes-Pyrénées department of southwestern France, near the Spanish border, sits the absolutely breathtaking Cirque de Gavarnie. This massive rock amphitheater perches at 1,690m (5,544ft) and is hands-down the most impressive cirque in the region—and honestly, one of the most stunning natural formations you'll ever witness. We're talking about a 6.5 km (4 miles) diameter bowl with walls that soar 1,500 meters (4,921 ft) high, all carved out by ancient glaciers millions of years ago. The limestone walls display incredible shades of grey, ochre, and pink that shift with the light throughout the day. And here's the crown jewel: Europe's largest waterfall cascades down at 427m (1,401ft)—an absolute showstopper, especially in spring when snowmelt is at its peak. Plus, it's the only cirque accessible year-round, which is a huge bonus for planning your adventure. The valley straddles the France-Spain border, with the French side protected as part of Pyrenees National Park and the Spanish side belonging to the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park. Both sides take their environmental preservation seriously, so private vehicles aren't allowed on the approach. Ready for the real adventure? The final 3.9 km (2.42 miles) to the iconic Hôtel du Cirque (a charming spot dating back to 1845) is a gloriously rough, unpaved, and incredibly rocky climb. This narrow, steep, winding route demands serious 4x4 vehicles with proper clearance—it's not for the faint of heart, but the payoff is absolutely worth every bump and turn.
hardWhere is Costila Peak?
🇷🇴 Romania
Romania's Coștila Peak is seriously high, clocking in at 8,152 feet! You'll find it nestled in the Bucegi Mountains, a truly stunning area. What's up there? A massive radio relay tower, reaching a combined altitude of 8,448 feet, making it the highest point accessible by road in the country. It's been broadcasting radio and TV signals far and wide since 1961. Building this thing was no joke! Construction took ages, with materials hauled up the mountain using a cable car (that's no longer running) and even tracked vehicles. The team even had to blast into the rock to create the foundation. It was once a strategic military site, guarded around the clock. Now, it's surrounded by a fence. Thinking of driving up? The road, called Drumul Coștila, is unpaved and starts from the end of the paved DN714. It’s just over 5 miles, but it's incredibly steep. Word of caution: because of snow and ice, it's usually impassable from late October until late June. Plus, it's closed to private vehicles.