Where is Gorges de Rebenty?
France, europe
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moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French countryside in the Aude department, heading for the Gorges de Rebenty – a seriously stunning canyon carved by the Rebenty River. This isn't just any drive; it's an adventure, snaking through the heart of southern France within the Pyrenees Mountains.
The route through the gorge is just a hair over 12 kilometers, but don't let the short distance fool you. There's a notoriously twisty section called the "Chaos," and let me tell you, it lives up to the name! Keep your eyes peeled for super-narrow spots where cars can't pass each other – so, get ready to do some maneuvering! Oh, and a word to the wise: you might find yourself reversing around a blind corner or two.
Honestly, I'd suggest ditching the car and exploring this canyon on foot or by bike. The road demands all your attention, and you'll want to soak in the breathtaking scenery without having to focus on the hairpin turns. Trust me, it's worth it!
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hardWhere is Nino Corsi Refuge?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in stunning Val Martello, South Tyrol, nestled in the Italian Alps. You're headed to Rifugio Nino Corsi, a charming mountain refuge (also called Zufallhütte) perched at a breathtaking 2,245m (7,365ft). The area is gorgeous, right in the heart of Stelvio National Park, with views of the Ortler Alps that will knock your socks off. Bonus: there's a cool local history museum and a sweet little mountain chapel nearby. Now, the drive. It’s about 22.7 km (14.10 miles) from Coldrano, and it's an adventure in itself. Be warned, parts of the road are steep and narrow, so keep your wits about you! Just so you know, the last couple of kilometers are gravel and off-limits to cars, but don't sweat it, the views are worth the walk. Get ready for a climb of 1,343m, this road definitely isn't for the faint of heart, but the payoff at the top is incredible.
hardWhere is Kirklar Mescidi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: Kirklar Mescidi, a mosque perched way up high on the border between Trabzon and Bayburt in Turkey. We're talking 3,161 meters (that's over 10,000 feet!). Locals call the area Kırklar Hill, and it's becoming a real hotspot for nature lovers. You can actually drive (sort of) to this incredible spot. Starting near Şekersu (Trabzon), the dirt track winds for about 9 kilometers (5.5 miles). Don't even THINK about attempting it without a 4x4! The last stretch is seriously gnarly – super narrow, crazy steep, and rough as anything. They carved this path out in 2020, which is both a blessing and a curse! Be warned: two regular-sized cars won't pass each other. The elevation gain is significant: we are talking about 749 meters, or about 8.32% gradient! Keep in mind, up in the Pontic Mountains, winter is a no-go. Expect it to be open roughly from mid-May to mid-September. But oh man, the views...totally worth the white-knuckle drive! The mosque itself is built of stone, with a wooden renovation, and even has a kitchen and sleeping areas. Talk about a unique place to spend the night!
moderateWhere is Cormet de Roselend?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps on the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes and you come across the Cormet de Roselend. This beauty of a pass sits way up high at almost 2,000 meters! You'll find it snuggled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, practically waving to Italy. "Cormet" basically means "summit," so you know you're in for a treat. This paved road, known as the D902 and D925, stretches for about 40 kilometers. Get ready for some serious hairpin action – we're talking 22 tight turns as you wind your way from Beaufort to Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Heads up, though: like many alpine roads, this one usually shuts down in winter. This climb isn’t for the faint of heart. It's been a part of the Tour de France, so you know it’s got some bite! Some sections hit a 12% gradient, so be prepared for a workout. From Beaufort, it’s a 20km climb, gaining over 1,200 meters at an average of 6%. If you are coming from Bourg Saint Maurice, it’s around 19km, climbing over 1,100 meters, with steepest sections at 10%. Expect a steady start with plenty of shade, but after about 5km, hold on tight for a series of ten hairpin turns with 8% gradients. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views are killer. As you pass through the Vallée des Glaciers, keep your eyes peeled for Mont Blanc. And then there's the Lac de Roselend on the west side, a gorgeous reservoir that takes this whole experience to another level. Think alpine meadows, cowbells, and panoramic views that just keep getting better and better. This pass is a must-do!
moderateWhere Is the Königshaus am Schachen?
🇩🇪 Germany
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