Where is Ilgazdagi Gecidi?

Where is Ilgazdagi Gecidi?

Turkey, europe

Length

54 km

Elevation

1,866 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up because we're heading to Ilgaz Dağı Geçidi, a wild mountain pass perched high on the border between Kastamonu and Çankiri in Turkey.

You'll find this gem nestled in the Black Sea region, way up in the northern part of the country.

The D765 is paved – mostly. There are a few concrete sections as you get closer to the top. Get ready for a seriously winding drive, with some sections that are, shall we say, "cozy." When winter hits, expect snow and ice to make things extra interesting. Heads up, rock slides are a real possibility! The good news is, if you're not a fan of heights and hairpin turns, there's a tunnel that bypasses the summit.

Now, for the climb. Starting near Mülayim Yenice, you've got about 8.8 km of uphill action. In that short distance, you'll gain over 600 meters in elevation, making for an average gradient of almost 7% (with some spots hitting a grin-inducing 10%!). At the very top, if you're feeling adventurous, a little gravel road will take you even higher to the TRT Vericisi İstasyonu communication tower, topping out at over 2,000 meters. Get ready for some incredible views!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Turkey
Continent
europe
Length
54 km
Max Elevation
1,866 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

The B4560 road in Wales is one of the most scenic drives of Europehard

The B4560 road in Wales is one of the most scenic drives of Europe

🇬🇧 Wales

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Wales, specifically Powys, inside the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park. You're on the B4560, also known as the Llangynidr Road, and trust me, it lives up to its reputation as one of Europe's most scenic drives! This beauty stretches for about 27 km (16.9 miles), snaking its way from Beaufort in the south all the way up to Talgarth, passing through charming villages like Llangynidr, Bwlch, and Llangorse. Now, be prepared for some action! This route is packed with hairpin bends, blind crests that'll keep you on your toes, and plenty of those deliciously fast, sweeping corners that drivers dream about. It climbs to a respectable 520m (1,706ft) above sea level, so keep an eye on the weather. This road isn't your friend in severe conditions, and ice and snow can shut it down completely. The real magic happens between Llangynidr and Bwlch. The views are insane, with the Brecon Beacons laid out before you. The moorland section is rugged and wild. This road is a favorite for car testing, and for good reason - it slices through some of Britain’s most beautiful landscapes. Narrow, winding, and offering panoramic views over both the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Black Mountains, it’s got challenging mountain corners and quaint villages aplenty. Word to the wise: it gets busy on weekends because it's close to the Heads of the Valleys road. So, hit it early if you want to avoid the crowds. But don't worry, there are places to overtake if you do get stuck behind slower traffic! Trust me, this is one Welsh adventure you absolutely can't miss.

Driving the scenic Route 61, a coastal road in Icelandmoderate

Driving the scenic Route 61, a coastal road in Iceland

🇮🇸 Iceland

Hey there, adventure seekers! Let's talk about Route 61, or as the locals call it, Djúpavegur—the "Midnight Sun Road" in Iceland’s stunning Westfjords. This fully paved gem is snuggled in the northwest and stretches for 249 km (155 miles) from Road 60 to Ísafjörður, the biggest town in the Westfjords (population: around 2,600). Think dramatic coastal views and landscapes that’ll make your jaw drop! Keep in mind, though, this route isn't for the faint of heart. You'll encounter some seriously steep sections, climbing up to 440m (1,443ft) at the Steingrimsfjörðurheiði Pass. Winter travelers, listen up: keep a close eye on the weather. This pass can get gnarly with high winds and sudden storms, sometimes leading to closures. On the plus side, ancient stone cairns mark the path, like little breadcrumbs through a Nordic fairytale. Expect a smooth ride, though! The road is generally in great shape. Plan for about 3-4 hours of pure driving bliss. With epic scenery and light traffic, this could easily be the highlight of your Icelandic road trip.

A narrow scenic road to Mont Tendrehard

A narrow scenic road to Mont Tendre

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Mont Tendre: A Hidden Gem in the Jura Tucked away in Switzerland's Jura mountains in the Vaud canton, Mont Tendre is one of those thrilling mountain passes that'll make your heart race. We're talking 1,679 meters (5,508 feet) of Alpine goodness, and honestly? It's absolutely worth the drive. Starting from Montrichier, you're looking at just over 8 kilometers of pure climbing—782 meters of elevation gain to be precise. That works out to an average gradient of 9.7%, though the road kicks up to a gnarly 14% at its steepest points. The asphalt ends at the Chalet du Mont Tendre (1,615m), where a welcoming restaurant awaits weary climbers. Here's the thing: this is a single-lane road winding through dense forest, which means it's wonderfully quiet and traffic-free. But that peaceful vibe comes with a caveat—those blind hairpin turns demand serious respect. Take them slowly, stay alert, and you'll be fine. If you love that raw, tree-lined climb experience with minimal crowds, Mont Tendre absolutely delivers. The scenery is quintessentially Jura—all forested mountainsides and that satisfying sense of real adventure that disappears on busier routes.

Where is Collado del Muñón?extreme

Where is Collado del Muñón?

🇪🇸 Spain

Deep in León, Spain, lies Collado del Muñón, a beast of a peak just begging for a 4x4 adventure. Think of it as a natural balcony looking over the high valleys of León, starting from the remote, stunning village of La Cueta. You're more likely to spot eagles or even a Cantabrian brown bear than another car up here! At the summit? Raw, unfiltered 360-degree views of the limestone giants separating León from Asturias. The road is a mere 3.1 km (1.9 miles), but don't let that fool you. This entirely unpaved track demands respect. We're talking serious incline and super loose rocks, so a high-clearance 4WD is non-negotiable. This isn't Sunday-drive territory; traction and throttle control are your best friends. And a HUGE warning: only tackle this beast when it's dry. Rain turns the high-altitude soil into an impossible mud slick, making the descent just as sketchy as the climb. The path is narrow, hugging the mountainside with zero safety barriers, so keep your eyes on the road! Prepare for an elevation gain of 315 meters (that’s over 1000 feet!) over those short 3.1 km, averaging a brutal 10.16% gradient. Translation? Almost no flat sections to catch your breath! Expect to be crawling in low-range gears the whole way to manage that slope without losing grip. Technically, the road's open year-round, but its high elevation means it can be closed after heavy snow. And trust me, weather in the Cantabrian Mountains is unpredictable – a sunny morning in La Cueta can turn into a blizzard at the summit in minutes. Snow and ice on a 10% unpaved grade? No thanks! Always check local conditions and the forecast, and pack recovery gear and warm clothes. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience.