Where is Kirklar Mescidi?
Turkey, europe
9 km
3,161 m
hard
Year-round
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!
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,161 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardHow to Get by Car to Hoces de Vegacervera Canyon in Leon?
🇪🇸 Spain
# Hoces de Vegacervera: Spain's Most Jaw-Dropping Canyon Drive If you're looking for one of the most stunning gorge drives in all of Spain, you've found it. Hoces de Vegacervera sits tucked away in León Province, in the heart of Spain's Castile and León region, and honestly? It's absolutely breathtaking. Here's what makes it special: the Torío River has spent centuries carving this incredible limestone canyon, creating walls that soar over 100 meters straight up. The valley gets so narrow in places that it's barely 15 meters wide—those sheer vertical cliffs looming overhead create this dramatic, almost otherworldly landscape that'll make your jaw drop. The drive itself runs along the fully paved LE-311 road, stretching about 7.3 km (4.53 miles) from Felmín to Matallana de Torío, hugging the river the whole way. But here's the thing: this isn't a leisurely cruise. The road is narrow and winding, cutting right through the heart of those imposing canyon walls. You'll definitely want to take it slow and keep your wits about you—rockslides are a real concern in this area, so stay alert. The most incredible part? As you wind through this natural masterpiece, you're surrounded by the raw power of water erosion and the pure beauty of nature doing its thing. It's the kind of drive that reminds you why Spain's northern regions are so spectacular.
hardA thrilling (scary) off-road experience to Clot de l’Alpe
🇫🇷 France
# Clot de l'Alpe Ready for an epic alpine adventure? Clot de l'Alpe sits pretty at 2,361m (7,746ft) in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France, and honestly, the journey up is half the fun. Starting from the charming village of Vars, you're looking at a 13.9 km (8.63 miles) wild ride that'll test your nerves and your vehicle's suspension. Fair warning: this is a 4x4-only zone, folks. The unpaved, bumpy road with its patched sections climbs relentlessly—we're talking 10.5% grades that'll make your heart race as you navigate past Col de Chérine, Col de Valbelle, Col du Vallon, and Col de Saluces. But here's the payoff: the views are absolutely mind-blowing. As you ascend, you'll drink in panoramic vistas stretching across the Queyras, Embrunais, and the jaw-dropping Pelvoux Massif. It's the kind of scenery that makes every bump worth it. Once you reach the summit, you can refuel at two mountain restaurants—Eurl les 3 Ours and L'Homme de Pierre—perfect spots to catch your breath and soak in the alpine atmosphere. **Pro tip:** Save this drive for summer and early fall. Winter? Forget about it—the road becomes completely impassable, so this is strictly a fair-weather adventure.
extremeFeistritzer Alm
🇦🇹 Austria
# Feistritzer Alm Tucked away in the Carnic Alps right on the Austria-Italy border, Feistritzer Alm sits at a breezy 1,718 meters (5,633 feet) above sea level. This is seriously high-altitude territory. The road itself is a solid gravel track that'll take you most of the way up—though fair warning: winter basically shuts this place down. You're looking at an average gradient of 12.1%, with some gnarly sections hitting 15%, so bring your A-game behind the wheel. The road stops about 300 meters shy of the iconic Oisternig peak's summit, ending at a cozy little mountain hotel that serves as your final destination. Here's where it gets real: this pass has earned its sketchy reputation honestly. Unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards roll in without warning, and when they do, conditions become absolutely treacherous. Driving here during a whiteout is genuinely intense—not for the faint of heart. If you're planning a visit, timing is everything, and respecting the weather is non-negotiable.
extremeStrada Berbenno di Valtellina-Caldenno
🇮🇹 Italy
# Berbenno di Valtellina to Caldenno: The Italian Climb That'll Test Your Limits Tucked away in Sondrio Province in Lombardy, Italy, this road is seriously one of the gnarliest bike climbs you can tackle. We're talking about a monster ascent that'll push even experienced cyclists to their breaking point. Starting at a modest 389 meters in the village of Berbenno di Valtellina, you'll grind your way up 13.5 km through 40 hairpin turns, eventually reaching Caldenno at a whopping 1,811 meters elevation. That's a total elevation gain of 1,422 meters—and yes, you'll feel every single one of those meters. The numbers tell the real story: you're looking at an average gradient of 10.53%, but here's where it gets wild—some sections hit a brutal 40% slope. It's relentless. The road is mostly asphalt with some concrete sections toward the top, so a mountain bike is definitely your best bet here. Fair warning: some stretches are *insanely* narrow. We're talking barely wide enough for a car, let alone two vehicles passing each other. In winter, expect occasional closures when weather gets sketchy, but the road is generally open year-round for ambitious riders. If you're looking for an epic, leg-crushing challenge in the Italian Alps, this is absolutely it. Just bring your A-game and plenty of water.