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
hardClue de Saint Auban is a scenic balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Clue de Saint Auban: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure If you're craving one of France's most iconic balcony roads, the Clue de Saint Auban delivers pure adrenaline and jaw-dropping views. This spectacular gorge, carved by the Esteron River, sits tucked between the Alpes de Haute-Provence and Alpes Maritimes departments in the southeastern corner of the PACA region, right where the Verdon meets the Estéron valley. The fully paved D2211 winds its way through the gorge like a ribbon clinging to the mountainside—and we mean *clinging*. This isn't your average scenic drive. The road hugs the cliff edge on a narrow ledge with dramatic rock overhangs that'll make you feel like you're driving through a cathedral. Keep an eye out for a chapel carved directly into the rock face—locals still hold services here every September, and it's legitimately awe-inspiring. The real showstopper? The 7.3 km stretch between Saint-Auban and Briançonnet. This section is where things get serious. You're navigating a single-lane ribbon of pavement that contours impossibly high along sheer ravine walls, with overhanging rock creating a tunnel-like effect. It's one of the deepest and steepest clues in all of Provence, and rock slides are a genuine concern here. Rally Monte-Carlo drivers have tackled this section for years—if that tells you anything about the challenge level. Nestled at the foot of Mont Teillon, this balcony road is famous for good reason. The scenery is absolutely stunning as you snake through forests and mountains, but stay sharp on those hairpin turns. Use those parking spots thoughtfully, and you'll have an unforgettable Alpine adventure.
hardLarche Pass is an awe-inspiring drive in the Alps with 16 hairpin turns
🇫🇷 France
Col de Larche-Colle della Maddalena is this stunning international alpine pass sitting at 2,005 meters (6,578 feet) right on the Italy-France border. It connects the Stura valley in Italy with the Ubaye valley in France, nestled between the Cottian Alps and Maritime Alps in a seriously gorgeous mountain setting. The route is fully paved and runs about 12.3 kilometers from Val-d'Oronaye in France to Argentera in Italy. On the Italian side, you'll be cruising Strada Statale 21 (Colle della Maddalena), while the French side goes by D900 (Col de Larche). The pass is open year-round unless heavy snow decides to close the party—thankfully a rare occurrence. Now, here's where it gets interesting: the drive has 16 wickedly sharp hairpin turns that'll keep you engaged, but the gradient never gets too steep—maxing out around 8%. It's technically a pretty manageable climb, though definitely one that commands respect. Heads up if you're planning to cycle the French side from Les Gleizolles up to the pass—it's officially off-limits because of rockfall and landslide hazards, so stick to the road. At the summit, you'll find a souvenir shop and a spacious parking lot perfect for stretching your legs and soaking in the views. There's also a cool statue honoring legendary cyclist Fausto Coppi's iconic 1949 Giro victory. Definitely worth a stop if you're into cycling history!
easyDriving the scenic A888, a loop road around Barra
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, picture this: you're in the Outer Hebrides, on the stunning island of Barra. Buckle up, because you're about to cruise the A888, also known as the Barra Ring Road! This paved loop is your ticket to exploring the island's coastal villages. Clocking in at just under 13 miles (20.8 km), it's a quick trip – you can easily drive the whole thing in about half an hour. Now, a heads-up: it's a single-track road with passing places, so be prepared to share. The highest point reaches about 100m, just northeast of Castlebay. But the views? Oh, they're worth it! Think dramatic North Atlantic ocean views, rocky bays, and those incredible white sand beaches that Barra is famous for. The road makes most of the island very accessible, which encircles a mountainous interior. It’s easy to jump on the loop wherever you are. Get ready for an unforgettable island adventure!
moderateIs the Vilyui Highway paved?
🌍 Russia
Okay, picture this: you're smack-dab in the middle of the Siberian wilderness, craving a real adventure. Then you find the Vilyui Highway! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The Vilyui Highway is a mix of pavement and gravel that stretches through some seriously remote territory. You *can* do it in a normal car, but be warned: after a good rain, even a monster truck might think twice. Why "Vilyui"? Because you'll be paralleling and crisscrossing the Vilyui River the whole time! Prepare for multiple ferry crossings to make it across the mighty river! The journey begins in Yakutsk, the diamond capital, and winds its way to the remote town of Mirny. You'll pass some stunning scenery, guaranteed, but keep your eyes peeled!