Where is Marchkinkele - Cometto di Confine?
Italy, europe
N/A
N/A
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're straddling the border between Austria and Italy, practically on top of the world! We're talking about Marchkinkele - Cometto di Confine, a high mountain peak that's home to one of the highest roads around.
This peak, sometimes called Cornetto di Confine, sits right on the line between South Tyrol in Italy (part of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano) and the Austrian state of Tyrol, deep inside the Tre Cime Natural Park.
Up top, you'll find a mountain hut just below the summit – the perfect spot to soak in the sun and those views of the Sesto and Braies Dolomites. History buffs, take note: There are also old military constructions scattered around, remnants of the Vallo Alpino del Littorio, and the road itself was built as part of that.
Now, about that road. It's not super long, but don't underestimate it! This isn't a Sunday drive. Also, heads up: being the southernmost peak of the Villgraten Mountains, and at that altitude, the road is usually snowed in during the winter, making it impassable.
Related Roads in europe
hardWhy is Monte Giogo famous?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I just found this crazy spot in Tuscany you HAVE to see. We're talking about Monte Giogo, a peak sitting pretty at 1,510 meters (that's 4,954 feet for my American friends). So, what's the big deal? Well, the summit is home to an abandoned NATO radio station from the Cold War era. Picture this: massive, decaying antennas and half-destroyed buildings. Seriously, it’s like stepping into a zombie movie! The road itself? Built back in '64/'65 to get materials up for the NATO base. The road leading to this apocalyptic wonderland? It’s paved, but let’s just say it's seen better days. I'd recommend an SUV or something with decent clearance. From the SP25, it's just a quick 3.2 km (or about 2 miles) to the top, but hold on tight! You'll be tackling four hairpin turns and a pretty steep climb – think an average gradient of 6.62%. You'll gain 212 meters in elevation. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
extremeD219 is a scenic balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Road D219: The Alpine Thrill Ride Want to experience one of Europe's most adrenaline-pumping drives? Welcome to Road D219, a white-knuckle masterpiece carved into the dramatic cliffs of the French Alps. Located east of Grenoble in the Isère department, this 9km stretch connects Le Bourg-d'Oisans to Villard-Notre-Dame (expect about 13 minutes of intense concentration). You'll find yourself nestled among some seriously impressive mountain real estate—think Alpe d'Huez and Les Deux Alpes—with the stunning Écrins National Park as your southeastern neighbor. Here's what you're getting into: a fully paved road that hugs the Romanche River while clinging to sheer rock faces. The stats alone are intimidating—10 hairpin turns, 4 unlit tunnels, and drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat. Those tunnels? Pitch black and narrow enough to make you question your life choices. The sections between them aren't much friendlier, with only a low stone wall between you and a seriously long fall. The view though? Absolutely spectacular. This shelf road winds higher and higher, cutting into the mountainside for stretches that feel like you're driving through the mountain itself. It's the kind of road that makes for jaw-dropping photos—if you can keep your eyes on the road long enough to look. Open year-round technically, but winter closures are common thanks to snow. And yes, there are vehicle restrictions (max 15 tons, 7 meters long, 3 meters wide). Bottom line: if narrow mountain roads terrify you, skip it. If they thrill you? This is your Alpine bucket-list moment.
extremeDay 1-2: Escaping the Capital to the Cotswold Ridges
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're ditching London and heading west on the B4632, a former A-road that's way more fun than any motorway. This baby winds its way between Cheltenham and Stratford-upon-Avon, hugging the Cotswold Hills. Think sweeping turns and views for days. Day two? Get lost in those charming, but tiny, stone-walled lanes – you'll need to know your car's dimensions *real* well. Next up, Devon and Cornwall, where you'll tackle the legendary Porlock Hill, part of the Atlantic Highway. Hold on tight, because this beast boasts a 25% gradient! It's England's steepest A-road, a true test of your vehicle's brakes and cooling. As you descend toward Lynmouth, use that engine braking – you *do not* want brake fade here. Day four is all about exploring North Devon's ridiculously narrow lanes, where hedgerows tower above you. Reversing skills? Mandatory. Time for a ferry to the Isle of Wight and the Military Road. This is a road on the edge – literally. Coastal erosion is a constant threat, with the English Channel on one side and stunning downs on the other. Keep an eye out for closures and detours, because this road is in a constant battle with the sea. Back on the mainland, brace yourself for the A285 between Petworth and Chichester. This road is notorious, with sharp, deceptive bends and hidden dips that have earned it a reputation. Stay sharp, especially when transitioning from those fast straights into the technical, tree-lined curves. Finally, head back towards London through the North Downs, avoiding the M25. Tackle those climbs near Box Hill and the twisty lanes of the Surrey Hills for one last challenge. Expect tight corners and short, steep climbs before you plunge back into the city. Don't forget to give your ride a good check-up after this intense week of driving. This trip is more than just castles and cream teas. It's about the raw challenge of the British landscape, from those killer Exmoor gradients to the crumbling cliffs of the Isle of Wight. Get your vehicle prepped, check the weather, and respect the roads!
extremeIs the road to Artzamendi paved?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the French Pyrénées, practically spitting distance from Spain. You're heading for Mont Artzamendi – or Sommet de l'Artzamendi, if you're feeling fancy – a peak that tops out at just over 3,000 feet. The road up is paved, thankfully, but hold on tight! It's a twisty, turny climb, barely wide enough for one car in places, and seriously steep – we're talking gradients of up to 17%! If your reversing skills are a little rusty, maybe skip this one. Definitely check your brakes before you head down; you'll need 'em! The climb is short but intense: just 2.5 miles to the top, gaining over 1300 feet in elevation. That's an average gradient of 10%, so get ready for a workout for your car (and maybe you!). Try to avoid peak times; you really don't want to meet a bus coming the other way. So, is it worth the white knuckles? Absolutely! The summit's crowned with a radar dome and some communication towers, but who cares about that when you've got views for days? You can see the whole Basque Country spread out before you, all the way to the Atlantic. Trust me, the panorama is breathtaking!