Where is Pirin Kayalar Geçidi?
Turkey, europe
3.3 km
1,122 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through eastern Anatolia in Turkey, heading towards the Erzurum province. Suddenly, you hit the Pirin Kayalar Geçidi – a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,122 meters high.
You'll find this gem nestled in the Uzundere district, right by the western edge of Lake Tortum. This isn't just any random stretch of road; it's a 3.3 km paved section of the Erzurum-Artvin highway, connecting Erzurum to Artvin.
Now, I'm not gonna lie, this road has a reputation. Locals call it the "Road of Death" because, yeah, it's seen its share of accidents. Think sharp, steep bends that can be a real headache for truck drivers, especially when winter rolls around. Plus, there's a landslide risk!
But here's the good news: they built the Pirin Kayalar Tunnel to bypass the trickiest part! This 2,246-meter tunnel is a game-changer, keeping traffic flowing smoothly, even when the snow starts piling up.
So, is it worth the trip? Absolutely! Even though the drive can be intense, passengers get treated to breathtaking views of Tortum Lake. Just sit back, relax (maybe not *too* much if you're the driver), and soak in the scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 3.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,122 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Coe Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're in northern Italy, specifically the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region, ready to conquer Passo Coe! The climb kicks off near Calliano, and what awaits you is a sweet 19 km (11.8 miles) of winding road. Don't be fooled, though – it's a demanding climb with a solid elevation gain, making it a true test, even featured in the Giro d'Italia. The road itself, officially called Strada Provinciale 143 (SP143), is typically in pretty good shape. Once you reach the summit, you're greeted with a huge parking lot (you'll need some coins), along with bars, restaurants, and a cozy refuge – the perfect spot to soak in the views. Speaking of views, they're epic. Just a heads-up, though: being up in the mountains, especially closer to Strada Foresta Girgini and Sella di Russis, winter can throw a curveball. Snowfall might lead to temporary closures, particularly up high. So, if you're traveling in late autumn or early spring, be sure to peek at the conditions before you go. Otherwise, get ready for an unforgettable Alpine adventure!
hardThe Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Road to Pico Mencilla
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventurers, picture this: you're in northern Spain, Burgos to be exact, ready to conquer Pico Mencilla! This isn't your Sunday drive; we're talking a wild, unpaved, 28.1 km (17.46 miles) stretch of pure off-road bliss that twists from Palazuelos de la Sierra to Barbadillo del Pez. Forget your low-riders; a 4x4 is a MUST. Seriously, you'll need it to tackle the insane 24% gradients and navigate those nine mountain passes, including Mogosa (1.782m / 5,846ft) and Alto de Hontanares (1.806m / 5,925ft). And in winter? Snow turns this into a slippery challenge only for the bravest (and best equipped!). This epic climb will take you between 2 and 3.5 hours, but trust me, the views from the 1.934m (6,345ft) summit are SO worth it. Think sprawling landscapes in the Sierra de la Demanda range. Just remember to take it slow, enjoy the ride, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
moderateIs the Ötztal Glacier Road one of the highest roads in Europe?
🇦🇹 Austria
Cruising through the Austrian Tyrol, you absolutely HAVE to experience the Ötztal Glacier Road! Consider yourself warned, though – this mountain road is for seasoned drivers only. Winding its way up into the Ötztal Alps, this beauty clocks in at 13 km (8 miles) connecting Sölden directly to the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach Glaciers. Pro tip: these glaciers are connected by the epic 1.7km-long Rosi Mittermeier Tunnel, one of the highest road tunnels in Europe. Reaching a staggering 2,830m (9,285ft) above sea level, you'll feel like you're on top of the world! The road is paved and in great condition, featuring insane twists and turns. It's a toll road, BUT skiers with a valid pass and cyclists get to cruise for free! Is it worth it? A thousand times yes! This is a pure hidden gem. Every single curve offers a new, mind-blowing view, so make sure your camera is charged. Fun fact: it was even used in a chase scene in the Bond movie *Spectre*! Plus, you'll find tons of high-altitude hiking trails. Originally built in 1972, the road is wide enough for buses and lorries (up to 38 tons). Just a heads up: snow chains are advisable in winter. It can snow unexpectedly up there. The road is only open when it's considered safe (no avalanches!). In the autumn months, be prepared for any kind of weather. Snow chains and steel tracks might be required year-round. Due to the altitude, the weather can change in a heartbeat, so pack accordingly! **The key stats:** * Sölden - Rettenbach Glacier: approx. 13 km * Rettenbach Glacier - Tiefenbach Glacier approx. 3 km * Average elevation gain: 11% * Maximum elevation gain: 13% * Highest point: 2,830m (9,285ft) * Standard Width: 5 m (2 lanes)
extremeDare to drive the dangerous Kemaliye Stone Road above the Euphrates river
🇹🇷 Turkey
# Kemaliye Taş Yolu: Turkey's Wild Stone Road Adventure Want to test your driving skills? The Kemaliye Taş Yolu in Turkey's Eastern Anatolia is calling your name—if you've got the nerves for it. Carved into the Munzur Mountains along the border between İliç and Kemaliye districts, this 8.7km unpaved beauty winds through a gorge carved by the Euphrates River. We're talking about the second-largest canyon in the world, with jaw-dropping drops of up to 600 meters—no guardrails, no safety net. Just you, the road, and the void. It's become legendary among base jumpers and adrenaline junkies for good reason. What makes this road truly special? It's almost entirely handmade. Locals spent over 130 years—from 1870 until 2002—literally chiseling this path through solid rock with their own hands. Construction often stopped for decades at a time, and you can see why when you actually drive it. The authorities thought it was too expensive to build. So the villagers did it themselves. Today, you'll navigate 38 unlit tunnels and countless sharp bends while perched on a ridge just 2 meters wide, staring down at the river hundreds of meters below. At the entrance bridge, there's a sobering memorial listing those who didn't survive the construction. This isn't for everyone. The road demands serious driving skills—it's impassable in winter and tricky when wet. Vehicle size limits apply (170cm width, 220cm height max), and even experienced drivers find it intense. But if you're ready for a truly unforgettable adventure, few roads on Earth compare to the raw thrill of conquering the Kemaliye Taş Yolu.