Where is Plateau de Bure?
France, europe
10.3 km
2,560 m
moderate
Year-round
Wanna feel like you're driving on the moon? Head to Plateau de Bure in the Hautes-Alpes department of France! Perched way up high at 2,560m (8,398ft), this remote plateau is home to some serious radio astronomy gear.
You'll find it nestled in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. It's where the NOEMA interferometer hangs out, with its ten giant antennas scanning the skies.
Now, about getting there... the road is a wild 10.3 km (6.4 miles) stretch of unpaved terrain that kicks off from Le Pré. Think lunar landscapes, killer panoramic views of the Vercors and Écrins massifs, and an adventure only suitable for 4x4s. Built back in the late 80s, this road is usually snowed in during winter, so plan accordingly. Keep in mind that private vehicles are not allowed to drive to the plateau.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,560 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is the Gotzenalm Refuge?
🇩🇪 Germany
Okay, picture this: you're in Bavaria, Germany, practically breathing the same air as Austria. You're headed into Berchtesgaden National Park, aiming for a place called Gotzenalm Refuge. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. Gotzenalm sits way up high, at 1,687 meters (that's 5,534 feet!). Word on the street is this is one of the highest roads in Germany. Now, the road? Let's just say it keeps things interesting. Think narrow squeezes, seriously steep climbs, and conditions where you'll probably want a high-clearance vehicle. Heads up, it's often closed to regular cars, so plan accordingly. But here's the payoff: the views! Perched on an alpine pasture, Gotzenalm gives you a panorama that'll make your jaw drop. We're talking sweeping vistas of the Alps, the shimmering Königssee lake far below, the iconic St. Bartholomä church, and the imposing Watzmann East Face rising dramatically. Trust me, the drive (or hike!) is worth every single breathtaking moment.
moderateMount Leinster in Ireland: a steep road to the summit
🌍 Ireland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Irish countryside, heading towards Mount Leinster, the highest paved road in Ireland! This bad boy tops out at 786 meters (2,578 feet) and straddles the border between Carlow and Wexford counties in the Blackstairs Mountains. The road to the summit, known locally as Stua Laighean, is paved, but let's just say it's seen better days! It's called the 2RN access road, and it's there to service all the broadcast masts at the top, including a 122-meter-tall TV transmitter that's been there since '63. Heads up: the steep section to the top is usually gated off, and the transmitter is fenced off, but don’t let that stop you from soaking in the unreal views. Speaking of views, the Irish countryside unfolds beneath you as you climb, and if you're lucky, you might spot some local wildlife. Keep an eye out for hang-gliders too – this is a popular launch spot! Just be prepared for some classic Irish weather – high winds and rainstorms are pretty common up here. The road itself is a beast. Starting from Nine Stones, a well-known landmark at the base, it’s a short but intense 2.6 km (1.61 miles) climb. Don't be fooled by the length; you're gaining 335 meters in elevation with an average gradient of almost 13% – and some sections hit a crazy 17%! This climb is so legit it's even been featured in the Tour of Ireland. Get ready for an epic drive!
moderateHow to get by car to Heidelberger Hut?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Perched high in the Silvretta Mountains near the Swiss-Austrian border, Heidelberger Hütte sits at a breathtaking 2,264 meters (7,427 feet) above sea level. This mountain refuge has been welcoming adventurers since 1889, when the Heidelberg division of the German Alpine Club finished construction after two years of work. Getting here is half the adventure. Starting from Ischgl, a charming ski village nestled in Austria's Paznaun valley, the route to the hut winds 13.4 km (8.32 miles) through the stunning Fimbatal via a completely unpaved road. Fair warning though—while the scenery is absolutely worth it, you're looking at a serious climb. The road gains 907 meters in elevation with an average gradient of 6.76%, so don't expect a casual cruise. Private vehicles aren't allowed on this road anyway (though a 4x4 would technically handle it), so plan your visit accordingly. Oh, and winter? Forget about it—the road closes completely during the snowy months, so stick to summer and early fall for this one.
extremeHow long is the F26 Road (Sprengisandsleið) in Iceland?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, picture this: you're in Iceland, craving adventure, and someone whispers "F26." This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about the Sprengisandsleið, a legendary highland gravel road smack-dab in Iceland's Southern Region. This beast stretches for 232 km (144 miles) through the Sprengisandur area, a desolate plateau stuck between the Hofsjökull and Vatnajökull glaciers. It's the longest of Iceland's infamous F-roads, a proper challenge that hasn't changed much since medieval times. Just imagine the stark, raw scenery as you roll past Hekla volcano, marking the southern entrance. But wait, there's more! This road climbs to a lofty 861m (2,824ft), making it one of Iceland's highest. It usually opens late June, but Mother Nature calls the shots. Keep an eye on the weather, because rain and heat can turn those glacial rivers into raging monsters. Thunderstorms? Lightning? Yeah, those are on the menu too. Speaking of rivers, get ready to ford some! You'll encounter several unbridged crossings, and the water can get up to a meter deep. Daytime's cool, but nighttime? That's when the road's said to get a little… haunted. Gas is non-existent here, and the stations at Hrauneyjar and Goðafoss are a whopping 240km (149 miles) apart. Don't be that unprepared driver begging for fuel at Nýidalur! The Hagakvislar river, near the Nýidalur hut, is the main event. It's unpredictable, swelling with rain and a strong current. River crossings need experience. Don't go solo or during heavy rain – it's a recipe for disaster. Wait for another vehicle, assess the current, depth, and riverbed. Remember, rental car insurance usually doesn't cover water damage. Big potholes, ruts, boulders – this road is rough. You'll need a serious 4x4 with good clearance. Forget your cute compact car. The F26 cuts through Iceland's heart, its empty, stunning interior. Be prepared to be alone – it's remote and not heavily trafficked. Think endless grey sand, rocks, and glaciers looming in the distance. The enduring image? Nothingness. So, if you're looking for a wild, unforgettable Icelandic experience, the F26 is calling your name. Just be prepared!