Where is Route 34?
Faroe Islands, europe
13.4 km
5 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Route 34, winding through the northern part of Suðuroy, that's the southernmost island in the Faroe Islands. You're cruising for about 13.4 kilometers (around 8.3 miles), starting from Trongisvágur – nestled at the end of Trongisvágsfjørður on the east coast – and heading north to Sandvík, the island's northernmost village.
This road is your connection between Trongisvágur and Sandvík, slicing right through Suðuroy. Get ready for some serious mountain scenery, and a few tunnels thrown in for good measure.
Yup, Route 34 is all paved, but keep an eye out for some narrow spots and potential rockfalls. Conditions can change quickly with the weather and how busy it is.
Speaking of tunnels, there are two main ones. First up, the new Hvalbiartunnilin! Opened in 2021, it's a spacious 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) long with two lanes and plenty of headroom. This replaced the old Hvalbiartunnil, which just wasn't cutting it anymore for today's traffic. The new tunnel's located just north of the old one, with freshly built roads leading up to it.
Then there's the Sandvíkartunnilin, built back in 1970, but still going strong and getting you to Sandvík.
The original Hvalbiartunnilin was the very first road tunnel in the Faroe Islands, but it was small, dark, and only had one lane. It was bypassed in 2021 by a new section of road and the new tunnel. The old tunnel has been fenced off.
The new tunnel was built to accommodate larger vehicles.
Road Details
- Country
- Faroe Islands
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 5 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateDriving the Exciting ER338 Road in Serra da Estrela
🇵🇹 Portugal
Get ready for a thrill ride! High up in Portugal's Serra da Estrela mountains, in the Guarda district, awaits the incredible ER338. This paved beauty winds for 28.1 kilometers (about 17.5 miles) between Col de Zezere and Manteigas, promising breathtaking scenery. Keep an eye out, though – this stunning road can close without warning. Landslides, especially after storms or fires, are a real possibility thanks to the unstable mountain terrain. And, of course, winter snowfall can shut it down completely. You'll spot signs reminding you to "Test Your Brakes" and "Use Low Gears," hinting at the road's steepness – some sections hit a maximum gradient of 10%! But the views? Absolutely worth it! There are plenty of viewpoints to soak in the panorama. Plus, you'll be driving along the Zêzere glacier valley, a prime example of how glaciers shaped this landscape. This valley, the largest of the Estrela glacial valleys, stretches for around eight kilometers and boasts a classic U-shape carved by the ice age. Word of warning: this isn't a route for big rigs. The middle part gets super narrow, turning into a single lane in spots due to those pesky rockfall risks. Pro tip: Before you go, double-check if the road is open! With the potential for closures after storms, fires, and winter weather, knowing the conditions is crucial for a safe and unforgettable adventure.
moderateAn Unforgettable Drive to Lac d’Emosson in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Lac d'Emosson: A High-Alpine Hidden Gem Nestled in the Swiss Alps near the French border, Lac d'Emosson sits pretty at 1,970m (6,463ft) elevation in the canton of Valais. This stunning high-mountain reservoir is a seriously underrated driving destination. The paved road to the lake stretches just 6.2 km (3.85 miles) from the village of Finhaut, climbing a respectable 576 meters with an average gradient of 9.29%. Sure, you'll hit some steep pitches up to 16%, and the switchbacks near the top will keep you engaged, but here's the thing—the road is blissfully quiet. Traffic is minimal, which means you can actually enjoy the unbelievable views of Mont Blanc as you wind your way up. Built back in 1925, this road has serious character. As you climb, you'll notice the scenery getting progressively more spectacular. The road typically opens from late May through October or early November, depending on snow conditions. Once you reach the top, you'll find a charming restaurant, a little chapel (Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-neiges de La Gueulaz), and a parking area. If you're feeling adventurous, you can continue on foot to Lac du Vieux Emosson, an even higher dam at 2,205m, built in 1955. Pro tip: If you'd rather skip the driving entirely, check out the Barberine Railway—a jaw-dropping funicular built in 1920 with an 87% gradient. It's literally the world's steepest two-carriage funicular. The road to Emosson even hosted a Tour de France mountain finish, which tells you everything you need to know about its credentials.
hardLes Ecouges is a scenic balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Les Ecouges: France's Most Vertigo-Inducing Alpine Drive Buckle up, because Les Ecouges isn't your average scenic drive—it's an absolute adrenaline rush through the French Alps that'll have your palms sweating and your heart pounding. Located west of Grenoble in the Isère department, this 20.4 km (12.67 miles) stretch of Route Départementale 35 winds its way north-south from Rovon to the mountain village of Rencurel. And let me tell you, this isn't a road for anyone afraid of heights. The "balcony section" clings to the mountainside with barriers that feel laughably inadequate—it's simultaneously terrifying and absolutely stunning. The crown jewel? A 500-meter tunnel blasted through solid rock at Pont Chabert that emerges onto a road literally hanging above a waterfall before plummeting down toward the Isère Valley. Fair warning: until 2021, this tunnel was pitch-black (cyclists especially got an unwelcome surprise). The ancient route that existed before the tunnel has been sealed off due to rockfall danger—it was apparently even scarier than what you get today. Built in 1833 and finished by entrepreneur J Serratrice in 1883, this engineering marvel was originally designed to haul timber down from the mountains to supply a cannon foundry. The road itself is architectural poetry—its slope mirrors the natural limestone layers, and the sculpted ceiling creates this mesmerizing geometric effect. The drive snakes through lush mountain pastures with grazing cattle, dense forests, and switchbacks that demand your full attention. It's slow, winding, and utterly magnificent—perfect if you love roads that challenge both your driving skills and your nerve. Winter? Forget about it. The road closes seasonally due to snow, and oversized vehicles like trucks are banned year-round. Perfect for adventurous drivers and thrill-seekers ready to conquer one of France's most dramatic alpine passages.
extremeWhere is Pista de las Cutas?
🇪🇸 Spain
Get ready for some serious eye candy on Pista de las Cutas in Spain! Nestled in the northwest of the Sobrarbe region, Huesca province, this route delivers knockout views of Ordesa and Monte Perdido. FYI, it's closed to private cars. This epic track, also known as Pista Ordesa-Sierra de Cutas or Ruta de los Miradores de Ordesa, snakes through the Pyrenees mountains along the French border. Think wild landscapes and insane views! Clocking in at 31.3 km (almost 20 miles) from the HU-631 road to Torla-Ordesa, it's mostly unpaved and strictly a bike, motorbike, or high-clearance 4x4 kinda road. Heads up, this isn't a Sunday drive! We're talking hundreds of turns, hairpin switchbacks, steep climbs, narrow squeezes, and major drop-offs. Constant attention is key because the cliffs are dizzying. You might even need to hop out to scout the road ahead. Perched way up in the Pyrenees at 2,242 meters (over 7,300 feet), expect snow to shut things down from November to June. You'll conquer some serious passes, like Cuello Arenas, Punta Estatón, Punta Acuta, and the viewpoints at Punta Acuta, Vacarrayuela, and Molar. Get ready for some marmot sightings up high!