Where is State Road D950?
Turkey, europe
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hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on the D950, a major north-south artery in Turkey! Forget boring highways; this route carves its way through Artvin, Erzurum, Bingöl, and Diyarbakır provinces.
Stretching from Hopa on the Black Sea near Georgia all the way to Şenyurt on the Syrian border, this one's a lengthy adventure. Think scenic overlooks meet bustling transport corridors, making it a vital but, shall we say, *interesting* drive.
Give yourself a solid chunk of time to conquer it. This route is a go-to for truck drivers due to its strategic location, so keep an eye out.
Word to the wise: this road crosses three mountain passes, so winter can throw a curveball. After heavy snow, parts might be temporarily closed. But when it's clear? Epic views through Nebirnav Yaylasi are waiting for you!
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Col de la Chambotte?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up for the Col de la Chambotte in the Savoie region of France! This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll find this gem nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, a 7.2km (4.47 miles) stretch of pure driving bliss (and a little bit of terror!). The Route de la Chambotte (D991B) is paved, but don't let that fool you. This road, topping out at 650m (2,132ft), is known for its "balcony" sections — think narrow, winding stretches clinging to the mountainside, with some unlit tunnels thrown in for good measure. Oh, and did I mention sections with limited or no guardrails running right above the lake? Yeah, it's that kind of ride. But the views? Absolutely incredible! You'll be treated to stunning panoramas of Lac du Bourget, France's largest natural lake, glimmering with clear turquoise waters. This glacial lake is framed by mountains, making for a breathtaking backdrop as you navigate this precarious (but unforgettable) road. It runs roughly north-south, connecting Chindrieux to Saint-Germain-la-Chambotte. Get ready for a truly unique experience!
moderateA tricky scenic road to Alto de Trobaniello
🇪🇸 Spain
# Alto de Trobaniello: A Hidden Gem in Asturias If you're looking for a seriously challenging climb that'll test both your car and your nerve, Alto de Trobaniello in Spain's Asturian mountains is calling your name. This mountain pass sits at 1,625 meters (5,331 feet) and offers an unforgettable ride through some stunning terrain. Starting from Santa Marina, you're looking at a 17-kilometer ascent with a whopping 1,068 meters of elevation gain—that averages out to 6.3%, but trust me, it gets gnarlier than that. The first stretch is deceptively chill: about 6 kilometers of smooth asphalt through charming mountain villages at a manageable 4.8% gradient. It's the kind of warm-up that lulls you into a false sense of security. Then things get real. After 5 kilometers, the pavement gives way to unpaved terrain dotted with concrete sections. The road climbs relentlessly, with sections hitting over 15% gradient. Brace yourself for the brutal middle section—between kilometers 12.5 and 13.5 (or about 3.5 kilometers from the summit), the average gradient hits a punishing 12.7%. This is where you'll really feel it. The good news? The unsurfaced surface is rough enough for cars to handle—just be prepared for a gravel and concrete experience rather than smooth tarmac. You'll trade comfort for an incredibly rewarding journey through Asturian mountain scenery that most casual travelers never experience.
hardWhere is Col du Coq?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up for the Col du Coq, a mountain pass sitting pretty in the Isère department of France! We're talking serious elevation. This climb? Totally unforgettable. You'll find it nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, that southeastern slice of France, clinging to the northwest-facing slopes. Back in the day, skiers had to tackle a rough and tumble 1,400-meter unpaved road to get to the station, before swooping down. Now, this beauty runs about from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse to Saint-Nazaire-les-Eymes, and yes, it's paved (thank goodness!). You'll be cruising on the . Keep an eye out, because about halfway up, you'll hit some hairpin turns. Think this sounds familiar? This climb has been featured in the Tour de France! Some say it's a dead ringer for the Faux Col de Restefond, sharing almost the same length, steepness, difficulty, and even the same number of hairpin turns. Forget a "thrilling (scary) off-road experience to Col de Chérine". This is a truly amazing drive.
extremeWhere is Tuxer Ferner?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: you're in Austria, nestled in the stunning Zillertal valley. You’re about to tackle a crazy road that climbs to an insane elevation. This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking serious altitude! This road is the lifeline to the Hintertux Glacier system, one of the few spots on Earth where you can ski year-round. So, where exactly are we going? We're heading to Tuxer Ferner Haus, practically glued to the base of the glacier in the Zillertal Alps. The views? Epic! Think permanent snow, dramatic rock formations, the works. Now, here's the kicker: this isn't a smooth, paved highway. Forget about it! This is a gnarly 4.7 km (2.9 miles) stretch of loose stones, rocky patches, and chunky gravel. It's basically a service road for the ski station, and it's only doable for a *tiny* window in late summer, usually around August. Don't let the short distance fool you; this road packs a punch. It's a relentless climb, gaining some serious altitude. We're talking an average gradient of 13.27%, but that’s just an average, there are sections where you’re climbing at a crazy angle. You absolutely need a high-clearance 4x4 with serious torque and the right tires to even think about tackling this thing. And the challenge doesn't stop there. The weather in the Zillertal Alps is wild! High winds are constant, and even in summer, you can get hit with snow and freezing temps. Your car's going to be screaming, too – the cooling system will be pushed to the max on those crazy inclines, and you'll be relying heavily on your brakes to avoid overheating on the way down. It's intense, unforgiving, and definitely not for the faint of heart!