Where is the Ancien Fort de La Turra?
France, europe
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moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're off the beaten path in southeastern France, practically spitting distance from Italy, headed towards Ancien Fort de la Turra. This abandoned high-mountain fort sits way up high, so high in fact that I can't tell you exactly! You'll find the fort, with its cool old military buildings, in the shadow of the Écrins Mountains, nestled in the Hautes-Alpes region.
Now, the road up? It's a bit of an adventure, clocking in at maybe around two kilometers. You'll start on smooth pavement, but don't get too comfortable! The road is narrow and steep. But trust me, it's worth it for the panoramic views.
Related Roads in europe
extremeAbano Pass is a Georgian treacherous road closed in winters
🇬🇪 Georgia
# Abano Pass: Georgia's Ultimate Mountain Challenge Ready for an adventure that'll make your heart race? Abano Pass (also called Torgva Pass) sits at a jaw-dropping 2,864m (9,396ft) in the heart of the Great Caucasus Mountains, right where Kakheti and Tusheti regions meet near the Russian border. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—we're talking about the highest drivable mountain pass in the entire Caucasus. The 67.2km (41.75 miles) unpaved route winds from Pshaveli up through some seriously dramatic terrain to Omalo, a small mountain village at 1,850m. It's the kind of place that feels genuinely untouched—partly because it's cut off from the rest of Georgia for most of the year. Summer is your window, roughly May through October, but even then, weather and landslides can close things down unexpectedly. Seriously, you might get stuck for a couple days waiting for roads to dry out. Here's the real talk: this road demands respect. Only high-clearance 4x4 vehicles should attempt it, and you're looking at some brutal 17% gradients with zero guardrails hugging cliffsides above gorges. The unpredictable surface, hairpin turns, and countless memorials along the way tell you this isn't called a "death road" for nothing—roughly 10-12 fatalities happen here annually. But here's why people do it anyway? The scenery is absolutely stunning. Wildflowers dot the landscape, waterfalls cascade alongside you, and you'll spot everything from snow walls (sometimes 4 meters deep in July!) to incredible mountain vistas. The Soviet-built road, completed in 1978, even features a tiny chapel at the summit with a quirky coffee shop called "Above the Clouds" that sometimes opens up there. Pro tip: Book accommodation ahead (many homestays only operate July onward), hire a sober driver, and pick a clear weather day. And if your driver suggests taking shots of cha-cha on the way up? Politely decline. You've got this—just give it the respect it deserves.
hardWhere is Palinkopf?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got a wild one for you: a seriously high mountain road straddling the border of Switzerland and Austria. Think stunning alpine views, but be warned, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about reaching the Palinkopf, sitting pretty on the Tyrolean/Grisons border, accessible from Ischgl, Austria. The road to the summit? Forget pavement! It's a rugged, unpaved service road used to access the chairlifts of the epic Samnaun-Ischgl ski area. Expect a bumpy, adrenaline-pumping ride. The climb is intense, with sections hitting a hefty gradient that will test your driving skills and your vehicle. From Ischgl, you're looking at a journey of about 5.3 km, climbing over 630 meters with an average gradient of 12%. Prepare for some steep ramps that will make your heart race. Given its altitude in the Samnaun Alps, this road is only passable during a very short summer window. So, if you're craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure with killer views, add this one to your list! Just make sure you have the right vehicle and a healthy dose of courage.
hardGoderdzi Pass: high clearance and good suspension required
🇬🇪 Georgia
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You HAVE to experience the Goderdzi Pass in Georgia. This bad boy sits way up high at 2,027 meters (that's 6,650 feet!). You'll find it nestled between Adjara and Samtskhe–Javakheti in the southern part of the country. The Batumi-Akhaltsikhe road takes you there, and "picturesque" doesn't even begin to describe it. Fair warning: it's mostly unpaved. I'm talking 4x4 territory, folks. Seriously, you'll want high clearance. Otherwise, prepare for a slow, bumpy ride. Think cows chilling in the road, sneaky landslides, and waterfalls splashing everywhere! This pass ain't for the faint of heart – bring a sturdy vehicle and a good dose of patience. Perched high in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, snow makes it a no-go in winter. The road stretches for about 79.4 km (49.33 miles) from Khulo to Akhaltsikhe. When you finally reach the top, you'll be rewarded with hotels, restaurants, and even a mosque! Get ready for some seriously stunning views.
hardSantuario de Nuestra Señora del Acebo
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: You're in Asturias, Spain, southwest of the main action, ready to tackle a wild climb up to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Tree, perched way up at 1,172m. You'll kick things off from Carballo, off the CN-4. This isn't your average Sunday drive – get ready for some seriously steep sections! It’s about 9km of winding asphalt, but don't get too comfy. This route gains 649 meters. That means an average gradient of over 7%. The road can get pretty tight – think single-lane narrow, so take your time. Oh, and did I mention sheer drops right next to the road? Yeah, hundreds of meters down with no guardrails to save you. The shrine itself is super cool, built back in 1590. Word to the wise: maybe skip this one at night or if the weather's dodgy, especially if you're a newbie. The curves are endless! It's usually open year-round, but snow can shut it down in winter. Fun fact: the Spanish Vuelta race has featured this climb, so you know it's legit.