
Where is the Edelweissspitze?
Austria, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in the heart of Austria, Salzburg to be exact, and you're heading up to the Edelweissspitze, a mountain peak that's seriously high up. At the very top, you'll find a mountain inn, built way back in 1935, and trust me, it's been *the* place to be ever since. The views? Unreal. You're talking about seeing thirty-seven peaks that are over 3,000 meters high!
The road itself? Oh, it's an adventure. Paved all the way, but get ready for some serious curves and hairpin turns, especially that final stretch. It's not crazy difficult, but it's narrow, so keep that in mind if you're driving anything bigger than a regular vehicle (no caravans or heavy vehicles allowed!).
This little detour is part of the larger Grossglockner High Alpine Road. The Edelweissspitze stretch is only a small part of the whole experience. The whole thing climbs quite a bit! Get ready for awesome scenery and a drive you won't forget!
Related Roads in europe
moderateTravelling through the scenic Route de l'Authion in the Alpes-Maritimes
🇫🇷 France
# Route de l'Authion: A High-Alpine Adventure Through Military History Want to experience one of the French Alps' most thrilling scenic drives? The Route de l'Authion (D68) in the Alpes-Maritimes is calling your name—just make sure you've got steady hands on the wheel! This legendary mountain road winds through the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France, and it's basically a journey through time. Built to connect a series of military forts constructed between the late 1800s and World War II, the route tells the story of the Maritime Alps' dramatic past—from Napoleonic conflicts to the fiercest WWII battles along the Maginot Line defenses. You'll spot crumbling military ruins scattered throughout, each one a testament to the area's complex history. Perched high within Mercantour National Park, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The 12.8 km loop starts at Col de Turini (1,610m) and climbs steadily through Silver Camp (1,737m), Tueis (1,889m), and a small pass (1,986m) before reaching the Authion Massif at a heady 2,080m. Fair warning: the road closes from November 30 through April 30, so plan accordingly. Here's the real talk: the pavement is fully paved but aging, with some rough patches and—importantly—zero guardrails. Low-slung sports cars need not apply. It's narrow, one-way, and genuinely nerve-wracking at points. But here's why you should do it anyway: the payoff is absolutely stunning. You'll gaze out at the Mercantour peaks, watch the Alps dramatically drop toward the Mediterranean, and discover weathered military monuments that feel like secrets waiting to be uncovered. It's scary, sure. But it's also unforgettable.
moderateIs the road through Kleidi Gorge paved?
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Evrytania, Greece – they call it "the Greek Switzerland" for a reason! You’re heading down a 29-kilometer (18-mile) stretch of paved road running from Mikro Chorio to Domnista, right through the heart of Kleidi Gorge, which the Krikellopotamitis river carved out. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. This narrow road twists and turns and only has one lane in some spots! But here's the kicker: you’ll actually drive *under* a massive rock overhang, like the mountain's trying to swallow you whole! It’s mind-blowing. The view is insane. One side of the road is the river flowing through one of the most breathtaking landscapes and the other side is vertical rock. There’s pull-off for photos, but be careful, because there are signs about rock slides. All in all, it’s risky yet unforgettable. This road climbs into the Pindus mountains near Mount Tymfristos and makes for one memorable adventure.
hardHow to drive the dangerous Ibar Highway?
🌍 Serbia
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers, because the Ibarska Magistrala, or Ibar Highway, is a wild ride connecting Belgrade to western Serbia and Montenegro! Locals sometimes call it the "Black Highway," which should give you a hint about what's in store. Following the path of the Ibar River, this 297 km (185 mile) stretch takes you from Belgrade all the way to the Špiljani border with Montenegro. It's part of the big-league European routes E65, E80, and E763, so expect some company along the way. While the whole route is paved, don't expect smooth sailing everywhere. The parts near cities are generally okay, but things can get a little rough in the countryside, especially after some bad weather rolls through. Trust me, you'll want to stick to daytime driving here – night trips are not recommended due to the tricky road conditions. Most of the highway is single-lane and it gets seriously crowded. In the southern section, you'll have the beautiful Ibar River as your constant companion. Now, for a word of caution: this road sees its fair share of accidents every year. Sadly, between 2017 and 2019, there were over 1,700 accidents, with some resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. So, stay alert, drive carefully, and enjoy the (sometimes hair-raising) adventure!
moderateWhere is Tunnel Pitve?
đź‡đꇷ Croatia
Cruising around Hvar, Croatia? Buckle up and get ready for the Pitve Tunnel, an unforgettable ride that feels like driving into the heart of the earth! Seriously, this thing is carved straight through solid rock – think mine shaft, not highway. You'll find this wild tunnel in the Jelsa region, connecting Pitve to Zavala on the island's south side. It's been around since 1962, originally built for water supply but quickly repurposed. The payoff? It skips a crazy steep gravel road that only serious 4x4s should attempt. The tunnel itself is a trip. Forget smooth asphalt; it's rough, unlit, and barely wide enough for one car. A traffic light system usually keeps things flowing, but if those lights are off, it's all about good old-fashioned common sense – headlights on, and yield to anyone coming the other way. Claustrophobes, maybe sit this one out. It's almost a mile long (1.4 km), a tight squeeze at just 2.3 m wide and 2.4 m high. Expect some drips and minor flooding from water seeping through the rock. The surface is rough and can be sketchy for bikes and scooters, so be cautious. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! On the other side, you're rewarded with charming villages and stunning beaches. Bonus secret: keep an eye out for a hidden door on the left shortly after entering from Pitve. Believe it or not, the tunnel houses its own wine cellar! The cool, steady temperature is perfect for aging vino. Cheers to that!