Where is Tunnel du Mortier?
France, europe
1 km
1,370 m
extreme
Year-round
Nestled in the Isère department of France, you'll find the abandoned Tunnel du Mortier, a relic sitting pretty at 1,370m. This beauty is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in the southeastern part of the country. Word on the street is it was first built way back in 1911, then upgraded for the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble.
Sadly, this tunnel closed its doors in 1992 after a massive rockfall wiped out the access road. Picture this: around 20,000 m3 of rock giving way, leaving a seriously unstable zone. Because it wasn't a super critical route, the powers that be decided to let it be. Nowadays, hikers and mountain bikers are the only ones who dare venture through.
So, can you drive through? Technically, the tunnel itself, built wide enough for two lanes, is still there. But the road leading to it? Not so much. The first part is easy enough, but the middle gets seriously dark. Pro tip: avoid looking directly at the light at the other end; it'll mess with your vision. There's a rock slide that has cut off the road further down the climb, so you need to be very careful to cross.
Getting there involves taking the D218, a paved road with some narrow bits. The southeastern side is still drivable up to the tunnel, but the northwestern side? Forget about it—completely collapsed. Expect some steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 12%. Once inside, bring a flashlight, since it’s a long tunnel and completely dark in the middle.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,370 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Estany Llong?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: You're in northern Spain, smack-dab in the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, one of Spain's fourteen national parks. Your destination? The stunning Estany Llong, a glacial lake sitting pretty high up in the mountains. There's even a mountain refuge there if you fancy staying a while! Now, getting there is an adventure in itself. The road? Think winding, narrow, and at times, seriously steep. The first bit is paved, even with some concrete sections thrown in for good measure. But hold on tight, because the final stretch turns into a totally unpaved track – definitely a job for a 4x4! The whole shebang is just shy of long, but don't let the distance fool you. You'll be climbing over that distance, with an average gradient of . Along the way, you'll pass the gorgeous Estany de Llebreta (Llebreta Lake). Trust me, the views are worth every bump and turn! Just be aware that the road is closed at certain times of the year.
hardPsiloritis Mountain
🇬🇷 Greece
# Psiloritis Mountain: Crete's Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure Ready to tackle one of Crete's most thrilling mountain routes? Welcome to Psiloritis Mountain (also called Mount Ida), a beast of a peak towering at 1,570 meters (5,150 feet) in the Rethymno region. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's a serious adventure for experienced off-roaders only. The road up is pure unpaved chaos: gravel, rocks, and relentless bumps that'll test your vehicle and your nerves. A 4x4 is basically non-negotiable here. If mountain driving isn't your jam, honestly, skip it. Same goes if heights make you queasy—this trail climbs steeply with hairpin turns that seem to spiral endlessly toward the sky. Weather matters big time. Dry conditions are challenging enough, but throw rain into the mix and those muddy sections become genuinely treacherous. Time your visit wisely. Make it to the top though, and you're rewarded with mountain huts where you can catch your breath and take in some seriously epic views. It's the kind of drive that separates the casual travelers from the real adventurers—and the accomplishment? Absolutely worth every white-knuckle moment.
hardB3135-Cheddar Gorge is one of Britain's most scenic drives
🇬🇧 England
Cruising the B3135 through Cheddar Gorge is an absolute must-do if you're anywhere near the southern edge of the Mendip Hills. This road, also known as Cliff Road, slices right through a stunning part of Somerset, deep inside Cheddar Gorge – the UK's largest gorge and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Imagine limestone cliffs carved by glaciers, soaring nearly 400 feet high for three whole miles! This 14-mile (23km) stretch of road has a wild 22 bends linking Cheddar to Ashwick. Without stops, expect the drive to take around 30-40 minutes, but be prepared for some traffic. Keep an eye out for tour buses, farm vehicles, the occasional flock of sheep, and wandering tourists. Cliff Road is epic. The first section is the most intense, where you're threading the needle through the gorge itself. Towering cliffs rise on either side, forcing you to navigate a series of tight twists and turns. Precision is key here – think agile, not powerful. After about four miles, the gorge opens up, and trees replace rock. The second part mellows out with sweeping bends. Then, the final stretch is all about long straights and gentle gradients, giving you a chance to soak in the surrounding views. With gradients reaching 16% at times, be aware that the road may be closed after heavy rains and floods. This road is so good, it’s been featured in the Tour of Britain and was once named the best driving road in the UK. Cheddar Gorge gets packed with visitors, so expect to share the road, especially with tourists and cyclists.
hardColetto di Laus
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Coletto di Laus! This beast of a mountain pass sits way up high in the Italian Piedmont region, clocking in at 1,948 meters (that's 6,391 feet!). The road? Well, it's not exactly a smooth ride. Think gravel, bumps, and a real "off the beaten path" vibe. Word to the wise: the final stretch is hike-only. Expect a steep climb with hairpin turns, a narrow track, and some rough patches where the elements have taken their toll. Oh, and snow makes it a no-go zone from September to June. But hey, at the top, you're rewarded with the stunning Lago di San Bernolfo. Just remember, it's a seriously steep and rugged road to get there.