Why is it called Commerson Crater?
France, europe
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hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to Réunion Island? Awesome! You absolutely HAVE to check out Cratère Commerson. This volcanic crater sits way up high – think serious altitude – on the island's volcanic slopes.
The road to get there, Route Forestière 5 du Volcan (also known as Volcano Road, fittingly!), is a real adventure. It’s unpaved, and a pretty steep climb that ends at Col des Ves, a mountain pass. The whole stretch is roughly a good few miles of winding road.
Word to the wise: the sun up there can be intense, so sunscreen is your best friend. But hey, this is a volcanic landscape! Be prepared for the weather to change on a dime. Rain is common, especially during storms, and fog can roll in fast, so keep an eye on the forecast, and pack accordingly.
Related Roads in europe
hardDriving the scenic Strada del Lumiei, the Italian road of the tunnels
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk about Strada del Lumiei in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy. Imagine a ribbon of asphalt carved into the mountainside near the Austrian border. This is Strada Provinciale 73, and it's a total thrill! This fully paved road stretches for about 19.5 kilometers from Ampezzo to the Beneto border. Construction started way back in 1919, finally opening up to the public in 1934. The road was redone in 2021. Now, don't think this is a Sunday drive. We're talking countless tunnels (some a bit tight and dark), a dizzying 25 hairpin turns, and a real risk of rock slides. Seriously, leave the RV at home; this road is not for high vehicles. Nestled in the Carnia mountains, expect a 35-45 minute white-knuckle ride (if you don't stop). And you *will* want to stop because the views of Lago di Sàuris and Lumiei Gorge are mind-blowing. Just be careful, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
extremeDriving the scenic Puente de Montañana-Alsamora Road
🇪🇸 Spain
# Carretera Puente de Montañana-Alsamora: Spain's Hidden Canyon Gem Tucked along the border between Aragón and Catalonia in northern Spain, this 11.2 km balcony road is an absolute stunner for anyone who loves dramatic scenery. We're talking one of Spain's most spectacular canyon drives, perched high above the stunning turquoise waters of the Noguera Ribagorçana river. The route connects the small villages of Puente de Montañana (in Huesca, Aragon) and Alsamora (in Lleida, Catalonia), winding through the Pre-Pyrenees Serra del Montsec mountain range. The asphalt is decent for most of the journey, though you'll encounter some narrow sections that keep you honest while driving. Fair warning: rockslides are a real risk here, so stay alert. What makes this road truly special—and honestly, pretty rare in Europe—is the jaw-dropping scenery combined with the sheer engineering feat of it all. You're literally driving along a cliff face carved out of the gorge itself. If you're heading to the legendary Congost de Mont-rebei gorge, this is your gateway. But heads up: that particular section is a white-knuckle bridle path carved into the cliff that demands serious respect. One wrong move and, well, it's a long way down. Definitely not the place for anyone uncomfortable with heights or prone to vertigo. This is wild, untamed driving at its finest—pure adrenaline mixed with some of Europe's most breathtaking natural beauty.
extremeThe curvy Trollstigen is Norway's Most Famous Road
🇳🇴 Norway
# Trollstigen: Norway's Most Thrilling Mountain Drive If you're looking for an adrenaline rush wrapped in stunning scenery, Trollstigen Mountain Road is calling your name. Located in Møre og Romsdal county, about 15 kilometers south of Åndalsnes on Norway's western coast, this legendary stretch of National Road 63 is basically the country's ultimate scenic drive—and yeah, it lives up to the hype. The fully paved route spans 49.9 kilometers (31 miles) from Sylte in Fjord Municipality to Åndalsnes in Rauma Municipality. Block out around two hours for the drive, though honestly? You'll want to linger longer. The name says it all—Trollstigen means "Troll's Ladder"—and legend has it that trolls roam these mountains at night before turning to stone at sunrise. When you see the dramatic cliffs and misty peaks, you'll totally get it. What makes this road legendary are those 11 iconic hairpin turns snaking up a steep 9-10% gradient. Each bend has its own personality and name, often honoring the construction workers who built that particular section. You'll twist through tunnels, past frozen lakes, alongside cascading waterfalls, and over deep fjords with lush valleys sprawling below you. The highest point, Stigrøra, sits at 857 meters (2,811 feet) above sea level. At the summit, there's a parking area where a ten-minute walk takes you to a viewing balcony overlooking those famous hairpin bends and the stunning Stigfossen Waterfall. During peak season, about 2,500 vehicles tackle this road daily—making it Norway's most-visited tourist route. Pro tip: bring your camera. The photo ops are absolutely insane. Fair warning though: this road demands respect. Rain and fog can slash visibility, narrow lanes leave little room for error, and unpredictable mountain weather can turn things gnarly fast. Rock falls and tight turns mean it's not suitable for buses longer than 12.4 meters. The road's only open from mid-May through October (depending on snow conditions), and winter closures are real. Built between 1916 and 1936 (and officially opened by King Haakon VII), this engineering marvel replaced an ancient pack horse trail that had connected the valleys for centuries. You can still spot remnants of the original track in places. The road's been featured in James Bond's "No Time to Die" and countless car commercials—proof that Trollstigen isn't just beautiful, it's iconic.
easyHow long is the Lofoten National Tourist Route?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: the Lofoten Islands in Norway, a string of islands practically dangling in the Arctic Circle. That's where you'll find the Lofoten National Tourist Route, and let me tell you, it's a coastal drive like no other. We're talking a route that winds from the bridge over Raftsundet in the north all the way to Å in the northwest. Basically, you're cruising along the edge of the world! Yup, it's paved, so no need for a monster truck. But is it worth it? Absolutely! Get ready for jaw-dropping views of the ocean, the kind that'll stick with you forever. It's a road trip for anyone who loves to drive, with photo ops galore. You'll hug the edges of mountains, weave through charming fishing villages, and suddenly, the landscape just explodes into these huge, wide-open vistas. You'll be hopping between Euroroute 10, Road 807, Road 811, Road 825, Road 992, Road 994, and back to Road 807. The best part? It's open year-round. Just a heads-up, though: winter weather can get wild, so expect possible short closures.