
Conquering the true summit of Mount Elbrus by car
Russia, europe
N/A
5,462 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: you're in the heart of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic in Russia, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Caucasus Mountains. And there it is, Mount Elbrus, a dormant volcano that's also one of Europe's highest points!
Now, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. We're talking about an ascent that adventurer Alexander Abramov decided to tackle in a Land Rover. The goal? To reach the summit at a staggering 5,642 meters (17,919 feet).
The first stretch up to 3,883 meters (12,739 feet) wasn't too brutal, but then things got real. Think snow, ice, and conditions that tested both the vehicle and the ten-person team to their limits. The Land Rover, decked out with studded tires, chains, and a winch, faced constant repairs and setbacks.
After an incredible 45 days, battling the elements and mechanical gremlins, Abramov and his crew finally made it! They reached the summit in their Land Rover, snagging a Guinness World Record in the process.
The celebration was short-lived as they had to figure out how to get the car down! A rescue mission was launched, but disaster struck when the driver attempted to descend without reinforcements. The Land Rover ended up plummeting down the mountain, shattering against the rocks at around 5,400 meters. The wreck is still there to this day, a testament to an incredible, slightly crazy, adventure.
Where is it?
Conquering the true summit of Mount Elbrus by car is located in Russia (europe). Coordinates: 51.9139, 41.2251
Road Details
- Country
- Russia
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 5,462 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 51.9139, 41.2251
Related Roads in europe
hardA wild paved road to the top of Col du Negron
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Négron Tucked away in the Drôme department of southeastern France, Col du Négron sits at 1,242 meters (4,074 feet) and offers a pretty interesting mountain driving experience. The pass is part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and stretches 14.7 km (9.13 miles) along RD18, running north-south between Col de la Pigiere and Revest-du-Bion. Fair warning: the road surface has definitely seen better days, so you'll want to take it easy. Starting from Revest-du-Bion, you're looking at an 11.18 km climb with 319 meters of elevation gain—that works out to a pretty mellow average gradient of 2.85%, though you'll hit some steeper sections with a maximum slope of 5%. The route winds through 5 hairpin turns that'll keep things interesting, and there's a weight limit of 15 tons, so heavy vehicles need not apply. The bigger concern? Watch out for potential rockfalls along the way. The pavement is fully intact, which is good news, but combined with the rough surface conditions, you'll definitely want to keep your speed in check. It's a modest climb by Alpine standards, making it a nice option for drivers who want some mountain scenery without tackling anything too extreme.
extremeThe Wild Road to Cadino Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo di Cadino: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Nestled in Brescia province high in the Lombardy Alps, Passo di Cadino sits at a dramatic 1,937 meters (6,354 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass—also called Malga Cadino Dossi or Goletto di Cadino—connects the towns of Breno to the west and Bagolino to the south via the Strada Provinciale 669. What makes this drive special? The road is fully paved, which sounds promising until you realize it's *incredibly* narrow—think white-knuckle tight. While the gradients stay mercifully reasonable at around 10% maximum, don't let that fool you into complacency. The real wildcard here is weather: this pass can shut down without warning when snow rolls in, so timing your visit requires some planning and flexibility. Sitting just east of Passo di Croce Domini, this route delivers that authentic Alpine driving experience—steep, narrow, and utterly rewarding for those who embrace the challenge. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's absolutely worth the adventure if you're up for it.
moderateWhat Road Has the Longest Straight Section in Spain?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: cruising down the N-301 in Spain. You're somewhere between Minaya (Albacete) and El Provencio (Cuenca), and get ready, because you’re about to experience something wild. This legendary road boasts Spain's longest straight shot – a whopping 23.2 km (that's over 14 miles!) without a single bend. Seriously, it's straight as an arrow! This road isn't just about smooth sailing; it's packed with history too. Word has it that it was the very road a king used to sneak out of the Royal Palace of Madrid and hightail it into exile from the port of Cartagena. Now, if heights and thrills are more your thing, check out the JF-7038 up at Collado de los Cadavales. It's a whole different kind of road trip, full of breathtaking views and maybe a few white knuckles!
moderateWhere is Col de Ste-Anne?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: the Col de Ste-Anne, nestled in the Alpes-Maritimes of southeastern France. You're cruising through the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, right in the heart of the Mercantour National Park. Talk about scenic! This little gem, also known as Route des Launes (D28), links up the high alpine areas and it's all paved. But hold on – it's not just a simple drive. Think narrow sections, winding roads cutting through pine forests, and serious alpine vibes. Clocking in at just a handful of miles between Roure and Beuil, don't let the distance fool you. It's an intense climb to a decent elevation. The views of the Mercantour peaks are unreal. Keep an eye out for slick spots, especially in the shade. During winter, you'll definitely want your snow tires or chains – those curves can get tricky! And, heads up, the road hugs the mountain tight as you drop down towards Beuil, so keep your speed in check. Get ready for some serious mountain driving magic!