Driving the abandoned streets of Doel

Driving the abandoned streets of Doel

Belgium, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

Ever wanted to wander through a real-life ghost town? Then head to Doel, a fascinatingly abandoned village in East Flanders, Belgium, practically spitting distance from the Dutch border! Think just a short jaunt from Antwerp, the ever-expanding port that's kinda...gobbling up smaller towns.

Doel is steeped in history, over 700 years worth, but it's facing demolition thanks to the port's relentless growth along the Scheldt river. Word to the wise: officially, you're not supposed to poke around inside the buildings, but…let's just say some people manage.

Once buzzing with over a thousand residents, Doel's streets are now eerily deserted, save for a handful of die-hards refusing to leave. Expect a serious dose of creepiness as you wander through this silent, empty place. Just a heads up: you can't drive directly into Doel unless you're a resident.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Belgium
Continent
europe
Difficulty
easy

Related Roads in europe

Is the road to Bola del Mundo paved?hard

Is the road to Bola del Mundo paved?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, thrill-seekers, picture this: Bola del Mundo, or "Ball of the World," a seriously epic peak straddling Madrid and Segovia, Spain. You're talking 2,265 meters (7,431 feet) high! The road? It's paved, but don't expect smooth asphalt. It's rough concrete, so hold on tight. Fully paved since '09, so that's something! Starting from the well-known Puerto de Navacerrada, the climb is a mere 3.1 kilometers (just under 2 miles). Don't let the short distance fool you! Heads up: summit access is usually good in the summer. Winter? Could be a different story. Snow can shut things down quick. Also, private vehicles may not always be allowed due to how narrow and steep things get. Once you make it to the top, you'll find it's antenna city, broadcasting signals all over the place. Now for the fun part: this climb is BRUTAL. We're talking gradients maxing out at 23%! The ascent from Puerto de Navacerrada gains a hefty 361 meters, averaging over 11% incline. There are ramps of 16% right at the start, and again after about a kilometer. Then BAM, the 23% kicker hits you just before the summit. Even grand tour winner Alberto Contador called it "very difficult, dangerous," and steeper than some insane climbs in the area! He admitted he rarely rides it, and he lives there! Get ready for an unforgettable workout with some killer views!

Col du Galibier is an iconic Tour de France climbeasy

Col du Galibier is an iconic Tour de France climb

🇫🇷 France

# Col du Galibier: One of Europe's Most Epic Mountain Drives Ready for one of the most legendary climbs in the French Alps? Col du Galibier sits at a jaw-dropping 2,645 meters (8,678 ft) and stands as one of France's highest mountain passes. Located in the southeastern Alps near Grenoble, this beauty marks the boundary between the Hautes-Alpes and Savoie departments. The fully paved D902 stretches 43.3 km (27 miles) from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne up to the Tunnel du Galibier, ranking among the country's loftiest passes alongside the even-higher Col de l'Iseran. Trust us, the views alone are worth every hairpin turn—both climbing up and cruising down, you'll spot incredible peaks including Meije, Grand Galibier, and even Mont Blanc in the distance. Hit the summit and grab a bite at one of the cafes there while soaking in the scenery. But here's the real deal: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. The road throws steep 13.1% gradients at you, complete with relentless switchbacks. The altitude kicks in around 2,000 meters, so don't underestimate this beast. Nestled between the massif d'Arvan-Villards and massif des Cerces, the pass typically opens June 1st and closes October 31st—snow conditions call the shots. Historically, Galibier is cycling royalty. The first crude road went in around 1876 for military use, with a proper version completed in 1911—the same year it debuted in the Tour de France. Only three riders made it to the summit without dismounting that first time! The road you drive on now was finished in 1976, and the old tunnel (closed until 2002) used to be the only way through. A monument to Tour founder Henri Desgranges still stands at the southern tunnel entrance, a nod to the road's legendary cycling heritage.

Where is Cumbre del Sol?moderate

Where is Cumbre del Sol?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: Cumbre del Sol, a mountaintop that feels like you're touching the sky. Perched way up high in Alicante province, you'll find it nestled in the heart of the Marina Alta, near Benitachell. At the top, you're treated to some seriously stunning viewpoints! The road itself? Totally paved and in decent shape. It's a climb, though – about a mile long, and it really makes you work for it. We're talking an average gradient of around 10%, but don't let that fool you. It throws some seriously steep sections your way, with parts hitting a crazy 20%! That last kilometer really kicks it up a notch too. This climb has even been part of the Vuelta a España race, so you know it's legit. Get ready for switchbacks and some serious leg burn – but those views? Totally worth it!

How Long is the Vecchia Strada dei Crozi?moderate

How Long is the Vecchia Strada dei Crozi?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on the Strada dei Crozi in northern Italy's Trentino–Alto Adige region! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Tucked east of Trento, this 1.8-kilometer (1.11-mile) stretch was once part of the main drag, Strada Statale 47. Picture this: a fully paved road carved directly into the rock face. We're talking seriously narrow sections that will test your driving skills. Back in the day, this route was a vital connection between Trento and Valsugana. Originally built as an "Imperial Work," the construction of this road started in 1844 and took six years, requiring blasting teams who could only advance about 70-80 centimeters per day. Can you imagine the views as you hug the cliffside? Though it was bypassed in 1972, replaced by a viaduct over the Fersina stream due to safety concerns, it briefly reopened (2020-2022). Currently closed to private vehicles (with cycling plans in the works!), this historic road is a testament to engineering feats and a reminder of the challenging landscape of the Italian Alps.