Driving the slippery Lefortovo Tunnel of Death in Moscow

Driving the slippery Lefortovo Tunnel of Death in Moscow

Russia, europe

Length

3.2 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, buckle up, road trippers! Ever heard of the Lefortovo Tunnel in Moscow? This beast sits in the Lefortovo district, just outside Russia's mega-capital.

This isn't your average underpass; at 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) long, it's one of the longest inner-city tunnels in Europe. Think smooth asphalt and seven lanes of traffic – three heading north and four south. It's been open since 2003, so it's relatively new.

But here's the spooky part: Locals call it "The Tunnel of Death," and not without reason. This tunnel has a reputation for accidents, especially in the winter. Word on the street (or should I say, under it?) is that ice buildup is a major culprit, turning the roadway into a skating rink. There is even video circulating online showcasing some of these accidents that were captured by security cameras inside.

Beyond the hazards, it's a crucial part of Moscow's Third Ring Road, diving deep under the Yauza River. The roof has been known to leak, which turns into ice in winter. So if you're brave enough to drive it, keep your wits about you, especially when the temperatures drop!

Where is it?

Driving the slippery Lefortovo Tunnel of Death in Moscow is located in Russia (europe). Coordinates: 53.4712, 38.4731

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Russia
Continent
europe
Length
3.2 km
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
53.4712, 38.4731

Related Roads in europe

Can you drive across Lake Baikal?hard

Can you drive across Lake Baikal?

🌍 Russia

Ever dreamt of driving across the world's deepest lake? Head to Siberia's Lake Baikal and you might just get your chance! Every winter, when the ice gods allow, a 12 km (7.5 mi) ice road magically appears, connecting the mainland to Olkhon Island, a rugged paradise with insane lake views. Prime time for this icy adventure? Early February to late March, when the ice is a meter thick (or more!). Seriously, the ice is so clear, you can spot the lake bottom beneath your tires! This surreal route starts near the village of Kurkut in the Irkutsk Oblast, and takes you east to Irkutskaya Guba on Olkhon Island. But is it open? Usually yes, during February and March, but only if the ice is at least 60 cm (24 in) thick. And keep in mind, it's a daytime affair, generally 9 am to 6 pm. You might see trucks rumbling along — this road is seriously strong, able to hold massive vehicles when the ice is thick enough!

Where is Starkenburger Hütte?hard

Where is Starkenburger Hütte?

🇦🇹 Austria

Okay, picture this: You're in Austria, itching for adventure, and someone whispers about Starkenburger Hütte, a mountain hut chilling at 2,237 meters in the Tyrol region. Sounds dreamy, right? Getting there is part of the thrill. Starting from Neustift im Stubaital, you're in for a 12.6km (7.82 mile) climb on an unpaved road. We're talking steep – averaging around 9.72% grade! That’s a solid 1,225m ascent. A few things to keep in mind: this road is no joke. It's narrow, gets slick when wet, and completely shuts down in winter. Pay attention to avalanche warnings! Private vehicles aren't allowed, so plan accordingly. The hut is generally open from early June to mid-October, weather permitting. But trust me, it's worth the effort! The views of the Stubai mountains are absolutely epic, with those 3,000-meter peaks showing off all along the way. It's a panorama that'll be etched in your memory forever.

Col du Trible: a narrow paved road to the summitmoderate

Col du Trible: a narrow paved road to the summit

🇫🇷 France

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're cruising around the Ardèche department in the Rhône Valley, France, you HAVE to check out the Col du Trible. It's a mountain pass that hits 540m (or 1,771ft for my fellow imperial system fans), and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. The D265, as it's officially known, stretches for about 8.2 km from Le Chambon de Bavas to Saint-Cierge-la-Serre, running east to west. Now, the pavement is there, but it gets super narrow – think "can't-pass-another-car-without-a-serious-strategy" narrow. Seriously, brush up on your reversing skills! It also throws in some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 8%. But the views? Totally worth the white-knuckle drive!

SH8 Llogara Passdifficult

SH8 Llogara Pass

🇦🇱 Albania

# Llogara Pass: Albania's Most Thrilling Mountain Drive Want to experience one of the Balkans' most jaw-dropping road trips? The Llogara Pass on the SH8 is your answer. Sitting at a cool 1,027 meters in southern Albania, this route connects the town of Vlora to the stunning Albanian Riviera along the Ionian coast, cutting straight through Llogara National Park in the Ceraunian Mountains. As you climb through the park, you'll be surrounded by a thick forest of black pines and Mediterranean vegetation—it's genuinely beautiful. But the real magic happens on the way down. The descent is absolutely insane in the best way possible. Over 20 hairpin bends zigzag down the mountainside, each one tighter than the last, with absolutely breathtaking views unfolding below you. You'll catch glimpses of Dhermi Beach, Drymades, and even the island of Corfu peeking out in the distance across the water. It's the kind of drive that makes you understand why people fall in love with the Balkans. What's really cool is that the villages and beaches beyond the pass—the famous Albanian Riviera—were practically isolated from the rest of the world until the early 2000s when the road finally got upgraded. These days, the SH8 is beautifully paved and well-maintained, though those hairpins are genuinely tight and the drop-offs are seriously steep. Combine dramatic mountain scenery, heart-pounding hairpins, and access to some of Europe's most unspoiled coastal villages, and you've got yourself a hidden driving gem that most tourists completely miss.