How long is Aukstaitian Road?
Lithuania, europe
180 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through central Lithuania on the Aukstaitian Road, a seriously cool historic route stretching 180 km (112 miles) from Kėdainiai up to Biržai. This isn't just any road; it's got stories etched into its asphalt, dating back to the pre-World War II era when it was built to link Kaunas with the heart of the country.
You're basically road-tripping through lands once ruled by the Radvila clan, which is pretty epic. Think castles and tales of old Lithuanian power! And the best part? The road's fully paved, so no need for a monster truck – any car will do.
Along the way, you'll hit up some must-see spots. There's the fortress in Biržai, a relic from the 17th century, and the charming old town of Kėdainiai. It's a journey through time, from the interwar period right through World War II, with plenty of historic towns and Radziwill castles to explore. Seriously, if you're into history and scenic drives, this road needs to be on your list.
Road Details
- Country
- Lithuania
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 180 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardSella di Russis: A Narrow Alpine Journey through the Dolomites
🇮🇹 Italy
# Sella di Russis: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Ready for a serious adrenaline rush? Sella di Russis sits pretty at 1,729m (5,672ft) in South Tyrol's stunning Dolomites, and it's honestly one of those hidden gems that'll make your heart race in the best way possible. This mountain pass—also called Russiskreuz—connects the picturesque Isarco Valley with the gorgeous Gader Valley, winding through the rugged Plose mountains in the Bolzano region. The whole experience is 45 km (28 miles) of pure Alpine drama, stretching from Bressanone to San Martin de Tor. Here's the real deal: while the Strada Provinciale 29 (SP29) is completely paved and well-maintained, it's absolutely not for the faint-hearted. This road is famously narrow and twisty—we're talking serious hairpins that demand your full attention and respect. Some sections are carved directly into steep mountainsides, which means rockslides are a legitimate concern, especially when bad weather rolls in or during spring melt season. The views? Absolutely spectacular. But there's a catch: winter basically shuts this pass down from November through May due to avalanche risk. The good news? The southern side stays open year-round to keep the Plose ski resort accessible, so you've got options depending on the season. This is a road that separates the casual drivers from the confident ones. If you're up for the challenge, you're in for an unforgettable ride through some seriously beautiful terrain.
hardColl de Moixeró
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've found a hidden gem tucked away in the Catalan Pyrenees of northern Spain, practically waving hello to France. It's called Coll de Moixeró, a mountaintop peaking at a cool 1,980 meters (or 6,496 feet for my imperial friends). This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road, though. Think unpaved, seriously steep climb through the Parc Natural del Cadí-Moixeró – pure Pre-Pyrenean bliss. Starting near the charming mountain town of Riu de Cerdanya, you're looking at a 14km trek to the top. Trust me, the high-mountain scenery is worth every bump and jolt! Best time to go? Late spring through early fall, unless you're super keen on snow drifts. Oh, and pro tip: leave your sedan at home; you'll definitely need a 4x4 with some serious clearance to conquer this one.
moderateWhere is Plateau de Bure?
🇫🇷 France
Wanna feel like you're driving on the moon? Head to Plateau de Bure in the Hautes-Alpes department of France! Perched way up high at 2,560m (8,398ft), this remote plateau is home to some serious radio astronomy gear. You'll find it nestled in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. It's where the NOEMA interferometer hangs out, with its ten giant antennas scanning the skies. Now, about getting there... the road is a wild 10.3 km (6.4 miles) stretch of unpaved terrain that kicks off from Le Pré. Think lunar landscapes, killer panoramic views of the Vercors and Écrins massifs, and an adventure only suitable for 4x4s. Built back in the late 80s, this road is usually snowed in during winter, so plan accordingly. Keep in mind that private vehicles are not allowed to drive to the plateau.
hardDriving the Rough and Rocky Road to Mt. Lakmos
🇬🇷 Greece
# Mt. Lakmos: Greece's Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure Ready for one of Greece's most thrilling mountain experiences? Mt. Lakmos sits at a breathtaking 2,059m (6,755ft) and ranks among the country's highest accessible peaks. You'll find it straddling the line between Epirus and Thessaly regions, nestled within the stunning Tzoumerka, Peristeri & Arachthos National Park—just north of Baros Pass. Fair warning: this isn't your typical scenic drive. The 17.1 km (10.62 miles) route from Chaliki is completely unpaved, seriously rough, and genuinely challenging. You'll need a proper 4x4 vehicle to tackle the rocky terrain, ultra-narrow sections, and some genuinely stomach-churning drop-offs. This road demands serious driving skills and nerves of steel. The good news? The dramatic Pandos mountain scenery makes every white-knuckle moment worth it. Just plan your trip wisely—the road is only passable from early June through November due to heavy snow. Winter weather closes it down completely. If you're an adventure seeker looking to push your limits and experience one of Greece's most demanding mountain routes, Mt. Lakmos delivers the goods. Just come prepared, come confident, and come with respect for what this mountain demands.