How long is the R21 Highway?
Russia, europe
1,340 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! If you're craving an epic adventure across Russia, the R21 Highway is calling your name. This beast stretches a whopping 1,340 km (832 miles) from the vibrant city of Saint Petersburg on the Baltic Sea all the way north to Murmansk, perched on the edge of the Barents Sea.
Get ready to trade cityscapes for sprawling landscapes as you cruise through the heart of Karelia and the Murmansk Oblast. You'll even cross the Arctic Circle, so keep an eye out for the Northern Lights!
The good news? The road is paved the whole way, so no need for a monster truck. Just be aware that you'll be sharing the road with plenty of heavy trucks, so stay alert. Word to the wise: this area can be pretty polluted, and conditions can be rough. But don't let that scare you off; just make sure you're well-prepared for a long haul. This is one seriously unforgettable drive.
Road Details
- Country
- Russia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1,340 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateBrenner Pass is the lowest Alpine pass
🇦🇹 Austria
# Brenner Pass Want to tackle one of Europe's most historic mountain crossings? The Brenner Pass sits pretty at 1,370m (4,495ft) on the Italian-Austrian border, connecting South Tyrol's Bolzano province with Austria's Innsbruck district. This isn't just any mountain road—it's been a major gateway between northern Europe and Italy since ancient times. The journey spans 49.1km (30.5 miles) from Sterzing in Italy to Innsbruck, Austria, along the fully paved E45 route (marked as A22 in Italy and A13 in Austria). Built back in the 1830s-40s as a four-lane motorway, this is one of Europe's crucial north-south arteries, so expect plenty of company on the road. Some sections get pretty steep, with gradients reaching up to 10.7%, so keep your wits about you through those hairpin sections. The good news? Being the lowest Alpine pass in the region means you can typically drive it year-round. It's situated in the spectacular Eastern Alpine range, offering paved roads all the way to the top. Just remember: this is a major thoroughfare, so traffic can be heavy—but that's the price you pay for accessing one of history's most important mountain passages. Ready to cross into Austria?
moderateVaranger National Tourist Route
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're cruising in Norway, and not just *anywhere* in Norway. We're talking about the designated National Tourist Routes – 18 absolute stunners that show off the country’s best scenery *and* incredible road design! Forget boring highways; these are journeys through landscapes that will leave you speechless. Think fjords, mountains, and coastlines that’ll make your jaw drop. Ten of these epic drives are right here in Western Norway. So grab your car or motorbike and let’s explore! **Varanger National Tourist Route:** 160 km of pure Arctic bliss between Varangerbotn and Hamningberg. Imagine: dramatic landscapes, rich birdlife, and long summer nights bathed in the midnight sun. Heads up, though, Hamningbergveien between Smelror and Hamningberg is closed in the winter. **Havøysund National Tourist Route:** Buckle up for 85 km of wild, windswept coastline from Kokelv to Havøysund. This is the far north, folks, so prepare for that incredible Arctic light. It's usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter. **Senja National Tourist Route:** Get ready for 90 km of striking scenery along the outer coast of Senja Island, stretching from Gryllefjord to Botnhamn. And if you’re feeling adventurous, take the detours to Mefjordvær and Husøya, adding an extra 12 km to your trip! This one’s usually open, but watch out for winter closures. **Andøya National Tourist Route:** Calling all beach lovers! This 58 km coastal route between Andenes and Bjørnskinn on Andøya Island is all about wide-open seas and long, white beaches. It’s typically open year-round, but winter weather can cause short closures. **Lofoten National Tourist Route:** Prepare to be amazed by the beauty of the Lofoten Islands! This 230 km route from Raftsundet to Å is one of Norway's most iconic. It’s open most of the time, but keep an eye on the weather reports in winter. **Helgeland Coast National Tourist Route:** Spanning 433 km between Holm and Godøystraumen, this route is a journey through cultural heritage and natural wonders. From the Svartisen Glacier to the Vega Islands, you're in for a treat. Open most of the year, but be aware of possible winter closures. **Atlantic Road:** This 8 km stretch between Kristiansund and Molde is an experience! Sharp turns, wild nature – this is a road trip you won't forget. Open year-round, but watch for winter weather. **Geiranger - Trollstigen National Tourist Route:** Get ready for two of Norway’s most dramatic attractions! This 104 km route takes you to the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord and the thrilling Trollstigen Mountain Road. Note that Langvatnet to Geiranger is closed from November to May, and Trollstigen closes from October to May. **Rondane National Tourist Route:** This 75 km route from Muen and Sollia Church to Folldal offers a peaceful alternative to the main highways. Open most of the year, but winter closures are possible. **The Old Strynefjell National Tourist Route:** Step back in time on this 27 km masterpiece of road-building between Videseter and Grotli. Normally closed from October to June, so plan accordingly! **Sognefjellet National Tourist Route:** Climb high into the Jotunheimen mountains on this route between the Sognefjord and the Gudbrandsdalen Valley. It’s the highest mountain pass in Northern Europe! Liasanden to Turtagrø is usually closed from November to May. **Gaularfjellet National Tourist Route:** Follow the waterfalls on this 114 km route between Balestrand, Moskog, and Sande, taking you past the mighty Sognefjord. The road over Gaularfjellet is closed during winter from Mel to Mjell. **Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route:** Experience a barren plateau on this 49 km route between Aurlandsvangen and Lærdal. Closed over the mountain during the winter season, so plan ahead! **Valdresflye National Tourist Route:** Endless vistas await on this 49 km stretch between Garli and Hindsæter. Parts of the route are closed during the winter between Garli and Maurvangen. **Hardangervidda National Tourist Route:** Drive through Hardangervidda National Park, across Northern Europe's largest mountain plateau! This 67 km route runs between Eidfjord and Haugastøl. It's open year-round, but watch out for short winter closures. **Hardanger National Tourist Route:** Follow the scenic Hardangerfjord on this 158 km route east of Bergen. Expect mountains, fjords, and waterfalls galore! Open year-round, but be prepared for possible winter closures. **Ryfylke National Tourist Route:** This 260 km route between Oanes and Hordalia in Røldal offers a mix of green landscapes and dramatic mountains and fjords. From Helandsbygd to Røldal is normally closed from November to June. **Jæren National Tourist Route:** Open skies, wide horizons, and endless ocean await on this 41 km route between Ogna and Bore. Think sandy beaches and dunes for days! Open year-round, but may be closed for short periods in winter.
moderateA memorable road trip to Lai da Vons
🇨🇠Switzerland
# Lai da Vons: Alpine Beauty in the Swiss Mountains Hidden away in the Beverin Nature Park sits Lai da Vons, a stunning high-altitude lake perched at 1,991m (6,532ft) where the Rheinwald forest meets Val Schons in Graubünden's Hinterrhein district. It's the kind of place that makes you understand why people fall in love with the Swiss Alps. Getting there is an adventure in itself. The route follows Gütersträsschen, a charming little mountain road that's mostly paved until those final, grittier sections. Fair warning: it's narrow and seriously steep in places—we're talking grades up to 12%—so take your time and enjoy the ride. Coming from Andeer? Buckle up for an 11km climb that'll gain you 1,095 meters of elevation (averaging a solid 10% grade). If you're starting from Sufers instead, it's a slightly shorter but equally intense 6.3km push with 657 meters of elevation gain at an average of 10.4%. Either way, your legs and your brakes will feel it. But here's the payoff: once you reach that serene alpine lake, you're rewarded with absolutely breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the Sufers reservoir and all the way to the Rheinwald. It's one of those moments where the effort completely disappears and you're just left thinking, "Wow, this was totally worth it."
hardWhere is Karagyol Reservoir?
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, buckle up, road-trippers, because we're heading to Karagyol Reservoir, a high-altitude gem sitting pretty at [elevation]! You'll find this beauty tucked away in [location], in a region boasting some of the highest roads in the whole country. Locals also call this reservoir [alternate name]. On a clear day, prepare to be wowed because the summit views are seriously epic – think jaw-dropping panoramas of surrounding mountains as far as the eye can see. The road itself was carved out between [years]. Now, I'm not gonna lie, the climb to the dam is intense. It's rough and tumble for a while, but right when you think you can't take it anymore, BAM! It magically turns into a smooth ride with gradual inclines. You'll be sweeping up the mountainside on a series of switchbacks, but be warned: the rugged road surface might be a bit much for your average road bike. Starting from the paved [starting point], it's a [length] haul to the top, with a serious elevation gain of [elevation gain] and an average gradient of [gradient]. But there are definitely parts hitting a whopping [steeper gradient]! Just before the tippy-top at [elevation], you'll pass a crumbling old building, marking what they say is the highest concrete-paved road around. Word to the wise: this section is typically closed from late October to early July, so plan accordingly!