How long is the road to Col des Iris?
France, europe
1.3 km
2,030 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're in the French Pyrenees, exploring those epic cycling and driving routes, right? Wanna take a little detour and get off the beaten path? Check out Col des Iris!
Nestled near the iconic Col du Tourmalet, this isn't some long, drawn-out adventure, but it punches above its weight. Just 1.3 km long, it branches off the D918 (the main road to the Tourmalet) and climbs 55 meters. That's an average gradient of 4.23% so not too intense.
Here's the thing: it's all gravel. Yep, rough and ready! This little gem is totally unpaved, so be prepared for a rocky ride. Especially after rain or when the snow's melting, you'll need to take it slow and steady. Speaking of snow, at 2,030m (6,660ft), Col des Iris can get snowed in *any* time of year, and it's usually totally impassable in winter.
But hey, if you're up for a bit of a challenge, the views are SO worth it. Plus, Col des Iris is your starting point for an even higher adventure: the climb up to Pic du Midi de Bigorre! If you are looking for a quick escape from the Tourmalet crowds and into the silence of the high mountains, this little detour is your ticket.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,030 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardPointe des Mossettes
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Pointe des Mossettes Perched at 2,252m (7,388ft) on the French-Swiss border, Pointe des Mossettes sits right above the Avoriaz ski slopes and offers an adventure that's not for the faint of heart. Fair warning: this is a gravel and rocky route that gets genuinely bumpy and unstable in sections. Winter? Forget about it—the road becomes completely impassable. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous or heights aren't your thing, you'll want to skip this one entirely. The climb is seriously steep, so you need solid off-road skills to tackle it. Weather is your enemy here too. When conditions turn wet, that muddy surface becomes a real challenge. But if you're an experienced wheeler with nerves of steel and a vehicle up to the task, this is the kind of alpine thrill ride that makes for an unforgettable story.
hardIs Road 870 in Northeastern Iceland unpaved?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Get ready for an epic Icelandic adventure on Road 870, aka Norðausturvegur! This gem snakes along the northeast coast, serving up unreal views of Iceland's wild side. Yeah, it's a gravel road, but don't worry, most cars can handle it if you take it slow and easy. This slightly rough coastal route is just about 60 kilometers (37 miles) long, connecting Þórshöfn (a village on the eastern shore of Þistilfjörður fjord) and Fontur (a village on the northeastern tip of the Langanes peninsula). Keep in mind, this road is usually closed from early September to late June, so plan accordingly. And watch out for fog—it can get seriously thick up here. Located in one of Iceland’s most remote corners, this drive is all about breathtaking landscapes and serious solitude. You'll be far from everything, soaking up the peace and quiet of this sparsely populated area. Just a heads up: it's not a busy route, so solo travel isn't recommended.
hardWhere is Shell Island Causeway?
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Gwynedd, Wales, heading towards Shell Island, home to the UK's biggest campsite. Sounds idyllic, right? But here's the kicker: getting there is an adventure in itself! The road to the island, more of a causeway really, vanishes *twice a day* when the tide rolls in. Seriously, it's underwater! This isn't your average drive. You're crossing the River Artro estuary, and you absolutely HAVE to time it right. Miss the window, and you're stuck waiting for the tide to recede. Tide times change daily, so do your homework! Summer gets crazy busy here, so plan accordingly. Oh, and why "Shell Island?" Because the beaches are *covered* in gorgeous seashells. It's a beachcomber's paradise! Just remember, when that tide comes in, the causeway is gone. Weather can shut it down too, so stay flexible. It's not the steepest road in Wales (that honor belongs to Ffordd Pen Llech!), but it's definitely one of the most unique and tidal!
easyWhat is the longest tunnel in the world?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Norway's Sogn og Fjordane county, about to enter the Lærdalstunnelen. This isn't just any tunnel; it's the *world's* longest road tunnel, stretching a whopping 24.5 kilometers (that's 15.2 miles!). It's part of the E16 highway, linking Aurland and Lærdal and bypassing a seriously scenic mountain road. Now, claustrophobes, listen up: this might not be your cup of tea. But if you're up for it, it's about a 20-minute drive at the 80 km/h speed limit. The best part? It's toll-free! Built in the late 90s and opened in 2000, it skips all those tricky mountain passes and ferries, making Oslo to Bergen trips a breeze, especially in winter. Here's the cool part: they knew a long tunnel could get monotonous, so they brought in psychologists to help with the design! Every 6 kilometers, you'll find wider sections with special lighting, almost like rock chambers, designed to keep you alert. The fluorescent lights throughout are a nice touch too. It's not just a tunnel; it's an experience!