How long is the Storehaug Tunnel Old Road?
Norway, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in western Norway, itching for an adventure. Forget the main highway and check out the old Storehaug Tunnel Road! It's a short but sweet detour near , connecting the paved and the paved . Reaching an elevation of , you'll be treated to some seriously stunning views.
Now, a heads-up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Despite being paved, the road has seen better days. Rain turns it into a slippery challenge, so proceed with caution! The most exciting (and slightly nerve-wracking) part? A long tunnel section, a leftover from when they built the new tunnel to make things safer. Definitely one to remember!
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Bernina Pass?
🇨🇠Switzerland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Passo del Bernina, one of Switzerland's most iconic Alpine roads. We're talking Graubünden, near the Italian border, so get ready for some serious scenery. This isn't just any drive; it's a 53 km (33-mile) stretch of pure awesomeness connecting St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy. The road, also known as Hauptstrasse 29, climbs to a dizzying 2,332m (7,650ft) above sea level, so expect some steep sections with gradients hitting 10.4%. It can get busy with tour buses, so patience is key. Keep your eyes peeled for the Bernina Express, the highest railway in the Alps, which crisscrosses the road. Sometimes, you'll even find the train tracks running right on the road! The road has been around since 1865, and is normally open year-round since 1965, although snow can fall for eight months of the year, so check conditions before you go, especially in winter. The drive itself takes about 1 to 1.5 hours without stops. You'll be treated to incredible views of Alpine peaks and stunning lakes, including the bright turquoise Lago Bianco. At the summit, you'll find a hotel and a couple of restaurants to refuel before continuing your adventure.
hardHow do you drive to Col de Bousson from the Italian side?
🇫🇷 France
Col de Bousson: straddling France and Italy at a lofty 2,154m, this isn't your average Sunday drive! Deep in the Cottian Alps, it's a rugged, unpaved adventure connecting the Turin area in Italy with the Hautes-Alpes region of France. Think epic scenery and a serious off-road challenge. This is strictly 4x4 territory, folks. We're talking narrow tracks, steep climbs, and the kind of terrain that demands respect. It's an alpine adventure that'll test your skills and reward you with mind-blowing views. So, how do you tackle this beauty from the Italian side? Start in a charming village in Italy, following signs. The asphalt quickly gives way to gravel as you ascend, the track winding through forests where the edge can be a *long* way down. Hazards? Oh, they're there. Near Lago Nero, keep an eye out for the tiny Capanna Mantino chapel. Right after, you'll need to make a sharp right onto a seriously steep uphill. This section is tight, loose dirt and rocks abound, and after rain, it's slick as anything. Guardrails? Nope! So, make sure you're on point! Keep in mind, this road is usually only open from late June to September due to heavy snow. Even in summer, mountain weather can be brutal. Check the forecast before you go – visibility can drop to near zero in minutes. Why is it a 4WD must-do? It's all about that "borderless" feeling. One minute you're in Italy, the next you're dropping into France. The isolation at the top is unreal, with stunning panoramic views of the jagged peaks marking the divide between the two countries.
moderateHow to Get by Car to Cinque Torri Refuge in the Dolomites?
🇮🇹 Italy
# Rifugio Cinque Torri: A Mountain Drive Worth the Curves Perched at 2,137m (7,011ft) in the stunning Veneto region of Italy, Rifugio Cinque Torri is nestled between two legendary Alpine passes—Falzarego and Giau—in the heart of Belluno Province. Built way back in 1902 and welcoming guests since 1904, this mountain refuge has become a bucket-list stop for serious mountain enthusiasts from around the globe. The road getting there? Buckle up—it's a thrilling 4.2km (2.60 miles) of tight, twisty asphalt that branches off Strada Regionale 48. You'll navigate hairpin turns and narrow passages that'll keep you focused and entertained in equal measure. The setting is absolutely breathtaking. You're surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Nuvolao group within the Dolomiti Ampezzane—part of the Eastern Dolomites' jaw-dropping landscape. History buffs will appreciate that this area was a WWI battleground between Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces. At the refuge itself, you'll find a charming chapel (Oratorio dedicato alla Madonna), a helipad, and a convenient parking area. Fair warning: weekends and holiday seasons get crowded with fellow mountain lovers, so plan accordingly. Summer's your best bet for accessibility, though August has restricted hours (9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. closures). Come winter, expect serious weather challenges—Mother Nature doesn't take it easy up here.
moderateWhere is Col des Aravis?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Col des Aravis, a mountain pass chilling at 1,487m (almost 4,900ft), straddling the Haute-Savoie and Savoie departments in France. You'll find it in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, snuggled in the southeast of the country, right on the famous Route des Grandes Alpes. This baby's paved, so no need for monster truck tires, but get ready for hairpin heaven! It's known as the D909 (Route du Col des Aravis) and is the lowest pass in the Aravis range. Plus, it's a Tour de France legend! Be warned, some sections get a little spicy with gradients hitting 10%. The pass stretches for 19.2 km (almost 12 miles), connecting the village of Flumet to La Clusaz. Heads up if you're tackling it in July or August; the heat and traffic can get real. But trust me, it's SO worth the drive. Coming from La Clusaz, the view that greets you at the top, with Mont-Blanc popping out from the other mountains, is breathtaking. Oh, and there's this adorable chapel dedicated to St. Anne, built way back in 1624 for traveler protection. Seriously, add this to your bucket list!