Is the Haustsjøen Mountain Road Unpaved?
Norway, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southern Norway on the Haustsjøen Mountain Road, named after a local lake. The views? Totally epic. Mountains stretching as far as the eye can see!
Heads up though – while most of the route is doable in a regular car, there’s this unpaved section stretching eastward for a couple of kilometers that can get a little bumpy. If you want a smoother ride, I'd recommend an SUV.
The whole Fylkesveg 686 (FV686) Road is just under 15km, reaching a max elevation of 1,013 meters. As you climb, you'll wind through this gorgeous landscape dotted with cute little mountain huts. It's like something out of a postcard!
Related Roads in europe
extremeConquering the D915 (Bayburt-Of): Turkey's Most Extreme Road
🇹🇷 Turkey
# The D915: Turkey's Ultimate Mountain Challenge Ready for one of the world's most intense driving experiences? The D915 in northeastern Turkey is absolutely not for the faint-hearted. This 106 km (65 miles) stretch connecting the mountain town of Bayburt to the coastal gem of Of in Trabzon Province is a thrilling (and seriously demanding) adventure through some seriously dramatic terrain. Built by Russian soldiers back in 1916 following the Trebizond Campaign, this road winds through the Black Sea and Northeast Anatolia regions with a whopping 38 hairpin turns. The landscape here is stunning—we're talking mountain passes like Soganli Geçidi reaching 2,330 m (7,644 ft) elevation—but it comes at a price. The road is mostly unpaved with just bits of asphalt at the beginning and end, narrow in places, and features some spine-tingling drop-offs that'll definitely test your nerve. Here's the real talk: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. The road closes from late October through June or early July due to heavy snow, and for good reason. Bad weather, fog, loose gravel, and erosion are constant threats. Heavy trucks rumble through here too, adding to the complexity. The star of the show? The infamous **Derebaşı Turns** near Çaykara—a brutal 5.1 km (3.2 mi) section with 13 steep hairpins climbing from 1,712 m to 2,035 m, with gradients hitting 17%. It's considered the most dangerous stretch, frequently shrouded in snow and fog, but the views? Absolutely breathtaking. **Bottom line:** Only experienced drivers should attempt this. Check conditions, avoid bad weather, stay alert, and remember—the spectacular views aren't worth taking unnecessary risks.
moderateA delightful yet challenging road to Puerto de Piedrasluengas
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Piedrasluengas Nestled in the Cordillera Cantábrica mountains of northern Spain, Puerto de Piedrasluengas sits at a breezy 1,355 meters (4,445 feet) above sea level in Castile and León. This is the kind of pass that makes you feel like you're on top of the world—literally. The C-627 connects the charming towns of Cervera de Pisuerga and Potes with a fully paved road that stays open year-round (though winter weather can occasionally force brief closures). Fair warning: winters here are seriously intense, with harsh mountain conditions that demand respect. If you're thinking of tackling this beast, know what you're getting into. Starting from Puentenansa, the climb stretches 37.6 km with a brutal 1,193-meter elevation gain. While the average gradient sits at a manageable 3.17%, don't get too comfortable—there are sections that ramp up to a gnarly 10.0% that'll really test your brakes and patience. This pass has earned serious credentials, having been featured in the legendary Spanish Vuelta cycling race. Whether you're a road-trip enthusiast or a cycling fan, Puerto de Piedrasluengas delivers the kind of dramatic mountain scenery and challenging curves that make for unforgettable driving (or pedaling).
hardTransursoaia is one of the Romanian high-altitude roads
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Transursoaia (aka DN1R) in Romania! This beauty straddles Cluj and Alba counties and carves right through the Apuseni Natural Park in northern Romania. Picture this: mostly paved roads winding through stunning mountain scenery (though you might hit a gravel patch or two). Seriously, daytime drives are a MUST for those epic views. This isn't a Sunday cruise, though. Get ready for some steep climbs and no less than 15 hairpin turns! Plus, a few sections get a little *squeezy*, so keep your eyes peeled. The Transursoaia clocks in at around 80 km (50 miles), stretching from Albac in the south all the way up to Huedin in the north. And hold on to your hats, because you'll be climbing to a whopping 1,324 meters (4,343 feet) at the Ursoaia Pass! Just a heads-up: Mother Nature usually shuts this one down between November and April, so plan your trip accordingly!
moderateIf you love to drive, you will love the DJ73 Road
🇷🇴 Romania
Get ready for an epic Romanian road trip on the DJ73! This paved beauty winds its way through the heart of Romania, connecting Brașov (Transylvania!) with Pitești. Clocking in at 138 km (that's about 86 miles), this route isn't just about getting from point A to point B. You're in for some serious mountain scenery as you cruise through the Carpathian Mountains, straddling Argeș and Brașov counties. Expect to conquer a couple of passes, including Pasul Giuvala (at 1,275m) and Pasul Posada (at 836m), before hitting a peak elevation of 1,300m. But hold on, adventurers! This road is popular, so be prepared for some traffic and keep an eye out for those lead-footed drivers. But don't let that deter you—with jaw-dropping mountain views, hairpin turns galore, and charming mountain villages along the way, the DJ73 is a must-do for any road trip enthusiast!