Is the National Road DN73A paved?
Romania, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the DN73A between Râșnov and Predeal! This road, also known as the "Cold Stream" Road, is 100% paved but get ready for a wild ride. You'll be tackling a seriously challenging section near Predeal, the highest town in Romania, perched over 3,444 feet above sea level in the Bucegi Mountains.
The highlight (or lowlight, depending on your driving skills!) is a series of *twelve* super-tight hairpin turns. The scenery is breathtaking, trust me, but keep your eyes on the road. This route can get dicey in winter, and the pavement isn't always perfect – it sees its fair share of patching after the snow melts. So, drive carefully and enjoy the views!
Related Roads in europe
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🇦🇹 Austria
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# Alto El Rey Want to tackle a wild mountain drive? Head to Guadalajara in Castile-La Mancha, Spain, where Alto El Rey sits pretty at 1,858 meters (6,095 feet) above sea level. This peak—also called Montaña Sagrada del Santo Alto Rey—offers an exhilarating ride that'll test your driving skills. The asphalt road up is seriously narrow and relentlessly steep, with sections hitting 14% grades. It's not the place to be when the weather turns ugly—think heavy snow, ice patches, and the risk of avalanches or landslides that can pop up without warning. Honestly, save this one for clear, dry conditions. The paved section ends at a crumbling old military base complete with communications towers, but don't turn back yet! A gravel road continues all the way to the summit, where an ancient church awaits. Fair warning though: that gravel section maintains those brutal 14% gradients for a solid 4 kilometers, so you'll need a vehicle that can handle it and nerves of steel. If you've got the chops and the weather cooperates, this is an unforgettable Spanish mountain adventure with serious elevation gains and genuinely rewarding views at the top.
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Pico da Santinha
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Alright adventurers, buckle up for Pico da Santinha! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a seriously awesome mountain pass perched way up in Portugal's Serra da Estrela range, clocking in at a lofty 1,597 meters (that's 5,239 feet!). Forget pavement, because this beauty is all about that rugged, unpaved life. You'll need a 4x4 to tackle this one, trust me. The off-road adventure stretches for nearly 15 kilometers (around 9 miles) from Folgosinho until you hit the N232. Be warned: it gets seriously steep in sections, with gradients hitting a lung-busting 15%! The payoff? Jaw-dropping views and a chance to visit the weather station chilling up top.
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Cruising the Salerno province of Campania, Italy? Buckle up for Strada Provinciale 269c (SP269c), a truly technical mountain road that's a real hidden gem! This route is your back road connection between the coastal charm of Marina di Campagna and the hilltop town of Mandia, carving its way along the steep ridges overlooking the stunning Tyrrhenian Sea. Now, the asphalt isn't exactly pristine; think cracked, potholed, and a bit subsided in places. Expect a rollercoaster of sharp turns and constant elevation changes, keeping those driving skills sharp. It's a narrow squeeze – practically single-lane in many spots – demanding respect for oncoming traffic (especially local farmers!). You'll need to be ready to hug the shoulder or reverse to a wider spot to let others pass. Oh, and those views? Amazing, but keep your eyes on the road! Speaking of challenges, watch out for rock slides and that degraded asphalt. The unstable cliffs of Salerno love to leave little souvenirs on the road, particularly after rain. Brakes will get a workout with all those tight corners heading down to the coast. And a word to the wise: that old asphalt gets slick when wet. Leave the RV at home - this road is not for wide vehicles. Before you go, double-check your brakes and tires! There's nothing in the way of services or gas between Marina di Campagna and Mandia. Remember mountain etiquette: yield to uphill traffic. The Tyrrhenian Sea views are epic, but stay laser-focused on the road ahead. It's a wild ride with plenty of bumps and the occasional rogue rock. Enjoy!