Is the road to Sakaltutan Geçidi paved?
Turkey, europe
53.9 km
2,212 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Sakaltutan Geçidi, a seriously scenic mountain pass chilling way up at 2,212 meters (that's 7,257 feet!) on the border between Ardahan and Kars in eastern Turkey. We're talking northeast Turkey, practically waving to Georgia!
The road itself? It's paved the whole way, thankfully! You'll be cruising on the D965, which is part of the bigger European Route 691. Think wide roads, mostly straight shots, and decent condition overall. Just be ready for some seriously steep climbs!
This epic stretch runs for about 54 kilometers (around 33.5 miles) from Ardahan to Susuz. Keep an eye out for 18 hairpin turns around Özlükent.
Word to the wise: While it's usually open year-round, winter can throw some curveballs. Expect closures when the weather gets wild. But hey, the views are killer!
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 53.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,212 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Juvasshytta?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're in Norway, in the heart of Jotunheimen National Park, ready to tackle the highest road in Northern Europe! We're heading to Juvasshytta, a mountain resort that sits way up at 1,854 meters (that's over 6,000 feet!). The whole trip is an absolute stunner, trust me. You'll be driving through Innlandet County, with incredible views of Juvvatnet Lake shimmering in the distance. The road itself? It's paved the whole way, so no need for a 4x4, but be warned: it's STEEP! We're talking a max gradient of 16% in places. This baby was built back in 1936, and the last 9 kilometers are tolled. Just watch out for those stone fields hugging the roadside – they add to the drama! Heads up: this road is only open from around May to September. Outside of those months, it's closed, so check the conditions before you go. The climb starts from Galdesanden and stretches for almost 14 kilometers (about 8.6 miles). In that distance, you'll gain a whopping 1,283 meters in elevation. The average gradient is around 9.3%, but those 16% sections will definitely get your heart pumping! And get this: near the very top, a smaller paved road branches off along Juvvatnet Lake to the Galdhøpiggen Summer Ski Centre. Yes, you read that right – skiing in summer! It’s right at the foot of Galdhøpiggen, Norway's highest mountain, reaching an altitude of 1,864 meters. Epic doesn't even begin to cover it!
moderateLukmanier Pass is a 5-Star Road in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Lukmanier Pass sits pretty at 1,915 meters (6,283 feet) above sea level, straddling the border between Grisons and Ticino in southern Switzerland. Known by a bunch of names—Passo del Lucomagno, Cuolm Lucmagn, Lukmanierpass, or Col du Lukmanier if you're feeling fancy—this pass is a gem worth exploring. The 60-kilometer (37-mile) route runs north-south, connecting Mustér or Disentis in the Surselva Region to Biasca in the Riviera district. You'll cruise along completely paved roads with excellent conditions and plenty of scenic switchbacks. One highlight? The eastern shore of Lake Sontga Maria, which hugs the road beautifully as you approach from the north. Fair warning though: there's an avalanche gallery near the dam that can still be icy even into early summer, so stay alert in that section. Craving sustenance? The summit's hospice, Hospizi Santa Maria, is your friend. Grab a table on their sunny terrace, enjoy some wind protection, and dig into authentic local specialties without breaking the bank. Since the pass sits at a relatively modest elevation for the Swiss Alps, it typically stays open year-round—a rarity up here. Just note that public buses from Disentis or Bellinzona/Olivone only run seasonally from summer into autumn, so plan accordingly if you're relying on public transport.
extremeTF-436 is a challenging zigzag road on Canary Islands
🇪🇸 Spain
# TF-436: Tenerife's Ultimate Twisty Mountain Adventure Ready for one of Europe's most thrilling drives? Welcome to TF-436, a hidden gem tucked into the northwestern corner of Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands. This 22.1 km (13.73 miles) stretch of pure adrenaline connects the coastal town of Buenavista del Norte to Santiago del Teide, and it's absolutely spectacular. Let's be real—this road is *intense*. It winds through the Macizo de Teno mountains with hundreds of curves and hairpin turns that'll keep your hands glued to the steering wheel. We're talking about a skinny, fully paved ribbon that's basically a one-lane road with occasional pull-overs. Two large vehicles? Forget about it. The road climbs at a punishing 16% gradient in places, so leave the car-sickness-prone passengers at home (seriously, this one's not for the faint of heart). Plan on spending between 1 to 1.5 hours for the drive—though Google Maps optimistically suggests 48 minutes if you're completely stopping. Pro tip: avoid this road in peak summer when the mountain traffic gets hectic. The payoff? Absolutely worth it. You'll crest at 1,060m (3,477ft) elevation at Mirador de Cherfe, a stunning natural viewpoint where the landscape opens up in every direction. The views are genuinely breathtaking, with 360-degree vistas showcasing Tenerife's wild natural beauty. This is one of the Canary Islands' best roads—no question about it.
moderateA Wild, Defiant Unpaved Road to Hohsaas in the Swiss Pennine Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Hohsaas: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Ready for a serious mountain challenge? Hohsaas is calling—a jaw-dropping peak sitting at 3,146m (10,321ft) in the Valais region of Switzerland, just a stone's throw from the Italian border. This isn't just any mountain road; it's one of Europe's highest, and honestly, it's pretty epic. Starting from the charming village of Saas-Grund, you're looking at roughly 14km of pure alpine terrain that'll test both your vehicle and your nerves. The elevation gain? A hefty 1,553m with an average gradient of 11.09%—so yeah, it's steep. Fair warning: this entire route is unpaved, and it's technically a chairlift access trail, which means it's rustic and raw. But that's part of the appeal, right? The road is only accessible during summer months when the snow finally clears, making this a seasonal bucket-list experience. Once you reach the summit, you'll find the cozy Berghütte Hohsaas mountain cabin—the perfect spot to catch your breath and soak in the incredible panoramic views of the Swiss Pennine Alps. If you're after an unforgettable high-altitude driving experience in one of the world's most scenic mountain ranges, Hohsaas absolutely delivers. Just come prepared for a serious climb.