
Is the road to Soganli Gecidi unpaved?
Turkey, europe
78 km
2,372 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Soğanlı Geçidi in Turkey's Bayburt Province is calling your name, if you dare! We're talking about a sky-high climb to 2,372 meters (that's 7,782 feet!).
Now, let's be real – this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is rough, unpaved, and seriously narrow, hugging the mountainside with some major drop-offs. It's a true test of driving skill (and maybe a little bit of bravery!). One wrong move, and well, let's just say it's a long way down.
Heads up, winter warriors: this pass is usually a no-go zone when the snow flies. Even in June, you might find yourself in a winter wonderland, and fog can roll in anytime. Up top, you'll find a lonely, abandoned building – a spooky reminder of the elements up here.
Ready for the climb? Starting from Kılıçkaya, you've got 7.8 kilometers (about 4.84 miles) of steep, winding road ahead, packed with 12 hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. You'll gain 594 meters in elevation, with an average gradient of 7.61%. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 78 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,372 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is the 'Tunnel of Time'?
🇪🇸 Spain
Cruising the LP-3 on La Palma, one of Spain's Canary Islands? Get ready for a trip! You'll find yourself driving through the La Cumbre tunnel, nicknamed the "Tunnel of Time" by locals. And trust me, you'll understand why when you pop out the other side. What makes this tunnel so special? It's all about the wild weather shifts. Thanks to the Foehn effect, you might enter the tunnel in fog and rain, only to emerge into sunshine and clear skies. This happens because warm, moist air is forced up the mountain, dropping its moisture as rain on one side, leaving the other side warm and dry. It's a crazy contrast and a total surprise for drivers!
hardWhere is Fedaia Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Italian Dolomites, and you stumble upon Passo Fedaia. This mountain pass is seriously epic! We're talking a climb to 2,061m (6,761ft), right on the border between Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige. The road itself, Strada Statale 641 del Passo Fedaia (SS641), stretches for 26km (16.15 miles), winding from Canazei to Rocca Pietore. Keep an eye on the weather, though. While usually open, winter can bring closures, and even in summer, icy patches aren't unheard of. Fun fact: it was even a location for the movie "Italian Job"! But the challenge is part of the thrill, right? Prepare for endless turns, hairpin bends, and some seriously steep sections that hit a max gradient of 15.8%! If you're feeling REALLY adventurous, a gravel road near the summit leads to a peak at 2,427m (7,962ft), with gradients up to 25%... yikes! Passo Fedaia sits at the foot of the Marmolada, the Dolomites' highest peak, making it a legendary climb in the Giro d’Italia. The summit has cable cars, a guesthouse, and souvenir shops, but the REAL draw is the views. Prepare for breathtaking vistas of the Dolomites and the beautiful artificial Lake Fedaia, which is used for hydroelectric energy production. This pass is a must-see if you're looking for a gorgeous drive.
moderateWhere is Forcella di Monte Rest?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! Let's talk about Forcella di Monte Rest, a seriously stunning mountain pass nestled in the Province of Pordenone, Italy. You'll find this beauty in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, in the northeastern part of the country. What's it like? Think paved perfection...but with a twist! This scenic route, also known as Strada Regionale 552 del Passo Rest, is delightfully narrow. We're talking about a 25.6 km (15.90 miles) adventure, winding from Priuso to Tramonti di Sopra. Now, don't let the "paved" part fool you – this climb is no joke! It's been featured in races for a reason! Get ready for some seriously steep sections, hitting a maximum gradient of 10.6% in places. Starting from, you'll be climbing for, with an elevation gain of. That's an average gradient of! And remember to watch out for potential hazards. But, trust me, the views? Totally worth it. Get ready for some unforgettable Italian scenery!
moderateAn awe-inspiring drive to Belvedere du Viso in the Cottian Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Belvédère du Cirque du Mont-Viso Perched at 2,147 meters (7,043 feet) in France's Hautes-Alpes department, this stunning viewpoint sits right on the Italian border within the Queyras Regional Natural Park. The Route du Viso was dreamed up back in 1864 by locals in Ristolas who wanted to open up the Haut Guil valley to visitors. With help from everyone from the French Alpine Hunter Battalions to Michelin itself, the road got a major upgrade and officially opened in 1931, complete with an incredible parking area—the "Grand Belvédère du Viso"—offering jaw-dropping views of Mont Viso's north face. Nestled in the heart of the Cottian Alps and the Ristolas Mont-Viso National Nature Reserve, this route is a real alpine adventure. Fair warning though: winters shut this place down hard thanks to heavy snow, so plan your visit for warmer months. The road itself is mostly paved with some rougher sections and gravel patches mixed in—and it's fantastic for mountain biking if you're up for a serious leg-burner. You'll tackle winding bends, false flats for catching your breath, and a fun descent to cap it off. Starting from Aiguilles, it's a 19.3-kilometer (12-mile) push uphill with 676 meters of elevation gain. The average grade sits at 3.5%, but watch out for some ramps that hit 11.5%—seriously steep! There's a small parking lot waiting for you at the top, making it the perfect end to an epic mountain drive.