Is the TransRarau paved?
Romania, europe
26.4 km
1,400 m
hard
Year-round
Buckle up for TransRarau, a real gem in Romania's Suceava County, right in the heart of Bukovina! This isn't just a road; it's one of Romania's awesome high-altitude adventures.
Good news – it's paved! Forget those bone-jarring rides of the past; this route got a serious makeover, so the asphalt is smooth sailing.
Ready for a challenge? TransRarau winds its way up the Rarau massif, topping out at 1,400 meters (4,593 feet). Get your camera ready for some seriously stunning views, but keep your eyes on the road – those curves come at you fast! This 26.4 km (16.40 mile) beauty runs from Pojorata to Chiril, north to south. And, if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a gravel road near the top that climbs even higher, reaching 1,633m (5,357ft).
Is it worth it? Absolutely! Known as 'The Treasures Road', it's rumored to be one of the most gorgeous alpine roads in the country. The scenery just gets better and better the higher you climb. Keep an eye out for blind curves, though! The best time to visit is June to September. Plus, this route will take you to cool spots like the Rarau Skete and the iconic ‘Lady’s Rocks’ (Pietrele Doamnei). Parking is a bit scarce along the way, so plan accordingly.
Road Details
- Country
- Romania
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 26.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,400 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateRoad Fv305
🇳🇴 Norway
# Road Fv305: A Norwegian Dream Drive If you're craving some seriously stunning scenery, Road Fv305 on Vannøya island in Troms county, Northern Norway, absolutely delivers. This 56.7 km stretch connects the villages of Kristoffervalen and Torsvåg—a charming fishing village perched on the island's rocky northwestern coast—and even extends to the tiny islet of Kåja just offshore. It's the kind of place that makes you understand why people fall in love with Norway. The drive is totally doable year-round, though winter weather can occasionally force brief closures when conditions get gnarly. The asphalt road hugs the shoreline in places and gets pretty narrow in spots, which keeps things interesting. Winter driving here is genuinely challenging, so respect the conditions. But here's the magic part: from late May through early August, you'll experience midnight sun magic—24 hours of daylight to soak in every moment of this island paradise. The quiet route winds through several charming towns and villages, making it perfect for those of us who love peaceful, off-the-beaten-path adventures. And if you're into Northern Lights chasing? This is prime hunting ground with some absolutely brilliant viewing spots scattered throughout the drive. Just come prepared, take your time, and you'll understand why this lesser-known Norwegian gem is worth the journey.
hardA very bumpy, grueling road to Bocca di Battaglia
🇫🇷 France
Bocca di Battaglia is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.104m (3,622ft) above the sea level, located in the Haute-Corse department of France on the island of Corsica. The road to the summit is awesome, with sections up to 12%. Tight bends and faster sweepers. The road to the summit, also known as Col de Bataille, is asphalted. Unfortunately, the asphalt is no longer the best. It’s pretty narrow and steep with some hairpin turns. It’s called D63. The pass is located between the towns of Speloncato and Pioggiola. Do not hesitate to have some stop in the small villages along the way. The summit offers stunning views of the sea, Santa Reparata region with the reservoir, the towns of Belgodere and Speloncato. Sometimes, it’s possible to see the French mainland. A minor gravel road east of the pass climbs up to , a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.200m (3,937ft) above the sea level. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardWhere is Collada de Bracons?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Collada de Bracons in Catalonia, Spain! This mountain pass sits way up high at 1,136 meters (that's 3,727 feet!). You'll find it right on the border between Girona and Barcelona provinces, smack-dab in central Catalonia. The road, known as GIV-5273, stretches for about 14.4 kilometers (almost 9 miles) from Sant Andreu de la Vola to Sant Esteve d'en Bas. But be warned: it's not exactly a smooth ride. The pavement can be a bit rough, and you'll be facing some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients of up to 14%! Expect tons of twists and turns as you climb through the Serra dels Llancers mountains, part of the Catalan Pre-Pyrenees. The pass is usually open all year, but keep an eye on the forecast in winter, as snow and ice can lead to temporary closures. Because this road can be a bit of a beast, they built the Tunel de Bracons to bypass it. This tunnel is a whopping 4.95 kilometers (over 3 miles) long and opened in 2009. It's one of the longest tunnels in Spain, but keep in mind, it's a toll tunnel.
moderateCrossing the scenic Pont de la Mariee
🇫🇷 France
# Pont de la Mariée: France's Most Dramatic Bridge Tucked away in the Alpes-Maritimes region of southeastern France, within the stunning Mercantour National Park, sits one of the world's most jaw-dropping bridges—Pont de la Mariée, or "Bride's Bridge." This architectural marvel is seriously impressive. Built in 1923, it was one of France's pioneering reinforced concrete arch bridges, originally constructed to carry a tramway. Today, the RD16 road crosses its 62-metre span, soaring a heart-stopping 80 metres above the Var River below. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. The bridge comes with a haunting backstory: legend whispers of a young bride who tragically threw herself off on her wedding night—a dark tale that somehow adds to its mystique. These days, it's become a major tourist hotspot in the area, and you'll particularly see crowds on weekends and throughout summer when daredevils come to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush: bungee jumping from the bridge itself. Fair warning though—the road is currently partially blocked by large rocks and operates as one-way traffic, so plan accordingly if you're thinking of visiting this spectacular spot. But trust us, the dramatic scenery and sheer audacity of the engineering make it absolutely worth the effort to witness in person.