
Is the Vilyui Highway paved?
Russia, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're smack-dab in the middle of the Siberian wilderness, craving a real adventure. Then you find the Vilyui Highway!
This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The Vilyui Highway is a mix of pavement and gravel that stretches through some seriously remote territory. You *can* do it in a normal car, but be warned: after a good rain, even a monster truck might think twice.
Why "Vilyui"? Because you'll be paralleling and crisscrossing the Vilyui River the whole time! Prepare for multiple ferry crossings to make it across the mighty river!
The journey begins in Yakutsk, the diamond capital, and winds its way to the remote town of Mirny. You'll pass some stunning scenery, guaranteed, but keep your eyes peeled!
Related Roads in europe
hardA Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Lac de la Glère
🇫🇷 France
# Lac de la Glère Tucked away at 2,152 meters (7,060 feet) in the stunning Néouvielle range of the French Pyrenees, Lac de la Glère is an alpine gem worth the adventure. Located in the Hautes-Pyrénées region of southwestern France, this pristine mountain lake sits in some seriously remote territory. Here's the real talk: the road up here is completely unpaved and basically a no-go zone from October through June (unless conditions are unusually favorable). Mountain weather is notoriously moody, so come prepared for anything. A 4x4 is seriously recommended if you want to tackle this properly. The trail itself is steep with some gnarly hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes, so save this one for when you're feeling confident behind the wheel. Once you make it to the lake, you'll find the charming Refuge de la Glère, a mountain hut that's been welcoming hikers and adventurers since 1953. The scenery alone makes the challenging drive worthwhile—you're looking at some of the most dramatic alpine landscape France has to offer.
hardValnontey
🇮🇹 Italy
# Valnontey: A Thrilling Alpine Drive Nestled high in Italy's Aosta Valley, the charming mountain village of Valnontey sits at a seriously impressive 1,666 meters above sea level. Getting there is half the adventure—the road winds upward with a smooth asphalt surface, but don't let that fool you. This isn't a leisurely cruise; some sections kick up to a whopping 11.3% gradient that'll keep you gripping the wheel and downshifting around the bends. The real magic? You're driving straight into the Gran Paradiso National Park, where Alpine scenery unfolds with every switchback. Towering peaks, pristine mountain air, and that incredible sense of elevation make this a bucket-list drive for anyone who loves conquering mountain roads. Whether you're a seasoned alpine driver or looking for an exhilarating challenge, Valnontey delivers both adrenaline and absolutely stunning views.
moderateWhere is Col de Jau?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up for the Col de Jau! This high-altitude pass, sitting way up in the eastern Pyrenees, straddles the border of two French departments in the south of the country. Keep an eye out for the ruins of the old Sainte-Marie de Jau abbey nearby – a cool piece of history. The road itself? Paved, thankfully! It's known as D14 on the northern side and D117 on the southern side. The full stretch is about 27 km (17 miles) from Mosset to Sainte Colombe sur Guette. Now, about that climb. From Mosset, you're looking at a roughly 18km ascent with about 1000m of elevation gain – that's an average gradient of around 5.5%. Coming from Sainte Colombe sur Guette, it's a bit shorter at around 9 km, but you're still climbing about 600m, making for a steeper average of about 6.5%. Be warned, it's not always a picnic – you'll find some pretty steep ramps along the way. But the views? Absolutely worth it! Get ready for some wild scenery in the heart of the Pyrenees.
moderateHow to get by car to Szrenica on the Polish-Czech border
🌍 Czech Republic
Way up high on the Polish-Czech border, nestled in the Karkonosze Mountains, you'll find Szrenica peak, towering at 1,347m (4,419ft). This gem, hidden in the Karkonosze National Park, is all about wild landscapes and views that stretch forever. Connecting Poland's Jelenia Góra County with the Czech Republic's Liberec Region, this peak sits pretty on the Karkonosze's main ridge. It’s a hiker's paradise, but getting here by car? Tricky! The road to the top is totally unpaved, a bumpy service route mainly for maintenance and getting to the private mountain hut. Forget about taking your own car, unless you've got a 4x4, it's off limits to most. You'll mainly find trailheads and forest tracks here. Most people hike or hop on a chairlift from Szklarska Poręba to get to the top, rather than driving. Perched high in the Giant Mountains, expect a blanket of snow for much of the year. Winter can make getting around Szrenica tough, so be careful. At the summit, there's a mountain hut serving hikers from both sides of the border. Don't miss the cool rock formations like Trzy Świnki and Końskie Łby, plus those incredible panoramic views of the peaks and valleys. Szrenica is super popular in the Karkonosze Mountains. With its amazing scenery, marked trails, and a chairlift from Szklarska Poręba, it's a must-visit spot for everyone.