
Moraca River Canyon is an unforgettable trip in Montenegro
Montenegro, europe
68.6 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Get ready for an epic adventure through the Morača River Canyon in Montenegro! This stunner, nestled in the southeastern part of the country near Kolašin and Podgorica, follows the E65 route and is completely paved.
Clocking in at around 68.6 km (42.62 miles), this highway clings to the edge of the narrow canyon with tons of tunnels thrown in for good measure. Seriously, this road is a wild ride, full of cliff-side bends, but the views? Totally worth it!
You can usually drive it year-round, but watch out for closures after heavy snow or rockslides. As you get closer to the end, the road gets even more intense, hugging the river as it plunges into a canyon 300-400m deep.
Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours of driving time without stops. The scenery is out of this world. The canyon, carved by the Morača River, separates the Moračke planine and Sinjajevina ranges. You'll be mesmerized by the contrast of dark cliffs against the bright green river, with the Bjelasica peaks in the distance. Sometimes, the beauty even feels a little spooky! Trust me, you won't want to miss this incredibly picturesque drive.
Where is it?
Moraca River Canyon is an unforgettable trip in Montenegro is located in Montenegro (europe). Coordinates: 42.6972, 19.2367
Road Details
- Country
- Montenegro
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 68.6 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.6972, 19.2367
Related Roads in europe
hardZupalseehütte
🇦🇹 Austria
# Zupalseehütte: A True Alpine Adventure in Tyrol Tucked away in Austria's Tyrol region, Zupalseehütte sits pretty at 2,339 meters (7,673 feet) above sea level—and getting there is half the fun. Starting from the charming village of Virgen, you're looking at a wild 12.2 km ride that climbs a seriously impressive 1,145 meters. Yeah, that's a 9.38% average gradient, so bring your A-game (and a sturdy vehicle). Here's the real talk: this isn't a drive for the faint of heart. The road is gravel and rocky, with sections that'll have you bouncing around like you're in a pinball machine. It's bumpy, tippy, and genuinely steep in places—you absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle this beast. Timing matters too. The road is typically snowbound and impassable from October through June, so plan your visit for the warmer months if you want to make it through. Mother Nature's the boss up here. But here's why it's worth it: the alpine scenery is absolutely stunning, and you'll feel like a total legend once you've conquered this beast of a climb. The mountain refuge itself offers that perfect reward after pushing yourself on one of the Alps' gnarliest drives.
extremeHow to drive the infamous Monte Crostis?
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Crostis: Italy's Thrilling Alpine Challenge Perched at 1,991 meters (6,532 feet) in the Province of Udine near the Austrian border, Monte Crostis is one seriously impressive mountain pass. Built between 1940 and 1942, this single-lane road winds through the stunning Carnic Alps with panoramic views that'll take your breath away—though the drive itself might do that first. The 30-kilometer journey from Ravascletto (a beloved alpine resort) to Tualis is mostly paved, except for about 6 km of gravel road on the **Strada delle Vette** (Scenic Ridge Road). Once you reach the top, you're treated to incredible vistas stretching across both the northern and southern regions. Fair warning: if you're thinking about conquering the actual summit at 2,251 meters, you'll need to ditch the vehicle for a terrifying footpath with zero guardrails. This route earned its reputation honestly—the Giro d'Italia scrapped plans to include it in 2011 after tragedy struck and riders protested its notorious danger. And honestly? They had a point. With 40 hairpin turns, stomach-dropping cliffs, and sections that narrow to nearly nothing, this isn't your casual Sunday drive. Gradients hit 12-18% consistently, with some sections pushing 20%. There's no margin for error when you meet oncoming traffic on these hairpin bends. Skip the massive SUVs and campers—the maneuvering space will haunt you. Best visited between July and October before winter snow shuts it down. When storms roll through (and they will), there's literally nowhere to shelter on this exposed ridge. Use your horn around blind corners, stay sharp, and remember: respect the mountain.
extremeIs the road to Giogo della Bala in the Alps unpaved?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Giogo della Bala! This insane mountain pass sits way up in the Italian Alps, in Lombardy, at a dizzying 2,129m (6,984ft). You'll be cruising on Strada Provinziale 345B, aka Delle Tre Valli. The road starts and ends with asphalt, but get ready for some gravel action in the middle. This epic stretch is about 17.4 km (10.81 miles) of pure adrenaline, connecting to the SP 669 road. Now, let's talk thrills. This road hugs cliffs without guardrails, so keep your eyes on the prize. We're talking hairpin turns, insane views, and spots so narrow only one car can squeeze through. Oh, and did I mention the steep drops? Seriously, don't look down! The speed limit is a chill 20 km/h (12 mph) for a reason. Watch out for rocks and rough patches, especially on those curves. Overtaking and stopping are a no-go unless you're in a designated area. But hey, the views from the mountaintops are totally worth it!
extremeFort de la Grande Maye
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Fort de la Grande Maye in the Hautes-Alpes region of France is calling your name. This isn't your Sunday drive kind of place. We're talking about a seriously steep and narrow gravel road that climbs to a whopping 2,401 meters (7,877 feet)! Picture this: you're winding your way up an old military trail—originally built for army vehicles, mind you—with some pretty gnarly, slippery sections and sheer drops that'll make your palms sweat. It's exposed up there, so you'll want to keep your eyes on the road (and maybe say a little prayer). But hey, the payoff is HUGE! This route is steeped in history. The fort itself was built in the late 1800s. And the views? Absolutely breathtaking. Just keep in mind this baby can be shut down anytime if the snow starts falling. Along the way, you'll be passing endless old forts, gun placements, and barracks.