The collapsed Engaña Tunnel: a real deathly risk
Spain, europe
6.9 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
# Túnel de la Engaña: Spain's Haunting Underground Mystery
Want to experience one of Spain's most jaw-dropping—and genuinely terrifying—abandoned structures? The Túnel de la Engaña is a 6.9km (4.28 miles) unfinished railway tunnel buried deep in the Cantabrian Mountains, straddling the border between Burgos and Santander provinces in northern Spain.
This place has serious history. Construction kicked off in 1941 and dragged on for nearly two decades until 1959, powered by hundreds of workers (including Republican prisoners in the early years). When it was being built, this was Spain's longest railway tunnel—impressive, right? But here's the thing: they never actually laid the tracks. The rails never came, and the dream of connecting these provinces via the Santander-Mediterranean railway line quietly faded away.
Fast forward to the 1980s, and the Spanish government officially closed sections of it. Despite some hopeful proposals from locals to transform it into a road tunnel, engineers took one look and said "absolutely not." Structural collapses in 1999 and 2005 sealed its fate—literally. The southern entrance was bricked up, and the tunnel became a maze of debris, flooded sections, and genuine collapse hazards.
For decades, it was a shortcut for intrepid locals, herders, off-roaders, and truckers dodging snowbound mountain passes. Today? It's a pitch-black, crumbling underground labyrinth that demands serious respect. Towering piles of rubble, standing water, and the very real threat of further landslides make exploring this place incredibly dangerous. It's hauntingly beautiful—a monument to abandoned dreams buried beneath Spanish mountains.
Where is it?
The collapsed Engaña Tunnel: a real deathly risk is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 42.0869, -2.3397
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6.9 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 42.0869, -2.3397
Related Roads in europe
hardAdventure along the wild road to Starkenburger Hütte in the Stubai Alps
🇦🇹 Austria
# Starkenburger Hütte: A Wild Alpine Adventure Tucked away in Austria's Stubai Alps at a breathtaking 2,237m (7,339ft), the Starkenburger Hütte is a serious mountain destination that'll test your driving skills. This historic refuge—built way back in 1900 by the German Alpine Club—sits high above the charming village of Neustift in Tyrol, and reaching it is half the adventure. The 12.6km (7.82 miles) journey from Neustift im Stubaital is no joke. You're climbing 1,225m with an average gradient of 9.72%, and the road is unpaved, narrow, and seriously steep. Fair warning: it's rough going in winter and turns sketchy after rain, so timing your visit is crucial. Also, private vehicles aren't allowed—you'll need to plan accordingly. Here's the good news though: the rewards are absolutely worth it. The views? Spectacular. You're surrounded by the stunning Stubai mountains with their jaw-dropping collection of 3,000-meter peaks stretching out in every direction. The hut itself only opens from early June through mid-October depending on conditions, and you'll want to keep tabs on avalanche forecasts before heading up. This isn't a casual Sunday drive—it's a serious alpine expedition for adventurous road-trippers ready for a real challenge.
hardBettmerhorn
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Bettmerhorn: A High-Alpine Adventure Perched at 2,492 meters (8,175 feet) in Switzerland's Valais region, Bettmerhorn is a serious mountaineering destination in the Bernese Alps that'll test both your nerve and your vehicle. This isn't your average scenic drive—you'll need a 4x4 to tackle the gravel and rocky terrain, which ranges from bumpy to genuinely tippy depending on conditions. Fair warning: this road is steep, exposed, and absolutely not for anyone with a fear of heights. The good news? The trail typically opens around August (weather permitting) and closes when winter rolls back in around September. Before you head up, check that forecast religiously—there's zero point arriving to find the summit wrapped in clouds and mist. The payoff is absolutely worth it though. Summit views stretch across the magnificent Great Aletsch Glacier (the Alps' largest), the Lepontine and Pennine Alps, and endless dramatic peaks in every direction. There's even a restaurant waiting at the top to fuel your celebration. A few important notes: this is chairlift access territory, so come prepared for serious altitude. If you're traveling with small children under 2, pregnant, or dealing with health issues, chat with your doctor first—2,500+ meters is no joke. Thunderstorms can turn this trail into impassable mud within minutes, so timing is everything. Only attempt this if unpaved alpine roads are genuinely in your wheelhouse.
hardHow challenging is driving the Road B885?
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up for the B885 on the Isle of Skye! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Nestled in the heart of the Inner Hebrides, this road is a proper Scottish challenge. Forget wide lanes, we're talking a single-track of paved road winding its way through narrow, forest-covered glens. Seriously, there are sections where two cars *cannot* pass at the same time. Hope you're confident in your reversing skills! But don't let that scare you off. This epic route stretches from the west coast settlement to Portree, the island's bustling capital. The views? Absolutely stunning. Think dramatic landscapes, lush forests, and that raw, untamed beauty that Skye is famous for. Just maybe skip this one if you're a new driver. This road demands respect!
moderateHow to get by car to Madone de Fenestre in the Alpes-Maritimes?
🇫🇷 France
Madone de Fenestre is a stunning high mountain chapel perched at 1,904m (6,246ft) in the Alpes-Maritimes department of southeastern France, right near the Italian border within Mercantour National Park. The chapel's name comes from a legendary hole in the Cayre de la Madone rock formation behind the building, where the Virgin Mary supposedly appeared. Inside, you'll find an ornate baroque interior that's absolutely jaw-dropping against the raw, rugged mountain landscape surrounding it. This place has serious history. While it may have once been a Roman sanctuary, the Benedictines established the first official structure way back in 887, calling it Our Lady of Grace. Fast forward through some rough patches—Saracen destruction in the 10th century, a rebuild by the Templars in the 13th century, devastating fires in 1456 and 1793—and the sanctuary kept bouncing back. By 1388, it had become a crucial waystation and refuge for travelers crossing between Nice and Piedmont via the Col de Fenestre. The 19th century saw major restoration work, and it officially became French territory in 1947 after the Treaty of Paris. The real treasure inside? A gorgeous 14th-century polychrome Madonna statue carved from cedar of Lebanon that locals and pilgrims from Piedmont absolutely revere. The community celebrates on August 15 and September 8, with the statue even making a ceremonial journey down to Saint-Martin-Vésubie for winter. Ready for the drive? The fully paved M94 road climbs 11.1 km (6.89 miles) from Saint-Martin-Vésubie with 936 meters of elevation gain and an average gradient of 8.43%. Expect plenty of twists, steep sections, and an irregular, relentless climb that'll test your driving skills.