The Golden Circle with a Twist
Iceland, europe
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extreme
Year-round
Alright, picture this: Iceland's Kjolur Highland Route! It's this gnarly, ancient track snaking between two massive glaciers, Hofsjokull and Langjokull. We're talking off-the-beaten-path stuff, people! Forget the tour buses, this is you and Iceland, raw and real.
The landscape? Think lunar. Vast lava fields stretch out forever, broken up by steaming hot springs – like Hveravellir, this crazy oasis with a geothermal pool right in the middle of nowhere. It's not a super long drive but don't let that fool you. This route is isolated, so you'll need a solid 4x4 and some serious adventure vibes. You'll feel like you're at the edge of the world, but the views are next-level. If you're craving solitude and a deep dive into Iceland's wild heart, Kjolur is calling your name.
Related Roads in europe
hardMirador d’Arànser
🇪🇸 Spain
# Mirador d'Arànser: A High-Alpine Adventure in the Pyrenees Ready for some serious elevation? The Mirador d'Arànser sits pretty at 2,143 meters (7,030 feet) above sea level in Catalonia's Alt Urgell comarca, perched near the Spanish-French border in the stunning Pyrenees. Fair warning: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The route to the viewpoint is entirely unpaved, and it's genuinely steep—we're talking serious mountain road vibes. You'll want to save this adventure for late spring through early fall when snow isn't blocking your path. Honestly, a 4x4 would be your best friend here, especially if you hit any sketchy conditions. But here's what makes it worth the effort: the whole drive showcases classic high-alpine Pyrenees scenery that'll have you mesmerized. Once you finally reach the summit, there's a striking sculpture and an observation deck waiting to reward your determination. The views? Absolutely worth every bump in the road. *Photo credit: Angel Verdaguer*
moderateHow to Get by Car to the Stunning Veneguera Beach on Canary Islands?
🇪🇸 Spain
# Playa Veneguera: Gran Canaria's Hidden Gem Tucked away in the southwestern corner of Gran Canaria, one of Spain's Canary Islands, lies Playa Veneguera—a stunning 370-meter stretch of beach that feels like stepping back in time. This is one of those rare, genuinely untouched beaches you actually still find on the island, and trust me, it's worth the adventure to get there. The beach itself is a mix of black sand and rocks depending on the tide, framed by some seriously gorgeous landscapes. The real story here, though, is the road getting there. Fair warning: it's rough. Like, really rough. We're talking an unpaved, 12.8-kilometer (7.95-mile) journey from Veneguera that winds through banana, papaya, and mango plantations in a single-lane gravel road. You'll be shifting between first and second gear the whole way, navigating sections of sand and gravel with rocks that can pop up without warning and make the road impassable. A 4x4 with high clearance is essential—non-negotiable. The bumpy ride gets progressively worse as you approach the coast, and honestly, it's so teeth-rattling you'll barely notice the scenery flying by (which is actually pretty beautiful, if you can focus on it). But here's the thing: once you arrive, it's totally worth it. This is a genuine escape where nature lovers can actually unplug. There's no mobile phone reception out here, and help is nowhere close, so plan accordingly. The beach has been a favorite camping spot for decades, and the solitude? Absolutely priceless.
hardWhere is Fort de la Marguerie?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Fort de la Marguerie, or Fort de la Marguerite as some call it, a seriously cool fort perched high in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France, near the Col de Tende-Colle di Tenda. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. Built by the Italians way back when, it saw action in both World Wars before becoming French territory. The adventure starts in Saint-Dalmas de Tende and stretches for about 27 km (17 miles). The road? Think unpaved, steep, and seriously narrow – all adding to the charm. You'll be climbing to some seriously impressive heights. While it’s not crazy difficult, you'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle to navigate the terrain and be prepared to share the road with hikers and other adventurers. Take it slow and soak in the views. Trust me; the scenery is worth it.
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.