The road to Lac du Barrage d'Ossoue isn't an easy one
France, europe
8.8 km
1,842 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in the French Pyrenees, ready for an adventure! You're headed to Lac du Barrage d'Ossoue, a stunning lake nestled way up at 1,842 meters.
The route? It's the D128, kicking off from the charming town of Gavarnie. It's only about 8.8 kilometers, but don't let that fool you—it climbs with an average gradient of 8%, so it's a bit of a workout for your car.
Now, a heads-up: nature calls the shots here. Avalanches, snow, and landslides can happen, so watch out for icy patches. Seriously, conditions can change in a heartbeat, and the road might even be closed. Check before you go!
The first 4.8 kilometers are paved, easy peasy. But then, the last 4 kilometers turn into a gravel track. It's steep and narrow, so take it slow. You'll end up at a big parking area right by the lake, the perfect spot to start your high-mountain hikes. The views? Absolutely worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,842 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardRoad Fv277
🇳🇴 Norway
# Road FV277: A Norwegian Coastal Gem If you're looking for a quintessential Norwegian road trip, FV277 in Troms county absolutely delivers. This stunning 11.9 km drive connects Road 862 to Husøy, a charming fishing village nestled on its own little island in the Øyfjord. The road itself is well-maintained asphalt, though you'll encounter some pleasantly narrow sections that add a bit of character to the drive. Two tunnels—Fjellsend (765 meters) and Riven (935 meters)—punctuate your journey, offering dramatic transitions between the open road and mountain passages. What really makes this route special are the sweeping vistas. You'll be treated to panoramic views of three beautiful lakes—Skinnkollvatnet, Storvatnet, and Langvatnet—as the landscape unfolds around you. The elevation changes keep things interesting with some steep sections and a couple of hairpin turns that'll have you gripping the wheel (in the best way possible). Husøy itself is worth the drive—home to one of Senja's most vibrant fishing communities with just a few hundred residents who really embody that Norwegian coastal lifestyle. Fair warning: while FV277 stays open year-round, winter weather can occasionally force brief closures, so check conditions before heading out during the colder months. Otherwise, this is a drive that deserves a spot on your Norwegian bucket list.
hardIs Road 870 in Northeastern Iceland unpaved?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Get ready for an epic Icelandic adventure on Road 870, aka Norðausturvegur! This gem snakes along the northeast coast, serving up unreal views of Iceland's wild side. Yeah, it's a gravel road, but don't worry, most cars can handle it if you take it slow and easy. This slightly rough coastal route is just about 60 kilometers (37 miles) long, connecting Þórshöfn (a village on the eastern shore of Þistilfjörður fjord) and Fontur (a village on the northeastern tip of the Langanes peninsula). Keep in mind, this road is usually closed from early September to late June, so plan accordingly. And watch out for fog—it can get seriously thick up here. Located in one of Iceland’s most remote corners, this drive is all about breathtaking landscapes and serious solitude. You'll be far from everything, soaking up the peace and quiet of this sparsely populated area. Just a heads up: it's not a busy route, so solo travel isn't recommended.
hardWhere is Velické Pleso?
🌍 Slovakia
Okay, picture this: you're in Slovakia's Prešov Region, heading towards the majestic High Tatras. Your destination? The incredible Velické Pleso, a stunning mountain lake shimmering at 1,670 meters! The journey starts in Gerlachov, and from there it's a 7-kilometer climb that will test your driving skills! This recently paved road throws everything at you: seriously steep sections, a relentless 682-meter elevation gain, and no less than eight hairpin turns! It’s a proper challenge, but trust me, the views are worth it. As you ascend, prepare to be blown away by the scenery. This is one of those drives where you’ll want to stop every few minutes to soak it all in. And the prize at the top? The Horský Hotel ‘Sliezsky dom’, Slovakia’s highest mountain hotel! Keep in mind, though, that the road, while usually open year-round, can be temporarily closed in winter due to crazy weather. Also, there's a barrier now, so access is mainly for hotel guests with parking reservations. Just make sure to give the hotel reception a heads-up before you drive up, and you'll be fine!
extremeThe Remote Road to Svalbard Satellite Station: An Arctic Adventure
🇳🇴 Norway
Nestled on the Platåberget mountain plateau in Spitsbergen—the crown jewel of Norway's Svalbard archipelago—sits one of the world's most impressive technological marvels. The Svalbard Satellite Station (SvalSat) commands views from 400 to 500 meters (1,300 to 1,600 ft) above sea level, and it's absolutely worth the journey to get there. Built in 1996, SvalSat has grown into the planet's largest commercial ground station, boasting over 100 antennas and operated by Kongsberg Satellite Services. Here's what makes it truly special: its position at 78° North means it's the only facility on Earth that can communicate with polar-orbiting satellites on every single pass—up to 14 times daily. That's huge for global weather monitoring, climate research, and disaster management. Everything here runs on civilian operations (thanks to the Svalbard Treaty), with data flowing worldwide through a subsea fiber optic cable connecting back to mainland Norway. Now, about getting there. The 5.8 km (3.6 miles) of unpaved road leading to the station is genuinely rugged, complete with several steep pitches that'll test your vehicle and your nerves. Built alongside the station in 1996, this route is no leisurely drive. The Arctic climate is relentless here. Winter blizzards, permafrost conditions, and extreme cold transform the road into a serious challenge. And here's the real kicker: polar bears roam these parts. This isn't hyperbole—encounters are a genuine risk, so always check current safety conditions and come prepared before attempting this one.