Was Objekat 505 the largest underground airport in the Balkans?
Bosnia, europe
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're about to explore the mind-blowing Željava Air Base, hidden away on the border of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This isn't just any old abandoned place; it was *the* underground airport in the Balkans and one of Europe's biggest!
Back in the day, this place was a top-secret military hub, built between 1957 and 1965 at a cost of around $6 billion (whoa!). Think of it as a super-fortified command center, built to house fighter jets and a thousand personnel, nestled deep within Plješevica Mountain.
You can technically get to it, though a rotting Douglas C-47 at the entrance definitely sets the mood. But here's the thing: proceed with SERIOUS caution. While a permit from local police may help, the entire area is potentially riddled with landmines. Exploring the underground complex is even more risky, with the potential for radiation, unexploded bombs, toxic gases, and landslides. This isn't your average tourist spot!
The location of Željava Air Base is eerily desolate, so extreme caution must be used when visiting the area. Local police and CPA use the area to train dogs with the use of landmines. It's a real trip.
And hey, if you're into epic drives, have you heard about the road to Pločno in the Čvrsnica mountain – the "roof" of Bosnia and Herzegovina? Or maybe the route to Bjelašnica, with its 17 hairpin turns and… a slight mine risk? Adventure awaits!
Related Roads in europe
hardAgnel Pass is one of the European highest paved roads
🇫🇷 France
# Col Agnel-Colle dell'Agnello Ready for an Alpine adventure? This stunning international mountain pass sits at a whopping 2,744m (9,003ft) and straddles the French-Italian border in the gorgeous Queyras Regional Natural Park. It's the gateway between the Hautes-Alpes in southeastern France and the Cuneo province in Italy's Piedmont region. The fully paved route stretches 35.2km (21.87 miles) from the charming French village of Molines-en-Queyras down to Casteldelfino in Italy. Known as the D205T in France and SP251 in Italy, it's seriously one of the Alps' highest roads. Plan on spending about 1 to 1.2 hours driving it without stops—though honestly, you'll want to linger at that tiny summit parking lot for the absolutely insane panoramic views. Fair warning though: this pass is a seasonal beast. Expect it to be snowed in from late October through late June or early July, so timing is everything. Once you're up there, the narrow sections and intense 15% gradients will keep you on your toes. Rock slides are a real concern, and heavy vehicles are banned for good reason. This isn't some tourist trap either—despite being the highest international pass in the Alps, it flies under the radar compared to other Alpine crossings. But the cycling world knows it well: both the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France have tackled this beast, with the Tour featuring it back in 2008 after a fresh resurfacing.
hardAn old military road to Marchkinkele - Cometto di Confine
🇮🇹 Italy
# Marchkinkele - Cometto di Confine: A Wild Alpine Adventure Ready for some serious high-altitude driving? Marchkinkele, aka Cometto di Confine, sits pretty at 2,545m (8,349ft) on the Austria-Italy border—and it's a beast to reach. This peak marks the southern edge of the Villgraten Mountains, nestled within the stunning Tre Cime Natural Park where the Autonomous Province of Bolzano meets Austria's Lienz district. The real story here? This place has serious character. Back in the 1930s, military installations went up across the summit, and you can still spot the old fortifications dotting the landscape. These days, a cozy mountain hut called Marchhütte sits just below the peak on the sunny side, offering killer views of the Sesto and Braies Dolomites—perfect for refueling after your drive. Now, let's talk logistics. The Italian approach from Innichen (San Candido) is where things get gnarly. This 20km (12-mile) route is pure unimproved military road—think loose rocks, sketchy narrow sections, and some genuinely steep pitches. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 to handle it. The Austrian side? That's hiking territory only. Winter? Fuggedaboutit. This elevation means the road regularly becomes impassable once snow arrives. Come summer, though, and you've got yourself one serious off-road challenge with some of Europe's most dramatic alpine scenery as your reward.
moderateA paved road to Coe Pass in the Venetian Prealps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Coe Tucked away in Italy's Trentino-Alto Adige region, Passo Coe sits pretty at 1,610 meters (5,282 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass is a serious climb that'll test your driving skills—and your patience. The route up is via Strada Provinciale 143 (SP143), starting from Calliano. You're looking at 19 km (11.8 miles) of steady ascending with a brutal 1,428 meters of elevation gain. That works out to an average gradient of 7.5%—totally doable, but definitely demanding. The good news? The entire road is paved and generally well-maintained, so at least you won't be wrestling with a rough surface while you're grinding your way up. This climb has serious pedigree too—it's a former Giro d'Italia mountain stage, so you'll be following in the tire tracks of professional cyclists who've conquered it. Once you reach the top, you'll find a decent-sized parking lot (paid), plus a handful of bars and restaurants where you can catch your breath and grab some fuel. There's also a mountain refuge if you're planning to stay overnight. One thing to keep in mind: the upper sections can get sketchy during winter. Snow and ice might force temporary closures from late autumn through early spring, so always check local conditions before heading up if you're visiting outside the warmer months.
hardWhere is Défilé du Lancone?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! You absolutely HAVE to experience Défilé du Lancone in Corsica, France. This isn't just a drive; it's a full-on sensory overload carved right into the Haute-Corse mountains near Bastia. Picture this: You're snaking along the D62, a historic road dating back to 1873, that was the first route to link the villages of Nebbiu to the Bastia coast. This 8.5 km (5.28 mile) stretch winds its way from Col de Santo Stefano to Casatorra, following the Bevinco river as it separates Massif de la Stella and Monte Pinzali. Prepare for some serious "balcony road" vibes with steep drops and tight turns – this route is famous for its dramatic history and difficult construction. Keep your eyes peeled because there are some suspended rocks that add to the thrill, making it a perfect rally stage location. The scenery is simply unreal, but you’ll need to keep your focus with the narrow, winding road that hugs the cliffside. Seriously, this is one drive you won't forget!