
What’s the Bosnian Former Eastern Railway?
Bosnia, europe
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're just southeast of Sarajevo, Bosnia, itching for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Forget the highway; you're on the old Bosnian Eastern Railway. What was once a railway is now a rugged gravel track snaking its way toward Pale.
This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking 99 tunnels, each with its own personality! Some are short, some long (up to 240m!), but all are dark and echo-y. Tunnel #5? Super dark and curved, adding a thrill to the experience. Keep an eye out for the rusted remains of old signage near Tunnel #6.
The terrain is insane! Between Tunnels #6 and #7, it's a sheer drop-off. You're literally driving on a retaining wall clinging to the side of a cliff! Tunnel #7 is a highlight, carved right through exposed rock. Then there's Tunnel #11, which is like driving through a raw rock opening, completely wild.
Heads up: Tunnel #12 is the big one—it's a whopping 852 meters long with curves. It's now part of the motorway and used for one-way traffic. Get ready for total darkness as there's no lighting inside.
So, if you're craving a unique, slightly crazy road trip through history and unbelievable landscapes, this former railway line needs to be on your list! Just be prepared for gravel, tunnels, and a whole lot of "wow" moments.
Related Roads in europe
hardTransRarau is a beautiful Alpine road in Romania
🇷🇴 Romania
Get ready for TransRarau, a Romanian road trip through the gorgeous landscapes of Suceava County, in the heart of Bukovina! This high-altitude route, made up of roads 175A and 175B, delivers a perfect blend of thrills and views. Forget bumpy rides – the road was revamped in 2014 with smooth, wide asphalt. You'll be winding and climbing to a max altitude of 1,400m (4,593ft) in the Rarau massif, so stay alert. The curves are tight and demand focus! This 26.4 km (16.40 mile) adventure runs from Pojorata to Chiril. At the top, a side gravel road leads to Rarau Peak, a lofty 1,633m (5,357ft). Known as "The Treasures Road", it's a strong contender for Romania's most beautiful alpine drive. Heads up – parking spots are rare. The higher you climb, the more breathtaking it gets! Watch out for oncoming traffic, as blind corners are aplenty. Aim for a visit between June and September. This road makes it easy to visit Cabin, Rarau Skete, and the iconic 'Lady' Rocks' (Pietrele Doamnei).
easyWhere is Col de l’Espaul?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Alpes-Maritimes in France, headed for a hidden gem called Col de l’Espaul. This mountain pass sits way up high at 1,752 meters (that's 5,748 feet!), offering killer views in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. You'll take Route de la Colle, snaking up through the Mercantour Massif. Be warned, those ramps can hit a 10% gradient, so hold on tight! The road *is* paved (thankfully!), but let's just say it's seen better days – blame it on that golf course they built up there. Starting in Péone on Rue Saint-Jean, it's a short but sweet 2.9 kilometers (or 1.8 miles) to the top. The road ends right at the summit where there's a big parking lot, perfect for soaking in the views of the Mercantour National Park. Trust me, the scenery makes any bumps along the way totally worth it!
moderateWhere is Col d'Èze?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the French Riviera, wind in your hair, heading for the Col d'Èze. This mountain pass, sitting pretty at 532m (1,745ft), is a total must-do in the Alpes-Maritimes department. Why "Èze"? It's named after the charming village of Èze itself! The M2564 road is paved the whole way, winding for 15.4 km (9.56 miles) from Nice (yep, the capital of the French Riviera) to La Turbie. Seriously, the views are out of this world – think sweeping panoramas of Èze and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. It's a classic Route des Grandes Alpes experience. Cyclists, take note! This climb is a regular in the Paris-Nice and Tour de France races. It’s a popular training spot, with some seriously steep sections hitting a max gradient of 10.2% in places. Officially, it's graded as a category 2 climb, so be prepared to work those legs!
hardVal Forcola
🇮🇹 Italy
# Val Forcola: An Alpine Adventure for the Bold Nestled high in the Province of Sondrio in Lombardy's stunning Alps, Val Forcola sits at a jaw-dropping 2,126 meters (6,975 feet) above sea level. This isn't your average Sunday drive—it's a heart-pounding alpine experience that separates the casual road trippers from the true mountain adventurers. This old military road comes with serious character and even more serious challenges. Expect gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumpy sections that'll keep you gripping the wheel. The terrain is notoriously tippy and steep, so if you're not comfortable with white-knuckle elevation gains, this probably isn't your road. Heights-phobic? Definitely skip this one. Here's the reality: you'll need a 4x4 to tackle this beast, and you'd better be confident navigating unpaved mountain terrain. Wet conditions transform the trail into a muddy nightmare that demands real skill and respect. Winter? Forget about it—the road becomes completely impassable once snow arrives. The payoff? Incredible alpine scenery and the satisfaction of conquering one of Italy's most challenging mountain passes. But fair warning: this route demands experience, proper equipment, and nerves of steel. Only the most seasoned off-road drivers should attempt it.