What’s the history of Alan Pass?
Croatia, europe
25.7 km
5 m
hard
Year-round
Cruising through Lika-Senj County, Croatia? You absolutely HAVE to experience Veliki Alan pass! Nestled in the Velebit mountains, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, this road clocks in at 25.7 km (15.96 miles) of pure adrenaline.
Okay, let’s be real – this isn’t your average Sunday drive. We’re talking a seriously narrow, mostly paved road with some pretty intense drop-offs. This is the highest point of the road, reaching 1,414m (4,639ft)!
The pass has a crazy history, too! It's been used for thousands of years, even by the Romans! Then it was critical for trade, and timber transport... Even crazier, the road was built under terrible conditions by political prisoners.
Heads up: this road isn't maintained in winter, and is generally open from June until the first snow. Just because the lower slopes look clear doesn’t mean you're in the clear either – huge drifts can build up.
Important safety tip: stick to the road! This area saw some heavy fighting, and there are still minefield warning signs posted. Better safe than sorry, right?
The payoff? Jaw-dropping views! The road winds mostly through the forest, but the summit is something else. Mountain huts dot the top, along with a monument honoring the Partisans who defended Velebit. And the panorama? Think endless sea, dotted with islands – absolutely unforgettable!
Road Details
- Country
- Croatia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 25.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 5 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardMotorcycle Fatality Hotspots: Analyzing the UK’s Highest-Risk Arteries
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up, thrill-seekers! Let's talk about the A483 in Powys, Wales. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a ribbon of tarmac stretching through some seriously stunning scenery. Think rolling hills, epic vistas, and that fresh Welsh air filling your lungs. Now, this beauty isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking about a route where you can open up the throttle, leaning into high-speed curves that'll put your skills to the test. But here's the catch: this road demands respect. Unpredictable weather can swoop in out of nowhere, and you might just find yourself sharing the asphalt with some woolly locals! Yep, sheep are a real hazard here, so keep your eyes peeled. The stats don't lie: most accidents happen on clear, sunny days. It's easy to get carried away in perfect conditions, but overconfidence is the enemy. So, if you're heading to the A483, remember to keep your wits about you. This road will reward you with unforgettable views, but it'll punish any mistakes.
moderateHospice de Rioumajou
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the French Pyrenees, Hautes-Pyrénées to be exact, heading towards this ridiculously charming spot called Hospice de Rioumajou. Perched at 1,559m (that's over 5,100ft!), this mountain refuge and restaurant is seriously worth the trek. The road in, the D19, winds through the stunning Rioumajou Valley. It's mostly smooth sailing on asphalt, but keep an eye out for a bit of gravel near the end – adds to the adventure, right? From Tramezaïgues, it's a 12.1km climb, gaining a hefty 592 meters in altitude. Expect an average gradient of around 4.89%, but be prepared for some steeper sections kicking up to 7.6%. Trust me, the views make every push worth it. Just a heads up, the hospice is usually open daily in July and August, between 11am and 5pm. Don't miss it!
easyHow to drive the scenic Andoya National Tourist Route in Norway?
🇳🇴 Norway
Andøya National Tourist Route is a seriously stunning drive hugging the west coast of Andøya Island in the Vesterålen archipelago, up in Nordland county, Norway. If you're after one of Norway's most famous scenic drives—and one of the most remote—this is it. Located way up north in the Arctic Circle, this 58km (36 miles) stretch takes you from Bjørnskinn in the south all the way to Andenes at the island's northern tip. The entire route is paved, running along roads 974, 976, and 82, and it's generally open year-round (though winter storms might occasionally close it briefly). Here's the cool part: if you're driving in summer, you'll experience the midnight sun. The road winds through absolutely jaw-dropping scenery shaped by the dramatic Norwegian Sea—think white sandy beaches, craggy mountain peaks, and endless ocean views. You'll likely spot wildlife too: seals, whales, and eagles are regular sightings from your car window. The highest elevation tops out at just 65m, so it's a pretty accessible drive. One heads-up: wind can be intense here, so keep that in mind. The area's dotted with charming small towns where you can grab a place to stay, and in summer months, you can even connect to the National Tourist Route Senja via ferry. The Andøya Air Station sits right next to Andenes if you're curious about that bit of local history. This is remote, wild, and absolutely unforgettable.
moderateDriving the scenic EM-508 Road through Serra do Açor
🇵🇹 Portugal
Cruising through the heart of Portugal on the EM-508 is an absolute must-do! Picture this: you're winding through the Coimbra district, with breathtaking views of the Serra do Açor mountains unfolding before you. This fully paved road, nestled in central Portugal, isn't for the faint of heart. Think narrow, curvy stretches hugging the mountainside, with a few spots where the drop-offs are, shall we say, *exhilaratingly* unprotected. The good news? You'll likely have the road mostly to yourself! Just keep an eye out, as landslides or winter weather can sometimes lead to closures. Spanning 40 km (25 miles) from the N-230 near Santa Ovaia to the M543 near Teixeira, this north-south route is packed with incredible scenery. And make sure you stop to explore Piódão, an ancient village along the way – it's seriously one of Portugal's prettiest, with its traditional slate houses. The whole area is famous for its Aldeias do Xisto (slate villages), making it a total tourist hotspot. Get ready for some serious wanderlust!