
When was the Georgian Military Road built?
Georgia, europe
212 km
2,395 m
hard
Year-round
The Georgian Military Road (aka Georgian Military Highway) is an absolute MUST if you're hitting up Georgia – seriously one of the most scenic routes in the South Caucasus! This ancient path linking Georgia and Russia is packed with history and legends, a total adventure.
We're talking about a 212km (131 mile) stretch that winds its way from Tbilisi (Georgia's capital) all the way to Vladikavkaz in Russia, right through the heart of the Great Caucasus Range.
The road's mostly paved, but heads-up: you'll find some rougher gravel sections, especially after snow or bad weather. It's a busy route, so expect to share the road with plenty of trucks.
Get ready for some serious elevation! The road peaks at a whopping 2,395m (7,857ft) at Cross Pass. This area is notorious for avalanches, so keep an eye on the weather forecast. It's usually open year-round, but snowstorms and low visibility can cause temporary closures.
The views? Unbelievable! You'll catch stunning glimpses of Mt. Kazbek and traverse some seriously challenging terrain. The dramatic scenery, fresh air, and the sheer scale of the Caucasus Mountains are something else.
Make sure you stop at the viewpoints along the way – you can even find natural mineral water at one spot! It's easy to see why writers like Tolstoy, Dumas, and Gorky were so inspired by the incredible mountains, gorges, and valleys along this route.
Road Details
- Country
- Georgia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 212 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,395 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateBocco Pass is an epic climb in the Apennines
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo del Bocco: A Mountain Pass with Stories to Tell Nestled at 962 meters (3,156 feet) along the border between Emilia-Romagna and Liguria, Passo del Bocco is a gem hidden high up in the Apennines. This isn't your typical gentle scenic drive—expect steep climbs, plenty of hairpin turns, and a completely paved road that'll keep you alert the whole way up. When you finally reach the summit, you'll find a welcoming restaurant and parking area to catch your breath and soak in the views. This pass has some serious cycling pedigree. It was the stage that made Yevgeny Berzin a champion during the 1994 Tour of Italy, but it's also marked by tragedy—it's where Belgian cyclist Wouter Weylandt tragically lost his life during the 2011 Tour of Italy in May. **Two Ways to the Top** There are two routes to choose from depending on where you're starting: **Via SP26bis**: The shorter option at 18.5 km (11.49 miles), this route runs from Borgonovo up to the Emilia-Romagna border. Perfect if you want a quicker, more direct assault on the pass. **Via SP49**: The longer route at 34.7 km (21.56 miles), this one winds from Varese Ligure through Borzonasca. More road time means more time to appreciate the stunning Apennine scenery.
hardRoad Fv215
🇳🇴 Norway
# Road Fv215: Norway's Stunning Fjord Drive Ready for a breathtaking coastal adventure? Head to Trøndelag county in central Norway and experience FV215—a spectacular 32.7 km coastal road that'll have you pulling over constantly for photos. This scenic gem winds through dramatic fjord landscapes, starting from the village of Tøttdal (accessible via Road 766) and snaking its way toward Sitter, passing through charming villages like Utvorda and Statland along the way. The entire route is asphalted, though you'll navigate some genuinely narrow sections that hug the coastline—definitely not for the faint-hearted! The good news? The road is open year-round, making it accessible whenever you're craving this adventure. Just be prepared—winter weather can occasionally force brief closures, so check conditions before heading out. What makes FV215 truly special is the adrenaline rush of the drive combined with some of Norway's most jaw-dropping scenery. Every curve reveals new fjord vistas, and the narrow sections over the water deliver an exhilarating thrill. Fair warning though: the area is prone to landslides, so stay alert and drive carefully. This is the kind of road that reminds you why Norway's coastal routes are legendary. Pack your camera, fuel up, and prepare for an unforgettable drive.
hardTravel Guide to Alpspitze
🇩🇪 Germany
Alpspitze is a stunning high-altitude peak sitting pretty at 2,091m (6,860ft) in Bavaria, Germany—and it's seriously one of the highest drives in the country. The real showstopper? The AlpspiX Viewing Platform at the summit (also called Osterfelderkopf), where two incredible curved metal walkways jut out 13 meters over the cliff, crossing each other in an X-shape. It's absolutely wild. The views are breathtaking, though fair warning: it gets seriously windy and cold up there. But the payoff is huge—there are restaurants and shops to grab a bite, plenty of space to wander around, and Instagram-worthy photo spots everywhere. Perched in southern Bavaria near the Austrian border, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road to the summit is completely unpaved with some seriously narrow, steep sections that'll get your heart racing. Winter? Forget about it—it's basically impassable then. The whole route is 14 km (8.69 miles) starting from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a popular ski resort town. Nestled in the dramatic Wetterstein mountain range, this legendary route has an interesting history. The trail got shut down back in 2016 for construction work, and here's the thing—motor vehicles aren't allowed on the road anymore. So while you can't drive it these days, the hike up is an unforgettable adventure for those looking to experience one of Germany's most incredible alpine destinations.
hardAlpe d'Huez is a mythical climb with 21 hairpin turns
🇫🇷 France
# Alpe d'Huez: The Cycling Pilgrimage Alpe d'Huez isn't just a climb—it's a rite of passage for cyclists. Nestled in the southeastern French Alps within the Oisans region of Isère, this legendary ski resort sits at 1,860m and has become synonymous with Tour de France glory since its debut in 1952. The ride itself kicks off from Le Bourg d'Oisans and stretches 13.8 km of perfectly paved road (the D211) with an average gradient of 8.1%. Sounds reasonable, right? Well, hold on—those sneaky 13% ramps throughout will humble you real quick. This climb isn't the longest or steepest in the Alps, but it's relentlessly punishing in the best possible way. What makes Alpe d'Huez truly special are its 21 iconic hairpin bends, each one named after a Tour de France stage winner who claimed their moment of glory here. It's like riding through cycling history itself. The road stays open year-round, though winter weather occasionally forces brief closures. Come summer, you'll be sharing the asphalt with around 1,000 other riders daily—a testament to this climb's magnetic pull. The views? Spectacular. The ski resort facilities at the summit? Top-notch. And here's the cherry on top: between May and September, you can earn an official diploma for conquering the Alpe (on two wheels or two feet) for just €1, with proceeds going to charity. Known as "L'Isle du Soleil" (The Island of the Sun), this is the climb every cyclist dreams about. Ready to join the legend?