Where Does the King's Road Start and End?
Finland, europe
400 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Cruising through southern Finland? You HAVE to check out the historical King's Road!
Okay, so this road is ancient, dating all the way back to the 14th century when it was a major trade route stretching from Norway clear over to Russia. We're talking kings, bishops – the VIPs of yesteryear – all using this road to get between the big Nordic cities.
Today, the Finnish part of the King's Road (Kungsvägen or Kuninkaantie, depending on your language preference) hugs the southern coast, running about 400 km (250 miles) from Turku to Vaalimaa. Think smooth pavement, but get ready for curves! The views are totally worth it.
Seriously, plan on 2-3 days to really soak it all in with plenty of stops. The road is peppered with old buildings and historical markers. History buffs and driving enthusiasts, this one's for you! Picture this: rolling hills, lush valleys, stunning country views, and manor houses, castles and farms all linked together by a winding road. This drive is beautiful.
Road Details
- Country
- Finland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 400 km
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in europe
hardPuerto de la Morcuera
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de la Morcuera Ready for some serious elevation gain in central Spain? Head to Puerto de la Morcuera, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,796 meters (5,892 feet) in the northern reaches of Madrid. The road up is called M-611, and while it's paved, don't expect smooth sailing—it's rough around the edges and gets genuinely steep in spots, with some sections hitting 11% grades. This climb has even been featured in Spain's legendary Vuelta race. You've got options depending on where you're starting from. Coming from Rascafría? That's a 14 km grind with 658 meters of elevation gain (average 4.7%). Prefer the shorter route from Miraflores de la Sierra? Go for the 9.2 km push that climbs 603 meters at a steeper 6.6% average. Or tackle the beast from Guadalix de la Sierra—17 km and 926 meters of elevation gain (5.4% average). Fair warning: this is high-altitude territory, so winter snowfalls are no joke. The road can shut down completely when snow takes over, so check conditions before you head up. It's all part of the adventure though, right?
hardSiglufjardarskard Pass requires slow, careful driving
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Siglufjardarskard in northern Iceland! This mountain pass, perched at a dizzying 701 meters (2,299 feet), isn't for the faint of heart – or those with a fear of heights. Situated where the Northeast meets the Northwest, this gravel road (Skardsvegur 793) demands slow, steady driving. Built back in the 40s to be passable for vehicles, this route offers stunning views out over the sea, and the road itself is an attraction. Legend says mythical beings haunted this northern coast. You'll definitely need a 4x4 for this one! Open only a few months of the year, the pass rewards you with unbelievable vistas, but be warned – cell service is spotty. The climb from the charming fishing town of Siglufjörður (Road 76) is a steep 6.4 km, gaining a whopping 690 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of nearly 11%! Be prepared for a proper adventure thanks to both the incline and the harsh winter conditions. Just remember that you're traveling one of Iceland's highest roads and you'll be rewarded with experiencing the raw, dramatic beauty of the landscape up close. Narrow in sections and typically only open four to five months a year, this drive is unforgettable.
hardA steep paved road to Col Tze Core in the Aosta Valley
🇮🇹 Italy
Col Tze Core is a thrilling high-altitude pass tucked away in Italy's Aosta Valley, sitting at a respectable 1,607m (5,272ft) above sea level. Also called Col Zuccore or Tzecore, this gem is hidden in the north-western corner of the country. The 9.4 km (5.84 miles) stretch winds from Strada Regionale 7 near Sommarese all the way up to Orbeillaz, and here's what makes it interesting: while the road is fully paved, it's definitely on the narrow side. You'll encounter some seriously steep sections that'll really test your driving skills—we're talking 15.3% gradients on some of those ramps. It's the kind of road that demands your full attention and respect. The payoff? Once you reach the summit, there's a charming picnic area waiting for you. Perfect spot to catch your breath, soak in the views, and celebrate making it up this challenging Alpine pass.
hardIs the road to Roque de los Muchachos paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Hey stargazers and thrill-seekers! Let me tell you about Roque de los Muchachos, a mountain peak on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain. Reaching a staggering 2,423m (7,949ft), this road is no joke! The road to the top, Carretera al Roque de los Muchachos, is fully paved, but don't think it's a walk in the park. Think hairpin turns and bends for days! Fog, clouds, and even snow can roll in, making the drive pretty intense. If you're not a fan of heights, brace yourself – the final stretch is narrow with some serious drop-offs. This 3.8km (2.36 miles) climb gains 277 meters in elevation, averaging a 7.28% gradient that spikes to 12% in spots! The last stretch is only open during the day, and the road is closed to the public at night. So, why brave this crazy road? At the summit sits the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory (ORM), one of the world's largest telescope arrays, making this one of the best stargazing spots on the planet. Plus, the views are unreal! On a clear day, you can spot Tenerife, El Hierro, and La Gomera. Trust me, this drive is totally worth it for the insane scenery alone!