Where is Col d’Artzatey?
France, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Spanish-French border in the Pyrenees Mountains. You're headed for Col d’Artzatey, a mountain pass sitting pretty high up.
Now, the road to get there? Let's just say it's an adventure! Starting from the parking lot at , you've got a drive. The whole thing is unpaved, so buckle up for a bumpy, narrow and challenging ride!
But hey, you're rewarded with some seriously stunning views along the way. Just take it slow and steady, and you'll conquer this mountain pass in style!
Related Roads in europe
hardA winding road with steep slopes to Puerto de las Palomas
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de las Palomas Nestled in the heart of Spain's Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park in Cádiz province, Puerto de las Palomas is a mountain pass sitting at 1,190m (3,904ft) that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Fair warning: there's a summit sign claiming 1,357 meters, but don't believe it—that's definitely off! The completely paved CA-9104 winds its way for 15.7 km (9.75 miles) from Zahara de la Sierra northward toward Puerto del Boyar near Grazalema, and let me tell you, this route is *not* for the faint of heart. The road is basically a masterclass in switchbacks and hairpin turns, with some sections hitting a brutal 14% gradient that'll have you gripping the wheel and questioning your life choices. The good news? You can drive this most of the year, though winter occasionally throws a wrench in the plans with brief closures. Once you summit, there's a small parking area where you can catch your breath—and the views are absolutely worth it. The panorama stretches across parts of Cádiz and Málaga provinces, and even peeks into southern Seville. If you're feeling adventurous, there's also a killer hiking trail that takes you even deeper into this stunning landscape. This is one seriously rewarding drive through some of Andalusia's most dramatic terrain.
hardCol Nord des Lacs
🇫🇷 France
Col Nord des Lacs is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.533m (8,310ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. The surface of the road to the summit is rocky with lots of slippery gravel. It’s pretty steep and deserted. The road is usually impassable from October to June (weather permitting). Great trail for experienced wheelers. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point. 4x4 vehicle required. Stay away if you're scared of heights. Expect a trail pretty steep. At the summit there are spectacular views and two lakes: Lac Bramant and Lac Blanc. In the far distance you can see the Glacier de St. Sorlin. Pic: pascal desgardin A wild unpaved road to Palet Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
extremeWhy is Svalbard Satellite Station important?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're on Spitsbergen, the biggest island in Norway's Svalbard archipelago, heading up to Platåberget mountain plateau. We're talking serious altitude here, like 1,300 to 1,600 feet above sea level. Why are we going? To check out SvalSat, the world's biggest commercial ground station for satellites! This place is a big deal because it can connect with polar-orbiting satellites *every single orbit*. Seriously cool stuff for climate monitoring, disaster response, and generally helping agencies like NASA and ESA do their thing. The road itself? It's a bit of a trek. About 3.1 miles, and pretty steep in places. Construction started way back in 1997, the same year as the station itself. Now, the reality check: this is the Arctic. Polar bears are a very real threat – like, *very* real. You absolutely MUST check current safety info before even thinking about this trip. Oh, and weather? Extreme doesn't even begin to cover it. Avalanches and landslides can shut this road down faster than you can say "winter wonderland." So, yeah, respect the elements and be prepared!
hardDriving the defiant Road F734 in the Northwestern Region
🇮🇸 Iceland
Get ready for the Vesturheiðarvegur (F734) in Northwestern Iceland – a truly wild ride! This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking breathtaking landscapes, rugged terrain, and river crossings that will test your mettle. Some say it’s a road for the brave! This north-south track, connecting Strangakvísl to Road 35 east of Lake Blöndulón, is strictly unpaved and one of Iceland’s infamous F Roads. Think seriously steep sections, crazy lava formations, and a whole lot of mud. Only full-size 4x4s with high clearance need apply! The track can be slanted and narrow, with rocks adding to the fun. Perched high in the Blandá Valley, this road is a summer treat, usually open from late June to early September. But remember, you're on your own out here. It's remote with very little traffic, zero cell service, and no nearby help if things go south. Pack accordingly! The river crossings are the main event, with the Blandá and Svartá rivers leading the pack in terms of depth and drama. Proceed with extreme caution and experience. Scout those depths and currents, and absolutely avoid going it alone or during heavy rain. Seriously, talk to locals before attempting any crossings. We’re talking depths up to 1.4 meters in places, with rough and unpredictable riverbeds! And remember, rental insurance probably won’t cover any water damage. But hey, with all that said, the views are absolutely spectacular. Just maybe skip it at night due to the limited visibility.