
Where is Etang de Soulcem?
France, europe
17.8 km
1,649 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Pyrenees, heading towards a hidden gem called Étang de Soulcem. This high-altitude reservoir sits pretty at 1,649m near the borders of Andorra and Spain.
The drive starts in Val-de-Sos and winds its way up for 17.8 km. Don't let the smooth, paved surface fool you, though! This road gets pretty steep with some ramps hitting a grunty 15% gradient. Over that distance, you'll climb a hefty 987 meters!
Trust me, though, the views are insane. The lake itself is stunning, full of fish, and the area is just breathtaking. Word of warning: the road can get narrow, especially near the top. There are some tight hairpin bends, so keep your eyes peeled. Also, this area can have rock slides, so be aware. Sadly, this route is usually snowed in during winter, so plan your trip accordingly! Once you reach the top, park at Parking du Chemin des Orris, and you can explore a gravel road. Worth the trip? Absolutely!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,649 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateThe Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Katschberg Pass
🇦🇹 Austria
# Katschberg Pass Ready for a thrilling alpine adventure? Katschberg Pass is a stunning high-altitude mountain crossing sitting pretty at 1,641m (5,384ft) in Austria, right on the border between Carinthia and Salzburg in the southern part of the country. This 10.4 km (6.46 miles) beauty—known locally as Bundesstraße B 99—connects the charming village of Rennweg am Katschberg down in Carinthia to St. Michael im Lungau up in Salzburg. And let me tell you, it's absolutely worth every kilometer. The whole route is paved, which is great, but here's the thing: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road gets seriously steep in sections, with narrow stretches, missing center lines in places, and hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. You'll spot warning signs recommending low gear throughout—and trust us, you'll appreciate that advice when you're tackling those grades. Nestled in the heart of the Central Eastern Alps, this drive delivers non-stop scenic views. Expect dramatic mountain landscapes, sweeping vistas, and that magical feeling of being on top of the world. Just remember to take your time, respect the terrain, and enjoy every twist and turn. This is mountain driving at its finest.
hardRoad 626 is an awe-inspiring drive in the peninsula Westfjords
🇮🇸 Iceland
Road 626, or Hrafnseyrarvegur, is a coastal gem nestled in Iceland's Westfjords, specifically the Dýrafjörður fjord area. Think breathtaking scenery as you wind 30.6 km (19 miles) from Þingeyri to Dynjandi, passing by Hrafnseyri. Now, heads up, this isn't your typical paved road. It's all gravel, but most cars can handle it, though a 4x4 definitely makes things easier. This route can get feisty when the tide's high! Prepare for seriously stunning views of the coastline, mountains, and Hrafnseyrarheiði from both sides of the road. Plus, it's your access point for the gorgeous Gljúfurárfoss Waterfall. Just a heads-up: the road has some tight squeezes, a bumpy surface, steep climbs (up to a crazy 20% grade!), and drop-offs. You'll climb to a whopping 551m (1807ft) at the Hrafnseyrarheiði plateau. Because of the altitude, it's only open in the summer. Quick note: as of October 2020, the Dýrafjarðargöng tunnel (part of Road 60) offers an alternative route.
hardWhere is Pico del Águila?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Pico del Águila, a killer peak nestled in the Spanish Pyrenees, specifically in the Huesca province of Aragón. This baby tops out at 1,611 meters (that's 5,285 feet for you imperial system folks). Now, getting there is an adventure in itself. The road *is* paved, technically... but be warned, it's seen better days. Think potholes galore and random boulders just chillin' on the asphalt. Seriously, bring a high-clearance vehicle; you'll thank me later. The road stretches for just under 5 kilometers (about 3 miles), and climbs a hefty 331 meters. That's an average incline of nearly 7%, but don't get comfy, because there are spots that ramp up to almost 9%! So, is it worth the bone-jarring ride? Absolutely! Once you conquer that climb, you're rewarded with panoramic views of the entire Pyrenees range. Plus, there's a rad communication tower at the summit. Trust me, the vistas are worth every bump and scrape. Get ready to be amazed!
hardLoma del Caballo
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Loma del Caballo! Tucked way up in the Sierra Nevada National Park in Andalucia, Spain's Granada province, this mountain pass is a real stunner. We're talking serious altitude here – 2,480 meters (that's 8,136 feet!). One of the highest roads in the whole country, so you know the views are going to be epic. Word to the wise: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. It's unpaved and pretty steep, with grades hitting up to 15% in places. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one. Aim for late spring to early fall – you don't want to get caught in the snow, trust me! But if you time it right, you'll be rewarded with incredible views of the snowy Mulhacén and Veleta peaks. Get ready for some serious photo ops!