Where is Ouninpohjantie?

Where is Ouninpohjantie?

Finland, europe

Length

17.4 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: Finland. Middle of nowhere. And a ribbon of road called Ouninpohjantie. Rally legend Mikko Hirvonen called it "the best road in the world," and honestly, he's not wrong!

This epic stretch winds for about 17.4 km (that's just over 10 miles) between Velu and Mutanen, straddling Central Finland and Pirkanmaa. It’s all unpaved, adding to the raw, untamed feel. Expect some seriously steep sections and places where it gets pretty narrow, but most cars can handle it.

So, why the hype? This isn't just any backroad—it's a legendary stage in Rally Finland (aka the 1000 Lakes Rally). They say it’s the fastest, toughest stage, and a highlight of the entire World Rally Championship. Think crazy speeds (over 200 km/h!), massive jumps, and blind crests that test every driver's skill and nerve.

Driving it is wild. The surface is surprisingly firm, with bend after bend and crest after crest. There are famous spots like the "Yellow House Jump" where cars literally fly.

And the scenery? Forget about it! Lakes pop up through the trees, and you're surrounded by classic Finnish countryside. Beyond rally, Ouninpohjantie has seeped into Finnish culture, even showing up in video games. It’s a driving experience you won't soon forget.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Finland
Continent
europe
Length
17.4 km
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Moosalp (Col de Moos): an epic road in the Alpsmoderate

Moosalp (Col de Moos): an epic road in the Alps

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Moosalp: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Nestled in the heart of the western Pennine Alps, Moosalp (aka Col de Moos) sits pretty at 2,048 meters above sea level in Switzerland's Valais canton. This charming high-altitude pass connects the villages of Bürchen and Törbel, offering drivers a scenic route through some seriously stunning Alpine terrain. Fair warning: the road is paved but delightfully narrow—exactly what you'd expect from a mountain pass that wasn't completed until 1978. Once you reach the top, you'll find a welcoming restaurant and spacious parking lot, making it the perfect spot to catch your breath and soak in the views. Ready to tackle it? You've got two main options. Coming from Stalden is the slightly easier climb: 15.2 km of driving with a 1,159-meter elevation gain and an average gradient of 7.6%. If you're starting from Visp, buckle up for the longer haul—18.1 km with 1,568 meters of elevation gain and a steeper 8.6% average. Either way, you're in for a thrilling Alpine experience that'll test your driving skills and reward you with incredible mountain views.

Technical Hazards: 4 of the Most Dangerous Roads in Englandextreme

Technical Hazards: 4 of the Most Dangerous Roads in England

🇬🇧 England

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving into some seriously wild rides across the UK! While Britain's usually pretty chill with its roads, these spots are like the rebels of the asphalt world. Think sharp turns, sky-high climbs, and views that'll take your breath away (if the road doesn't first!). First up, the Kirkstone Pass, chilling in the heart of Cumbria. It's the Lake District's highest road you can actually drive on, clocking in at 1,489 feet! Connecting Ambleside to Patterdale, this beauty has "extending slopes" and sneaky bends. Get to the top, and you might find yourself in a total fog bank – visibility can drop to basically zero in seconds. The view's killer, but keep your eyes peeled on the way down, 'cause it's a technical descent that'll test your brakes. Next, we've got Snake Pass (A57), snaking its way up to 1,679 feet. It's got a reputation for being a bit of a drama queen, accident-wise. It used to be *the* way to get from Manchester to Sheffield, and its name comes from the twisty-turny route it takes through the Pennines. The 26-mile trip is all about awkward angles and sudden ups and downs. And watch out in winter – this road closes faster than you can say "snowdrift" because it's a magnet for bad weather. Then there's the Cat and Fiddle Road, connecting Macclesfield and Buxton. This one's been dubbed the most dangerous road in Britain... multiple times! Even with speed cameras watching, this 7.5-mile stretch is loaded with tricky turns and massive drop-offs. Bikers, especially, need to be careful – the sudden changes in direction and steepness can catch you totally off guard. Last but not least, the Rosedale Chimney Bank! Cyclists call it the ‘Chain Breaker’, and it lives up to the name. It's got a maximum incline of a wild 33%, making it one of the steepest paved roads in England. Prepare for vertical climbs and seriously fast drops that are NO BUENO for caravans or big trucks. If it's icy or wet, forget about it – staying on the road is like trying to herd cats. Bottom line? These roads are epic, offering views that'll make your jaw drop, but they're not messing around. Modern tech is cool, but it's no substitute for good old-fashioned awareness when you're staring down a 33% grade or a frozen mountain pass. Before you hit these roads, make sure your ride is in top shape and check the weather, because the English highlands have a way of hiding a wild side!

How to drive the brutally steep road to Cerro del Morohard

How to drive the brutally steep road to Cerro del Moro

🇪🇸 Spain

# Cerro del Moro: A Thrilling Mountain Climb Ready for an adventure? Cerro del Moro, perched at 914m (2,998ft) in Málaga's stunning Andalusian countryside, is calling your name. Locals know it as Repetidor de Mijas, and honestly, the views from the top are absolutely worth the drive. Starting from the charming town of Mijas at 427m elevation, you've got a seriously challenging 5.3 km climb ahead. We're talking an average gradient of 9.18% with some sections hitting a steep 18%—this isn't your everyday Sunday drive. But here's the good news: the winding road is fully paved, recently renovated, and in excellent condition. No trucks allowed, which keeps things manageable. The route climbs high into the Sierra de D. Pedro mountain range, and most of it stays wonderfully quiet. You'll gain 487 meters of elevation, so pace yourself and enjoy the ride. The road stays open year-round, so you can tackle this peak whenever the mood strikes. Reach the summit and you'll find communication towers standing among genuinely breathtaking views stretching down to the Mediterranean. If you're lucky, you might spot some wild mountain goats roaming the peaks—seriously cool. It's demanding, sure, but the payoff? Absolutely spectacular.

How to get to Stwlan Dam in Wales?hard

How to get to Stwlan Dam in Wales?

🇬🇧 Wales

Okay, adventurers, picture this: you're in Gwynedd, Wales, ready for a climb up to Llyn Stwlan, a mountain reservoir perched 1,679 feet high. This isn't just any drive; it's a winding, paved ribbon snaking up to the Ffestiniog Power Station in Snowdonia National Park. The road itself is a tight 1.8 miles from Tanygrisiau, packed with eight hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. Keep in mind that private vehicles aren't allowed and you might need snow chains or tires depending on the weather. But trust me, the views are worth the effort. Once you're up there, the Moelwyn range and Vale of Ffestiniog will knock your socks off. Llyn Stwlan, once a small lake, now acts as the upper reservoir for the power station, with water plunging a thousand feet to generate power. The climb is intense, with some sections hitting an 18.4% gradient, gaining 279 meters in just 1.8 miles! It's steep, averaging around 9.65% — but the payoff is epic!