Where is State Road D950?
Turkey, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on the D950, a major north-south artery in Turkey! Forget boring highways; this route carves its way through Artvin, Erzurum, Bingöl, and Diyarbakır provinces.
Stretching from Hopa on the Black Sea near Georgia all the way to Şenyurt on the Syrian border, this one's a lengthy adventure. Think scenic overlooks meet bustling transport corridors, making it a vital but, shall we say, *interesting* drive.
Give yourself a solid chunk of time to conquer it. This route is a go-to for truck drivers due to its strategic location, so keep an eye out.
Word to the wise: this road crosses three mountain passes, so winter can throw a curveball. After heavy snow, parts might be temporarily closed. But when it's clear? Epic views through Nebirnav Yaylasi are waiting for you!
Related Roads in europe
extremeCol de la Chal
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Chal: A High-Alpine Adventure Perched at 2,460m (8,070ft) in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col de la Chal is a seriously challenging mountain pass that'll test both your vehicle and your nerve. This isn't your typical scenic drive—it's a raw, unpolished experience that follows the rugged ski-lift service roads up the mountain. What makes this pass so gnarly? The surface is pure adventure: unpaved gravel mixed with rocky terrain that'll keep you gripping the wheel tight. Don't expect smooth sailing—slippery gravel and loose rocks are constant companions, though thankfully the gradient never gets absurdly steep. The real kicker? You've got an incredibly narrow window to tackle this beast. Late August is basically your only shot, and even then, summer weather can throw you curveballs. Snowy days aren't unheard of, even when you'd expect clear skies. The wind here is relentless. Year-round, powerful gusts barrel across the exposed summit, making every season feel a bit more precarious. Winter? Absolutely brutal—temperatures plummet to punishing levels, shutting down access almost entirely. If you're after an authentic, no-frills mountain challenge in the French Alps, Col de la Chal delivers exactly that. Just come prepared, come in late summer, and come with realistic expectations about what you're getting into.
moderateDriving the bumpy Road 864 to Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, buckle up for Road 864, also known as Hólsfjallavegur, in the wild Northeast of Iceland! Picture this: You're cruising through Vatnajökull National Park, but hold on tight because this 56.4 km stretch is no smooth ride. We're talking a bumpy, dusty, unsealed adventure from Road 85 (south of Thvera) up to the Ring Road. Road 864 keeps it real running alongside its paved sibling, Road 862. Word to the wise: this road plays hide-and-seek during winter, usually opening up around late May, depending on how much snow Iceland got. Now, the scenery? Think lunar landscape. Seriously, it's out of this world! The road itself is all gravel, corrugated, and yes, dusty. Potholes? Oh, they're part of the experience! While a regular car *might* make it in ideal conditions, a 4x4 is your best bet. The drive clocks in between 1 and 2 hours if you're not stopping (but why wouldn't you?!), though speed is all about the current road conditions. And the prize? You'll end up at the east side of Dettifoss waterfall – one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe! 500 cubic meters of water plummeting every second? It’s epic!
moderateCol de la Pierre Carree is the highest pass in the north French Alps open all year
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Pierre Carrée: France's Year-Round Alpine Gem Perched at 1,849 meters (6,066 feet) in the Haute-Savoie department, Col de la Pierre Carrée holds the impressive title of being the highest mountain pass in the northern French Alps that stays open all year long. Named after an alpine hunter and soldier, this route connects the charming village of Les Carroz to the Flaine ski station, making it a year-round essential for accessing this popular winter destination. The D106 is a fully paved road that'll keep you on your toes—literally. Spanning 15.3 kilometers (9.5 miles), this winding climb features 20 hairpin turns with absolutely stunning Alpine views at every bend. Don't expect it to be easy though. The first few kilometers are particularly brutal, with grades hitting 8.4% that'll test your patience right from the start. You'll encounter maximum gradients of 11.8% on some sections, putting this climb in the same league as legendary rides like Mont Ventoux and Col du Glandon. Here's the good news: the middle section offers a brief respite, with gentler slopes averaging around 5%. Then comes the second half—10 more kilometers at 6.5% average gradient with peaks hitting 9%—though mercifully, things ease up as you approach the summit. Weather can occasionally force winter closures, but most of the year you'll find this road accessible. It's the kind of Alpine pass that delivers the full experience: challenging climbing, spectacular scenery, and those satisfying hairpin turns that make every meter worth it.
moderateAlp Curtginatsch
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Alp Curtginatsch: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Nestled in the heart of Graubünden's Hinterrhein district, Alp Curtginatsch is an absolute gem for mountain enthusiasts. This high alpine pass sits at a breezy 2,274 meters (7,460 feet), offering those incredible thin-air views that make the drive worthwhile. Here's the good news: the road is almost entirely paved, making it surprisingly accessible for a mountain pass of this caliber. The only catch? The final kilometer or so transitions to unpaved terrain, but don't let that discourage you—it's in great condition and totally manageable for most vehicles. Whether you're chasing that perfect alpine photography spot or just looking for an exhilarating drive through the Swiss mountains, Alp Curtginatsch delivers on both fronts. The journey up is rewarding, and the scenery? Absolutely breathtaking.