
Where is Velické Pleso?
Slovakia, europe
7 km
1,670 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Slovakia's Prešov Region, heading towards the majestic High Tatras. Your destination? The incredible Velické Pleso, a stunning mountain lake shimmering at 1,670 meters!
The journey starts in Gerlachov, and from there it's a 7-kilometer climb that will test your driving skills! This recently paved road throws everything at you: seriously steep sections, a relentless 682-meter elevation gain, and no less than eight hairpin turns! It’s a proper challenge, but trust me, the views are worth it.
As you ascend, prepare to be blown away by the scenery. This is one of those drives where you’ll want to stop every few minutes to soak it all in. And the prize at the top? The Horský Hotel ‘Sliezsky dom’, Slovakia’s highest mountain hotel!
Keep in mind, though, that the road, while usually open year-round, can be temporarily closed in winter due to crazy weather. Also, there's a barrier now, so access is mainly for hotel guests with parking reservations. Just make sure to give the hotel reception a heads-up before you drive up, and you'll be fine!
Road Details
- Country
- Slovakia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,670 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardLac de la Blanche
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Lac de la Blanche in the Hautes-Alpes of southeastern France is calling your name. Picture this: a stunning mountain lake sitting way up high at 2,501 meters (that's 8,205 feet!). Getting there is half the fun – and a bit of a challenge! You'll be tackling the Piste de Clausis, a gravel road that gets rocky, tippy, and bumpy in sections. We're talking seriously unpaved territory within the gorgeous Queyras Regional Natural Park. Definitely not one for the faint of heart, and absolutely not passable in winter. 4x4 is your best friend here. This trail is steep, so get ready for some serious uphill climbs. Wet conditions can turn the road muddy and even tougher to navigate. But the views? Totally worth it. At the top, you'll find the Refuge de la Blanche, a mountain refuge where you can rest and take it all in. Just a heads up: if you're not a fan of heights, this might not be the road for you.
hardA curvy paved road to Col de Perty
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Perty: A Scenic Alpine Challenge in Southeast France Ready to tackle one of the Drôme's most thrilling mountain passes? Col de Perty sits pretty at 1,302 meters (4,271 feet) above sea level in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and the journey to the top is absolutely worth your time. The route follows the D65, a completely paved but delightfully narrow road that snakes its way across 19.8 kilometers of stunning Alpine terrain. Heads up though—this pass doesn't mess around, with grades hitting a jaw-dropping 12% in some sections. Buckle up for the adventure! You've got two main approaches to choose from. Coming from the west via Montauban-sur-l'Ouvèze, you're looking at a 12.5-kilometer push from La Combe, climbing 600 meters at a manageable 4.8% average gradient. If you're coming from the east at Laborel, it's a shorter but punchier 8.5 kilometers, gaining 475 meters with a steeper 5.6% average grade. Whichever way you approach, expect those classic Alpine switchbacks, breathtaking valley views, and the kind of tight curves that make for an exhilarating drive. The narrow pavement means you'll want to take it steady and enjoy the scenery—which, trust us, is absolutely stellar. This is the real deal for mountain road enthusiasts.
extremeUnveiling Iceland's Wild Side: Top 9 Thrilling Tours Along Its Most Dangerous Roads
🇮🇸 Iceland
The Golden Circle, but make it *extreme*! We're talking ditching the tour buses for a 4x4 and venturing way off the beaten path. Think secret geysers that'll blow your mind, hidden waterfalls you won't find on any map, and landscapes so untouched they'll make you feel like you're the first human to ever see them. And the best part? You get to crash in Reykjavik at the end of the day! Comfort meets adventure – Icelandic style. Thorsmork Valley, AKA Thor's Valley, is calling all adventure junkies. This isn't your typical scenic drive; it's a full-blown odyssey into Iceland's rugged heart. Lush valleys meet towering mountains, all guarded by glacial rivers you'll actually have to *cross*. Forget paved roads – we're talking rough, raw, and real. The views are insane, though, totally worth the white-knuckle drive! Landmannalaugar – get ready for another world! Imagine mountains painted with a rainbow of colors, steaming hot springs that practically scream "relax here," and fields of lava that look like they belong on Mars. Getting there is half the fun, a true off-road adventure with river crossings and bumpy gravel tracks. But trust me, soaking in those hot springs surrounded by those crazy landscapes is an experience you won't forget. Fjallabak Nature Reserve is a hidden gem for those who crave the wild. Forget the crowds – here, it's just you and some seriously stunning scenery. Think steep mountains, lava fields begging to be explored, and rivers that look like they've never been touched by humans. This place is all about solitude and connecting with nature in its purest form. Get ready to unplug and immerse yourself in Iceland's untamed beauty. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is like Iceland in miniature, and it's begging to be explored. Forget the well-trodden paths and take the roads less traveled! You'll pass the iconic Snaefellsjokull glacier and dramatic cliffs, plus charming fishing villages, black sand beaches, and lava fields. It is perfect for those seeking adventure and natural beauty. The Westfjords: if "remote and rugged" is your jam, you need to get here. Picture this: narrow roads clinging to the edge of cliffs, views that'll take your breath away (if the drive doesn't first!), and villages that feel like they're stuck in time. The Westfjords are not for the faint of heart, but for those who dare, the reward is an unforgettable experience in one of Iceland's most pristine and dramatic regions. Askja Caldera and the Dyngjufjoll Mountains are where things get seriously otherworldly. We're talking lunar landscapes, massive volcanic craters, and a feeling like you're on another planet. Getting there is a challenge – the roads are rough, the terrain is unforgiving, but the reward is standing on the edge of one of Iceland's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Prepare to be amazed. The Reykjanes Peninsula is basically a live geology lesson. Here, the Earth's raw power is on full display – steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and lava fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. This place is unlike anything you've ever seen, from the famous Blue Lagoon to the hidden geothermal spots. It's a reminder of the wild, untamed forces that shape our planet. Last but not least, the Kjolur Highland Route: an ancient trail snaking between glaciers? Yes, please! Forget the crowds and embrace the solitude on this remote road. You'll find vast lava fields, relaxing hot springs and the surreal beauty of Hveravellir, a geothermal oasis perfect for a wild swim. The Kjolur Route isn't just a drive; it's a soul-stirring adventure that will leave you breathless.
hardAdventure along the wild road to Tobamızga Lake
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've just discovered the most unbelievably gorgeous high-altitude lake in the Ardeşen district of Rize, Turkey: Tobamızga Gölü. We're talking serious off-the-grid beauty at a whopping 2,720m (8,923ft) above sea level. Now, the road to get there? Woah. It's a totally unpaved, heart-pounding, 4.58 km (2.84 mi) stretch of narrow, steep track with some serious drop-offs. You'll gain 347 meters in elevation, averaging a 7.57% gradient, so a 4x4 is non-negotiable. This trip is strictly a summer affair, folks. But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. Starting from Yayla, you'll be treated to unbelievably stunning scenery. Tobamızga Gölü is a hidden gem that will leave you breathless!