Where is Verçenik Yaylası?
Turkey, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Verçenik Yaylası, a seriously high-up plateau clinging to the eastern Black Sea coast of Turkey, right on the border of Rize and Erzurum. Getting here? It's an adventure, to say the least. We're talking a completely unpaved road that hugs the riverbank – super rocky and rough. Seriously, you NEED a 4x4 with good clearance.
The climb to the top starts near Yaylalar Köyü and it's a hefty 22km to the summit. You'll be gaining a massive 1,582 meters in elevation, so buckle up for a pretty steep average gradient of 7.2%.
Some say it’s a tough ride, but totally doable if you take it slow and watch out for those rocks. And here's the thing: the difficulty of getting here is part of the magic. Keep in mind there aren't any shops on the plateau. A handful of locals and workers call this place home, so bring your own food and drinks. While not every car can make it up here, the reward is one of the highest and most breathtaking plateaus you'll ever see. For a similar experience, check out Koycegiz Gecidi in Erzurum!
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Lac de Cap-de-Long?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: You're cruising in the French Pyrenees, heading south of Aragnouet towards the Néouvielle massif. You're about to tackle the road to Lac de Cap-de-Long, one of the highest paved roads in the whole range – even taller than that famous Col du Galibier! This isn't just any drive, though. The pavement's a bit rough in places, adding a touch of character to the ride. It's a proper climb, about 14 km long, and you'll be gaining 1167 meters in altitude as you wind your way up. Expect an average gradient of 8.3%, but be warned – some stretches crank up to a leg-burning 12%! The grand finale? A series of hairpin turns that lead you right up to the dam. Once you arrive at this scenic spot, there's a big parking area (though it can get packed in summer), a restaurant to refuel, and a whole heap of hiking trails ready for you to explore. The views of the surrounding mountains are absolutely mind-blowing, making it all worthwhile!
hardThe military road to Monte Jafferau was built in 1886
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Jafferau: Italy's Wild Alpine Adventure Want to tackle one of Italy's most extreme mountain drives? Monte Jafferau sits at a jaw-dropping 2,805m (9,202ft) in the Piedmont region, right up near the French border in the Metropolitan City of Turin. This isn't just any peak—it's one of the highest roads you can actually drive in the entire country. The route, called Strada militare Fenil-Pramand-Föens-Jafferau (or Strada militare 79 if you prefer the shorthand), stretches 32.8 km (20.38 miles) of pure, unfiltered adventure. We're talking completely unpaved terrain running east-west from Eclause to Gleise. Seriously, this is 4x4 territory only—and even then, high clearance is absolutely essential. Fair warning: this drive demands serious mountain road experience. You're looking at constant 14% grades, a narrow 3-meter-wide ribbon of dirt, rocky sections that'll test your suspension, hairpin turns that'll make your head spin, tunnels carved into the mountainside, and rockfalls that pop up unexpectedly. More than 20 km of this route sits above 2,000 meters, so yeah, it's genuinely challenging. Nestled in the Massif des Cerces within the Cottian Alps, this historic 1886 military trail only opens late June or July through October—snow closes it the rest of the year. Bad weather? Don't even think about attempting it. The highlight waiting for you at the summit is Forte Jafferau, a military fortress built between 1896-1898 that held the title of Italy's highest military battery (and second-highest in the entire Alps). It protected the Bardonecchia basin during both world wars before being destroyed after WWII per peace treaty terms. This isn't a casual Sunday drive—it's an expedition.
extremeIs The Shelf in Wales paved?
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, so picture this: The Shelf. It's a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,141 feet up in Denbighshire, Wales. We're talking the Clwydian Range, northeast Wales, for those of you who like specifics. The road *is* paved, mostly, but heads up: you'll find potholes and gravel throwing a little spice into the mix. Honestly, climbing up is way easier than trying to come down, just take it slow and steady. It's a quiet road, so the peace and quiet are a definite plus. This little gem is about 4.8 miles long, and it's narrow, let me tell you! There's this one bend halfway up with a 12% gradient that’ll get your attention, but don't worry, it mellows out soon after as you head towards Moel Y Waun. It's not the toughest climb out there, but the views from the top? Totally worth it.
hardCol du Marchairuz
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Col du Marchairuz Nestled in Switzerland's Vaud canton within the Jura Mountains, Col du Marchairuz sits pretty at 1,447 meters (4,747 feet) above sea level. This charming mountain pass connects Le Brassus and Bière with a narrow, twisty asphalt road that'll definitely get your adrenaline pumping—especially with that gnarly 14% gradient in places. Coming up from Le Brassus? You're looking at a 7 km climb that'll gain you 411 meters of elevation, averaging around 5.9% grade. If you're tackling it from the Bière side instead, buckle up for a more intense 9.6 km push with 697 meters of elevation gain and a steeper 7% average—but trust us, it's worth every pedal stroke (or gear shift, depending on your ride). Once you crest the summit, you'll find yourself surrounded by a picture-perfect alpine landscape. Colorful wildflower meadows stretch across rolling terrain, dense forests frame the views, and on clear days? You'll catch stunning vistas of Lac Léman and the Savoyan Alps sprawling out before you. It's seriously gorgeous. Feeling peckish after your climb? There's a hotel and restaurant right at the top, so you can refuel and soak in those panoramic views from a comfortable seat. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or just love scenic drives, this pass is an absolute gem.