Why is Elma Dağı (Mount Elma) famous?

Why is Elma Dağı (Mount Elma) famous?

Turkey, europe

Length

8.5 km

Elevation

1,857 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Ever heard of Elma Dağı (Mount Elma) in Turkey's Ankara Province? This peak clocks in at a cool 1,857m (6,092ft) and boasts a seriously interesting history.

Back in the day, during the Cold War, this mountain was home to a NATO radio station. Now abandoned since the 70s, you can still spot the old antennas from the ACE High network – a relic of a bygone era.

The road to the top? It was built way back in 1964/1965 to get the NATO station up and running. Starting near Kömürcü, it's a smooth 8.5 km (5.28 miles) of paved road in pretty great condition.

Don't get me wrong, though – it's a climb! You'll gain 542 meters in elevation, making for an average gradient of around 6.37%. But hey, that just means the views from the top are even sweeter, right? Central Anatolia scenery, history, and a good climb – Elma Dağı has it all!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Turkey
Continent
europe
Length
8.5 km
Max Elevation
1,857 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in europe

Where is Monte Zoncolan?hard

Where is Monte Zoncolan?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, buckle up, because Monte Zoncolan in Italy's Udine province is not for the faint of heart! This mountain pass, perched at 1,732 meters (5,682 feet) in the Carnic Alps near the Austrian border, is a wild ride on the SP123. The road stretches for 23.6 km (14.66 miles) from Ovaro to Sutrio, but don't let the distance fool you. This isn't a leisurely cruise. We're talking about a relentless climb with a soul-crushing maximum gradient of 23%! Expect around 45-60 minutes of white-knuckle driving, navigating 38 hairpin turns and squeezing through three short tunnels. Think of it as the "King of the Carnic Alps," a legend among cyclists and a true test for any driver. While the views are undoubtedly epic, you'll be too busy wrestling the wheel to fully appreciate them! The summit rewards your efforts with a parking spot and a monument to cycling climbers. Just remember, this road is brutal, with sections hitting nearly 20% grade. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Capanna 2000 Refugehard

Capanna 2000 Refuge

🇮🇹 Italy

Rifugio Capanna 2000 is a high mountain hut at an elevation of 1.972m (6,469ft) above the sea level, located in the Province of Bergamo in the Italian region of Lombardy. The road is very steep, with some parts up to 12%. Starting from the village of Zambla Alta, the road to the hut is 9.4km long with 14 hairpin turns. The road is totally impassable in winters. There’s a high risk of rock slide, very steep (up to 12% parts) and forbidden to vehicles heavier than 3.5Tn. The road to the hut is mostly asphalted (7.2km). The paved part ends at a parking lot. The last 2.20 km are on an unpaved rough track closed to private vehicles. It’s very steep. Only 4x4 vehicles. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

Beachy Head Roadhard

Beachy Head Road

🇬🇧 England

Cruising the Beachy Head Road on England's southeast coast is an absolute must-do! This asphalt ribbon stretches for about 6 km (almost 4 miles) between Birling Gap and the lively resort town of Eastbourne. Picture this: twisty, turny sections hugging the coast, with killer views of the English Channel unfolding around every bend. Seriously, the landscapes are phenomenal, especially on a sunny day – those sea views will take your breath away. Keep an eye out for movie magic too! This spot's a total star, having featured in Harry Potter, James Bond, and even Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Word of warning though, it gets super popular during weekends and holidays, so expect some company. Oh, and hold onto your hats – this road can get seriously windy! Those cliffs are high, so keep your wits about you. Basically, soak in the scenery, but drive smart and you'll have an unforgettable experience.

Where Is Collada de la Gallina?hard

Where Is Collada de la Gallina?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers, because Collada de la Gallina is calling your name! Perched way up high at 1,912 meters (that's 6,272 feet!), this international mountain pass straddles the border between Spain and Andorra, promising views that'll make your jaw drop. You'll find this beauty nestled in the eastern Pyrenees, linking Lleida in Catalonia, Spain, with Sant Julià de Lòria in Andorra. Ready to drive? In Andorra, the road's all paved and typically open from April to November. This side is famous for its leg-burning climb – even the pros in the Vuelta a España have tackled it! Think 14.4 km (almost 9 miles) from Bixessarri to Fontaneda, a gazillion hairpin turns (33 to be exact!), and gradients that hit over 14.5%. The best part? You'll likely have the road mostly to yourself. Now, for the Spanish side...get ready for a different vibe. It's a narrow, unpaved route to the top, so you'll need a 4x4 to handle this one. From Civís, it's a shorter 4.2 km (2.6 miles) with a respectable 385-meter climb at an average of 9.16%. Whichever way you choose, Collada de la Gallina promises an unforgettable high-altitude experience. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!