Why is it called Ibar Highway?

Why is it called Ibar Highway?

Montenegro, europe

Length

297 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're hitting the Ibarska Magistrala – or as the locals ominously call it, the "Black Highway" – connecting Belgrade to western Serbia and Montenegro.

Why "Ibar"? Because it hugs the gorgeous (but potentially treacherous) Ibar River for part of the way!

This epic stretch is a 297 km (185 mile) ride, and forms part of European routes E65, E80, and E763. Think of it as a fully paved rollercoaster – sometimes smooth sailing in the cities, sometimes a bit rough around the edges in the countryside, especially after a storm.

Word to the wise: daylight driving is your friend here. Those single-lane stretches get pretty busy, and you want to see what's coming!

Now, let's talk safety. This road has a reputation, so stay sharp! Between 2017 and 2019, there were 1,736 accidents, resulting in 86 fatalities and 1,619 injuries. Keep your eyes peeled and respect the road, and you'll be golden.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Montenegro
Continent
europe
Length
297 km
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Where is Sirokar Pass?hard

Where is Sirokar Pass?

🌍 Montenegro

Okay, buckle up for the Širokar Pass, a seriously epic drive nestled in Montenegro's Podgorica municipality! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking almost 31 km (a little over 19 miles) of pure adventure, winding from Verusa to Korita. The first stretch? Paved, but cozy. The real fun starts past Wet, where the pavement vanishes and you're greeted with hairpin turns and a trail begging for a vehicle with decent ground clearance. Expect a rugged ride, my friends. Loose rocks abound, and you'll be tip-toeing through some ruts. This route isn’t always groomed, so be prepared for some creative problem-solving and maybe wishing you had a spotter. And did I mention the sheer drops? Some sections are right on the edge, with blind corners that’ll get your heart pumping. It's not for the faint of heart, but trust me, it's SO worth it. Keep in mind, this pass is usually open except during the winter months, when it's totally impassable. Up near the top, you'll find Rikavacko Jezero, a stunning alpine lake straddling the Montenegro/Albania border. It's a glacial gem reflecting the towering peaks around it. Apparently the lake's surface is down in recent years and maxes out at 11 meters deep, 550 meters long, and 250 meters wide. The ruts on the switchbacks are supposedly deeper than ever, so definitely bring a vehicle with at least 20 cm of ground clearance. The scenery is next-level: dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, heart-stopping drop-offs, and completely untouched wilderness. You'll even spot traditional shepherds' huts dotting the landscape, with the most scenic one perched right at the summit.

Where is Défilé de Joucou?hard

Where is Défilé de Joucou?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: Southern France, Rebenty Valley, and a road TRIP. You absolutely HAVE to check out the Défilé de Joucou, also known as the Gorges de Joucou. Seriously, photos don't capture how insane this narrow canyon is! The D107 winds its way through, and "paved" is a generous description – it's narrow, like *barely* fits a car narrow, plus you'll cruise through some dark, unlit tunnels. This drive is gorgeous, but heads up, it demands ALL your attention. We're talking sections where two cars? Forget about it. Get ready to reverse around blind corners. At some points, the rock overhangs, making you feel like you're driving through a cave! Honestly, walking or biking might be the best way to soak it all in since you won't be white-knuckling the steering wheel. Oh, and watch your height – max vehicle height is 3.5 meters! The really intense, jaw-dropping part is only about 4.7 km (2.92 miles) long, stretching from Joucou to Belfort-sur-Rebenty. You absolutely have to experience it to believe it!

Jahorinaextreme

Jahorina

🌍 Bosnia

Okay, picture this: Jahorina Peak, way up high in Bosnia and Herzegovina! We're talking almost 6,200 feet, right in the heart of the Dinaric Alps. Getting to the top? Let's just say it's an adventure. Forget your average sedan – you'll want a 4x4 for this seriously steep and rugged climb. Fair warning: Mother Nature throws a serious winter party here! The road's usually buried in snow from November to June. Even in summer, altitude and wild weather can be a factor. History buffs will love knowing this was Olympic territory back in '84. Word of caution: parts of the mountain are still potentially mined from the war, so tread carefully. The views? Absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive!

Where is Strada degli Eroi?extreme

Where is Strada degli Eroi?

🇮🇹 Italy

Strada degli Eroi—the Road of Heroes—is a seriously epic mountain road tucked away in the Italian Alps. We're talking Trentino-South Tirol, Veneto, the whole northern shebang, high up in the Pasubio massif. This road isn't just a scenic drive; it's steeped in history. Carved out in 1922 after World War I, it's dedicated to twelve Italian heroes who earned gold medals for their bravery fighting on Pasubio. Think of it as a tribute etched into the very rock face! The views are absolutely mind-blowing – legend has it, one visit is never enough. This former military road stretches for about 10.5 km (6.5 miles), winding from Strada Statale 46 up to Rifugio Generale Achille Papa. Expect some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting a maximum of 12%. You'll climb a total of 838 meters with an average of around 8%. Be warned: the temperature difference from bottom to top can be wild! You'll also pass through the Generale Achille d'Havet tunnel. Most of the road is unpaved (think rugged!), marked with kilometer stones counting down to the start. While it used to be open to cars, it's now closed to motorized traffic due to the dangers. The cracked surface and loose rocks mean it's best explored on foot or by mountain bike. While some hairpin bends are asphalted, the real draw is the raw, untouched beauty and the challenge it presents.