These roadways offer a unique and unforgettable road trip experience. Some may send shivers down your spine with their treacherous nature, while others will take you on a tranquil journey through breathtaking landscapes. However, all of them have one thing in common – they are incredibly picturesque, as evidenced by the captivating images below. This compilation showcases 24 of the most extraordinary driving routes on Earth, ranging from Canada’s icy highway to Bolivia’s notorious ‘Death Road’ and an incredibly steep street in Wales.
Katy Freeway, Texas, USA
The Katy Freeway in Texas is an unprecedented feat of engineering, originally starting as a modest three-lane freeway in the 1960s and now expanding into a sprawling 26-lane behemoth. This toll road in Houston holds the impressive title of being the widest freeway in the world. What was once a mere three-lane freeway has transformed into a 26-lane expanse, including the addition of ‘frontage roads’ or side roads. In 2008, a $2.8 billion project expanded a 12-mile section of the road in response to the tripling of traffic levels, which had previously caused up to 11 hours of daily congestion, according to the US Department of Transportation. This highway surpasses other colossal US routes in terms of width, such as Atlanta’s I-75 with 16 lanes and Los Angeles’ I-405 with up to 14 lanes, as reported by AARoads.
A82 from Loch Lomond to Glencoe, Scotland
Embark on a mesmerizing journey along the A82 from Loch Lomond to Glencoe, which has been crowned the UK’s most beautiful car route in a recent poll, capturing 24% of the votes. This breathtaking stretch provides drivers with a front-row seat to Scotland’s stunning landscapes, surpassing other notable contenders such as the A591 from Kendal to Keswick in the Lake District (23%) and Cheddar Gorge in Somerset (21%). Prepare to be enchanted as you traverse this remarkable route.
Tongtian Avenue – the ’99-Bend Road’, China
Tongtian Avenue, affectionately known as the ’99-Bend Road’, weaves through China’s picturesque Zhangjiajie Tianmenshan National Forest Park. With its awe-inspiring 99 bends, enveloped by majestic mountains that seem to ascend into the heavens, this road is truly an extraordinary sight. Constructed between 1998 and 2006, it serves as a gateway to the national park’s peaks while also attracting tourists as a stand-alone attraction. From the region’s famous glass-bottomed ‘skywalk’ platform, towering 300 meters (984 feet) above the road, visitors can revel in a bird’s eye view of this remarkable route.
Atlantic Road, Norway
Picturesque and captivating, the Atlantic Road in Norway traverses the western fjords, connecting several islands with its eight low bridges. During the summer, drivers may even catch a glimpse of seals and whales frolicking in the nearby waters. Autumn presents its own allure, with dramatic rainstorms that pound the road, as revealed by Rough Guides. Although the route spans a mere 8.3 kilometers (5.1 miles), its incredible beauty leaves a lasting impression. The most striking feature is undoubtedly the Storseisundet bridge, gracefully curving above the water, offering a sight to behold.
The Outback Way, Australia
Known as ‘Australia’s longest shortcut’, the Outback Way covers a whopping 2,700 kilometers (1,677 miles) between Winton in Queensland and Laverton in Western Australia. This extraordinary driving route consists of seven interconnected roads, including the Lasseter Highway and the Plenty Highway. The Australian tourist board recommends embarking on this adventure with a four-by-four vehicle, as substantial sections of the route consist of unsealed roads. Prepare yourself for a captivating journey through the awe-inspiring Australian outback, with its vast skies, starry nights, and an overwhelming sense of boundless space, as described by Australia.com.
The A8 at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Prepare to be captivated by the A8 road in Zimbabwe as it accompanies one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls. This motorway stretches from the city of Bulawayo to the awe-inspiring waterfall, which straddles the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. With the majestic waterfall as a backdrop, this road offers a truly remarkable driving experience.
The Tibbitt to Contwoyto ‘Ice’ Road, Canada
An incredible engineering feat, the Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road in Canada traverses frozen lakes, accounting for approximately 85% of its length, as stated on its official website. Spanning nearly 250 miles (400 kilometers) from Tibbitt Lake to Contwoyto Lake, this road was initially constructed to supply the Lupin Gold Mine. Before vehicles can traverse the road, its surface must reach a minimum ice depth of 29 inches (74 centimeters). Due to the challenging conditions, the road is only open for a few months each year, typically between January and March. Speed limits can vary between 6 mph (10 km/h) and 37 mph (60 km/h), and the road requires annual reconstruction. With three maintenance camps spread across its length, this road demonstrates both the ingenuity and the impermanence of its icy composition.
Fford Pen Llech, Harlech, UK
A seemingly unassuming street in Harlech, Wales, Fford Pen Llech found itself in a face-off against Baldwin Street in Dunedin, New Zealand for the title of the world’s steepest street. In 2019, Fford Pen Llech claimed the title from Baldwin Street with its gradient of 37%, surpassing the previous record holder by 2%. However, the triumphant reign was short-lived as Baldwin Street successfully lodged an appeal, leading to an extensive review by Guinness World Records. Ultimately, the title was restored to Baldwin Street, with Wales’ achievement attributed to the measurement method employed. Nevertheless, Fford Pen Llech remains a fascinating and challenging street, captivating the attention of locals and visitors alike.
Panlong Ancient Road, West China
A relatively recent addition to China’s road network, the Panlong Ancient Road has quickly become a celebrated tourist attraction due to its mind-boggling series of over 200 hairpin bends. Photographs showcase a mesmerizing section of the road as it winds its way dramatically through a plateau and into snow-capped mountains. This 75-kilometer-long (46-mile) road, known locally as the Plateau Sky Road, opened in July 2019 to facilitate transportation for farmers and herdsmen traversing the Kunlun Mountains. Its surreal design, reaching an impressive altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level, has gained popularity among Instagrammers, YouTubers, and drone enthusiasts.
Fredvang Bridges, Lofoten, Norway
Embark on a picturesque journey along the Fv808 road, which meanders through the captivating Lofoten archipelago in northern Norway. A highlight of this scenic route is the Fredvang Bridges, two stunning structures spanning 790 feet, gracefully arching over the archipelago’s tranquil waters. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, these bridges offer a truly enchanting sight. Visitors are sure to capture spectacular photos at this awe-inspiring location.
Hardknott Pass – Lake District, UK
Nestled in the UK’s Lake District, the Hardknott Pass is renowned for its sharp hairpin turns and its narrowness, resembling a bridleway. These images effectively showcase the intense nature of this single-track road, which has earned its status as one of the most challenging routes in the UK. With gradients reaching up to 33%, the 1.38-mile-long (2.2 km) road ranks among the country’s steepest hill climbs. Reviews on Tripadvisor paint a vivid picture of the road’s difficulty, with some describing it as “hell on earth” and cautioning others that it is an experience “never to be repeated.”
Fairy Meadows Road, Pakistan
Once dubbed the second deadliest highway globally by the World Health Organization, the nail-biting Fairy Meadows Road in Pakistan is not for the faint-hearted. The road winds its way horrifyingly over a 10-kilometer path, rising nearly 8,000 feet (2,438 meters), as revealed by Dangerousroads.org. This treacherous route has garnered its reputation for its unforgiving nature and risks.
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