5 Insane Off-Roading Locations
1. Transylvania, Romania
Romania has a tremendous amount of natural tourist captivations, and Transylvania possesses a certain vampire-esque sentiment to it when the name is spoken or heard. These notions of vampirism should be discarded, however, as one would look to take a holiday in the verdant plains of this beautiful country. A mouthful to pronounce and a handful to pilot, the Transfagarasan Road has been known to be “one of the most insane mountain roads in the world”. The forking of the asphalt into the soft soil makes this 60 mile (90 kilometer) long valley a challenge while navigating the curvation and trepidation.
Additionally, traversing towards the mountain scenery during the adventure, the Poenari Castle, the home of Vlad Tepes, will be visible from afar; this was the man and the reason behind the entire Dracula narrative. You will also get a glimpse of Vidraru Lake, a beautiful reservoir, and being the 8th largest in height throughout all of Europe, it is a must see masterpiece. Lastly, but not at all least, there is Balea Lake, a natural glacier which houses one of the first few ice hotels in the girth of the earth.
2. Morocco, North Africa
This versatile country has an extremely wide variety of terrain—from green plains to rocky mountain roads and desert terrain— one would not question the ability to enjoy an exhilarating off-road experience. Morocco is home to the Atlas Mountains, which one can explore as the rural villages advertise their supplies of silverware and improvised ceramic creations.
Heading south, the Sahara Desert, containing sand dunes as high as 590 feet (180 meters) high, is the largest hot desert in the world. The terrain also contains salt marshes, natural canyons, dry valleys, and rocky plateaus, all of which will push even the most rigorous of drivers to their limits in but a minute.
3. Queensland, Australia
Known for existing as the second largest sand island in the world and being one of the best kept secrets by the country, Moreton is a pleasant, secluded alternative to its more well-known but overcrowded beaches. A haven for four wheel drivers, all it takes is a permit attainable by simply going online, and the lagoons and beaches are ready to be explored by any who desire a relaxing (or attacking) off road cruise.
Due to its relatively unknown nature, most of Moreton’s roads, which all together reach a length of 22 miles (35 kilometers), are left purposefully undeveloped with creeks, rocky roads, hills, and perhaps most importantly, the beach, all within the terrain’s reach.
4. Thórsmörk, Iceland
These mountains, formed by volcanic eruptions and glacial meltwater over thousands of years, reside in the Thórsmörk glacial valley. The observation of this basin almost makes it seem as if it were a Shangri La, as one ploughs through the shallow ravines that make it an off-roading experience to the extreme.
This beautiful experience allows the attendee to bisect cliffs and hills, glide over dew-covered moss and grass, and watch icy snow-covered rocks transition into fields that have been untouched since they have come to fruition.
5. Calais, France
A spectacular off road track, starting in Calais, France and heads south into the French Alps, this track is one of the longest in Europe. From France into Italy, following an ancient trade route on a winding trail, it moves through quaint Italian villages and climbs to breathless heights, where the sharp snowcapped peaks of the Alps frame deep valleys and golden meadows, perfect for any off roading fellow.
Available for visit, a 10,000 foot glacier stands by the track, along with just one of the forts of Mussolini. The final destination point is Mont Blanc, and its famous 170 mile walking trail, winding through the high altitudes of Switzerland. It is impossible to resist the call to action by this fatal attraction.