Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of 13 extreme routes, but mastering them demands a steady hand at the wheel.

These routes wind perilously along sheer cliffs and twist through mountainous terrain. Conquering them requires courage and unwavering control of your steering wheel.

Prepare to be awestruck by 13 incredibly beautiful routes, but navigating them requires a firm grip on the wheel.

Embark on a journey along the Needles Highway in South Dakota, USA.

South Dakota boasts stunning landscapes, from the otherworldly Badlands National Park to the majestic Mount Rushmore and the awe-inspiring Crazy Horse Memorial.

Winding through these iconic landmarks is the 23km Needles Highway, constructed in 1922. Named for its sharp granite spires resembling clock hands amidst towering pine trees.

Embark on a journey through the stunning Klausen Pass in Switzerland.

Driving through the Klausen Pass demands utmost concentration, but the mesmerizing scenery will captivate your senses.

As you navigate the winding roads, be prepared to be enchanted by lush green farms, grazing cattle, and cascading waterfalls amidst verdant valleys.

Explore the breathtaking Spiti–Kinnaur circuit in Himachal Pradesh, India.

The Spiti Valley, nestled high in the Himalayas, offers a surreal landscape that feels like a world apart.

With its rugged mountain passes and dramatic vistas, the Spiti–Kinnaur circuit beckons adventurous souls seeking an unforgettable driving experience.

4. Trollstigen (“Troll's Path”), Norway

Trollstigen, also known as the Troll's Path, was built over 8 years and opened for traffic in 1936. Since its opening, this remarkable route has attracted numerous adventurers eager to test their driving skills while marveling at the majestic scenery: towering waterfalls, deep ravines, and lush green valleys along the way. The fairytale-like charm of the road is further enhanced by the names of the surrounding mountains: Kongen (The King), Dronningen (The Queen), and Bispen (The Bishop).

6. Bealach na Ba, Applecross Peninsula, Scotland

The Bealach na Ba pass boasts a long history, traversing the mountains of the Applecross Peninsula in the Scottish Highlands. Running alongside the famous mountain pass is the Bealach na Ba road, the only route through this region. With gradients reaching up to 20%, starting from sea level in Applecross, the Bealach na Ba winds through numerous sharp bends and steep slopes, ascending to heights over 626m.

Although the scenery is undeniably breathtaking, especially with the vast skies as you ascend, the Bealach na Ba is by no means a leisurely outdoor excursion.

7. Transfagarasan, Romania

Transfagarasan stretches for 90 km through the southern Carpathian Mountains of Romania. It's said that the cost, both financially and in human effort, to construct this road through such treacherous terrain, has far exceeded its utility. But when you reach Pasul Balea at 2042m, the highest point of the road, and gaze down at the ribbon of road winding below like a tangled cassette tape, you'll find all the toil and expense worthwhile.

8. North Yungas Road, Bolivia

Known as the 'Death Road' or the 'World's Most Dangerous Road', this is the moniker bestowed upon the mountain road linking La Paz with Coroico in the North Yungas region. 64km of road traversing steep mountains and cliffs, descending over 3500m in altitude.

Year after year, numerous vehicles have tumbled down the mountainside to the point where the Bolivian government decided to construct an alternative route in 2006. Today, it's mostly frequented by mountain biking enthusiasts or daredevils brave enough to navigate its perilous path.

9. Passo dello Stelvio, Italy

If you're sitting in a vehicle crossing Passo dello Stelvio, chances are you wouldn't dare close your eyes while traversing this stretch of road. Even those in the passenger seat wouldn't dare blink. Switchback after switchback, hairpin turns galore, this is the most spectacular road in Europe. It's even been deemed the most spectacular road in the world by the TV show Top Gear.

This challenging road winds through the Ortles mountains and terminates at the Bormio ski resort. For drivers, Passo dello Stelvio is truly a harrowing ordeal, while for cyclists, it's a road that effortlessly wrings the breath from anyone.

10. Karakoram Highway, China to Pakistan

The Karakoram Highway spans 1,300 km from Punjab, Pakistan, crossing the Khunjerab Pass at over 4700m in Gilgit-Baltistan to enter Chinese territory. It's been a vital artery connecting China and the Indian subcontinent since ancient times.

As the highest international paved road in the world, the Karakoram Highway will lead you to incredibly scenic vistas of Northwestern China. Snow-capped mountains, verdant pastures dotted with grazing yaks and wandering cows will make you forget any altitude-induced vertigo.

11. Highway 130, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Livestock, culverts, speed bumps, or chasms are always nightmares for drivers. But perhaps those obstacles are nothing compared to daring a journey on Highway 130 within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The layers of molten lava beneath still radiating heat are enough to give any driver a shiver of dread.

12. Passage du Gois, France

Passage du Gois is a submerged road, spanning 4.125 km in the Bay of Bourgneuf, connecting the island of Noirmoutier to the mainland within the territory of the commune of Beauvoir-sur-Mer, Vendée department, France. Twice a day, between approximately 1 to 2 hours, the low tide reveals the road for vehicles to pass through. At other times of the day, Passage du Gois disappears under the sea, submerged in water depths ranging from 1.3m to 4m.

If you venture here, take some time to explore the island of Noirmoutier and feel like you've stepped back in time with its whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flower-filled tubs, and enjoy a glass of mimosa cocktail with local oysters and snow crab.

13. Lena Highway, Russia

If you've harbored any negative preconceptions about Siberia, this road will only reinforce them. The Lena Highway is a 965 km stretch running from Moscow to the city of Yakutsk in Siberia, the 'Coldest City in the World', with average January temperatures plummeting to -42°C.

At first glance, you might not think this road is perilous enough to make the list. Ironically, in the summer when the weather warms and heavy rains occur, the road becomes hazardous with wet surfaces and many areas turning into treacherous mud puddles for drivers.

From Afamily

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide