New route for adrenaline junkies: Derebaşı Bends

BAYBURT

Derebaşı Bends, one of the most dangerous roads in the world on Soğanlı Mountain at an altitude of 3,500 meters, has become the new spot for adrenaline junkies and nature lovers for its natural beauties. The bends connect two Black Sea provinces, Bayburt and Trabzon. 

Avalanches and landslides often occur particularly in winter months on the road, which is known to have been built in 1914 during the Russian occupation. 

Fog, a characteristic feature in the region, slowly moves through the valley on top of the Soğanlı mountains and creates a fascinating scene for visitors. 

The Derebaşı Bends, which was selected “the world’s most dangerous road” three years ago on the website www.dangerousroads.org, give drivers hard times as there are 13 sharp turns on cliffs. 

Members of the Gümüşhane Mountaineering and Nature Sports Club (GÜDAK) and Bayburt Photography and Cinema Association have recently made a visit to the Derebaşı Bends. 

Thirty-nine people from Bayburt and Gümüşhane came together in Dumlu village of Bayburt’s Aydıntepe district. The nature lovers started walking in the spot and reached the bends. 

GÜDAK member Selami Karaaslan said they organized the walk to draw attention to the beauties of the region. 

He said they previously organized such events, adding, “We had too much fun. Because it is the world’s most dangerous road, we wanted to make its name heard and draw more tourists to Bayburt.”