How long is Road F985 to Skálafellsjökull glacier?
Iceland, europe
17 km
918 m
extreme
Year-round
Hey adventurers, buckle up for the F985 (Jökulvegur) in Iceland's Eastern Region! This 17 km (10.56 miles) track winds its way from Highway 1 up to the majestic Skálafellsjökull glacier and Jöklasel Hut. Think hundreds of turns and some seriously steep climbs – this one's for 4x4s only.
Speaking of challenging, this famous F Road isn't for the faint of heart. It's a rough ride, perfect for adventure seekers, but maybe not so much for nervous drivers or anyone without a proper 4WD. Those hairpin bends and crazy inclines can be a real test! And definitely skip it on foggy days. Trust me, you don't want to be *that* tourist needing a rescue.
Reaching a whopping 918m (3,011ft) high, this road gives you insane views. Think lunar landscapes and a seriously bumpy ride. Keep in mind it's only open in the summer (usually late June to early September) – winter is a no-go. Plus, it's pretty remote, so driving solo isn't the best idea due to the lack of traffic and spotty cell service.
Oh, and did I mention you'll be driving through movie magic? Keep an eye out for filming locations from Batman Begins, James Bond, Tomb Raider, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and even Game of Thrones! The glacier at the end is the ultimate reward, but the whole drive is an unforgettable experience.
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17 km
- Max Elevation
- 918 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardIs Passo delle Erbe (Würzjoch) paved?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Italian Dolomites in South Tyrol, headed for Passo delle Erbe – or Würzjoch, if you're feeling local. This baby's a fully paved road (SP29), clocking in at around 45 km (28 miles) between Brixen and San Martino in Badia, linking Val Badia and the Lüsen valley. At the top, you're rewarded with a sweet 1,993m (6,538ft) elevation, plus a hotel, restaurant, and plenty of parking. Heads up though, this road is a bit of a wild child! Expect narrow sections where you might be playing the waiting game with oncoming traffic. And those ramps? Let's just say they can hit a seriously steep 16.3% gradient, so be prepared for a climb! Good news: the eastern side's generally open year-round. The western side? It's more of a fair-weather friend, usually accessible from mid-spring to late autumn. Trust me, the views of the Dolomites are worth the potential nail-biting moments!
hardWhere is Venta del Chaleco?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in the heart of Andalusia, Southern Spain, ready to tackle the Venta del Chaleco. This mountain pass is your ticket to some seriously stunning views, tucked away in the sun-baked Granada province. Think white-washed villages clinging to hillsides, rugged terrain stretching as far as the eye can see, and you're getting close. This baby sits pretty in the Sierra Contraviesa range, a thermal sweet spot where the Mediterranean breeze meets the mountain air. Hello, panoramic views! We're talking the sparkling Med to the snowy peaks of Sierra Nevada's Mulhacén and Veleta. The road itself? Officially the GR-420, it's paved, but don't expect a smooth ride. It’s narrow with hairpin after hairpin, keeping you on your toes the whole way. The asphalt's generally in good nick, but watch out for crumbly edges where the weather's taken its toll. It’s a proper driver's road. From the Benínar Reservoir, you've got about 23km to the top. It’s a climb, that’s for sure. The average gradient is around 4%, but there are some steeper sections hitting 11%, especially as you leave the reservoir behind. That distance plus the insane amount of curves equals a slow but incredibly scenic cruise through vineyards and almond groves. The challenge here? It's all about those relentless twists and turns. Your brakes and gears are gonna get a workout! Summer heat can be intense, so make sure your ride's cooling system is up to the job. And even though it's a milder mountain range, winter can bring mists and even a touch of frost up at 1,300+ meters. This road is definitely for those who like their driving with a dash of "wild," well away from the usual tourist trails.
easyN304 Road is one of the best drives in Europe
🇵🇹 Portugal
Hey fellow road trippers! Let me tell you about a gem in northern Portugal: the N304, also known as ER304. This beauty winds through the Vila Real District, taking you right into the heart of Parque Natural do Alvão. Picture this: 49 kilometers (30.44 miles) of perfectly paved road, stretching from Arco de Baúlhe to Campeã. The surface is smooth, the curves are plentiful, and the traffic is light – what more could you ask for? As you climb, you'll reach a peak of 907 meters (2,975 feet), where a wind farm and panoramic views await. Trust me, you'll want to pull over and soak it all in. The whole drive takes about an hour, taking you through the Campeã Valley and charming little villages like Ermelo and Mondim de Basto. The landscape is classic Iberian Peninsula: open views as far as the eye can see. Keep an eye out for cyclists; this road is a favorite in the Vuelta a Portugal race, with a stage that ends at the top of Monte Farinha. This road's got it all, so get out there and explore!
hardWhere are the Gorges de la Nesque?
🇫🇷 France
Cruising through the Gorges de la Nesque in Provence is an absolute must! This incredible canyon road, snaking through the Vaucluse department of France, is one of those unforgettable balcony drives. Built way back in the early 20th century, this beauty (known as D942) stretches for about 22 km (13.7 miles) between Villes-sur-Auzon and Monieux, south of Mont Ventoux. Nestled in the Vaucluse Mountains, prepare for some serious views! Now, heads up: this drive is not for the faint of heart. Think narrow stretches barely wide enough for one car, rocky overhangs, blind curves, hairpin turns, and the occasional (or not-so-occasional) lack of guardrails! Plus, there are tons of unlit tunnels to navigate. The road surface is generally in good shape, but some sections have sheer drops with minimal barriers. Allow around 35-50 minutes to drive it without stops. If you're heading there in the summer, try to go early to beat the heat and crowds. The route winds along the mountains, revealing incredible vistas. Cyclists love it, and surprisingly, it’s usually not too crowded, thanks to those low tunnels. Keep an eye out for the belvederes, especially the one at Castelleras, offering views of the majestic "Rocher de Cire," the gorge's highest point at 872 meters (2861 feet). The gorges themselves plunge over 400 meters deep! Trust me, after the Gorges du Verdon, the Gorges de la Nesque are the next most spectacular canyon you'll find in Provence.