Is Road 870 in Northeastern Iceland unpaved?
Iceland, europe
59.5 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Get ready for an epic Icelandic adventure on Road 870, aka Norðausturvegur! This gem snakes along the northeast coast, serving up unreal views of Iceland's wild side.
Yeah, it's a gravel road, but don't worry, most cars can handle it if you take it slow and easy. This slightly rough coastal route is just about 60 kilometers (37 miles) long, connecting Þórshöfn (a village on the eastern shore of Þistilfjörður fjord) and Fontur (a village on the northeastern tip of the Langanes peninsula).
Keep in mind, this road is usually closed from early September to late June, so plan accordingly. And watch out for fog—it can get seriously thick up here.
Located in one of Iceland’s most remote corners, this drive is all about breathtaking landscapes and serious solitude. You'll be far from everything, soaking up the peace and quiet of this sparsely populated area. Just a heads up: it's not a busy route, so solo travel isn't recommended.
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 59.5 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardCol des Garcinets
🇫🇷 France
# Col des Garcinets: A Scenic Alpine Climb Nestled in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France, Col des Garcinets sits pretty at 1,185 meters (3,887 feet) above sea level. It's the kind of mountain pass that rewards you with incredible views—if you've got the legs for it. The drive up is via the D1 road, a well-maintained asphalt route that connects the small towns of Selonnet to the south and Turriers to the west. Starting from D900b, you're looking at a solid 15.6 km of climbing ahead of you. The elevation gain totals 512 meters, which averages out to a 3.3% gradient—steep enough to keep things interesting, but not so brutal that you'll be white-knuckling the steering wheel the whole way. It's a straightforward, scenic push through the alpine landscape that'll test your patience on the switchbacks but reward you with some serious French Alpine beauty once you crest the top.
extremeHow Challenging is the Road to Hellisheiði Eystri?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on Hellisheiði Eystri, a mountain pass nestled in Northeast Iceland! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a seriously steep climb, reaching a dizzying 644 meters (that's over 2,100 feet!). The road itself, known as Hlíðarvegur (Road 917), is mostly unpaved and stretches for about 70 kilometers (44 miles) from Vopnafjörður (on Road 85) heading south. Be prepared for 15 hairpin turns that will test your driving skills, and some seriously steep sections with gradients hitting 15%! This road earns its reputation as the steepest mountain road in Iceland! While passable in good conditions, those in a front-wheel-drive motorhome might find it a bit dicey, especially if it's wet. And heads up: being one of the highest roads in Iceland, it's usually one of the first to close when the snow starts falling. But hey, the views are totally worth it! At the summit, you'll find an old weather station and panoramic vistas of Héraðsflói Bay. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the coastal cliffs at Drangsnes, and the abandoned farm Krummsholt, a Viking ruin site! There are a few small parking spots up top, perfect for snapping some photos and soaking it all in. Just be warned, there are some serious drop-offs, so maybe not for those with a fear of heights!
hardWhen was Fort St. Andrija built?
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Fort St. Andrija, a fortress perched high in the mountains. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. Think narrow roads, seriously steep climbs, and zero guardrails as you hug the edge. Yeah, it's intense! Originally carved out as a military access road, this isn't for the faint of heart. But here's the deal: it's one of the most challenging roads around, with a view that will absolutely blow your mind. Think panoramic vistas every inch of the way. The fortress itself? Situated high overlooking the bay. It's an unforgettable experience. Plus, you can head to Pesica Lake.
moderateSaint-Barthelemy is a classic road trip in the Italian Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Saint-Barthélemy: A High-Alpine Adventure Perched at a jaw-dropping 1,647 meters (5,403 feet) above sea level, Saint-Barthélemy is this charming little mountain town tucked away in Italy's northwestern Aosta Valley. It's the kind of place that feels like a secret—home to just a handful of hotels and the impressive Astronomical Observatory of the Autonomous Region of the Aosta Valley, where you can gaze up at stars from one of Italy's highest vantage points. Getting there is half the adventure. The road in question is Strada Regionale 36 (SR36), a 33.1 km (20.56 miles) ribbon of asphalt that connects Nus to Chantignan. Fair warning: this isn't your leisurely cruise. The pavement is solid, but it's relentlessly steep—we're talking gradients that max out at a punishing 12.5% in some sections. Your car's brakes will definitely get a workout on the way down, and your engine will be working overtime climbing up. But here's the thing: those challenging switchbacks and elevation gains reward you with some seriously stunning Alpine scenery. Wind your way through the Italian Alps on this paved (albeit demanding) mountain pass, and you'll understand why this remote corner of northern Italy is so special.