Where is the F910 (Austurleið) road?
Iceland, europe
170 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for the F910, also known as Austurleið – one of Iceland's most epic F Roads! This beast winds through the remote Highlands of the Northeastern Region, taking you deep into the Icelandic wilderness.
How remote are we talking? Seriously remote. You'll likely have the whole track to yourself, so stock up on supplies – food, water, fuel, the works. This is a true escape, with absolutely zero services along the way.
Clocking in at 170 km (105 miles), Austurleið is a wild ride of paved sections mixed with seriously challenging terrain. Most folks just do the bit to Askja, but the full monty continues way deeper into the highlands. You'll definitely need a high-clearance 4x4 and nerves of steel!
Expect a bumpy, slow-going journey thanks to rough patches, especially those stretches over solidified lava fields. Oh, and did I mention the potential for summer sand and snowstorms? Plus, a few river crossings to keep things interesting! It's definitely a good idea to buddy up with other vehicles for this one. But hey, if it was easy, everyone would be doing it, right? Get ready for insane scenery and bragging rights for days!
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 170 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeThe unpaved drive to Unterrothorn offers stunning views
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Unterrothorn: A Peak Adventure in the Swiss Alps Want to experience one of Europe's most epic mountain roads? Head to Unterrothorn (also called Rothorn), sitting pretty at 3,109m (10,200ft) in Valais, Switzerland. This isn't your average drive—it's an adrenaline-pumping challenge that takes you to some seriously high altitude. Starting from the charming mountain resort of Zermatt—famous for world-class skiing, climbing, and hiking—you're looking at roughly 6km (3.72 miles) of pure mountain intensity. Fair warning: this road is completely unpaved and absolutely brutal, with sections so steep they'll make your palms sweat. You'll need a serious 4x4 vehicle to even attempt it, and heads up—private vehicles aren't allowed on this route (it's a chairlift access trail, so plan accordingly). Nestled in the stunning Swiss Pennine Alps, the views are absolutely worth every white-knuckle moment. You'll get panoramic vistas that'll make you forget how terrifying that last hairpin turn was. Just don't even think about attempting this in winter—the road becomes completely impassable once the snow hits. This is legit one of the highest roads in Switzerland, so if you're chasing that ultimate alpine experience, Unterrothorn delivers. Just make sure you're prepared, your vehicle is up for the challenge, and you've got the skills to match.
moderateExploring the Treacherous Beauty of Germany's Black Forest High Road
🇩🇪 Germany
# The Schwarzwaldhochstraße: Germany's Most Legendary Scenic Drive The Schwarzwaldhochstraße—or Black Forest High Road—is basically the OG scenic route in southwestern Germany, and for good reason. Officially known as the B500, this isn't just a "nice drive"; it's a high-altitude adventure that winds through one of Europe's most enchanting and densely forested landscapes. You'll find this beauty in Baden-Württemberg, and it's a proper road trip. The route kicks off in the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden and climbs steeply toward the Black Forest's main ridge, finishing up in Freudenstadt. Along the way, you'll hit legendary spots like the Mummelsee—a gorgeous glacial lake wrapped in local mythology and nestled among the region's highest peaks. Here's the thing: despite its pristine pavement, the B500 has earned a reputation as one of Germany's trickiest roads. Drivers need to stay sharp and prepared for some serious challenges on this route. The name "Black Forest" comes straight from the Romans, who called it Silva Nigra. They found it basically impenetrable—the canopy of conifers was so thick it blocked out nearly all sunlight. When the High Road officially opened in 1930, it was meant to connect various mountain sanatoriums, but it quickly became the stuff of legend for anyone craving that dark, ancient forest vibe. People often compare the B500 to Austria's Grossglockner or Italy's Amalfi Coast, but honestly? The Black Forest is in its own lane. Instead of those dramatic open alpine views, you're driving through a verdant "green tunnel" created by towering ancient trees—and then suddenly, breathtaking panoramas of the Rhine Valley and the distant French Vosges mountains open up before you. It's uniquely magical.
moderateHow long is Puerto del Pico?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, so you're heading to Spain? You HAVE to check out Puerto del Pico! It's this crazy cool mountain pass in Ávila, smack-dab in the heart of Castile and León. The whole thing's paved, so no worries there, and it's called the N-502. We're talking about a 42.4km (26.34 miles) stretch of road that winds its way from Cuevas Del Valle up to Solosancho. But here's the kicker: Puerto del Pico sits way up in the Gredos mountains, and some sections are seriously steep – like, 11-12% steep! Once you reach the top, you'll find a tiny parking area and a lookout with insane views. And, get this, one of the best-preserved Roman roads in Spain! The Romans built it like, two centuries before Christ to connect Ávila and Mérida. Imagine Roman armies marching along it and hauling metals! The old road is still there in great shape, about 5.5 to 8.5 meters wide.
hardWhere is Col du Joly?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Rhône-Alpes region of France, right on the border of Haute-Savoie and Savoie. You're headed for Col du Joly, a mountain pass that tops out at a cool 1,989m (6,525ft). The road? Well, the south side's mostly paved, but the north gets a little more adventurous with a well-maintained unpaved section. Think Beaufort (Beaufort-sur-Doron) on one side, Les Contamines-Montjoie on the other, connecting south to north. It can get a bit narrow in places, and there's usually a bit of traffic heading up to Chez Gaston restaurant at the summit – a popular spot for hikers starting the Tour du Mont Blanc. Now, this isn't a Sunday drive – some sections get pretty steep, hitting gradients of up to 10.9%! But trust me, it's worth it. Once you reach the top, you're rewarded with one of the most incredible, up-close-and-personal views of Mont Blanc. Seriously breathtaking!