
All about the infamous road to Dyrholaey Lighthouse
Iceland, europe
65 km
13 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Right near the charming village of Vík í Mýrdal on Iceland's south coast, you'll find the Dyrholaey Lighthouse, a true beauty perched on a cliff. This photogenic lighthouse has been guiding ships since 1927 and it offers incredible views of the North Atlantic.
Getting there is part of the fun! From the famous Ring Road (Route 1) heading east from Reykjavik, take road 218 (also known as Dyrholavegur road). It's only 6.5 km (4 miles) to the lighthouse, but be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride!
The road is a mix of paved and unpaved sections. The paved part crosses a tiny stretch in the middle of Dyrhólaós lake, so watch out, as it can sometimes flood after heavy rains or high tides. After rains, the unpaved part can turn into a muddy mess, so a 4WD is highly recommended to avoid getting stuck. And remember, winter can bring snow and ice, demanding extra caution. Heads up: access can be restricted during spring and summer due to nesting season. Enjoy the ride and the views!
Where is it?
All about the infamous road to Dyrholaey Lighthouse is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 65.1545, -16.5183
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 65 km
- Max Elevation
- 13 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 65.1545, -16.5183
Related Roads in europe
hardA rough 4x4 road to Pedró dels Quatre Batlles
🇪🇸 Spain
Pedró dels Quatre Batlles is a seriously high mountain pass sitting at 2,387m (7,831ft) above sea level in Lleida, Catalonia, Spain. It's legit one of the country's loftiest road crossings. Here's the real talk: this route is totally unpaved and basically a no-go during winter months. If you're an experienced off-road enthusiast with solid driving skills, you'll probably love the challenge. But if mountain roads aren't your jam, honestly skip it. You'll need a proper 4x4 to tackle this one, and if heights make you queasy, turn back now. The road winds through the Serres d'Odèn-Port del Comte range with some seriously steep sections. Throw in wet conditions and that muddy surface becomes a genuine test of your driving prowess. But here's what makes it worth the effort—the views from the summit are absolutely jaw-dropping. This is the kind of ride that'll make your adrenaline pump and fill your camera roll with stunning mountain vistas. Bottom line? Only attempt this if you've got the skills, the right vehicle, and nerves of steel.
moderateTransfagarasan: From a Bloody History to One of the Best Highways in the World
🇷🇴 Romania
Romania's Transfagarasan Highway! This road is a wild ride through the heart of the country, snaking through the majestic Fagaras Mountains. Think of it as a roughly 90-kilometer (56-mile) thrill, where you'll probably average around 40 km/h (25 mph) because you'll be too busy gawking at the scenery. Picture this: stunning peaks, dramatic valleys, and hairpin turns galore as you traverse between Romania's tallest mountains, Moldoveanu and Negoiu. Built in the early 70s, it was meant as a strategic military route, so expect some serious engineering! Keep your eyes peeled, though – this road has some serious elevation changes and tight curves, so stay sharp. It's usually open from late spring to early autumn, so plan accordingly. Get ready for an unforgettable driving experience, surrounded by some of the most breathtaking views in Eastern Europe!
moderateWhere is Aukštojas Hill?
🌍 Lithuania
Okay, so you're in Lithuania and itching for an adventure? Forget the crowded tourist traps and head to Aukštojas Hill, the country's highest point! We're talking a modest 294 meters (965 feet) above sea level, so don't expect Everest. It's tucked away in the Medininkai Highlands, east of Vilnius and practically waving hello to Belarus in the southeast. Getting there is half the fun. You'll cruise along the paved 5213 road, but then things get interesting. A 1.4 km (0.86 mile) unpaved stretch leads you to the Aukštojo parkingas - the highest parking lot in Lithuania at 280 meters (918 feet)! From there, it's a short walk to the summit. Is it worth the drive? Totally! You're surrounded by the Migūnai forestry, a sea of pine trees. Up top, you'll find a viewing tower perfect for snapping those panoramic shots, a cool circular monument with horse heads (yes, you read that right!), and a big boulder marking the actual highest point. It's quirky, it's scenic, and it's a great way to experience a different side of Lithuania.
extremeThe Road to Col de Viraysse: No Turning Back If You Change Your Mind
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Viraysse: Not for the Faint of Heart Ready for an adrenaline rush? Welcome to Col de Viraysse, a brutally beautiful mountain pass perched at 2,746m (9,009ft) in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, right near the Italian border in southeastern France. This isn't your average scenic drive. Built as a military road between 1885 and 1888, it's one of France's highest passes—and it shows. The 9.6 km (5.96 miles) of unpaved road climbs a jaw-dropping 995m with relentless hairpin turns, sections steep enough to hit 17% gradients, and walls of air dropping hundreds of meters with zero guardrails. Seriously, if heights make you queasy, skip this one. Here's the kicker: the narrow, single-track road means there's literally nowhere to turn around if you're having second thoughts halfway up. Come winter (September through June), the pass is completely impassable anyway, so plan your visit during the brief summer window. The payoff? Incredible views stretching into Italy, across the Mercantour mountains, and down into the Ubaye Valley. The route also passes military fortresses and structures along the way, eventually leading to Fort de Viraysse at 2,772m—a fascinating fortification complex that once served as one of France's most strategic high-altitude posts, with an exclusive view of Italy from the Alps. This is old-school mountain driving at its finest. Thrilling, unforgiving, and absolutely unforgettable.