Crossing rivers on the challenging Road F210
Iceland, europe
113 km
645 m
hard
Year-round
Deep in the heart of Iceland's southern highlands lies F210, or Fjallabaksleið syðri – a 70-mile (113km) stretch of pure Icelandic magic. Seriously, the views are some of the best in the country. But heads up, adventure seekers: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. You'll be fording rivers – and lots of 'em!
Imagine yourself cruising through a lunar-like landscape, soaking in the solitude. But, a serious heads up, this track demands a 4x4 beast with serious ground clearance. Think massive potholes, deep ruts, and boulder fields. This road will test your driving skills.
Reaching a peak of 2,116ft (645m), F210 only opens in the summer – usually from late June to early September. Outside those months, she's closed for business. Weather in the highlands can change in a heartbeat, so be prepared for anything – think heavy rain or crazy fog.
The remoteness of F210 is part of what makes it so special. You won't find crowds here, making it one of Iceland's most untouched F-roads. The whole trek can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours, but the payoff? A glimpse of the majestic Maelifell mountain – a definite highlight.
Running west to east, from Keldur (F264) to Grafarkirkja (F208), F210 is the definition of quiet – just you and the wild Icelandic landscape.
Speaking of wild, get ready for those river crossings! Some are easy-peasy, but others can become raging torrents in bad weather. The Kaldaklofskvísl in the west and the Holmsá in the east are two to watch out for. Only high-clearance vehicles should even attempt these, and always check the depth and conditions first.
This is one of Iceland's famous F-Roads, and while it's stunning during the day, it's a different story at night. Plan your trip carefully and respect Mother Nature, especially when those rivers are involved. F210's beauty is no joke – it's an adventure that will challenge you and reward you in equal measure.
Where is it?
Crossing rivers on the challenging Road F210 is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 64.5617, -18.0643
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 113 km
- Max Elevation
- 645 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 64.5617, -18.0643
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Col du Parquetout?
🇫🇷 France
Alright, road trip enthusiasts, let's talk Col du Parquétout! You'll find this beauty tucked away in the Isère department of France, part of the stunning Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The D212F, as it's known, stretches for about 9.8 km (or 6.08 miles) from Villelonge to Les Angelas. Trust me, the views to the south are postcard-perfect – rolling hills and valleys that'll make you want to pull over and soak it all in. Luckily, there's a small parking area at the top just for that. Now, a little heads-up: this isn't your Sunday afternoon drive. The road is paved, sure, but it's bumpy, narrow, and has some loose gravel sections that'll keep you on your toes. It’s all fun and games until you meet another car! Expect hairpin turns, some seriously steep gradients (up to 13.3%!), and absolutely no guardrails. I'd say it's more of a motorcycle road, but if you're up for a challenge and in decent shape, a car can definitely make it. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
hardIs the road to Kemalan Tepesi unpaved?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Kemalan Tepesi in Hakkâri Province, Turkey, is calling your name – if you're ready for a serious off-road challenge, that is. This baby climbs to a whopping 3,451 meters (11,322 feet), making it one of the highest roads in Turkey. Forget pavement; this is a full-on dirt track with hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills, sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath, and dramatic drop-offs that'll have your palms sweating. We're talking 4x4 territory only. Oh, and did I mention it's only open in the summer because, well, snow? The adventure kicks off in Çepkenli, and from there, it's a 29.7-kilometer (18.45-mile) trek to the top. You'll be gaining a hefty 1172 meters in elevation along the way, so buckle up for an average gradient of almost 4%. The views? Absolutely breathtaking, if you dare to take your eyes off the road!
extremeWhere is Sally Gap?
🌍 Ireland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through County Wicklow in Ireland, just south of Dublin. You're smack-dab in Wicklow Mountains National Park, heading for Sally Gap – a mountain pass soaring to 500m (1,640ft)! Now, getting there is half the fun. You've got two main routes: First, there's the Military Road (R115). This one's a north-south beauty, stretching almost 39km (24 miles) from Rathfarnham, a Dublin suburb, down to Laragh. It’s got a cool backstory too, built way back in the early 1800s by the British Army! Then you've got the Sally Gap Road itself (R759). This one cuts east-west for 27km (17 miles), connecting the R755 near Roundwood to the N81. Think winding, twisting roads that will keep you on your toes. Both routes are paved, but get ready for narrow bits and plenty of curves. And a heads-up: while usually open year-round, winter can throw a curveball with snow and ice. This area gets seriously cold, and the roads aren't always treated. But if you're up for an adventure with stunning scenery, Sally Gap is calling your name!
extreme1. The Lake District: A Masterclass in Gradient
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up for some seriously scenic drives across the UK! **Lake District (Cumbria): Gradient Glory** The Lake District? Think beyond Wordsworth! It's a playground for drivers who love a challenge. Kirkstone Pass is a warm-up for the real deal: Hardknott and Wrynose passes. We're talking insane 33% gradients! The views of shimmering lakes and dramatic valleys are epic, but keep your eyes on the road. These hairpin turns are narrow, walled with stone, and demand your full attention. Gear selection is everything here. **Beachy Head (East Sussex): Edge-of-Your-Seat Coastal Views** Hold on tight! Beachy Head rises a whopping 162 meters above the English Channel, offering some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in Europe. The roads leading to that iconic lighthouse are all about high ridges and sudden dips. Those white cliffs are famous, but so are the treacherous conditions. Coastal mists roll in fast, making things dicey. Stay sharp and keep a safe distance from the edge! **Castle Combe & the Cotswold B-Roads: Medieval Maze** Picture this: the "most beautiful village in England." That's Castle Combe! But driving here is a trip back in time—literally. The village hasn't changed much since the 15th century, so the roads are delightfully narrow and twisty, hemmed in by ancient buildings. To get here, cruise along the B4632 through the Cotswolds. It's a former A-road that gives you sweeping turns, amazing views of the Vale of Evesham, and then BAM! You're plunged into those tight, limestone lanes. **Bath: Georgian Grandeur** Bath is like stepping into a perfectly symmetrical painting—a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its Georgian architecture. Navigating this urban masterpiece, with spots like the Royal Crescent, requires some serious concentration. Pedestrians are everywhere, and the one-way systems can be tricky. But before you hit the city, take the Avon Valley route for a scenic transition from the Somerset countryside to the heart of this stunning city. **Portmeirion: Welsh Wonder** Okay, technically in Wales, not England, but too cool to leave out! Portmeirion is this surreal, Italianate village plunked down on the coast of North Wales. It's your gateway to the Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park. The roads leading in are narrow and hug the coast, eventually morphing into the wild, high-intensity mountain loops of North Wales. One minute you're in Mediterranean gardens, the next you're surrounded by rugged peaks!