Dalatangi Lighthouse
Iceland, europe
45.9 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: East Iceland, summer sun (hopefully!), and you're about to embark on an unforgettable drive to Dalatangi, the OG lighthouse of Iceland.
The road is Mjóafjardarvegur (or Road 953 if you're looking for it on a map) and it’s a 45.9 km gravel track that’s an adventure in itself! Fair warning: it's narrow and twisty with some seriously steep sections, hitting up to 18% incline!
Take it slow and steady, especially if you're not used to these kinds of roads. You'll be rewarded with incredible views, including the majestic Klifbrekkufossar waterfalls cascading right beside the road. Trust me, you'll want to pull over (safely!) to snap some photos.
Seriously, don't attempt this one at night or if the weather's dodgy, especially if you're new to this road. This is one of those drives where the journey is just as amazing as the destination. Get that camera ready because you're going to want to remember every single hairpin turn and breathtaking view!
Where is it?
Dalatangi Lighthouse is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 65.6169, -17.8720
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 45.9 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 65.6169, -17.8720
Related Roads in europe
extremeCirque de Cilaos
🇫🇷 France
# Cirque de Cilaos: A Thrilling Mountain Drive Nestled on the French island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean, the Cirque de Cilaos is a breathtaking natural rock amphitheater sitting pretty at 1,586m (5,203ft) above sea level. And getting there? Absolutely worth every white-knuckle moment of the drive! The winding route—known as D20 (Route Forestière 11 des Makes)—climbs steeply through the Forêt Domaniale des Makes forest. Thanks to the intense gradient, the road is solidly asphalted and concrete, which is a good thing because you'll need all the traction you can get. Over 400 curves and 18 hairpin turns snake their way up the mountain, each one rewarding you with another jaw-dropping vista. Starting from Le Gol on the D3 Road, you're looking at a 16.6km climb that gains a serious 1,214m in elevation. The average grade sits around 7.31%, with some gnarly sections hitting 10%. Fair warning: this road is *narrow*—we're talking barely room for two cars to pass. Your knuckles might be gripping the steering wheel pretty tight on those tighter sections! Once you reach the summit, you'll find a small parking area and a few communication towers marking the top. It's not just an endpoint; it's a genuine accomplishment. The views? Absolutely legendary.
moderateWhen was the Old Military Road built?
🌍 Ireland
Hit the R115, aka the Old Military Road, for an epic trek through the Wicklow Mountains! This beauty snakes through Dublin and Wicklow, and get this – it's one of the first purpose-built roads in Ireland, dating back to the early 1800s when soldiers carved it out. Keep an eye out for the old barracks they left behind. Clocking in at almost 40 kilometers, this paved road trip runs from Rathfarnham, just south of Dublin, down to the charming village of Laragh. But don't expect a smooth ride! This mountain route is narrow, twisty, and can get pretty bumpy. The boggy ground makes for a rollercoaster feel, with dips and sags all over the place. While there aren’t many crazy cliffs, caution is key – blind curves are everywhere. Rally car drivers have even put the road to the test! Give yourself 1 to 1.5 hours to drive it without stops, but trust me, you'll want to pull over. Nestled in Wicklow Mountains National Park, the views are breathtaking, no matter the weather. Be prepared for rugged terrain and some serious crosswinds, even in summer. Heads up: at its highest point, the road crests at 500 meters. Winter can bring closures due to snow and ice, and sometimes flooding or fallen trees will block the way. Rainy weather turns the surrounding land into a boggy mess, and sometimes the road sinks a bit.
moderateMonte Colmo
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Colmo Tucked away in Lombardy's stunning High Camonica valley, Monte Colmo is a serious alpine challenge sitting pretty at 1,933 meters (6,341 feet). This mountain pass in Italy's Brescia province isn't messing around—it's a real test of your driving skills and nerves. The paved route, Via Monte Colmo, climbs an intense 12.5 kilometers starting from the charming town of Edolo (675m). What makes this pass particularly thrilling? Several tunnels punctuate the ascent, including one seriously long stretch that's unlit—so definitely pack some headlights and a sense of adventure. With an average gradient of 9.4% and sections hitting a brutal 12%, this isn't your casual Sunday drive. The consistent, punishing climbs demand respect and attention, making every hairpin and switchback feel like you've earned it. If you're after authentic alpine driving with real elevation gains and dramatic mountain scenery, Monte Colmo delivers the goods.
extremeIs Road 610 in Slovenia paved?
🌍 Slovenia
Okay, picture this: Road 610, snaking its way through Slovenia where Inner Carniola kisses Upper Carniola. This baby's paved, so no need for a monster truck, but hold onto your hat! We're talking some seriously steep climbs and hairpin turns that'll make you giggle. You'll climb to a cool 713 meters (that's 2,339 feet!) above sea level. Get ready for curves galore! This 11.7-kilometer (or 7.27-mile) stretch runs from near Spodnja Idrija (tucked away on the Idrijca River) all the way to Žiri. So, buckle up and get ready for a scenic Slovenian adventure!