Driving the bumpy Road 864 to Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland
Iceland, europe
56.4 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for Road 864, also known as Hólsfjallavegur, in the wild Northeast of Iceland! Picture this: You're cruising through Vatnajökull National Park, but hold on tight because this 56.4 km stretch is no smooth ride. We're talking a bumpy, dusty, unsealed adventure from Road 85 (south of Thvera) up to the Ring Road. Road 864 keeps it real running alongside its paved sibling, Road 862.
Word to the wise: this road plays hide-and-seek during winter, usually opening up around late May, depending on how much snow Iceland got.
Now, the scenery? Think lunar landscape. Seriously, it's out of this world! The road itself is all gravel, corrugated, and yes, dusty. Potholes? Oh, they're part of the experience! While a regular car *might* make it in ideal conditions, a 4x4 is your best bet.
The drive clocks in between 1 and 2 hours if you're not stopping (but why wouldn't you?!), though speed is all about the current road conditions. And the prize? You'll end up at the east side of Dettifoss waterfall – one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe! 500 cubic meters of water plummeting every second? It’s epic!
Where is it?
Driving the bumpy Road 864 to Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 65.2741, -18.1597
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 56.4 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 65.2741, -18.1597
Related Roads in europe
hardDriving the wild road to Bella Lui
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Bella Lui: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Perched at 2,537 meters (8,323 feet) in Switzerland's Valais region, Bella Lui is a stunning high mountain peak nestled in the Bernese Alps. The name itself—meaning "beautiful light" in the old Valais dialect—perfectly captures what you'll experience up there. Getting to the summit is definitely an adventure. The route is a rocky, gravel chairlift access trail that's seriously steep, with loose stones scattered everywhere. It gets even more dramatic in the upper sections where things get rockier and steeper still. Fair warning: you've got a pretty narrow window to tackle this one—basically just the end of August when conditions cooperate. You'll want a 4x4 for this journey. The wind is absolutely relentless year-round, and that's no exaggeration. Even during summer, surprise snow days can pop up, and winter temperatures? Brutally cold. The actual road is a ski-station service route with gradients up to 30% in some sections, so it's not for the faint of heart. But here's why you'll love it: the payoff is massive. You'll get breathtaking panoramic views sweeping over the Urdental valley, and when you reach the top, there's a restaurant sharing the peak's name where you can celebrate with a meal. Not bad for a day's work, right?
hardIs the road to Juf paved?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Swiss Alps in Graubünden, heading to Juf, the highest village in Europe with year-round residents! This little gem sits way up at 2,126 meters (almost 7,000 feet!), nestled in the Avers Valley at the foot of the Septimer Pass. The road to Juf is about 24.5 kilometers (15.2 miles) long, starting from Road 13, and trust me, it's an experience. You'll climb over 1,000 meters as you wind through the valley, a steady ascent that really gives you that high-altitude thrill. The average grade is gentle enough, around 4%, but be ready for some punchy sections that hit over 10%! The road is paved and generally well-maintained, but this is the Alps, folks. Winter is a *thing* here, lasting half the year, so snow tires and some mountain driving skills are a must for much of the season! Keep an eye on conditions, as temporary closures are possible during heavy storms. The drive itself is stunning; you're basically driving right into a postcard. Just remember, Juf is at the end of the road, a total "cul-de-sac," so you'll be retracing your steps, but who's complaining when the views are this good? It's a raw, unforgettable, high-Alpine experience!
hardA narrow mountain road to Passo delle Erbe
🇮🇹 Italy
Passo delle Erbe is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,993 meters (6,538 feet) above sea level in South Tyrol, nestled in Italy's Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region. The fully paved route to the summit—also known as Würzjoch and Ju de Börz—is officially labeled Strada Provinciale 29 (SP29). Once you reach the top, you'll find a cozy hotel, restaurant, and spacious parking lot waiting for you. Stretching 44.9 km (27.89 miles) from Brixen in the west to San Martino in Badia in the east, this pass connects Val Badia with the Lüsen valley of Val d'Isarco. It's a scenic ribbon through the heart of the Dolomites that'll make your heart skip a beat. Here's the thing—accessibility varies by season. Coming from the east? You're good year-round. Approaching from the west? Plan your trip for mid-spring through late autumn. Fair warning: this road is narrow, and you'll likely find yourself pulling over multiple times to let oncoming traffic squeeze past. The climb is seriously steep too, with some sections hitting a jaw-dropping 16.3% gradient. But that's part of the charm, right? Every challenging curve rewards you with views that'll make the whole drive worth it.
moderateWhere is Gorges de la Pierre-Lys?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Aude department in southern France, Occitanie region, about to hit one of the most stunning drives in the country – the Gorges de la Pierre-Lys! This isn't just any road; it's a balcony road carved right into the side of a dramatic canyon. The D117 is your path, a fully paved 8.2 km (5.09 miles) stretch running north-south from Quillan to Saint-Martin-Lys. You'll be snaking through the Pierre-Lys gorge with cliffs towering up to 700 meters on either side. It's seriously impressive. Trust me, it's worth the detour! And if you're up for more adventure, just beyond Axat you can explore the equally stunning Gorges de Saint-Georges. It's an amazing landscape to enjoy by car, bike, or on foot. But be warned, this road demands your full attention, keep your eyes on the road! Start your journey near Quillan, a cute little town perfect for exploring nearby Cathars castles and the gorges. Pro tip: hit this drive at sunset. The rocks turn a wild shade of red, creating insane shadows. It's a photographer's dream!