Driving the defiant Road F923 in the Highlands of Iceland
Iceland, europe
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Deep in Iceland's Eastern Region lies the F923, also known as Jökuldalsvegur. This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking serious 4x4 territory. Think stunning Highlands scenery, but also, think challenging terrain.
This rugged track winds from Aðalból towards Road 910, leading into the remote and gorgeous valley of Hrafnkelsdalur. But, hold on! This road is NOT for the faint of heart, or small cars. We're talking massive potholes, crazy ruts, and boulders galore. Seriously, a tiny car here is a recipe for disaster. Get ready to bounce, rattle, and roll over stony slopes, broken sections, big rocks, and muskeg.
You'll need a proper 4x4, the kind that laughs in the face of river crossings. Speaking of which, there are a couple! Don't even think about tackling this in anything less than a high-clearance, full-size 4x4.
This beauty is only open during Iceland's short summer window, usually from late June to early September.
Prepare for solitude! This track is remote and rarely traveled. So, if you break down, you're on your own, and cell service is spotty at best.
The F923 is one of Iceland's legendary F Roads, offering unbelievable landscapes. Just be aware, it's even more treacherous at night.
Those river crossings? They demand respect. Don't attempt them solo or during heavy rain. The water levels can rise rapidly, turning them into real hazards. Only well-equipped jeeps and larger vehicles should even attempt it, and ALWAYS check the river's depth first. Remember, rental car insurance likely won't cover water damage from river crossings. Near Aðalból farm, you'll encounter a wide and fairly deep ford in a crystal-clear river. Be prepared!
Where is it?
Driving the defiant Road F923 in the Highlands of Iceland is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 65.2589, -18.2290
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 65.2589, -18.2290
Related Roads in europe
hardTunnel des Montets
🇫🇷 France
# Tunnel des Montets: Your Alpine Escape Route Tucked away in the Haute-Savoie region of France, the Tunnel des Montets (also called Col des Montets Tunnel) is a clever bit of engineering that's been saving travelers since 1907. Located just past Argentiere at Montroc village, this dual-purpose railway and road tunnel is your lifeline when Mother Nature decides to throw a tantrum in the mountains. At nearly 1,900 meters long and sitting at 1,386 meters elevation, this tunnel is all about practicality. When the Col des Montets pass gets hammered with snow or avalanche danger spikes, cars can slip straight through to Le Buet and Vallorcine instead of getting stuck outside. It's that simple. Just keep a few rules in mind if you're using it: your vehicle can't exceed 2.5 meters in height or 5.5 meters in length, the speed limit caps out at 50 km/h, and you need to maintain at least 100 meters between you and the car ahead. These aren't suggestions—they're there for a reason in this narrow underground passage. After a major renovation and reopening in December 2014, the tunnel is back in action and ready to get you safely through the mountains when conditions demand it. It's the kind of road feature that doesn't make headlines, but mountain travelers definitely appreciate it.
moderateA Fantastic Road to Col des Saisies, with Great Views of Mont Blanc
🇫🇷 France
# Col des Saisies Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col des Saisies sits pretty at 1,657m (5,436ft) and serves as one of the crown jewels along the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes. Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, this pass has earned serious cycling credentials through its frequent appearances in the Tour de France. The fully paved D218B road climbs for 26.8 km (16.65 miles) from Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe to Villard-sur-Doron, and let me tell you—it doesn't take it easy. You'll tackle sections with gradients hitting 11.4%, so your legs will definitely feel this one. Fair warning though: the summit experience is a bit of an anticlimactic moment. Unlike some of the Alps' more dramatic peaks, you don't get that jaw-dropping summit view. Instead, the road just gently flattens out as it passes through what feels like a sleepy ski resort, which can feel a little underwhelming after all that climbing. The pass stays open year-round most of the time, though Mother Nature has the final say—snow closures can happen anytime during winter months, so check conditions before you head up. Ready to add this Alpine challenge to your bucket list?
hardMonte Pizzoc
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Pizzoc: A Thrilling Alpine Climb in Northern Italy Looking for an epic mountain drive? Monte Pizzoc delivers. This stunning pass sits at 1,565m (5,135ft) in the Veneto region of Italy and makes for an absolutely exhilarating road trip. The route climbing up from Vittorio Veneto is no joke—we're talking 24.18 km of steep, narrow asphalt that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel. The elevation gain totals a serious 1,406 meters, which works out to an average gradient of 5.8%. It's definitely a workout for your car and your driving skills, but that's part of the appeal. What really makes this worth the effort? At the summit, you'll find a cozy mountain refuge where you can catch your breath, refuel, and soak in those incredible Alpine views. Whether you're tackling this as a serious cycling challenge or cruising it in your vehicle, Monte Pizzoc offers the kind of authentic mountain experience that stays with you long after you've descended.
easyWhere is the road from Sospirolo to Gosaldo?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, so you're in the Veneto region of Italy and looking for an epic drive? Check out the SP2 della Valle del Mis – basically, the road from Sospirolo to Gosaldo! This baby snakes 25.2 km (15.65 miles) through the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park in the northeastern part of the country. It's fully paved, though some sections were blasted right out of the rock by miners back in the day! A heads up: this road isn't for oversized vehicles! It's closed to trucks and anything taller than 2.5 meters. There's this one tunnel that's super narrow, with alternating traffic, so patience is key. The rest of the road is wider, but still, this area is prone to landslides, so keep your eyes peeled and drive smart. It's not unusual for the road to be closed after heavy rains. But seriously, the views are WORTH IT. This is one of those drives that’ll have you pulling over every five minutes to snap photos. The road winds through the remote Mis Valley and hugs Lago del Mis – a stunning artificial lake created by a dam – which perfectly mirrors the surrounding mountains. And get this – there are seriously cool stops along the way: * **The Emerald Pools of Cadini del Brentòn:** Think 15 incredible, emerald-green pools carved by erosion. There's an easy path to get right up close. * **Cascata della Soffia (Soffia Waterfall):** A dramatic waterfall you can reach with a short walk from the lake's end. * **The Ghost Village of California:** Explore the ruins of this abandoned village, wiped out by a disaster. It used to be a mining area, adding some history to the mix. * **Certosa di Vedana:** Near Sospirolo, visit this beautiful old monastery, that used to offer shelter to travelers. Seriously, pack your camera, snacks, and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!