Driving the Scenic F337 Road Through Lunar-like Fields
Iceland, europe
28.9 km
681 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're headed to Iceland's Southern Region and craving an off-the-beaten-path experience, you HAVE to check out the F337, also known as Hlöðuvallavegur. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks!
Nestled in the Icelandic interior, near the stunning Þingvellir National Park, this 28.9 km (17.95-mile) beauty runs from Road 37 up to Road F338. Think lunar landscapes, a rough lava field at the foot of Mt Hlodufell, and some seriously epic views.
Word to the wise: This is strictly 4x4 territory. We're talking high clearance is a MUST. The road is entirely unpaved, and you'll be navigating some seriously rugged terrain, with big stones and sandy spots aplenty. Seriously, leave your little rental car at home.
Get ready for a climb! This road is STEEP. We're talking 500 vertical meters in just 4 km, with an average grade of 15%! It tops out at a whopping 681m (2,234ft) above sea level, making it one of Iceland's highest roads.
Heads up: it's usually closed from late October to late June/early July due to snow. And be prepared to be totally alone out there. This track is remote, traffic is minimal, and cell service can be spotty. Make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape before you go! But trust us, the views are SO worth it!
Where is it?
Driving the Scenic F337 Road Through Lunar-like Fields is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 65.0446, -18.6479
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 28.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 681 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 65.0446, -18.6479
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Strada Provinciale 97 di Racollo?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're carving through the Italian countryside in the southern part of Italy, inside Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga. You're on Strada Provinciale 97 di Racollo, a totally sweet escape for anyone who loves to drive. Think twisting curves, some seriously tight hairpin turns, and just enough straightaways to catch your breath. It's mostly empty too, so you'll have the road to yourself! This baby climbs up to 1,636m (5,367ft) offering unreal views as you go. It's 13.2km (8.2 miles) of pure driving bliss, winding from Santo Stefano di Sessanio to Strada Statale 17bis (SS17bis). The road isn't perfect (a few spots are a little rough), but the views more than make up for it. The scenery of the surrounding landscape and mountains is breathtaking, especially from the top. You can even see the picturesque Lago Racollo from the highest point! Just a heads-up: this is the Abruzzo mountain range, which means heavy snowfall in winter, so keep that in mind when planning your trip!
extremeWeekend Getaways: 3 High-Intensity Driving Routes in England
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're ditching the day spa and heading straight for the Lake District. Forget fluffy robes – you'll be gripping the wheel on Hardknott and Wrynose Passes, a legendary duo of steepness and switchbacks. We're talking insane 33% gradients here, folks! Think ancient Roman roads meet modern-day adrenaline. It's a white-knuckle ride that rewards you with the most epic mountain views in the whole country. Or maybe the Peak District is more your vibe? Hit up the Snake Pass (A57) and the Cat and Fiddle Road for a rollercoaster of "S-bends" and rapid elevation changes. These A-roads slice right through the Pennines, but be warned: mist and wind are frequent uninvited guests. It's a killer way to test your car's handling and your own reflexes. And hey, the coast isn't just about beaches! The Jurassic Coast or the Military Road on the Isle of Wight are calling your name. Expect a mix of fast, sweeping turns and nail-biting, narrow sections right along the cliff edge. You'll be racing against erosion itself, so keep an eye out for changing road surfaces where the tarmac meets the sea. Just a heads-up: these routes aren't your average Sunday drive. Make sure your tires and brakes are in top condition before you go. Trade that boutique hotel for a mountain pass and get ready for a weekend you won't forget!
hardWhere is Eğribel Geçidi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Eğribel Geçidi in Turkey's Giresun Province! This high-altitude pass tops out at a cool 2,236m (7,335ft) in the Black Sea region, so prepare for some serious views. The entire 108km (67-mile) stretch from Şebinkarahisar to Giresun is paved, but heads up – the road can be a bit rough in places. You'll definitely feel those 10% gradients on some of the steeper sections! This route used to be a real beast, but thankfully, the 5.9km Eğribel Tunnel opened in 2021, bypassing the trickiest part. This shaves off 6.5 kilometers and a whole 20 minutes from the drive. While generally open year-round, keep an eye on weather conditions, especially in winter. Short-term closures aren't uncommon when Mother Nature throws a tantrum. Overall, Eğribel Geçidi is an unforgettable drive through stunning Turkish landscapes, just be ready for a bit of a bumpy ride!
hardLabasar Refuge
🇪🇸 Spain
# Refugio de Labasar Nestled in the heart of Spain's Sobrarbe region in Huesca, Aragon, this mountain refuge sits pretty at 1,949m (6,394ft) above sea level, right in the Pyrenees. The drive up to get here? Yeah, it's an adventure. You're looking at a gravel and rocky road that can be tippy and bumpy—definitely not your typical smooth highway experience. Winter basically shuts this place down, so plan your visit for warmer months. If you've got some serious off-roading experience under your belt, you'll probably dig it. Here's the good news: the road is maintained, and a high-clearance 2WD vehicle can handle it just fine if you take it slow and steady on the dry stretches. The not-so-good news? Prepare yourself for some seriously steep climbing. And if you hit wet weather, all that mud turns this into a proper challenge. Washboarding, ruts, and dips are real here, so white-knuckling through them is part of the deal. Bottom line: this is one for drivers who know what they're doing and don't mind a little (okay, a lot) of bumping around to reach an incredible mountain destination.