Driving the Scenic Road 832 Through Vadlaheidi Pass in North Iceland

Driving the Scenic Road 832 Through Vadlaheidi Pass in North Iceland

Iceland, europe

Length

19 km

Elevation

544 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Just a stone's throw from Akureyri, hugging the east coast of the stunning Eyjafjörður fjord in northern Iceland, you'll find the wild Vaðlaheiði mountain pass. This bad boy tops out at 544 meters (that's 1,784 feet!), making it one of the loftiest drives Iceland has to offer.

Forget pavement, because Road 832 (aka Vaðlaheiðarvegur) is all about that rugged, unadulterated off-road experience. This 19-kilometer (11.8-mile) stretch connects Road 833 and Road 828, serving up insane mountain vistas and river scenery. Photographers, get ready to max out your memory cards!

Now, heads up: the Ring Road takes the easy way out through a tunnel, but where's the fun in that? This pass throws down a gauntlet with 14 hairpin turns, seriously steep grades, and even a cheeky little stream crossing with no bridge! Summer is your only window for this adventure.

While you *might* get away with a 2WD in perfect conditions, this is 4x4 territory, folks. And even then, keep it under 5 tons. If you're not a fan of mountain driving, maybe stick to the Ring Road. But if you're itching for a raw, unforgettable Icelandic experience, Vaðlaheiði is calling your name!

Where is it?

Driving the Scenic Road 832 Through Vadlaheidi Pass in North Iceland is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 64.7365, -18.9428

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Iceland
Continent
europe
Length
19 km
Max Elevation
544 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
64.7365, -18.9428

Related Roads in europe

Puerto de Navaluengahard

Puerto de Navaluenga

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Today we're tackling Puerto de Navaluenga, a beast of a mountain pass chilling at 1,804 meters (that's 5,918 feet!) in Ávila, Spain. Nestled in the Gredos range, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking gravel, rocks, and seriously gnarly sections that'll test your off-road skills. And Mother Nature? She's got a wicked sense of humor here, so expect the weather to flip faster than a pancake. You absolutely need a 4x4 to even think about attempting this climb, and seriously, only go when it's dry. This road throws down a serious challenge. We're talking sustained 12.5% grades, and in some spots, you're staring down a whopping 37% incline! But the views? Oh man, the views are your reward for conquering this epic climb. Just remember to be prepared, check the conditions, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!

Where is the Via del Sale road?extreme

Where is the Via del Sale road?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, picture this: you, your trusty 4x4, and the legendary Via del Sale, aka the Salt Road. This isn't just a drive; it's an adventure straddling the Italian/French border, high up in the Ligurian Alps. We're talking serious bragging rights here. This historic military track kicks off near Limone Piemonte and winds its way to Monesi di Triora. We're talking about 30 kilometers (almost 19 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-road fun on unpaved roads covered in loose gravel and rocks. Don't let the relatively short distance fool you, though. This isn't a Sunday drive! Allocate at least half a day, maybe a full day, to really soak it all in—and tackle those tricky sections. The "Salt Road" moniker? That's a throwback to its days as a vital trade route, moving salt from the Mediterranean to Turin. Later, it bulked up as a key military route, so you'll spot remnants of that history, like hand-carved tunnels and stone walls clinging to the cliffs. Speaking of cliffs, you'll need a high-clearance 4x4, no question. This route demands respect. Think steep climbs, hairpin turns, and, oh yeah, sections with zero guardrails and serious vertical drops. After a rainstorm, scout ahead on foot, as parts of the path can get dicey! You'll conquer passes like Passo della Guardia and Passo di Collardente, topping out near Colle di Perla at 2,239 meters high! Important deets: this beauty is seasonal, generally closed from October to late May because of snow. Even in summer, double-check if it's open. Since 2019, you need to book your entry in advance, and spots are limited each day. Also, keep an eye out for days reserved for hikers and cyclists, when cars aren't allowed. Remember, you're going off-grid. No gas stations, no repair shops, and iffy cell service. Bring a full-size spare tire, not just a patch kit, plenty of water, and be ready for fog that can roll in fast and thick. But trust me, the views—stretching from the Alps to the Ligurian Sea on a clear day—are worth every white-knuckle moment. Get ready for an epic ride!

What is the Diamond Circle in Iceland?easy

What is the Diamond Circle in Iceland?

🇮🇸 Iceland

Get ready for an epic adventure on Iceland's Diamond Circle Road in the northeast! This loop hits five must-see spots: the dreamy Lake Mývatn, the thunderous Dettifoss waterfall, the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, the charming town of Húsavík, and the majestic Goðafoss waterfall. Starting from Húsavík, perched on the edge of Skjálfandi bay, you'll weave past the awe-inspiring Dettifoss and the serene Lake Myvatn before circling back. Clocking in at 190 miles (310 kilometers), this road trip is now fully paved (as of 2020!), so you don't *technically* need a 4x4. That being said, if you're planning a self-drive adventure, it's highly recommended to book a 4WD vehicle. Plus, if you're eager to explore the east side of Dettifoss and Selfoss Waterfalls, you'll be navigating a rough, gravel road riddled with potholes. The Diamond Circle is open year-round, but be warned: winter can bring closures to parts of the loop. Always double-check conditions before you set off, and only tackle it if you're a confident driver. While the drive itself takes around 3-4 hours without stops, you'll want to budget a full 10-12 hours to soak it all in. Trust me, with landscapes this otherworldly, you'll be pulling over constantly for photo ops!

The breathtaking road to Col de Salese in the Maritime Alpshard

The breathtaking road to Col de Salese in the Maritime Alps

🇫🇷 France

# Col de Salèse Tucked away in the Alpes-Maritimes region of southeastern France, Col de Salèse is a stunning high-altitude mountain pass sitting at 2,036m (6,679ft). You'll find it nestled within the stunning Mercantour National Park, practically on the Italian border—perfect if you're looking for some serious Alpine scenery. The route connects Mollières to Saint-Martin-Vésubie and comes in two distinct flavors. First up is the M89 section, a fully paved drive that takes you to Parking de Salèse at 1,663m elevation. So far, so good. But here's where things get interesting: beyond the parking area, the road transforms into an unpaved track that's closed to regular vehicles. That final 4.3km (2.67 miles) to the summit? That's strictly for hikers and determined adventurers. Fair warning—this isn't a casual Sunday drive. The unpaved section is genuinely challenging, with steep stretches that max out at an 11.7% gradient. Throw in the rough surface conditions, and you're looking at a serious mountain challenge that demands respect and careful navigation. Winter enthusiasts take note: the pass is typically impassable from November through March, so plan your visit for the warmer months if you're hoping to reach the top.