
Driving the wild Road F985 (Jökulvegur)
Iceland, europe
17 km
918 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're up for a seriously epic Icelandic adventure, the F985, also known as Jökulvegur, is calling your name! This wild ride is located in Eastern Iceland and is ONLY for 4x4s. Seriously, don't even think about attempting this in anything less – it's practically vertical in sections!
This 17 km (10.5 mile) route winds its way from the Ring Road up to the majestic Skálafellsjökull glacier and the Jöklasel Hut. Think of it as your personal access road to a massive ice wonderland. Tour companies use it to shuttle folks up to the glacier for snowmobiling, and you can too!
This is one of Iceland’s infamous F Roads, so expect a rough, challenging, and super fun experience. It’s not for the faint of heart, especially with those crazy hairpin turns and seriously steep inclines. If heights aren't your thing, maybe sit this one out. Slippery conditions can make things extra dicey, and honestly, attempting this in a regular car is just a bad idea.
You'll climb all the way to 918m (3,011ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest roads in Iceland! Imagine driving through a lunar landscape, bouncing along a bumpy track only open during the summer (usually late June to early September). It's pretty remote, so hitting the road solo isn't recommended – you won’t see much traffic, inhabitants, or cell service!
But the views, oh, the views! They are absolutely breathtaking! And get this: you'll be driving through filming locations from movies like Batman Begins, James Bond, Tomb Raider, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and even Game of Thrones! How cool is that? Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Where is it?
Driving the wild Road F985 (Jökulvegur) is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 64.4465, -17.6520
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17 km
- Max Elevation
- 918 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 64.4465, -17.6520
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is the road to Monte Bartolo?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Costa del Azahar in Castelló, ready for some serious views. You're heading up, up, up to Monte Bartolo, and let me tell you, the road delivers! This isn't just any drive; it's a pilgrimage to one of the most stunning viewpoints in eastern Spain. Once you hit the top, you're rewarded with a full-blown 360-degree panorama. Think rugged mountains tumbling towards the shimmering Mediterranean – pure magic. So, where exactly is this road to Bartolo-heaven? Tucked away in the Desert de les Palmes Natural Park. You'll peel off the CV-147, near the Monastery of Desert de les Palmes, practically spitting distance from the beach town of Benicàssim. Now, the ascent itself? It's only about 4 km from the junction, but don't let the short distance fool you. This is a relentless climb, testing both your car (and your nerves!). Seriously, this road is so epic (and tough) that it even featured in the 2026 Vuelta a España! Driving-wise, prepare for a high-intensity experience. The road is SKINNY, like barely-one-car-wide skinny. And steep! While the average gradient is already high, some spots hit a crazy 17.2%. The road surface is also a bit rough around the edges, with some old asphalt and patches thrown in for traction. And oh yeah, guardrails? Nope, not really. But here's the kicker: on a clear day, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. You can see the Columbretes Islands and maybe even the island of Ibiza shimmering in the distance! Word to the wise, though: access for cars is often restricted to protect the Natural Park, so check the local rules before you head up. The last 2 km are often closed, which is why it's such a popular spot for cyclists and hikers looking for a challenge.
hardAn otherworldly road to Peña de Francia in Salamanca
🇪🇸 Spain
Peña de Francia is a stunning mountain peak towering at 1,708m (5,603ft) in Salamanca province, Spain. Nestled in the Sierra de Francia range south of the city, this dramatic summit is crowned with a beautiful sanctuary called Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia, plus some radio towers perched at the top. If you're planning a visit, fair warning: winter transforms this place into an inaccessible wonderland of snow, so spring through fall is your best bet. The journey up via the SA-203 road is an adventure in itself. Starting from Paso de los Lobos (1,500m), you've got just 3.6 km (2.23 miles) to climb, gaining 203 meters of elevation with an average gradient of 5.63%. Sounds manageable, right? Well, here's the catch—while the road is paved, it's seen better days. Think potholes, gravel sections, and a surface that'll keep you on your toes. The narrow lanes get seriously steep in places, hitting up to 9.2% gradient, and you'll navigate five hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. Take your time, watch your speed, and enjoy the incredible views as you spiral your way up to one of Spain's most dramatic summits.
moderateCol du Sappenay
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Sappenay Nestled in the gorgeous Jura Mountains of France, Col du Sappenay sits at a respectable 897m (2,942ft) elevation. The road up—Route D54—is fully paved and makes for a really enjoyable drive through some seriously scenic terrain. Starting from Vuiz, you're looking at a 7.43 km climb that gains 621 meters of elevation, averaging around 8.3% gradient. Nothing too brutal, but definitely enough to get your heart pumping if you're on a bike! The route takes you through the stunning Néphaz Gorge before you spot the charming Chapel of Notre Dame de la Salette. After that, the road keeps climbing gently upward until you reach a paraglider take-off spot with incredible views. It's the kind of pass that rewards you with both a fun drive and some seriously Instagram-worthy scenery. Perfect for a day trip if you're exploring the region!
moderateA brutally steep road to Alto de Aitana in Alicante
🇪🇸 Spain
# Alto de Aitana: Spain's Hidden Mountain Challenge Nestled in the sun-soaked province of Alicante, Alto de Aitana stands tall at 1,543 meters (5,062 feet) and claims the crown as the province's highest peak. Located in the southern reaches of Spain's Valencian Community, this mountain fortress has serious credentials—it's home to a Spanish military installation complete with communication towers, a radar dome, and TV antennas perched at the summit. Here's the catch: the road is strictly off-limits to regular visitors. A barrier at the base makes it crystal clear that only authorized military personnel can drive up this mountain road. But here's what makes it legendary among cycling enthusiasts: the climb itself is absolutely brutal in the best way possible. Starting from Port de Tudons, you're looking at 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) of relentless uphill action, gaining 516 meters of elevation along the way. The entire route is paved, which is nice, but don't let that fool you—sections hit a punishing 14.6% gradient that'll test your legs and your lungs. With an average grade of nearly 8%, this isn't a leisurely Sunday ride. The road has earned its stripes as a stage in Spain's prestigious Vuelta race, proving this climb belongs among Europe's most challenging mountain passes. If you could drive it, the spectacular scenery amid the Sierra Aitana range would make every hairpin turn worthwhile.