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
extremeAbano Pass is a Georgian treacherous road closed in winters
🇬🇪 Georgia
# Abano Pass: Georgia's Ultimate Mountain Challenge Ready for an adventure that'll make your heart race? Abano Pass (also called Torgva Pass) sits at a jaw-dropping 2,864m (9,396ft) in the heart of the Great Caucasus Mountains, right where Kakheti and Tusheti regions meet near the Russian border. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—we're talking about the highest drivable mountain pass in the entire Caucasus. The 67.2km (41.75 miles) unpaved route winds from Pshaveli up through some seriously dramatic terrain to Omalo, a small mountain village at 1,850m. It's the kind of place that feels genuinely untouched—partly because it's cut off from the rest of Georgia for most of the year. Summer is your window, roughly May through October, but even then, weather and landslides can close things down unexpectedly. Seriously, you might get stuck for a couple days waiting for roads to dry out. Here's the real talk: this road demands respect. Only high-clearance 4x4 vehicles should attempt it, and you're looking at some brutal 17% gradients with zero guardrails hugging cliffsides above gorges. The unpredictable surface, hairpin turns, and countless memorials along the way tell you this isn't called a "death road" for nothing—roughly 10-12 fatalities happen here annually. But here's why people do it anyway? The scenery is absolutely stunning. Wildflowers dot the landscape, waterfalls cascade alongside you, and you'll spot everything from snow walls (sometimes 4 meters deep in July!) to incredible mountain vistas. The Soviet-built road, completed in 1978, even features a tiny chapel at the summit with a quirky coffee shop called "Above the Clouds" that sometimes opens up there. Pro tip: Book accommodation ahead (many homestays only operate July onward), hire a sober driver, and pick a clear weather day. And if your driver suggests taking shots of cha-cha on the way up? Politely decline. You've got this—just give it the respect it deserves.
extremePlaya de Argaga, one of the gnarliest roads of Canary Islands
🇪🇸 Spain
# Playa de Argaga: La Gomera's Hidden Black Sand Gem Ready for an adventure? Head to the western coast of La Gomera in Spain's Canary Islands to discover Playa de Argaga, a stunning black volcanic sand and pebble beach that feels like stepping onto another planet. The journey to this secluded paradise is definitely not your typical beach drive. Starting from the town of Valle Gran Rey (yes, that literally means "Valley of the Great King"), you'll navigate a narrow, unpaved track that clings to the rocky cliffs for about 1.5 kilometers. It's rough, it's narrow, and honestly, it's pretty intense—falling rocks are a real hazard here, so keep your wits about you and your eyes on the road. But here's the thing: the challenge is totally worth it. You're essentially driving through an unspoiled, isolated area that feels worlds away from civilization. The dramatic landscape hugs the rock face as you make your way down, and once you arrive at Playa de Las Arenas (another name for the same beach), you'll understand why locals keep this spot so well-guarded. It's become a favorite among those seeking a more... let's say, *clothing-optional* beach experience. The pristine black sand, the raw natural beauty, and the sense of discovery make every bump and twist in that road feel like an earned reward.
extremeIs it safe to drive the mountain roads of Bulgaria?
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, picture this: Bulgaria! A land where ancient history collides with modern life, and the roads? Oh, they tell their own story. We're talking high mountain passes that'll make your jaw drop, and coastal routes hugging the Black Sea. It's a must-see for any road trip aficionado, but a heads-up: Bulgarian roads are not for the faint of heart. You'll find everything from beautifully maintained highways to… well, let's just say roads that have seen better days. Signage can be a bit of a wild card, and local driving styles? Let's just say keep your eyes peeled! **Nesebar**, a UNESCO site, is like stepping back in time. Think ancient cobblestone streets and alleys so narrow, you'll be holding your breath. It's charming, for sure, but navigating it requires serious skill, especially with all the pedestrians wandering about. But hey, it's a great spot to scope out the Black Sea coastal roads. Then there's **Sozopol**, divided between the old and the new. You'll be cruising on modern roads one minute, and then suddenly find yourself in a historic zone that wasn't exactly designed for cars. The challenge? Smoothly transitioning between the two, especially with the bustling nightlife and crowds. **Sofia**, the capital, is a wild mix of historical landmarks and urban vibes. Picture driving past the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, then dodging pedestrians on Vitosha Boulevard. Traffic can be intense, so stay focused and know your parking zones! It's also the perfect base for exploring the mountain routes, like the Vitosha range. Last stop, **Varna**, a major Black Sea port. It's got a chill vibe, mixing beach access with city life. The roads here are generally in better shape, but keep an eye out for local drivers, especially near parks and museums. It's a relaxed but essential stop for anyone hitting the Bulgarian coast. Driving through Bulgaria is like a crash course in Eastern European logistics – in the best way possible. From the ancient streets of Nesebar to the Sofia city streets, each place throws a unique set of challenges your way. So, make sure your vehicle is up to snuff, keep an eye on the signs, and above all, stay focused. Tackle these roads with a strategy, and you're in for an unforgettable and safe adventure!
easyWhere is the A-7000 road?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Malaga province in sunny Spain, and you stumble upon the A-7000. Trust me, it’s a road you won’t forget. Formerly known as the N-321, this fully paved beauty stretches for about 29.5 km (18.33 miles) from Malaga city up to the village of Colmenar. But it's not just the destination, it’s the ride itself. This road winds its way through the 'Montes de Malaga' mountains, offering views that'll make your jaw drop – think incredible panoramas of the Málaga Bay. What makes this road extra special? Well, for starters, it hits an elevation of 955m (3,133ft). And hold on, because there are TWO pigtails – sections where the road loops *over itself* to gain altitude. Seriously cool. Just be ready for some twisty turns, but trust me, those views are totally worth it. This used to be the old road from Málaga to Granada, and I can see why it was so important. Get ready for some serious scenery!