Exploring the Rugged Beauty of Road 59 (Laxardalsvegur) in Iceland's Westfjords
Iceland, europe
35.8 km
201 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Iceland's Westfjords, rugged mountains, and you behind the wheel on Road 59, or as the locals call it, Laxárdalsvegur. Seriously, the scenery is out of this world!
This road winds through Húnaþing vestra and Dalabyggð, and most of it is gravel, so be prepared for a bumpy but oh-so-worth-it ride. The western bit is paved, so you get a little break. Don't worry, even though it gets narrow in spots, most cars can handle it just fine. And the best part? You'll practically have the road to yourself!
You'll climb up to 201 meters (659 feet) above sea level, giving you insane views. Just a heads-up, this road is usually closed in the winter, so aim for a summer adventure.
Clocking in at about 35.8 kilometers (22.24 miles), Road 59 connects Road 68 (north of Borðeyri) to Road 60 (north of Búðardalur). Get ready for an epic Icelandic road trip!
Where is it?
Exploring the Rugged Beauty of Road 59 (Laxardalsvegur) in Iceland's Westfjords is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 65.1346, -18.0401
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 35.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 201 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 65.1346, -18.0401
Related Roads in europe
difficultVrsic Pass
🌍 Slovenia
# Vrsic Pass: Slovenia's Ultimate Alpine Challenge Ready for a wild ride? The Vrsic Pass is Slovenia's crown jewel—the country's highest mountain pass at 1,611 meters—and it's absolutely spectacular. This scenic connector links the charming town of Kranjska Gora with Bovec in the Soca Valley, but getting there is half the adventure. What makes this pass truly unforgettable is its crazy 50 hairpin bends—24 on the way up from the north, 26 twisting down the south side. But here's the thing: many of these bends are still paved with original cobblestones laid by Russian prisoners of war during World War I. Talk about history beneath your tires. The road's backstory is intense. Built between 1914 and 1916 by over 10,000 Russian POWs under Austro-Hungarian rule, it came at an unimaginable cost. A devastating avalanche in March 1916 claimed more than 300 lives, and the Russian Chapel perched near the summit serves as a poignant memorial to those lost souls. The drive itself is spectacular. The northern climb winds steeply through thick forests of spruce and larch, while the southern descent opens up to jaw-dropping views of the Julian Alps and the stunning emerald-green Soca River—seriously one of Europe's most beautiful waterways. Fair warning though: those historic cobblestone hairpins are seriously tricky when wet, so take your time and enjoy the views.
moderateWhere is Pic de Carroi?
🌍 Andorra
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near La Massana and Andorra la Vella in the western part of the country, you NEED to check out the road to Pic de Carroi. Nestled high in the Pyrenees, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Clocking in at just under 7 kilometers (around 4.3 miles), don't let the distance fool you. This baby packs a punch with an average gradient of over 14%! You'll definitely be feeling the burn, and your car might too. Speaking of feeling it, you'll be WAY up there. We're talking serious elevation, so be prepared for some breathtaking panoramic views. Word on the street is the road is paved, so no need for a monster truck. Just be sure to check local conditions, especially in winter, as it's likely closed. But trust me, if you're after a memorable driving experience in the Pyrenees, this should be on your bucket list!
extremeWhen was the road to Furggen built?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Furggen! Nestled in the Swiss canton of Valais, this high mountain meadow sits at a lofty 2,457m (8,061ft). This isn't your average Sunday drive. Dating back to World War II, this old military road, built by the Swiss army, is seriously rugged. We're talking totally unpaved, people. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. Some say it's one of the toughest roads in the Alps. The road stretches for 21.6 km (13.42 miles) from Grengiols to Heiligkreuz, hugging the landscape south of the majestic Breithorn, near the Italian border. Expect super-narrow sections, a relentless series of 27 hairpin turns, and some serious inclines hitting up to 17%. Up top, you'll find the charming Kapelle Maria zum Schnee Furggen, a tiny chapel perched on a hill – its ridge beam dates way back to 1662! So, if you're craving a true off-road alpine adventure with stunning scenery and a touch of history, Furggen is calling your name.
moderateHere's How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Montaña Rajada
🇪🇸 Spain
# Montaña Rajada: Spain's Sky-High Summit Road Ready for an adventure that'll take you literally to the top of Spain? Montaña Rajada sits at a jaw-dropping 2,463 meters (8,080 feet) in Tenerife's Teide National Park, making it one of the highest drivable peaks in the entire country. Here's the thing—this isn't your typical scenic highway. The route to the summit is completely unpaved and only open to 4x4 vehicles (no regular cars allowed). You'll also need to time your visit carefully: the road is typically locked down from October through June, depending on weather conditions. Speaking of weather, don't underestimate it. Mountain conditions here can flip on a dime, and wind is basically a permanent resident at this elevation—we're talking relentless, powerful gusts year-round. Pack layers and expect the unexpected. The payoff? Reaching a weather observatory perched at the summit, surrounded by some of the most dramatic high-altitude scenery Spain has to offer. Just come prepared, respect the terrain, and check conditions before you head out. This peak isn't for casual Sunday drivers, but for those ready to tackle it properly, it's an unforgettable experience.