How long is Road F905 (Arnardalsleið)?
Iceland, europe
62.6 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving an authentic Icelandic experience in the Eastern Region, F905, also known as Arnardalsleið, is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about a proper F-Road: 62.6 km (38.89 miles) of pure, unadulterated Icelandic wilderness that carves its way north-south from the 910 Road (Möðrudalsleið Road).
Forget your compact car; this route demands a 4-wheel drive beast with high ground clearance. The road is rough, rugged, and unforgettable! Expect a challenging, unpaved track that climbs to a decent elevation, typically only open during the summer months, depending on conditions, of course.
The real kicker? River crossings! You'll be tackling several of these, and some require serious skill and a vehicle with—you guessed it—high ground clearance. Small cars? Absolutely not. Larger river crossings require extra caution. Don't even think about it without experience; water levels can change in a heartbeat, and glacier melt is a real factor! Always, always check the depth before you commit. Insurance usually won't cover water damage, so getting stuck could be a very expensive mistake.
As for scenery... well, let's just say it's the reason you're enduring all this! Prepare for landscapes that'll leave you breathless. Just be prepared for anything; this is Iceland, after all, and Mother Nature calls the shots.
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 62.6 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateA Most Tricky Scenic Road to Balos Beach
🇬🇷 Greece
# Balos Beach Road: Greece's Ultimate Coastal Challenge Picture turquoise waters lapping against pristine white sand—that's Balos Beach, and it's absolutely worth the wild ride to get there. Located on the edge of Crete's Gramvousa peninsula on the western side of the island, this stunning spot sits at the end of one of Greece's most notoriously demanding drives. **What You're Getting Into** The 8.8km (5.46 miles) stretch from Kaliviani to the parking area above the beach is totally unpaved, though passenger cars can handle it with care—though a 4x4 really is the way to go. Fair warning: check with your rental company about off-road coverage, as many contracts specifically exclude Balos. It's worth asking because, yeah, some agencies will note "No Balos" right in your agreement. **The Drive Itself** Plan on 35-40 minutes to navigate this rocky obstacle course, since you'll be crawling along at around 30 km/h max. The road is narrow, stone-filled, and features some seriously sketchy drop-offs with zero guardrails. Steep cliffs hug one side, and goats have a habit of launching themselves across your path without warning. Keep your eyes peeled and both hands on the wheel. **Why It's Worth It** As you creep along, you'll be treated to dramatic coastline vistas overlooking the Bay of Kissamos, with hillsides carpeted in wild thyme, oregano, and wildflowers. There's something magical about these winding views—perfect for those photo moments (if you can safely pull over). **The Final Stretch** Once you park, it's another 1.5-hour hike down to the beach itself, with some climbing involved on the return. Go early in summer to beat the crowds and secure a parking spot.
hardIs the road to Col du Chaussy paved?
🇫🇷 France
Get ready for the Col du Chaussy, a wicked mountain pass in the French Alps! Located in the Savoie department, this road hits a summit of 1,533m (5,029ft). The real kicker? The legendary "Lacets de Montvernier" at the start. This 3 km stretch is insane, with 17 hairpin turns practically glued to a cliff face! Yep, the entire road, known as D77B, is paved, but don't think it's a smooth ride. Those seventeen hairpins are stacked super close together, climbing steeply. Built way back in 1934, Col du Chaussy is famous for these unbelievable bends, a true feat of engineering. But it's not just about the hairpins; you'll climb over 1000 meters overall! This road is narrow! Remember, uphill traffic has priority. If you need to reverse, the more maneuverable vehicle yields. On the way up, stick to 3rd or 4th gear, and use engine braking on the descent, especially before tight turns. You'll drop 400 meters in just 3 miles on those corners! Pre-trip brake checks are essential. The initial bendy section is concentrated in a 2.5km stretch, so you will be turning constantly! After the hairpins, the road winds through alpine fields, with a stunning cliffside section near the top. The slope evens out to about 7-8% as you pass through villages like Le Noirey, Montbrunal, and Montpascal. The last few kilometers to the summit aren’t in great condition. Starting in La Chambre or Pontamafrey, the climb is around 14 km with an average gradient of 7.4%. This drive is also super scenic! If you look up from the road, you might spot the ruins of an old castle. It took six years (1928-1934) to conquer that 400-meter ascent. Cyclists will find this a real challenge. The upper section runs through villages and offers views of the Belledonne Mountains. This is one of France's most famous balcony roads. It's not for the faint of heart, with little room for error on those cliff edges. This is a must-drive for any road trip enthusiast!
hardNewlands Pass is a narrow and perilously steep road in Lake District
🇬🇧 England
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Newlands Pass in the northern Lake District of Cumbria, England, is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a totally paved (but seriously narrow) strip of tarmac that climbs to 333m (1,093ft), a proper ego check for any driver. Known locally as Newlands Hause, this 10.94km (6.8 mile) route from Buttermere to Braithwaite is a white-knuckle ride with views that'll knock your socks off. Just picture it: a tiny parking spot at the top, sheer drops with no guardrails, and ridiculously steep sections hitting a maximum 18.4% gradient. You'll be wrestling hairpin bends with smooth tarmac while dodging oncoming traffic on a single-track road lined with unforgiving stone walls. Keep an eye on the weather, though! This pass is usually open year-round, but winter storms can shut it down in a heartbeat. So, if you're looking for a thrill and views that'll make you forget about the danger (almost!), Newlands Pass is where it's at. Just maybe leave the minibus at home.
moderateCime des Cabanelles
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the Alpes Maritimes, southeastern France, craving an adventure. Buckle up your 4x4 and head for Cime des Cabanelles! This peak hits 1,087m (3,566ft) and getting there? Totally worth it, but not for the faint of heart. The road? Let's just say it's an *experience*. Think gravel, rocks, bumps – the kind of terrain that'll have you tipping and teetering the whole way. Oh, and there's a barrier at the start, just to keep things interesting. The trail is pretty darn steep with constant twists and turns. The reward? Jaw-dropping panoramic views of the eastern Côte d'Azur. Plus, you'll find a bunch of Radio Monte Carlo radio masts chilling at the summit. Trust me, the views make every rocky, bumpy, tippy moment fade away.