
How long is Road F980 (Kollmúluvegur)?
Iceland, europe
25 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're itching for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Iceland, F980 (Kollmúluvegur) might just be your jam. This 25km (16 mile) beast of a road stretches from Highway 1 to Illikambur in southeast Iceland, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart!
Forget pavement, you're in for a seriously rough and rugged ride, surrounded by lunar landscapes that'll make you feel like you're on another planet. We're talking massive rocks, potholes galore, and enough ruts and boulders to keep you on your toes. This track is exclusively for high-clearance 4x4s and experienced drivers only. Seriously, leave the compact car at home – you'll regret it!
Open only during the summer (late June to early September, usually), Kollmúluvegur promises solitude, but be warned: you're on your own out here. No crowds, limited cell service, and zero inhabitants nearby mean you shouldn't tackle this one solo.
The real kicker? You'll need to ford the Skyndidalsá River. This isn't a gentle stream, folks, it's a deep, fast-flowing body of water that demands respect. River crossings are hazardous and experience is key. The water level can change rapidly depending on rain or warm weather. Make sure to check the depth before attempting a crossing, and remember, rental car insurance won't cover water damage! It can change quickly from relatively shallow (1 meter) to deep (2+ meters) in a short period.
If you're prepared, this road will reward you with some seriously epic scenery and a true sense of adventure. Just be smart, be safe, and get ready for an unforgettable ride on one of Iceland's most extreme mountain roads!
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 25 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
moderateDriving the Algarve: Road Logistics and Routes Around Albufeira
🇵🇹 Portugal
Okay, so you're thinking of driving around Albufeira, Portugal? Awesome choice! This place is the gateway to the Algarve's stunning coastline, and having a car is the best way to explore. Just a heads-up, driving here isn't *always* a breeze. First off, you've got two main options for cruising east to west. There's the A22, a super-modern motorway that'll get you where you're going fast. BUT, it's got electronic tolls – no cash accepted! Make sure your rental car has a transponder, or you'll have to track down a post office later to pay. Then there's the N125, the old coastal road. It's free, which is great, but it can be a bit of a zoo with tons of traffic and roundabouts. It's slower, for sure, but you'll wind through cute coastal towns and get amazing views of beaches like Praia da Falésia. Heads up about the Old Town in Albufeira. It's a total maze of tiny, steep streets. Seriously, some of those roads were NOT made for modern cars! And some are residents-only. If you're brave enough to venture in, prepare for some tight squeezes and limited visibility. Honestly, your best bet is to park outside the historic center and explore on foot. Trust me, you'll save yourself a headache! Good news: most of the year, the weather's on your side. Sunny days mean dry roads. Just remember that intense summer heat can bake the asphalt, which can wear down your tires. And in the winter, those older roads like the N125 can get slippery after a rain due to built up oil. So, check your tire pressure and cooling system before you hit the road, especially if you're headed to remote beaches. Renting a car is definitely the way to go here—it gives you total freedom. When you pick up your ride, double-check that it's set up for the A22 tolls to avoid any surprise fines. Toss some water in the car, too, because things can heat up fast. Gas stations are easy to find on the main roads, but they can be scarce if you venture inland towards the hills. All in all, driving around Albufeira and the Algarve is an amazing experience! Choose your road wisely (A22 or N125!), be extra careful in those historic town centers, and get ready to enjoy the ride. Plan your parking, watch for those toll signs, and soak up the freedom of the open road along the Atlantic coast. A little prep goes a long way!
extremeHow to drive the infamous Monte Crostis?
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Crostis: Italy's Thrilling Alpine Challenge Perched at 1,991 meters (6,532 feet) in the Province of Udine near the Austrian border, Monte Crostis is one seriously impressive mountain pass. Built between 1940 and 1942, this single-lane road winds through the stunning Carnic Alps with panoramic views that'll take your breath away—though the drive itself might do that first. The 30-kilometer journey from Ravascletto (a beloved alpine resort) to Tualis is mostly paved, except for about 6 km of gravel road on the **Strada delle Vette** (Scenic Ridge Road). Once you reach the top, you're treated to incredible vistas stretching across both the northern and southern regions. Fair warning: if you're thinking about conquering the actual summit at 2,251 meters, you'll need to ditch the vehicle for a terrifying footpath with zero guardrails. This route earned its reputation honestly—the Giro d'Italia scrapped plans to include it in 2011 after tragedy struck and riders protested its notorious danger. And honestly? They had a point. With 40 hairpin turns, stomach-dropping cliffs, and sections that narrow to nearly nothing, this isn't your casual Sunday drive. Gradients hit 12-18% consistently, with some sections pushing 20%. There's no margin for error when you meet oncoming traffic on these hairpin bends. Skip the massive SUVs and campers—the maneuvering space will haunt you. Best visited between July and October before winter snow shuts it down. When storms roll through (and they will), there's literally nowhere to shelter on this exposed ridge. Use your horn around blind corners, stay sharp, and remember: respect the mountain.
A paved road to the iconic La Mussara
🇪🇸 Spain
# La Mussara: A Mountain Pass You Need to Drive Nestled in Catalonia's Prades mountain range near Tarragona, La Mussara sits pretty at 963m (3,159ft) and has earned serious credentials—it's a legendary WRC championship stage and a favorite among Volta a Catalunya cyclists. Yeah, this place is legit. The T-704 road up is all asphalt, but don't let that fool you. We're talking a gnarly 7% average gradient that'll definitely keep your hands busy on the wheel. It's classified as a 1st category climb, and the east side rewards you with 16 epic hairpin turns that make for some seriously fun driving. Just note: winter snowfall is a real thing here, so check conditions before you head up. The views? Absolutely worth the drive. On clear days (and visibility can be tricky thanks to frequent fog), you're looking at panoramic Mediterranean vistas stretching 30km back to the coastline. Seriously stunning. Bring your camera fully charged and ready to go—you'll thank yourself later. If you've got time, swing by the actual La Mussara village itself. It's been abandoned for over 80 years and sits quietly at the summit, offering incredible viewpoints over the whole region. Fair warning though: the place has a reputation. Locals whisper about strange lights and unexplained phenomena that have drawn mystery enthusiasts from around the world. Atmospheric? Definitely. Spooky? That's up to you to decide.
moderateHow long is Road F225 (Landmannaleið)?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, buckle up for an epic Icelandic adventure on F225, also known as Landmannaleið or Dómadalsleið! This 41.1km (25.53 mile) stretch of road takes you right through the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, skirting the gorgeous Þórisvatn Lake in Iceland’s Southern Region. Think otherworldly vibes and mind-blowing landscapes. But heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll need a serious 4x4 with high clearance to tackle the massive potholes, deep ruts, and boulder fields. Seriously, leave the small car at home – this road chews them up and spits them out. We’re talking one of Iceland's iconic F Roads, and one of the highest, topping out at 707m (2,319ft). The road begins at Landvegur (Road 26) and ends at Fjallabaksleið Nyrðri (F208). You'll feel like you're driving on the moon as you crawl through the Friðland að Fjallabaki park. This road is usually only open from late June to early September, so plan accordingly. And if you're looking for the ultimate experience, rent a 4x4 camper and soak it all in, morning to night. Keep in mind: you will need to ford 3-4 unbridged rivers, so this will require serious 4x4 skills! Assess the depth carefully before crossing. Don't get cocky – these rivers can be treacherous, especially as darkness falls. Solitude is pretty much guaranteed. Prepare for an unforgettable (and bumpy) ride!