
How long is the F208 (Fjallabaksleið nyrðri) Road?
Iceland, europe
102 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
F208, also known as Fjallabaksleið nyrðri, is one of Iceland's real off-road adventures! This totally unpaved track winds through the Central Highlands for 102 km (63 miles), connecting F26 (Sprengisandsleið) in the north to Route 1 in the south, near Grafarkirkja.
Word to the wise: 4x4 vehicles only! This isn't a drive for your rental sedan.
This route is usually open from June to October, but Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable. Closures are common due to flooding, especially after rain, as the route involves fording a dozen or so rivers. Glacial rivers swell as the day progresses, so plan accordingly. Expect a bumpy ride with potholes, rocks, and uneven terrain.
Despite the challenges, F208 is absolutely worth it. The road serves up incredible views of volcanoes, lakes, and rivers. The ever-changing landscapes and vivid colors will leave you breathless. Set aside 3-4 hours to soak it all in (without stops).
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 102 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardEstanys de la Pera, one of the highest roads of Spain
🇪🇸 Spain
# Estanys de la Pera: A High-Alpine Adventure Nestled in Catalonia's northern mountains, Estanys de la Pera sits at a breathtaking 2,363m (7,752ft)—one of Spain's highest mountain roads. Located within the stunning Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, this route is absolutely not for the faint of heart. The road itself is a proper mountain challenge: gravel, rocky, and bumpy with steep grades that'll test your nerves and your vehicle's suspension. Winter? Forget about it—this place becomes completely impassable when snow rolls in. You'll need a serious 4x4 to tackle this beast, and honestly, experienced off-roaders only should attempt it. The real deal-breakers? Sketchy weather and those vertigo-inducing drop-offs. Wet conditions turn the muddy track into a slippery nightmare, and if heights make you squeamish, this isn't your road. But if you're the adventurous type with real mountain driving skills and proper equipment, you'll be rewarded with incredible alpine scenery. Top it off by reaching the mountain hut at the summit—the perfect spot to catch your breath and soak in the views. This is the kind of drive that separates casual weekend adventurers from genuine mountain explorers. Come prepared, or don't come at all.
moderateSan Antonio Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo San Antonio Looking for a scenic mountain escape? Head to Passo San Antonio, nestled in the stunning province of Belluno in Italy's Veneto region. This high-altitude gem sits at a respectable 1,489 meters (4,885 feet) above sea level, making it a solid day trip for anyone craving some Alpine action. The drive up is on well-maintained asphalt via Strada Provinciale 532—also known locally as Passo del Zovo—so you won't need to white-knuckle it on gravel roads. The pass offers fantastic mountain scenery and that perfect blend of accessibility and genuine altitude that makes for an unforgettable ride. Whether you're a serious cyclist, a motorcycle enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a good mountain road, this pass delivers the goods without requiring a death-defying skill set.
moderateWhere is Col de Braus?
🇫🇷 France
Col de Braus: buckle up for hairpin heaven in France's Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur! This legendary pass, clocking in at 21.5 km (13.35 miles), snakes its way up to 1,002m (3,287ft) in the Alpes-Maritimes, acting as the gateway between Nice and Menton. Get ready to tackle around 40 seriously impressive stacked hairpins on the D2204, a road that forms part of the iconic Monte Carlo Rally. These aren't just any turns; think medieval-fortress-worthy walls holding them in place. It's a thrilling mix of tight switchbacks and sweeping curves, promising a good test for your driving skills. The views are unreal, but stay sharp! There are some serious drops, and the road can get narrow, so keep an eye out for oncoming traffic. Give yourself 35-45 minutes to drive it without stops. Fancy a detour? A little road near the top offers a "long-cut" to Col de Turini via Col de l’Able. Make sure to pull over at the viewpoints – you won't regret it. The French countryside vistas are stunning. At the summit, take a breather (and give your brakes a rest!) and check out the monument to René Vietto. From L'Escarène, the climb stretches 10.3 km with a 662m elevation gain (6.4% average). From Sospel, it's 11.2 km with a 639m gain (5.7% average). The gradients peak at 12.3%, keeping things interesting. The Col de Braus has even featured in the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia!
hardThe road to Col d'Errozate is not recommended to newbies
🇫🇷 France
# Collado de Errozate-Col d'Errozate Nestled high in the Pyrenees along the Spanish-French border, Collado de Errozate-Col d'Errozate sits at a cool 1,076 meters (3,530 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass connects Navarre in northern Spain with the Pyrénées-Atlantiques in southwestern France, making it a pretty unique spot for border-hopping adventures. The action happens on the French side, where the D301 road climbs about 3.4 kilometers (2.11 miles) up to the summit, which actually reaches 1,281 meters (4,202 feet). Interestingly, there's no road access from the Spanish side, so this is a one-way kind of situation. Now, here's where things get spicy: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The narrow, single-lane tarmac demands serious respect from behind the wheel. Expect broken asphalt, hairpin curves, and some seriously steep drop-offs that'll keep your adrenaline pumping. The gradient maxes out at 18.5% in places—basically, you'll be climbing almost vertically at times. This road definitely isn't for the faint of heart or anyone who isn't comfortable with some serious reversing if needed. Even experienced drivers should bring their A-game to this one.