How long is the road through Haukadalsskardh?

How long is the road through Haukadalsskardh?

Iceland, europe

Length

34.8 km

Elevation

375 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Haukadalsskarð is a mountain pass that'll have you holding your breath (in a good way!), perched 375 meters (1,230 feet) high on Iceland's west coast.

This isn't your Sunday drive, folks! We're talking about a 34.8 km (21.62 miles) stretch of pure, unadulterated F-Road fun, running from Road 60 to, well, the middle of nowhere spectacular! You'll start on Road 60 and BAM! You're on F586, climbing out of the valley and heading straight for the pass.

Forget smooth asphalt; this baby's all gravel, all the time. Think narrow, think steep, and definitely think "four-wheel drive." Oh, and did I mention you'll be fording a shallow river multiple times? Expect some ankle-deep splashes, maybe a creek or two, keeping things interesting.

This road is strictly a summer fling, usually open from late June to early September. You'll likely have the place all to yourself, sharing it with the occasional sheep and views that'll make your jaw drop. Seriously, the scenery is out of this world. Get ready for landscapes you won't believe are real!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Iceland
Continent
europe
Length
34.8 km
Max Elevation
375 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Çirmaniman Yaylasıhard

Çirmaniman Yaylası

🇹🇷 Turkey

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Çirmaniman Yaylası in Turkey's Black Sea region! This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking serious elevation here – almost 10,000 feet! Located in Rize Province, getting to the summit is an adventure in itself. The gravel road is infamous for its crazy tight hairpin turns and bone-jarring bumps. We're talking 4x4 territory, folks. Seriously. And if heights make you queasy, maybe sit this one out. Plus, Mother Nature throws curveballs. Expect steep climbs, and after even a sprinkle of rain, things can get dicey with loose gravel. Winter brings heavy snowfall, so the road can close without warning. But the scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. Just be prepared!

Driving the wild M59, a balcony road to Mont Coucouluche in the Provenceextreme

Driving the wild M59, a balcony road to Mont Coucouluche in the Provence

🇫🇷 France

# Mont Coucouluche: France's Heart-Pounding Alpine Challenge Perched at 932 meters (3,057 feet) in the Alpes-Maritimes department of southeastern France, Mont Coucouluche is one of those legendary French balcony roads that'll make your palms sweat and your heart race—in the best way possible. The M59 winds through this dramatic alpine terrain for 11 kilometers (6.83 miles), connecting the M2205 near Marie down to Ilonse. And trust me, every single one of those kilometers demands your full attention. While the road is fully paved, it's definitely not your typical Sunday drive. You're looking at relentless hairpin turns, narrow bridges that'll have you questioning your vehicle's width, and tunnels carved straight through the rock face. Some sections hit a brutal 17% gradient that'll test both your nerve and your brakes. This isn't a road for beginners—the combination of extreme steepness, tight switchbacks, and squeeze-through sections means you need solid skills and nerves of steel. Heavier vehicles are banned from this route (for good reason), so you'll mostly see determined motorcyclists and confident drivers pushing their limits. If you're chasing that adrenaline rush and want to experience one of the Alps' most challenging routes, Mont Coucouluche delivers. Just show it the respect it deserves.

Driving the Alpine paved road to Pillerhohehard

Driving the Alpine paved road to Pillerhohe

🇦🇹 Austria

# Pillerhöhe: A Hidden Alpine Gem Tucked away in Tyrol's western reaches, Pillerhöhe sits pretty at 1,573m (5,160ft) and offers one seriously rewarding drive through the Austrian Alps. The fully paved Piller Landesstraße winds its way from Fließ up to Arzl im Pitztal—a scenic 23.5 km (14.60 miles) stretch that feels like driving through a postcard. Fair warning though: this isn't a leisurely cruise. The road gets genuinely steep in sections, with gradients reaching a punishing 19.1%, so you'll want to keep your wits about you. But that's half the charm, right? The narrow passages and challenging climbs reward bold drivers with incredible Alpine scenery at every turn. The real cherry on top? Just south of the summit, you'll find the "Gacher Blick" viewpoint—a perfect spot to catch your breath (literally) and soak in stunning views across the Inn Valley. It's the kind of place that makes your Instagram feed jealous and reminds you why mountain passes exist in the first place.

Technical Hazards: 4 of the Most Dangerous Roads in Englandextreme

Technical Hazards: 4 of the Most Dangerous Roads in England

🇬🇧 England

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving into some seriously wild rides across the UK! While Britain's usually pretty chill with its roads, these spots are like the rebels of the asphalt world. Think sharp turns, sky-high climbs, and views that'll take your breath away (if the road doesn't first!). First up, the Kirkstone Pass, chilling in the heart of Cumbria. It's the Lake District's highest road you can actually drive on, clocking in at 1,489 feet! Connecting Ambleside to Patterdale, this beauty has "extending slopes" and sneaky bends. Get to the top, and you might find yourself in a total fog bank – visibility can drop to basically zero in seconds. The view's killer, but keep your eyes peeled on the way down, 'cause it's a technical descent that'll test your brakes. Next, we've got Snake Pass (A57), snaking its way up to 1,679 feet. It's got a reputation for being a bit of a drama queen, accident-wise. It used to be *the* way to get from Manchester to Sheffield, and its name comes from the twisty-turny route it takes through the Pennines. The 26-mile trip is all about awkward angles and sudden ups and downs. And watch out in winter – this road closes faster than you can say "snowdrift" because it's a magnet for bad weather. Then there's the Cat and Fiddle Road, connecting Macclesfield and Buxton. This one's been dubbed the most dangerous road in Britain... multiple times! Even with speed cameras watching, this 7.5-mile stretch is loaded with tricky turns and massive drop-offs. Bikers, especially, need to be careful – the sudden changes in direction and steepness can catch you totally off guard. Last but not least, the Rosedale Chimney Bank! Cyclists call it the ‘Chain Breaker’, and it lives up to the name. It's got a maximum incline of a wild 33%, making it one of the steepest paved roads in England. Prepare for vertical climbs and seriously fast drops that are NO BUENO for caravans or big trucks. If it's icy or wet, forget about it – staying on the road is like trying to herd cats. Bottom line? These roads are epic, offering views that'll make your jaw drop, but they're not messing around. Modern tech is cool, but it's no substitute for good old-fashioned awareness when you're staring down a 33% grade or a frozen mountain pass. Before you hit these roads, make sure your ride is in top shape and check the weather, because the English highlands have a way of hiding a wild side!