
How to Drive the Scenic Road 955 in Eastern Iceland?
Iceland, europe
48.3 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! If you're venturing through Eastern Iceland, you absolutely HAVE to check out Road 955, the Vattarnesvegur.
This 30-mile (48.3 km) gem hugs the Vattarnes Peninsula, winding its way from the charming village of Fáskrúðsfjörður (also known as Búðir) in the south, up to the bustling port town of Reyðarfjörður in the north. It conveniently links up with the Ring Road at both ends, so it’s easy to add to your itinerary.
Now, the road is mostly paved, but be prepared for a few unpaved sections that add a little character (read: might be a bit bumpy!). This isn't a busy route, and you can tackle it in a regular car with a little care. Trust me, the scenery is worth slowing down for.
You’ll be treated to incredible views as you skirt the southern edge of Reyðarfjörður fjord and loop around the Vattarnes Peninsula. Keep an eye out for Skrúður, a unique cliff island that looks like it has a hollowed-out center!
A few things to keep in mind: fog can roll in *thick*, so be extra cautious. There's not a lot of traffic, so you'll feel like you have the whole place to yourself. And watch out for falling rocks! The road can be a little rough with potholes and loose gravel in spots, and there are sections with steep drop-offs to the ocean, so pay attention. But seriously, the breathtaking views make it all worthwhile. This is a drive you'll never forget!
Where is it?
How to Drive the Scenic Road 955 in Eastern Iceland? is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 64.5188, -18.3410
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 48.3 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 64.5188, -18.3410
Related Roads in europe
extremeThe Perils of Rufford Ford: A Modern Lesson in Underestimating Nature as it claims Vehicles and Number Plates!
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: snuggled right between Sheffield and Nottingham, smack-dab in Sherwood Forest (9-2 Rufford Ln, Newark NG22 9DG), there's this totally bonkers spot called Rufford Ford. Google Maps even marks it as a tourist attraction – and for good reason! It's basically a water crossing that's become a viral sensation, thanks to countless videos of cars attempting to ford it... and epically failing. We're talking luxury cars, off-roaders – you name it, Rufford Ford has probably claimed it. Now, you might think it's the cars' fault, but mostly it's drivers misjudging the depth and current, going full-throttle into what turns out to be a watery grave for their engine. Number plates litter the bottom, and interiors are ruined regularly. It’s a real reminder that nature still packs a punch! The whole thing got so wild, with more and more cars becoming casualties (and more and more people trying it for the views), that the police had to shut it down. Moped riders tried their luck too! A stark reminder that sometimes, adventure can turn into a disaster real quick. Rufford Ford's a good lesson to always respect nature, no matter how tempting that viral moment might be.
hardMontejunto
🇵🇹 Portugal
Okay, picture this: you're in central-western Portugal, craving a killer view. Head to Montejunto, a mountain peak rising to 655 meters (that's 2,148 feet!). Up top, you'll find cool old churches, chapels, and some pretty high-tech communication towers. The road to the summit, Rua do Montejunto, winds through the Montejunto-Estrela range. It's paved, but be warned: it gets a little narrow in spots. Trust me, though, it's worth it, as it’s the highest natural viewpoint around! The panoramic views from the top are simply incredible. The climb is definitely a leg-burner. Starting in Vila Verde dos Francos, you've got about 8.2 kilometers to reach the top, gaining a hefty 461 meters in elevation. That’s an average gradient of over 5%, so get ready for some serious uphill action. Keep an eye out for the airforce radar station on a neighboring peak, too!
hardA Most Tricky Scenic Road to Samistal Plateau
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: you're in Turkey, specifically in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize province, and you're craving some serious altitude. I'm talking 2,838m (9,311ft) high! Then get ready to rumble to the Samistal plateau. The route? Amlakit-Samistal Yolu. Forget smooth asphalt; this is an unpaved adventure through the heart of the Kaçkar Mountains. And when I say adventure, I mean it. This winding track is narrow, with some nerve-wracking drop-offs that will test your courage. Summer is your window of opportunity here. Otherwise, snow will make this road impassable. Starting near Yaylaköy, it’s a 21km climb to the plateau. You'll gain 937 meters along the way, with an average gradient of 4.46%. In other words: it's steep! But trust me, the views from the top are *absolutely* worth it.
extremeThe dark legend of Dyatlov Pass: Russia's biggest unsolved mystery
🌍 Russia
Dare to explore the enigmatic Dyatlov Pass, perched at 831m (2,726ft) in the remote reaches of Russia! Nestled on the border between the Komi Republic and the Sverdlovsk Oblast in the Ural Mountains, this place isn't just a scenic spot; it's steeped in mystery. Famous for the unsolved deaths of nine hikers back in '59, the pass is now a magnet for extreme travelers. Think you're tough? This route will test you. Getting there is an adventure in itself. Starting near Ivdel, you'll need a serious 4x4 – high clearance is a must. Consider a snowmobile for the winter months. The first 125 km (78 miles) takes you through Severnyy, Burmantovo, and Vizhay, aiming for the nomadic village of Ushma. From Ushma, it’s a 35.59 km (22.12 miles) hike, as the terrain becomes too gnarly for vehicles. Expect extreme weather: heavy snow, biting winds, and temperatures that plummet well below zero. Keep an eye out for remnants of old Gulag camps along the way. The pass is named after Igor Dyatlov, the leader of the group who tragically perished here. Are you brave enough to uncover the secrets of Dyatlov Pass?