
How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip Through Haukadalsskardh Pass
Iceland, europe
34.8 km
375 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're cruising the western coast of Iceland and craving a serious off-road thrill, you HAVE to check out Haukadalsskarð. This mountain pass tops out at 375 meters (that's around 1,230 feet) and the road through it, F586, is legendary.
Clocking in at almost 35 kilometers (a little over 21 miles), this unpaved beast runs from Road 60 in the west all the way to the Ring Road on the east side. Think narrow, think steep, and definitely think REMOTE. You'll be hugging a river for most of the ride and ford it several times, so prepare for some seriously splashy crossings – we're talking ankle-deep water, give or take.
Word to the wise: this road is strictly a summer fling, usually open from late June to early September. The traffic? Basically non-existent. The payoff? Jaw-dropping landscapes that'll make your Instagram followers weep with envy. Trust me, this is one adventure you won't forget!
Where is it?
How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip Through Haukadalsskardh Pass is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 65.5650, -18.6084
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 34.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 375 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 65.5650, -18.6084
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Torreta de l'Orri?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Towering high in the Spanish Pyrenees, in Lleida province, you'll find Torreta de l'Orri. This peak, also known as Pic de l'Orri, hits an impressive 2,439m (8,001ft), making it one of Spain's highest drives! What's up there? Think communication hubs and a television antenna – civilization meets the wild! The road? Well, it's a bit of a beast! Forget your low-rider; this is strictly 4x4 territory. It's unpaved and a chairlift access trail, so be prepared for a bumpy ride! And in winter? Forget about it – this road is a no-go zone. The stats: the road stretches for 5.7 km (3.54 miles), climbing 436 meters with an average gradient of 7.64%. Get ready for some stunning views and a serious off-road experience!
extremeWhere is Sa Calobra Road?
🇪🇸 Spain
Picture this: you're on Mallorca, the sun is shining, and you're about to tackle Sa Calobra Road. This isn't your average coastal drive. Think of it as eight miles of pure, winding madness carved into the island's rocky northwest corner, east of Port de Sóller. This fully paved rollercoaster, officially the MA-2141, climbs to a peak of 2,237 feet. What makes it special? The road builders avoided tunnels like the plague, resulting in a series of switchbacks and gradients steeper than 7% in many spots. Hold on tight for the "Nus de Sa Calobra" – the Tie Knot. This 360-degree loop is where the road curves under itself, making for a truly unforgettable experience. Be warned: this route packs over 50 curves, many of them hairpin turns. Some sections lack a central line or guardrails, and summer traffic can get intense, so take it slow and steady. This masterpiece was built in 1932, without machines. Fun fact: the engineer was inspired by a necktie to create the famous loop! Allow 25-35 minutes to soak it all in. But this isn't just about the thrill of the drive. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Prepare to be amazed by the rocky landscapes and the iconic cone-shaped rocks you'll pass along the way. Just be careful if it's raining, the asphalt gets slick. You might recognize it from Cloud Atlas! It's definitely one of the most amazing drives ever.
hardWhere is Starkenburger Hütte?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: You're in Austria, itching for adventure, and someone whispers about Starkenburger Hütte, a mountain hut chilling at 2,237 meters in the Tyrol region. Sounds dreamy, right? Getting there is part of the thrill. Starting from Neustift im Stubaital, you're in for a 12.6km (7.82 mile) climb on an unpaved road. We're talking steep – averaging around 9.72% grade! That’s a solid 1,225m ascent. A few things to keep in mind: this road is no joke. It's narrow, gets slick when wet, and completely shuts down in winter. Pay attention to avalanche warnings! Private vehicles aren't allowed, so plan accordingly. The hut is generally open from early June to mid-October, weather permitting. But trust me, it's worth the effort! The views of the Stubai mountains are absolutely epic, with those 3,000-meter peaks showing off all along the way. It's a panorama that'll be etched in your memory forever.
hardWhere is Tossal de Boada?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, so picture this: you're in Catalonia, Spain, itching for an adventure. Head northeast to La Noguera comarca, and get ready to tackle Tossal de Boada! This peak isn't playing around, sitting pretty high up there. The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart! We're talking unpaved, narrow sections, and hairpin turns galore. Definitely leave your low-rider at home; you'll want something with some serious clearance. It’s a good climb of a few hundred meters over just a couple of kilometers, so expect a fairly steep gradient. But trust me, the views from the top are worth it! You'll be rewarded with a panorama that'll knock your socks off – the Urgell plain, Lleida, La Noguera, the Montroig mountains, and Montsec all spread out before you. Plus, there's a cool communication tower at the summit. Get ready for some amazing photos!