How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Kollafjardarheidi Pass?

How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Kollafjardarheidi Pass?

Iceland, europe

Length

24.5 km

Elevation

464 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Kollafjarðarheiði! This wild ride is smack-dab in Iceland's Westfjords, taking you up to a lofty 464 meters (that's 1,522 feet!).

Forget smooth sailing – this 24.5 km (15.22 mile) stretch of F66 Road is all unpaved glory, connecting Route 61 and Route 60. Picture this: lunar landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see, but be warned, it's a bumpy one! Expect a rough and rocky track that’ll put your suspension to the test.

Seriously, you'll need a 4x4 for this journey – and be prepared for a few river crossings to spice things up! Keep in mind, Kollafjarðarheiði is a summer fling, typically open from late June to early September. Get ready for an unforgettable Icelandic adventure!

Where is it?

How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Kollafjardarheidi Pass? is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 64.4701, -17.3870

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Road Details

Country
Iceland
Continent
europe
Length
24.5 km
Max Elevation
464 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
64.4701, -17.3870

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