How To Travel The Road 862 to Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland

How To Travel The Road 862 to Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland

Iceland, europe

Length

50.7 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: Iceland, Northeastern Region, and you're cruising on Road 862, aka Dettifossvegur, headed for the mighty Dettifoss waterfall. Trust me, this is one scenic route you don't want to miss.

This beauty runs along the western side of the Jökulsá river and the views? Unreal. Think wide-open landscapes that'll leave you breathless. The best part? It's all paved, baby! Built in 2011, so you can leave the 4x4 at home, passenger vehicles are just fine.

Nestled inside Vatnajökull National Park, in the northern part of Iceland, this 50.7 km (31.5 miles) stretch of road snakes its way from Road 85, south of Thvera, up to the iconic Ring Road.

Factor in about 1 to 1.5 hours for the drive, depending on how often you pull over to soak in the views (and you will pull over!). It runs parallel to the unpaved Road 864, which brings you to the eastern side of the waterfall. Usually, you can tackle this road from April to December, but keep in mind it might not be fully serviced, even in the summer.

Where is it?

How To Travel The Road 862 to Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 64.8687, -18.3674

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Iceland
Continent
europe
Length
50.7 km
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
64.8687, -18.3674

Related Roads in europe

How to get to Peñón del Muerto in Andalusia?hard

How to get to Peñón del Muerto in Andalusia?

🇪🇸 Spain

# Peñón del Muerto: A High-Altitude Adventure in Spain's Sierra Nevada Ready for a serious mountain driving challenge? Peñón del Muerto is calling – a jaw-dropping peak sitting at 2,569 meters (8,428 feet) in Granada's Sierra Nevada National Park, and honestly, it's one of Spain's most intense high-altitude routes. Here's the deal: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. Starting from the small village of Bérchules, you're looking at 18.1 kilometers (11.2 miles) of pure unpaved mountain road that climbs relentlessly upward. We're talking 1,190 meters of elevation gain with an average gradient of 6.57% – this route demands a serious 4x4 vehicle and some serious driving skills. The landscape? Absolutely stunning. You're winding through the heart of the Sierra Nevada, with those incredible mountain vistas unfolding around every hairpin turn. But here's the catch – winter transforms this road into an impassable snow-covered beast, so timing your visit for the warmer months is essential. If you've got the vehicle and the nerve, this southern Andalusian gem offers one of those unforgettable mountain-driving experiences that'll have you gripping the wheel and grinning in equal measure.

Passo dell'Uomohard

Passo dell'Uomo

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Passo dell'Uomo is a seriously epic high mountain pass sitting at 2,224 meters (7,296 feet) in the Leventina district of Ticino, Switzerland. This isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road up is all gravel, narrow, and wonderfully gnarly—bumpy in all the right ways if you're into that sort of thing. You'll find a mountain refuge waiting for you at the top, which is perfect for catching your breath (literally, the altitude is real). Fair warning though: this pass is basically locked down from October through June, so plan your adventure during the warmer months. This is a trail built for serious off-road enthusiasts with actual experience. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, honestly, give this one a skip. You'll want a proper 4x4 vehicle, period. And if heights aren't your thing? Yeah, keep driving. The gradients here are legitimately steep and unforgiving. One more thing to watch out for: thunderstorms can roll in and transform these trails in minutes, turning manageable terrain into serious four-wheel-drive territory or shutting you down entirely. Keep an eye on that sky, and only attempt this when conditions are in your favor.

Where is Puig Major?moderate

Where is Puig Major?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Mallorca, heading toward the island's highest point, Puig Major. This isn't just any drive; it's a 6.9 km (4.28-mile) ascent into the Serra de Tramuntana mountains that'll have your heart pumping! Keep in mind, reaching the very top is off-limits – it’s a military zone (thanks, Cold War!), so no sneaking past the radar tower. But trust me, the journey is the reward. Built back in '58, this paved road throws some serious steepness your way, boasting an average gradient of 8.5% and maxing out at a lung-busting 11% in spots. You’ll be tackling 8 hairpin turns as you climb 587 meters, so be ready to shift gears! The climb is pretty consistent, but all that effort pays off big time. Imagine panoramic views of the whole island and the rugged Serra de Tramuntana stretching out before you. Just be prepared for some gusty north/northwesterly winds up there! It's a truly epic drive with views that'll stick with you long after you've descended.

Georgian Military Road: a major route from Georgia to Russiahard

Georgian Military Road: a major route from Georgia to Russia

🌍 Russia

Get ready for an epic adventure on the Georgian Military Road! This isn't just a road; it's a legendary route carved through the heart of the South Caucasus, linking Georgia and Russia. For centuries, traders and armies have traversed this path, leaving behind tales of war, commerce, and sheer grit. Originally just a rough horse trail, the Russians transformed it into a proper carriage road back in 1783 – a real feat of engineering back in the day! Think iron bridges and multiple lanes designed for both military might and civilian traffic. Spanning 212km (131 miles), this incredible highway winds from Tbilisi, Georgia's vibrant capital, to Vladikavkaz in Russia, tackling the mighty Great Caucasus Range head-on. While mostly paved, some sections can get a bit rough, especially after snow or bad weather. You might find yourself navigating gravelly patches, and be prepared to share the road with plenty of trucks. The road peaks at a breathtaking 2,395m (7,857ft) at Jvari Pass (also known as Cross Pass), where avalanches can be a real concern. Thankfully, they've built galleries to keep things moving in winter, and the pass usually stays open. While altitude sickness isn't usually a problem *on* the road, be mindful if you venture off into the surrounding mountains. Check the forecast before you go – conditions can change quickly! Though occasional closures do happen in the winter due to snow, blizzards, and limited visibility, the road is usually open year-round. Expect views that will knock your socks off, including the majestic Mt. Kazbek. Don't miss the thrill of driving through the Kazbegi Tunnel. The dramatic scenery, crisp mountain air, and sheer grandeur of the Caucasus are simply unforgettable. Keep an eye out for viewpoints along the way, including natural mineral water springs favored by locals. This landscape is the real deal, inspiring literary giants like Tolstoy, Dumas, and Gorky.