Is Road 61 in Iceland paved?

Is Road 61 in Iceland paved?

Iceland, europe

Length

249 km

Elevation

440 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Get ready for an unforgettable Icelandic adventure on Route 61, also known as Djúpavegur, the Midnight Sun Road! This fully paved coastal gem snakes through the stunning Westfjords region.

Stretching 249 km (155 miles) from Road 60 to Ísafjörður, the Westfjords' biggest town, this route promises epic views and relatively little traffic. Budget about 3-4 hours of pure driving time, but trust me, you'll want to stop!

Keep in mind, though, that this road isn't entirely without its challenges. It climbs to 440m (1,443ft) at the Steingrimsfjörðurheiði Pass, with some seriously steep sections. Winter travelers, take note: this pass can get dicey and often closes due to high winds or storms. Always check weather and road conditions before you go. One quirky highlight? Keep an eye out for the roadside cairns, those cool stacks of stones that help guide you along the way.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Iceland
Continent
europe
Length
249 km
Max Elevation
440 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in europe

Where is Cleuson Lake?hard

Where is Cleuson Lake?

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Alright, adventure seekers, let me tell you about Lac de Cleuson, a shimmering alpine lake nestled high in the Swiss Valais canton. You'll find this beauty in the Conthey district, hanging out way up in the mountains near the Refuge de Saint-Laurent. Seriously, this place is remote and ridiculously gorgeous. The Cleuson dam, built in the late 40s for hydroelectric power, holds back around 20 million cubic meters of water – pretty impressive, right? Its massive wall looms over everything, a testament to its sturdy reinforced design. Now, about the road... Get ready for a thrilling ride! Starting from Nendaz, you're in for about 11km of mostly paved road that turns to gravel near the very end. This climb is *steep* – we're talking sections hitting 28%! Throw in some narrow stretches, tons of hairpin turns, and tunnels, and you've got yourself an unforgettable drive. Heads up, though – the final stretch is usually closed to public vehicles, reserved only for authorized traffic. Keep in mind that from November to May, this road is totally snowed in. Is it worth the effort? Absolutely! The road offers incredible views of the Nendaz Valley stretching out below, with the distant Vaud Alps gracing the horizon. And right by the lake, you'll find the charming Chapelle catholique de Cleuson (Saint-Barthélémy), the highest chapel in the area. Trust me; this is a Swiss adventure you won't soon forget.

Col de Thorenshard

Col de Thorens

🇫🇷 France

# Col de Thorens Ready for an adventure in the French Alps? Col de Thorens sits pretty at 3,118 meters (10,229 feet) in Savoie's stunning Massif de la Vanoise range, making it one of Europe's most elevated roads. This isn't your typical scenic drive—it's a chairlift access trail that's completely unpaved and seriously steep, with sections hitting 30% grades that'll make your heart race. The journey to the top is basically a ski-station service road, and honestly, it's not for the faint of heart. You're dealing with loose stones that get progressively rockier and steeper as you climb higher. The real kicker? You can only tackle this beast during a narrow window at the end of August when conditions are remotely manageable. And those legendary Alpine winds? They're relentless here year-round, whipping across the exposed terrain with serious force. The track also branches toward the Chaviere Glacier if you're feeling particularly adventurous. Want an extra dose of drama? The narrow D102 sections deliver genuine balcony road vibes with tight, exposed passages that demand respect and focus. This is peak season adventure—literally and figuratively. The payoff? Absolutely breathtaking Alpine scenery and bragging rights most drivers will never earn. Just make sure you go in late August when conditions aren't actively trying to kill you.

Where is Collado de Basibé?hard

Where is Collado de Basibé?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, so you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the Spanish Pyrenees? Check out Collado de Basibé in Huesca! This climb tops out at a whopping 2,353 meters (7,719 feet), making it one of the highest roads in Spain. Heads up: This isn't your average Sunday drive. The 3.4 km (2.11 miles) route from the Ampriu – Cerler parking lot is unpaved and seriously steep, averaging a 12.20% gradient and hitting a max of 19% in spots! It's primarily used for ski lift maintenance, so expect rugged conditions. You'll gain 415 meters in elevation, so the views are incredible. Just remember, it's usually only accessible when the snow melts. If you're up for a challenge and stunning scenery, Collado de Basibé is a must-do!

The epic unpaved road to Col dei Rossi in the Dolomitesmoderate

The epic unpaved road to Col dei Rossi in the Dolomites

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Italian Dolomites, surrounded by some of the most epic mountain scenery on the planet. You're headed to Col dei Rossi (or Col di Rosc, if you prefer), a killer peak sitting pretty at 2,371 meters (that's 7,778 feet!). Now, heads up, the road to the top is a bit of an adventure – it's a 1.1km (0.68 mile) unpaved stretch that kicks off from Rifugio Fredarola. Most cars can handle it when it's dry, but keep in mind this road is usually snowed in from late October until June. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! You get this insane, up-close-and-personal perspective of the Marmolada, complete with its impressive glacier. Just remember to take it slow and enjoy the ride – getting to Punta Bianca requires some skill!