Is Road 870 in Northeastern Iceland unpaved?

Is Road 870 in Northeastern Iceland unpaved?

Iceland, europe

Length

59.5 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Get ready for an epic Icelandic adventure on Road 870, aka Norðausturvegur! This gem snakes along the northeast coast, serving up unreal views of Iceland's wild side.

Yeah, it's a gravel road, but don't worry, most cars can handle it if you take it slow and easy. This slightly rough coastal route is just about 60 kilometers (37 miles) long, connecting Þórshöfn (a village on the eastern shore of Þistilfjörður fjord) and Fontur (a village on the northeastern tip of the Langanes peninsula).

Keep in mind, this road is usually closed from early September to late June, so plan accordingly. And watch out for fog—it can get seriously thick up here.

Located in one of Iceland’s most remote corners, this drive is all about breathtaking landscapes and serious solitude. You'll be far from everything, soaking up the peace and quiet of this sparsely populated area. Just a heads up: it's not a busy route, so solo travel isn't recommended.

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Road Details

Country
Iceland
Continent
europe
Length
59.5 km
Difficulty
hard

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Is Road 870 in Northeastern Iceland unpaved? - Iceland - RoadScout