Is Road 870 in Northeastern Iceland unpaved?
Iceland, europe
59.5 km
N/A
hard
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.
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 59.5 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateThe curvy road to Coll de Pimes
🇪🇸 Spain
# Coll de Pimés: A Pyrenean Adventure Perched at 2,136 meters (7,007 feet) above sea level, Coll de Pimés is one of those seriously remote mountain passes that straddles the Andorra-Spain border like a natural frontier marker. Nestled between Sant Julià de Lòria in Andorra and Lleida province over in Catalonia, it sits in the shadow of the legendary Alt de la Rabassa and offers some genuinely spectacular Pyrenean scenery. Here's the real deal: this isn't your typical paved highway. The entire 25-kilometer (15-mile) route running north-south from Juberri in Andorra down to Bescaran in Spain is completely unpaved—think rocky, rutted mountain track. You'll definitely need a proper 4x4 to tackle this beast. There's even a mountain refuge, Refugi de Roca de Pimes, near the summit if you need to break up the journey. The biggest catch? Winter essentially closes this road entirely. When the snow rolls in, this high-altitude pass becomes impassable, so timing your visit is crucial. Plan for late spring through early autumn if you want to actually make it through. But for the right adventure-seeker with a capable vehicle, it's an unforgettable way to traverse one of Europe's most dramatic mountain borders.
extremeA Narrow Road to Col du Solude in the French Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Solude Ready for an Alpine adventure that'll get your heart racing? Col du Solude is a seriously epic mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,680m (5,511ft) in the Oisans region of the French Alps, right in southeastern France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes area. This 13.6 km (8.45 miles) north-south route—officially the D210—connects Ornon to the notoriously tricky D219 Road near Villard-Notre-Dame, and it's absolutely not for the faint of heart. The northern section is smooth asphalt, but once you hit the southern portion, things get real with gravel sections that'll test your driving skills. What makes this pass truly legendary is its sheer intensity. We're talking nail-biting hairpin turns, narrow sections that'll make you hold your breath, and some seriously exposed drop-offs that remind you just how high up you are. The road even cranks up to a brutal 15.8% gradient at its steepest points. It's the kind of drive that demands respect, focus, and nerves of steel—but damn, it's unforgettable once you've conquered it. This is proper "balcony road" territory, where the scenery is as dramatic as the driving conditions. If you're chasing that authentic Alpine experience and you've got the skills to back it up, Col du Solude is calling your name.
moderateRoute 70
🌍 Denmark
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along Route 70 in the Faroe Islands, and BAM! Instant postcard-worthy views. This road is a stunner, hugging the dramatic coastline for almost 16 kilometers. You'll start near Klaksvík, a busy fishing town on Borðoy island, and wind your way to Viðareiði, hands down one of the prettiest villages you'll ever see. Seriously, it's the northernmost spot on the islands, perched on Viðoy. Now, heads up! You'll be navigating a couple of those classic Faroese one-lane tunnels—the Hvannasundstunnilin (2.1 km) and the Árnafjarðartunnilin (1.7 km). Keep your eyes peeled and be ready to yield—it's all part of the adventure!
hardCinque Croci Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Cinque Croci Ready for a serious mountain adventure? Passo Cinque Croci sits pretty at 2,018 meters (6,620 feet) in the Eastern Alps of Trentino, northern Italy, and it's absolutely not your typical Sunday drive. This is legit gravel territory—we're talking narrow enough that two cars literally can't pass each other, with brutal grades hitting 16% in places. Yeah, you read that right. The road pretty much hibernates during winter thanks to heavy snow, and heads up: it's actually been closed to motor vehicles recently, so check before you head out. The route connects Canal San Bovo in the upper Val Cortalla (passing through Caoria village) with Strigno down in the southern Val Sugana. If you're game to tackle it, you'll find Rifugio Consèria near the summit—perfect for a pit stop and some serious mountain views. Here's the real talk: this is a maintained gravel road, so a decent high-clearance 2WD vehicle can handle it in good conditions, as long as you take your time and stay patient through the washboard sections. Dry conditions are basically mandatory. This isn't the place to push your luck or your car—but if you're up for some genuine Alpine exploration with serious elevation and serious scenery, Passo Cinque Croci absolutely delivers.