
Is Road 955 Paved?
Iceland, europe
48.3 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for Route 955 – the Vattarnesvegur! This hidden gem winds along Iceland's eastern coast for about 30 glorious miles, linking the charming villages of Fáskrúðsfjörður (aka Búðir) and Reyðarfjörður (a lively port town).
Starting and ending right on Iceland's famous Ring Road, getting here is a breeze. But trust me, this detour is *so* worth it! You’ll hug the south side of that awesome, hollow cliff island, and the views are seriously epic.
Heads up, though: sections of the road can be a bit bumpy, so take it slow and enjoy the ride. Keep an eye out for fog – it can roll in thick and fast. Watch for falling rocks, too! This coastal route boasts jaw-dropping landscapes, but be aware of the steep drop-offs to the ocean below along some sections. The road isn't too busy, and the photo opportunities are endless, making this a must-do detour on your Icelandic adventure.
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 48.3 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
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