Road F578 is a slippery as hell mudhole in Iceland
Iceland, europe
79 km
589 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a real off-road experience in Iceland's wild heart, F578, aka Arnarvatnsvegur, is calling your name. Located in the Western Highlands, north of the majestic Langjökull glacier, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget pavement – we're talking about a 79km (49 miles) track that's more mud, rocks, and potholes than actual road.
Seriously, this is 4x4 territory *only*. Many rental companies even ban this road, even for 4x4s, so tread carefully! You'll be traversing lava fields and the Arnarvatnsheiði plateau, with plenty of solitude. The route links Road 704 in the north with Road 518 to the south and is famous for its access to amazing fishing lakes.
Expect a bone-jarring ride, with river crossings and mud holes. The southern part is especially rough, while the northern stretch, past Arnarvatn Stóra lake, can be rocky and wet. The road peaks at 589m (1,932ft), so be prepared for unpredictable weather.
Keep in mind that river conditions change, especially with rain and warm temperatures, so plan accordingly. Usually, this beast is only open during the summer months (late June to early September). Pack extra food, water, and fuel, and maybe buddy up with another vehicle. This isn't just a drive; it's an Icelandic adventure!
Where is it?
Road F578 is a slippery as hell mudhole in Iceland is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 64.8162, -17.6975
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 79 km
- Max Elevation
- 589 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 64.8162, -17.6975
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Lac de Céma?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Lac de Céma – we're talking a seriously stunning high-altitude lake at 2,745m (that's over 9,000 feet!) nestled way up in the French Alps, in the Savoie department. You'll find it in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, practically spitting distance from Italy. The road to get there? It's a quick jaunt, only about 900m (just over half a mile), leading you right to a parking area by La Cascade restaurant. And get this – it’s one of the highest roads in France. Heads up though, it's called Chemin du Pissaillas, and while it’s mostly paved, be prepared for some serious potholes from all that snow. Want to go even higher? There's a dirt track that heads west, climbing to a whopping 2,793m! Because it's so high up in the Graian Alps, this road is strictly a summer affair, usually open from May/June to October. Get ready for some insane scenery, though – this is one alpine drive you won't forget! Just imagine the views...
extremeSpur Battery
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're in Gibraltar, ready for a quirky adventure. Head up, up, up to Spur Battery, a cool artillery battery built way back in 1902. The road? It's called Spur Battery Road, naturally! Now, the pavement's smooth, but hold onto your hats. This climb is STEEP, and when I say narrow, I mean NARROW. We're talking squeeze-through-the-eye-of-a-needle narrow in spots. This road winds up to 334 meters above sea level! Just imagine underground workshops, shell stores – the whole shebang. Seriously, if you meet another car, someone's doing some reversing, maybe even for a few meters of winding, twisty road. So, a word to the wise: If your reverse skills are a little rusty, maybe skip this one. Otherwise, get ready for a thrilling ride and some seriously unique views!
moderateWhere is Juvasshytta?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're in Norway, in the heart of Jotunheimen National Park, ready to tackle the highest road in Northern Europe! We're heading to Juvasshytta, a mountain resort that sits way up at 1,854 meters (that's over 6,000 feet!). The whole trip is an absolute stunner, trust me. You'll be driving through Innlandet County, with incredible views of Juvvatnet Lake shimmering in the distance. The road itself? It's paved the whole way, so no need for a 4x4, but be warned: it's STEEP! We're talking a max gradient of 16% in places. This baby was built back in 1936, and the last 9 kilometers are tolled. Just watch out for those stone fields hugging the roadside – they add to the drama! Heads up: this road is only open from around May to September. Outside of those months, it's closed, so check the conditions before you go. The climb starts from Galdesanden and stretches for almost 14 kilometers (about 8.6 miles). In that distance, you'll gain a whopping 1,283 meters in elevation. The average gradient is around 9.3%, but those 16% sections will definitely get your heart pumping! And get this: near the very top, a smaller paved road branches off along Juvvatnet Lake to the Galdhøpiggen Summer Ski Centre. Yes, you read that right – skiing in summer! It’s right at the foot of Galdhøpiggen, Norway's highest mountain, reaching an altitude of 1,864 meters. Epic doesn't even begin to cover it!
extremeWhat are the highest roads in Turkey?
🇹🇷 Turkey
# Discover Turkey's Epic Mountain Roads Turkey is an absolute beast when it comes to dramatic geography. Straddling Europe and Asia, this country is basically all mountains—seriously, one glance at the map and you'll see why. Sure, there are some gorgeous coastlines along the Black Sea and Mediterranean, but the real action happens inland on those towering peaks. The Anatolian Peninsula is sandwiched between two absolute giants: the Pontic Alps hugging the north and the Taurus Mountains dominating the south. Between them? Vast, sprawling high-altitude plateaus that'll take your breath away. This wild terrain means the roads here aren't your typical highway cruises—they're engineering marvels that twist and turn through some of the world's most stunning (and challenging) mountain passes. If you're a road-tripping adrenaline junkie, Turkey is calling your name. These routes will test your driving skills while rewarding you with some of the most incredible scenery on the planet. Ready to find out which stretches rank as the highest asphalted roads in the country? Explore our interactive map and dive into an adventure across some of the world's most spectacular drives. Got a killer road you think deserves the spotlight? We're always hunting for hidden gems. Share your suggestion with us—your next favorite drive might just make it onto our collection!