
Road trip guide: Conquering Námaskarð Pass
Iceland, europe
N/A
409 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for a seriously unique drive through Iceland's Námaskarð mountain pass! Up here at 409 meters (1,341 feet), you'll feel like you've landed on Mars. Seriously, the sulfuric landscape is totally otherworldly.
You'll be cruising on Route 1, Iceland's famous Ring Road, so the surface is paved. Don't let that fool you, though—this road throws a few curveballs with its twists, turns, and narrow sections. Newbies might want to avoid driving at night or when the visibility dips. While you're taking in the sights, remember to keep your hands to yourself when it comes to the water...it's probably boiling hot!
Where is it?
Road trip guide: Conquering Námaskarð Pass is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 64.8527, -17.6263
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 409 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 64.8527, -17.6263
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