
Siglufjardarskard Pass requires slow, careful driving
Iceland, europe
6.4 km
701 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Siglufjardarskard in northern Iceland! This mountain pass, perched at a dizzying 701 meters (2,299 feet), isn't for the faint of heart – or those with a fear of heights. Situated where the Northeast meets the Northwest, this gravel road (Skardsvegur 793) demands slow, steady driving.
Built back in the 40s to be passable for vehicles, this route offers stunning views out over the sea, and the road itself is an attraction. Legend says mythical beings haunted this northern coast. You'll definitely need a 4x4 for this one! Open only a few months of the year, the pass rewards you with unbelievable vistas, but be warned – cell service is spotty.
The climb from the charming fishing town of Siglufjörður (Road 76) is a steep 6.4 km, gaining a whopping 690 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of nearly 11%! Be prepared for a proper adventure thanks to both the incline and the harsh winter conditions. Just remember that you're traveling one of Iceland's highest roads and you'll be rewarded with experiencing the raw, dramatic beauty of the landscape up close. Narrow in sections and typically only open four to five months a year, this drive is unforgettable.
Where is it?
Siglufjardarskard Pass requires slow, careful driving is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 65.9662, -17.9522
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 701 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 65.9662, -17.9522
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