The challenging Road 917 to the summit of Hellisheiði Eystri
Iceland, europe
70.7 km
644 m
extreme
Year-round
Ready for an Icelandic adventure? Buckle up for Hellisheiði Eystri, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 644 meters in Northeast Iceland! This isn't just a drive; it's a proper ascent, with some seriously steep sections hitting gradients of up to 15%. Don't let that scare you off though, the views from the top are totally worth it.
The road, known as Hlíðarvegur (917), is mostly unpaved and packs a punch with 15 hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. It's a steep and high climb, narrow in places, and can get a bit slick when it rains. Think tight curves, high drop-offs that might make your palms sweat, and those amazing panoramic views as a reward.
Clocking in at 70.7 kilometers, this road winds its way north-south connecting Vopnafjörður on Road 85 to Road 1. It's considered the steepest mountain road in the country and one of the first to close each autumn when the snow starts flying. While most cars can handle it in good conditions, a front-wheel-drive motorhome might struggle on the steepest bits, especially if it's wet.
Up at the top, you'll find a former weather station, perfect for soaking in views of Héraðsflói Bay. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the coastal cliffs at Drangsnes and the abandoned Viking ruins at Krummsholt farm. And don't worry about missing out on the scenery – there are a few small parking spots at the summit to pull over and snap those Insta-worthy shots.
Where is it?
The challenging Road 917 to the summit of Hellisheiði Eystri is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 65.2115, -18.8915
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 70.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 644 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 65.2115, -18.8915
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