The old Djupvegur road is mostly washed away
Iceland, europe
8 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, let's talk about the Djúpvegur! Nestled in Iceland's wild Westfjords, this old road *used* to be a real beast. We're talking rockfalls and avalanches, the whole nine yards. Sadly, it claimed its fair share of casualties back in the day.
No worries, you can't drive it anymore! After a tunnel bypass in 2010, this 8km stretch is now only open to pedestrians. Think of it as a super-scenic, slightly spooky hiking trail connecting Bolungarvík and Hnífsdalur.
Keep your eyes peeled though, this route's a bit worse for wear these days. Crumbling tarmac, fallen rocks, and mini-tunnels all add to the adventure! Watch out for snowdrifts after a big storm, too. Park your car at either end and explore the road by foot or bike. The views over Ísafjarðardjúp bay are incredible, especially with the dramatic cliffs looming above. It's the perfect spot for snapping some seriously epic landscape pics!
Where is it?
The old Djupvegur road is mostly washed away is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 65.5979, -17.6418
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 65.5979, -17.6418
Related Roads in europe
hardA drive to the legendary Mount Kaliakouda
🇬🇷 Greece
# Mount Kaliakouda: Greece's Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure Ready for an adrenaline rush? Mount Kaliakouda sits pretty at 1,741m (5,711ft) in Greece's Evrytania region, claiming its place among the country's loftiest mountain passes. Nestled in the southern Pindus Mountains, this beast of a route is seriously not for the casually curious. Here's the real deal: the 15km (9.32 miles) stretch from Aniada to Stournara is completely unpaved—we're talking a gnarly, rocky surface that'll test your skills and your stomach. With over 70 hairpin turns hugging the mountainside, this isn't a drive you'll zone out on. Water erosion has carved some nasty passages, and you'll encounter potholes and debris scattered throughout, so keep your wits about you and your hands firmly on the wheel. The landscape tells a story of both beauty and strain—the road has left its mark on the environment, and landslides aren't exactly a rare occurrence up here. Expect to spend between 1 to 1.5 hours conquering the full route (and that's without pit stops). The summit welcomes brave travelers with a mountain shelter, a fitting reward after your conquest. Fun fact: this mountain was a crucial hideout for WWII resistance fighters. Fair warning though: while the road's technically open year-round, winter snow can shut things down without notice. Snow lingers on these slopes until August, so timing your visit matters. Come prepared, take your time, and respect what nature throws at you.
hardAn Iconic Road to Col du Joly in the French Alps
🇫🇷 France
Col du Joly is a stunning high mountain pass sitting at 1,989m (6,525ft) in the Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France, straddling the border between Haute-Savoie and Savoie departments. The drive runs south to north, connecting Beaufort-sur-Doron with Les Contamines-Montjoie, and it's genuinely worth the effort. The southern approach is mostly paved, while the northern side switches to unpaved road—but don't worry, it's well-maintained. Fair warning though: it gets narrow in stretches, and you'll share the route with other travelers heading up to the summit restaurant, Chez Gaston Col du Joly Hauteluce, where hikers typically kick off their Tour du Mont Blanc adventures. Expect some serious climbs along the way, with gradients hitting up to 10.9% on the steeper sections. Your legs (and your car) will feel it, but the payoff is absolutely worth it. Once you reach the top, you're treated to one of the most breathtaking views of Mont Blanc you'll find anywhere—seriously close and impossibly beautiful. It's the kind of vista that makes those hairpin turns feel totally justified.
hardA winding road to Bocca di Sorba in Corsica
🇫🇷 France
# Bocca di Sorba: Corsica's Thrilling Mountain Challenge Ready to tackle one of Corsica's most epic mountain passes? Bocca di Sorba (also called Col de Sorba) sits at a seriously impressive 1,311 meters and definitely ranks among the island's highest roads. This is the real deal for anyone who loves a good driving challenge. The asphalt on D69 is a mixed bag – some sections are fresh and pristine, while others show their age. What you *will* get is a narrow, steep road with slopes climbing up to 10.7%. Expect tight hairpins mixed in with some flowing sweepers that'll keep you on your toes. Winter weather and strong winds mean this route occasionally closes, so check conditions before you head up. You've got two solid options for reaching the summit. From Ghisoni, it's a 10.1 km push gaining 641 meters (averaging 6.3% gradient). If you're coming from Vivario instead, you're looking at 9.2 km with 651 meters of elevation gain and a steeper 7.1% average. Both routes reward you with stunning south-central Corsican scenery, and the pass has earned its place in rally racing history – it's been featured multiple times in the Tour de Corse. Don't just power through – take time to stop in the charming villages dotting the route. They're perfect for catching your breath and soaking in some authentic Corsican character. This is a road that demands respect, but the views and adrenaline rush? Totally worth it.
hardSerra Sant'Antonio Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Serra Sant'Antonio Ready for a mountain adventure? Passo Serra Sant'Antonio sits pretty at 1,602 meters (5,255 feet) right where Lazio and Abruzzo shake hands in central Italy. The route up is via Strada Provinciale 30, a fully paved road that keeps things interesting with some genuinely punchy climbs—we're talking grades up to 9.3% that'll definitely get your engine working. It's the kind of drive that rewards you with stunning Alpine scenery as you wind your way toward the summit, making every tight curve worth it.