The wild road to Bolafjall Mountain is subject to strong winds
Iceland, europe
8.9 km
615 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Bolafjall Mountain in Iceland's Westfjords is calling your name! Imagine yourself at the summit, a whopping 2,017 feet high, with views that stretch seemingly forever. Some say on a super clear day, you can even peep Greenland!
Getting there is half the fun. The unpaved road, Route 630, is generally in good shape, but a 4x4 is your best bet. While you *can* technically tackle it in a regular car, be prepared for some potentially dicey moments if you need to pass. And a word to the wise: fog and mountain roads? Not a good mix. Stick to clear days for maximum visibility and zero white-knuckle driving.
This epic climb is only open during the summer months (usually late June to early September), so plan accordingly. The ascent kicks off from the charming fishing village of Bolungarvik and covers 5.5 miles. Get ready for some steep sections (up to 10%!), and not a ton of room to maneuver around other cars. You'll gain a massive 606 meters in elevation, giving you an average gradient of 6.80% - with some sections hitting 12%!
At the top, explore the former US radar station (now run by the Icelandic Coast Guard) and soak in the incredible views from the recently built viewing platform. Ísafjarðardjúp, Jökulfirðir... and maybe even Greenland will be at your feet. Trust us, this drive is one you won't forget!
Where is it?
The wild road to Bolafjall Mountain is subject to strong winds is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 65.6080, -18.0501
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 615 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 65.6080, -18.0501
Related Roads in europe
easyWhere is Lac de Moiry?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through southern Switzerland, heading towards the ridiculously gorgeous Lac de Moiry. This isn't just any lake; it's one of those places that makes you question if the photos are even real. The road itself? Totally paved and clocks in at around 14 km long, snaking its way up to this alpine paradise. It was carved out in the '60s, which is pretty cool. Even better, the road doesn't stop at the lake but continues for a short distance of 1 km, providing access to the dam. Expect jaw-dropping views of glaciers and those classic Swiss snow-capped peaks. Keep in mind, though, this road plays by its own rules. Usually, it's open from late spring until the first big snowfall, but Mother Nature can change her mind anytime, so winter access is a bit of a gamble. In the summer, get ready to experience the stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps!
hardKuhtai Saddle is an absolute must for road lovers in Austria
🇦🇹 Austria
# Kühtai Saddle: Austria's Year-Round Alpine Adventure Perched at 2,021m (6,633ft) in Tyrol's Austrian Alps, Kühtai Saddle is a playground for road enthusiasts who love dramatic mountain scenery. The pass has been welcoming travelers since 1628, and today it's one of Austria's most accessible high-altitude routes. Spanning 24.9km (15.47 miles) between Oetz and Sankt Sigmund im Sellrain, Road L13 winds through some seriously impressive terrain. You'll navigate tight hairpin turns and steep climbs—some sections hit a jaw-dropping 17% gradient—making this a beloved challenge for road cyclists and drivers alike. The fully paved route runs west-east and stays open year-round thanks to the Kühtai ski resort nestled right in the saddle, though winter closures do happen occasionally. One heads-up: the western side is off-limits to trucks, so you won't be dodging massive vehicles on that stretch. The combination of challenging curves, stunning alpine vistas, and that winter sports resort atmosphere makes Kühtai Saddle an absolute must-do for anyone exploring Tirol's mountain passes.
hardFurggen
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! High up in the Valle d'Aosta region, nestled between Italy and Switzerland, you'll find Furggen peak. We're talking a whopping 2,949 meters (9,675 feet) above sea level - seriously high! Forget smooth asphalt, this road is all about the rugged stuff. Think rocky gravel tracks that double as a chairlift access trail for the Cervinia ski resort. And when I say steep, I mean *steep*. Loose stones under your tires and gradients hitting up to 30% in places? You bet. The window to tackle this beast is super tight – late August, if you're lucky. Oh, and did I mention the wind? It's a constant companion up here, howling year-round. Even in summer, you could be battling snowy conditions. Winter? Let's just say you'll need some serious thermal gear. But the views, people, the views! The Matterhorn lords over everything, offering incredible, ever-changing perspectives with every twist and turn. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateWhere is Col de Guéry?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of France, in the Puy-de-Dôme area, ready to tackle the Col de Guéry. This isn't just any drive; you're heading up to 1,268 meters (that's 4,160 feet!), and trust me, the views are worth every meter. You'll find this gem in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, right in the country's center. The summit has a huge parking area, perfect for soaking in the scenery. Oh, and did I mention Lac de Guéry? It's the highest lake in Auvergne, sitting pretty right above the pass. The road, known as Route Départementale 983 (or D983 for short), is all paved, making for a smooth ride, but be ready for some steep climbs – we're talking gradients up to 8.8% in places! This road is iconic enough that the Tour de France has used it! The whole stretch is about 21.6 km (13.42 miles), winding from Randanne (off the N-89) to the charming village of Mont-Dore. Get ready for a scenic drive with views that will take your breath away!