Travel guide to the top of Vatnsskarð
Iceland, europe
N/A
200 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Vatnsskarð, a mountain pass hanging out at 200 meters (656 feet) above sea level on the Reykjanesskagi Peninsula in southwest Iceland.
The road to get there, Route 42, is a bit of a bumpy ride – all gravel, baby! Fair warning, this pass gets hammered with snow in the winter, so it's often closed. You'll definitely be climbing some pretty steep sections, so be prepared! But seriously, the views are totally worth it!
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Vatnsskarð is located in Iceland (europe). Coordinates: 65.6230, -17.5546
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 200 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 65.6230, -17.5546
Related Roads in europe
hardHistory: The Destroyer of Pompeii and its Current Status
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in Southern Italy, gazing out over the Bay of Naples, and there it is – Mount Vesuvius. This isn't just any mountain; it's a notorious, active volcano, famous for *that* eruption that buried Pompeii and Herculaneum way back when. You can actually drive up this thing! The SP114 road winds its way up, giving you incredible views the whole time. The paved road takes you up to about 1,007 meters (3,303 ft), to a parking area. Here's the catch: you can't just drive all the way to the top in your own car. Private vehicles have to stop at a parking lot around the 800-meter mark. From there, you hop on a mandatory shuttle bus (yes, you gotta pay extra) for that final stretch to the top. And guess what? You can't even hike to the crater on your own. You need to book a ticket in advance and join a guided tour with the park rangers. They're your mandatory escort, making sure you don't wander off and become a geological statistic. A few things to keep in mind: definitely book your tickets online beforehand – they don't always sell them on site. Cell service is pretty much non-existent up there. Also, parking is super limited, so get there early, especially during the busy season. Basically, getting to Vesuvius is a mix of easily accessible driving and restricted access. You can get close but you have to surrender and follow the rules. This is all done to ensure safety!
hardIs the Old N-320 Road paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Antigua Carretera N-320 in Spain, a total hidden gem bypassed by a newer highway but still kicking. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. Mother Nature calls the shots here; landslides can happen anytime, potentially blocking the road. Yep, this baby is paved (mostly!), but it's seriously narrow, hugging the mountainside like it's trying to win a hugging contest. Built way back when, it’s got character for days. Heads up, though! You might see a "road closed" sign at the beginning, but locals and brave adventurers (including, get this, even a Top Gear car!) still use it. The real kicker? The risk of rockfalls is definitely real. This roughly 2.8-kilometer (1.73-mile) stretch in central Spain's Castilla-La Mancha region runs east to west, climbing from the Embalse de Pálmaces to the town of Pálmaces de Jadraque. The toughest section? Definitely "El Sombrerete" (Peaked Cap), known for its crazy-narrow squeezes along the Embalse de Pálmaces. The views are killer, but focus up! You'll likely be performing some serious reversing gymnastics around blind corners to let other cars pass. Worth it? Totally!
hardDriving the Scenic Road 832 Through Vadlaheidi Pass in North Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Just a stone's throw from Akureyri, hugging the east coast of the stunning Eyjafjörður fjord in northern Iceland, you'll find the wild Vaðlaheiði mountain pass. This bad boy tops out at 544 meters (that's 1,784 feet!), making it one of the loftiest drives Iceland has to offer. Forget pavement, because Road 832 (aka Vaðlaheiðarvegur) is all about that rugged, unadulterated off-road experience. This 19-kilometer (11.8-mile) stretch connects Road 833 and Road 828, serving up insane mountain vistas and river scenery. Photographers, get ready to max out your memory cards! Now, heads up: the Ring Road takes the easy way out through a tunnel, but where's the fun in that? This pass throws down a gauntlet with 14 hairpin turns, seriously steep grades, and even a cheeky little stream crossing with no bridge! Summer is your only window for this adventure. While you *might* get away with a 2WD in perfect conditions, this is 4x4 territory, folks. And even then, keep it under 5 tons. If you're not a fan of mountain driving, maybe stick to the Ring Road. But if you're itching for a raw, unforgettable Icelandic experience, Vaðlaheiði is calling your name!
hardWhere is Sirokar Pass?
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, buckle up for the Širokar Pass, a seriously epic drive nestled in Montenegro's Podgorica municipality! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking almost 31 km (a little over 19 miles) of pure adventure, winding from Verusa to Korita. The first stretch? Paved, but cozy. The real fun starts past Wet, where the pavement vanishes and you're greeted with hairpin turns and a trail begging for a vehicle with decent ground clearance. Expect a rugged ride, my friends. Loose rocks abound, and you'll be tip-toeing through some ruts. This route isn’t always groomed, so be prepared for some creative problem-solving and maybe wishing you had a spotter. And did I mention the sheer drops? Some sections are right on the edge, with blind corners that’ll get your heart pumping. It's not for the faint of heart, but trust me, it's SO worth it. Keep in mind, this pass is usually open except during the winter months, when it's totally impassable. Up near the top, you'll find Rikavacko Jezero, a stunning alpine lake straddling the Montenegro/Albania border. It's a glacial gem reflecting the towering peaks around it. Apparently the lake's surface is down in recent years and maxes out at 11 meters deep, 550 meters long, and 250 meters wide. The ruts on the switchbacks are supposedly deeper than ever, so definitely bring a vehicle with at least 20 cm of ground clearance. The scenery is next-level: dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, heart-stopping drop-offs, and completely untouched wilderness. You'll even spot traditional shepherds' huts dotting the landscape, with the most scenic one perched right at the summit.