
When was the old Djupvegur road closed?
Iceland, europe
8 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Hidden away in Iceland's Westfjords, the Djúpvegur used to be a real wild child. We're talking about a road that earned a rep for rockfalls and avalanches – yikes!
This 8km (about 5 miles) stretch connected the little towns of Bolungarvík and Hnífsdalur and was completely paved. However, it was closed to vehicles in 2010, and now you can only explore it on foot. Think of it as a quirky hiking trail more than a drive.
Word to the wise: keep your eyes peeled! Those cliffs are steep, and the road and old tunnels haven't been maintained since the road closed. There could be holes in the asphalt and rocks scattered about. If there's been heavy snowfall, expect drifts blocking the way. Park the car and hike it.
But here's the good stuff: the views are incredible! You'll get panoramic vistas over the vast Ísafjarðardjúp bay. It's a chance to experience the raw beauty of Iceland, just be careful!
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
easyWhere is Muotkatakka?
🌍 Finland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Finnish Lapland, almost to the tippy-top of Finland, practically waving to Sweden. You're heading to Muotkatakka, the highest point you can reach on Finnish roads, sitting pretty at 601 meters above sea level. Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! You'll be hugging Highway 21 (aka European Route 8) for about 57 kilometers, starting from Kilpisjärvi and winding up in Ropinsalmi. The whole route is paved, so no need for a monster truck. Keep your eyes peeled for killer views of Lake Kilpisjärvi and the Norwegian mountains in the distance. Plus, history buffs will dig the monument marking the spot where the last shots of the Lapland War rang out way back in '45. Once you arrive, there's a little parking area, so you can hop out, stretch your legs, and soak it all in. Trust me, this Arctic Circle adventure is one for the books!
hardCol de l’Echarasson is a classic road trip in southeastern France
🇫🇷 France
# Col de l'Echarasson Nestled in the Drôme department of southeastern France, Col de l'Echarasson sits pretty at 1,146 meters (3,759 feet) above sea level. This alpine gem is part of the stunning Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and serves as a fantastic shortcut if you want to skip the notoriously challenging Combe Laval Road. The 7.8-kilometer (4.84-mile) route runs north-south through the majestic Vercors Massif, connecting Col Gaudissart to Lente. Fair warning: it's a narrow, paved climb with some serious teeth—expect gradients hitting 8% in places that'll get your calves burning. The road's steep sections and tight turns definitely keep you on your toes, but that's part of the charm. The views? Absolutely worth every switchback. The high-altitude scenery is genuinely spectacular. Plus, this pass has serious cycling credentials—the Tour de France has rolled through here, so you know you're on a legitimate mountain road. Year-round accessibility is a bonus, though winter can be temperamental. Snow and harsh weather occasionally force temporary closures, so check conditions before you head up. Otherwise, you're good to tackle this beauty whenever the mood strikes.
E65 Tara Canyon Road
🌍 Montenegro
# The E65 Through Tara River Canyon: Montenegro's Most Spectacular Drive Want to experience one of Europe's most breathtaking road trips? The E65 stretching from Mojkovac to Zabljak will absolutely deliver. This route cuts right through Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like nature's masterpiece—think dramatic limestone peaks, pristine glacial lakes, and untouched forests that seem to go on forever. The real showstopper? The section around the Durdevica Tara Bridge, a stunning five-arched concrete structure that's been standing since 1940. This iconic span soars 172 meters above the emerald-green Tara River, offering views that'll make your jaw drop. (Fun fact: the bridge took some serious damage during World War II but was rebuilt to its former glory afterward.) Below you lies the deepest canyon in Europe—and second deepest globally, right after the Grand Canyon—with walls plunging a jaw-dropping 1,300 meters down. The road hugs the canyon's edge like it's clinging for dear life, winding through tunnels carved straight out of the rock and delivering vertiginous views at nearly every turn. The Tara River below is impossibly clear and has become a haven for white-water rafting enthusiasts. Beyond the adrenaline rush of the drive itself, you've got an outdoor playground waiting. The Durmitor region serves up world-class hiking and skiing, with some of the wildest, most untamed landscapes you'll find anywhere in the Balkans.
hardWhere is Colletto Campanino?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Nestled in the southwest of Piedmont, in the northern reaches of Italy, lies Colletto Campanino. Forget smooth asphalt, this road to the summit is unpaved and ready to rumble. Don't expect a Sunday drive! Think challenging – like navigating the iconic road to Colletto Pramand. It’s the kind of drive that tests your mettle, but the views? Oh, the views are worth every bump and grind. You'll be climbing to a significant elevation, so prepare for some serious alpine scenery. Just keep your eyes peeled for any tricky spots along the way. It's a wild ride, but one you won't soon forget!