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
hardBuzludzha Peak
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through central Bulgaria, heading towards Buzludzha Peak. This climb is no joke, topping out at 1,416 meters (that's 4,645 feet for my American friends!). The road's paved, so that's a win, but hold up – you're in for a bumpy ride. Think potholes and some seriously steep sections. You'll be snaking your way up from Road 5, tackling 12 hairpin turns over 16 kilometers. Get ready for an elevation gain of 925 meters – your car's gonna feel it! The average incline is almost 6%, so keep an eye on that temperature gauge. But trust me, the views are worth it. At the top sits this crazy abandoned communist monument. It's the Memorial House of the Bulgarian Communist Party, once all shiny and new back in '81. Now, well, let's just say weather and time haven't been kind. The last stretch to the monument is blocked off, but even from there, the panoramic views of the Balkan Mountains are absolutely epic! Just prepare for a wild, slightly eerie adventure.
moderateKippure: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🌍 Ireland
Okay, buckle up, because the Kippure climb is a must-do if you're anywhere near Dublin or Wicklow on Ireland's east coast! This isn't just a drive; it's a pilgrimage to one of the highest points in the country, topping out at 750 meters (2,460 feet). The road itself? Think smooth tarmac all the way to the summit, but keep in mind it’s a private road. You're heading to a mountaintop dominated by a massive TV and radio transmitter – it's the granddaddy of Irish television broadcasting! Built back in '59, this 3.4km (2.11 mile) stretch punches well above its weight. Starting from the Old Military Road (R115), you'll gain 221 meters in elevation, averaging a 6.5% gradient, but be warned: some sections crank up to a leg-burning 11%! Kippure earns its title as Dublin's highest mountain, and the drive is seriously rewarding. Trust me, the panoramic views are absolutely killer, so bring your camera and prepare for some serious scenery. It's a road trip you won't soon forget!
hardMoucherotte
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got the inside scoop on an insane climb in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France: Moucherotte! This beast of a peak tops out at 1,863 meters (6,112 feet), and the road to the summit is pure, unadulterated gravel. Heads up, it's usually snowed in from October to June, weather depending. Here’s the backstory: there used to be this super swanky hotel, Le Ermitage, built in '59, complete with a cable car straight from Grenoble. It was THE place to be, attracting the jet set, even Brigitte Bardot! There was also a 90-meter ski jump built for the 1968 Grenoble Olympics. Sadly, the good times didn't last, and the hotel and lift were abandoned, falling into disrepair. The hotel and summit even played a role in Brigitte Bardot's movie "La Bride sur le cou" ("The Bride of the neck"). The ruins of the hotel were finally demolished along with the cable car station in the summer of 2001. Now, about that climb… It's only 4.3 kilometers from Saint Nizier du Moucherotte, but pack your courage! You'll gain a whopping 698 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 16.23% – seriously steep! But trust me, the views are SO worth it. You’re smack-dab in the Vercors Natural Regional Park. The Moucherotte is the most northerly summit of the Vercors massif, which means panoramic vistas galore. There are official viewpoints, but honestly, you'll want to pull over everywhere. From the top, you can see the French Alps (including Mont Blanc!), Grenoble, and the Chartreuse massif. To the west lies the Four Mountain region of the Vercors. And if you look south, you'll spot peaks like Pic Saint Michel, Grand Moucherolle and Mont Aiguille. Get your cameras ready, because the Moucherotte summit is a photographer's dream!
moderateOuvrage La Déa
🇫🇷 France
Okay, so you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in France? Check out the road to Ouvrage La Déa, a seriously cool military fortress clinging to the mountains in Alpes-Maritimes! Perched way up high at 1,753 meters (that's 5,751 feet!), getting there is half the fun. Be warned: this isn't your typical smooth cruise. Expect a gravel and rocky track that can get a little tippy and bumpy in places. It's a mountain road, so yeah, there are some major drop-offs to keep you on your toes! Usually, snow makes it impassable from October to June, so plan accordingly. Not a fan of heights or unpaved roads? This one might not be for you. But if you're up for a challenge and love incredible views, the fortress (also called Petit Ouvrage de la baisse de la Déa, built back in 1934!) is totally worth the trek!