Where does Road F923 (Jökuldalsvegur) start and end?
Iceland, europe
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extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Eastern Iceland and craving a truly wild ride, the F923 (Jökuldalsvegur) is calling your name. This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking a rugged, challenging route that carves its way from near Aðalból toward Road 910, leading you to the stunning Hrafnkelsdalur valley.
Forget your cute little rental car; this road demands a serious 4x4 with high clearance and fording capabilities. Expect a bumpy journey with massive potholes, relentless ruts, and the occasional boulder trying to hitch a ride. Seriously, it’s a mix of steep, rocky slopes, broken road sections, and boggy terrain.
Keep in mind, this Highland road is only open during the summer, typically from late June to early September. You'll likely find yourself completely alone out there. Cell service can be spotty, so be prepared for self-sufficiency!
But hey, if you're prepared, the F923 delivers some of Iceland's most jaw-dropping scenery. Just be warned, navigating the river crossings requires experience, and never attempt them solo or during heavy rain. The water levels can rise quickly, turning a ford into a treacherous obstacle. Always scout the river's depth before attempting a crossing.
Despite the challenges, the F923 is one of Iceland's most iconic F Roads. Just remember, it's magical by day, but potentially perilous at night. Gear up, get ready, and prepare for an unforgettable Icelandic adventure!
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hardMillau Viaduct is a French work of art
🇫🇷 France
# The Millau Viaduct: France's Sky-High Engineering Marvel Picture this: you're driving through southern France, heading toward the Massif Central mountains, when suddenly you're soaring 343 meters above the River Tarn—higher than the Eiffel Tower. Welcome to the Millau Viaduct, the world's tallest bridge and one of those rare structures that's genuinely jaw-dropping. Located in the Occitanie region's Midi-Pyrénées area, this architectural masterpiece stretches for 2,460 meters across four lanes, connecting Paris with Béziers and Montpellier via the A75-A71 autoroute. Built between 2001 and 2004, it's the brainchild of French engineer Michel Virlogeux and British architect Norman Foster—a collaboration that resulted in pure genius. The sleek cable-stayed design with its slender white masts looks almost ethereal, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape rather than dominating it. No wonder it's racked up awards for design excellence. **What to expect when you drive it:** This toll road is entirely paved, but don't underestimate it. Heavy caravans should probably skip this one—the approach roads feature serious climbs and descents that'll test your brakes. Winter driving? Sudden snowfall isn't uncommon up here, and the road can shut down fast. High winds are particularly treacherous for trucks, buses, and trailers; their size makes them vulnerable to being pushed around, so slow down and increase your following distance. Even in a regular car, overtaking requires serious caution—the wind turbulence from larger vehicles can catch you off guard. The views are genuinely spectacular, though—gazing down on the Tarn Valley from that height is something you won't forget. Just keep your eyes on the road.
moderateA Fantastic Road to Col des Saisies, with Great Views of Mont Blanc
🇫🇷 France
# Col des Saisies Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col des Saisies sits pretty at 1,657m (5,436ft) and serves as one of the crown jewels along the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes. Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, this pass has earned serious cycling credentials through its frequent appearances in the Tour de France. The fully paved D218B road climbs for 26.8 km (16.65 miles) from Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe to Villard-sur-Doron, and let me tell you—it doesn't take it easy. You'll tackle sections with gradients hitting 11.4%, so your legs will definitely feel this one. Fair warning though: the summit experience is a bit of an anticlimactic moment. Unlike some of the Alps' more dramatic peaks, you don't get that jaw-dropping summit view. Instead, the road just gently flattens out as it passes through what feels like a sleepy ski resort, which can feel a little underwhelming after all that climbing. The pass stays open year-round most of the time, though Mother Nature has the final say—snow closures can happen anytime during winter months, so check conditions before you head up. Ready to add this Alpine challenge to your bucket list?
hardWhere is Coll de Pal?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, buckle up, adventure lovers, because Coll de Pal is calling! This high-altitude mountain pass, nestled in the Catalan Pyrenees, is a must-do for road trip enthusiasts. You'll find it in the comarca of Berguedà, a gem in northern Catalonia. The road is a challenging climb with seriously steep sections, often featured in the Vuelta a España cycling race. How long? Depending on where you start, you're looking at an epic journey! Coming from Bagà in the south, it's about 18km of paved road. But if you're feeling extra adventurous, the stretch from La Masella is unpaved, about 8km. Get ready for some serious elevation! Starting from Bagà, you'll climb over 1,000 meters with an average gradient of 6%. But don't get too comfy, because you'll hit sections with 11%, 12%, and even a brutal 13% incline! The toughest parts are at the start, with a couple of kilometers averaging over 9%. Keep in mind, this is the Serra de Moixeró mountain range, so the road is usually open, but snowfall is common. The weather can change in a heartbeat, so be prepared for anything! And while you're catching your breath from the curves, get ready to be blown away by the scenery. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience!
extremeDriving the fantastically twisty road to Torri di Fraele
🇮🇹 Italy
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