Where is the Road F578 in Iceland?
Iceland, europe
79 km
589 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up adventure junkies, because F578, aka Arnarvatnsvegur, is NOT your average Sunday drive! This "road" (and I use that term loosely) claws its way through the Western Highlands of Iceland, north of the mighty Langjökull glacier.
Think you're prepared? Think again. You're gonna need a serious 4x4 with high clearance to even think about tackling this 79km (49 mile) beast that stretches between Road 704 (Miðfjarðarvegur) and Road 518 (Hálsasveitarvegur). We're talking bone-jarring potholes, ruthless ruts, and boulder fields that'll test your off-roading skills to the absolute limit.
And remember that bumpy ford on Norðlingafljót? Yeah, it's still there, and it's waiting for you. The northern stretch near Arnarvatn large can be rocky and wet, with treacherous mud holes ready to swallow your tires whole. It's so remote that some rental car companies outright ban this road, even for 4x4s. Consider travelling with a buddy for safety.
But the payoff? Epic. This track winds through stunning lava fields on its way up to 589m (1,932ft) above sea level. F578 is famous for giving you access to many fishing lakes that are mainly located in the middle of the route. The biggest of them is called Arnarvatn Stóra.
Just remember, this road is only open during the summer, usually from late June to early September. And keep an eye on the weather – rain and warm temps can turn those streams into raging rivers in a heartbeat. Glacial rivers swell as the day goes on. Are you brave enough to take on the challenge?
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 79 km
- Max Elevation
- 589 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardGorges de la Nesque is a balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges de la Nesque: Provence's Most Thrilling Drive Picture this: you're winding through one of Europe's most jaw-dropping canyon roads, perched impossibly high above the Nesque River in the heart of Provence. Welcome to Gorges de la Nesque, a stunning 22.1 km stretch of asphalt carved right into the cliffs between Villes-sur-Auzon and Monieux in the Vaucluse department. Built in the early 1900s and officially opened in 1920, the D942 has earned its reputation as one of Europe's most beautiful drives. But here's the thing—beauty comes with an adrenaline kick. This isn't your average scenic route. The road is genuinely narrow (we're talking single-car-width in many spots), peppered with hairpin turns, blind curves, and dramatic rock overhangs. If you're terrified of heights, maybe keep your eyes on the road and skip the views. The frequent unlit tunnels add another layer of adventure, and yes, there are stretches where the only thing between you and a 400-meter drop is a low barrier... or sometimes nothing at all. Most drivers take 35-50 minutes to complete the route, assuming they don't stop to snap photos. Pro tip: avoid late June through August unless you enjoy sitting in traffic and melting in the heat. Hit it early morning instead for the best experience. The scenery is genuinely spectacular. You'll pass the stunning Castelleras belvedere with views of "Rocher de Cire," the gorge's highest point at 872 meters, and witness depths that'll make your stomach flip. Cyclists love this road too, thanks to those same tunnels that keep traffic surprisingly light. If you've heard of Gorges du Verdon, Nesque is its thrilling next-door neighbor—arguably just as impressive.
hardThe breathtaking road to Couillade de Llerbès
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up for Couillade de Llerbès! This hidden gem sits way up high in the French Pyrenees, specifically in the Ariège department of Occitanie. We're talking 2,299 meters (7,542 feet) above sea level! Now, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road is more of a rugged, rocky, gravel track – a chairlift access trail, actually. It's seriously steep, like, "hold-on-to-your-hat" steep. Think loose stones and even rockier conditions as you climb higher. You'll need perfect timing to tackle this one, probably only in late August. And be prepared for wind! It's pretty much a constant companion up here. Summer might bring a surprise dusting of snow, and winter? Forget about it – brutally cold temps. This route is basically a service road for a ski station, and some sections boast a crazy 30% gradient. But if you're up for a real adventure, the views are totally worth it!
hardSetaz des Pres
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the French Alps, in the Savoie region, lies Sétaz des Près, a seriously stunning peak reaching 2,314 meters (7,591 feet). This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking a rocky, gravel track that's basically a ski lift service road during the winter. Think super steep – some sections crank up to a 30% gradient! It's located in the wild Massif des Cercesrange, so expect epic scenery. The catch? This road is ONLY accessible for a super-short window in late August. And even then, be prepared for anything. We're talking potentially brutal winds (they whip through here year-round), and even snow in summer isn't unheard of. Basically, you need to be ready for anything. It's steep, loose, rocky, and challenging, but that view from the top? Totally worth it.
easyIs AL-5107 road paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Prepare to be enchanted by the breathtaking beauty of AL-5107, a picturesque coastal road nestled in the eastern part of Almería province, within the enchanting region of Andalusia, Spain. Is AL-5107 road paved? Absolutely! This delightful road beckons you on a smooth journey along the azure shores of the Mediterranean Sea. As you traverse its well-paved path, be prepared to immerse yourself in awe-inspiring vistas of majestic mountains and the glistening sea. The landscape's wild and isolated charm will captivate your soul and leave you yearning for more. And guess what? The adventure gets even more thrilling during holidays, as the road comes alive with vibrant energy and joyful travelers. Reaching New Heights, Embracing New Horizons Ascend to 174 meters (570 feet) above sea level, where a world of wonder awaits you at Mirador de la Granatilla. This natural viewpoint offers jaw-dropping panoramas of the boundless sea, leaving you spellbound by nature's artistry. How long is AL-5107 road? Embark on a 24.7-kilometer (15.34 miles) journey along AL-5107, a hidden gem tucked away in the southeast of Spain. Running from Garrucha to Carboneras, this mesmerizing route will take you on a north-south adventure through the heart of captivating landscapes and charming coastal towns. Get ready to savor the allure of AL-5107, where every twist and turn promises an unforgettable experience. Embrace the beauty of Andalusia's coastal paradise and create memories that will last a lifetime. Your dream coastal road adventure awaits! The road to Puerto de Casillas: pure adventure Lagu Terciellu: Driving the brutal 11% Camín de La Poza in Asturias Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.