What are the most spectacular roads in Iceland?

Located in the northern part of Europe, Iceland is a country that provides an unparalleled road trip experience, with mountain roads and coastal drives, mixed with 4x4 trips. Some of the roads, due to their dangerousness, are for 4x4 vehicles only. Others are just for special vehicles, having to cross rivers.

Tucked away in the North Atlantic Ocean, the country covers 103,000 square kilometers. It’s famous for its dramatic landscapes with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, lava fields, and roads. When traveling to the country, be sure to drive Road 622, a hazardous drive below sea level when the tide is high; it’s one of the most challenging drives on Earth, with the road carved into and under cliffs. Driving this road is possible if you have a Jeep, 4x4 experience, time, and strong nerves.

Another must-do is driving the Askja Road, one of Earth’s most scenic trips. It’s a winding dirt track running towards the Askja volcano, a stratovolcano situated in a remote part of the central highlands. The road has some challenging sections with several fords and river crossings. Keep in mind, it’s a very dangerous drive. If you prefer paved roads, the Diamond Circle is an epic adventure for you. Running through the most incredible spots in the northeastern part of Iceland, it is an epic and unforgettable adventure.

F333 (Haukadalsvegur) is a scenic journey located in the Southern Region of Iceland. It's only suitable for 4x4 vehicles with very high ground clearance: along the way there is a small river crossing a few km north of the Haukadalskirkja Church.

Ring Road, also known as Route 1, is a national road that runs around Iceland. It is 1,332 Kilometres in length, and connects most of the towns and landmarks together in Iceland. From Reykjavik it goes north to Blönduós and Akureyri, to the eastern city of Egilsstaðir, down to Höfn, and finally follows the south coast back to Selfoss.

Námaskarð is a mountain pass at an elevation of 409m (1,341ft) above the sea level, located in the north of Iceland. The area is otherworldly, a sulfuric martian landscape.

Siglufjardarskard is a mountain pass at an elevation of 701m (2,299ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Northeastern and Northwestern regions, in the north of Iceland. The road is not for those who are afraid of height. The road requires slow, careful driving.

Road 643 (Strandavegur) is a very remote drive running along the coastline of the Westfjords region of Iceland.

Almannaskard is a mountain pass at an elevation of 162m (531ft) above the sea level, located in the Eastern Region of Iceland.

Situated in the Western Region of Iceland the F508 (Skorradalsvegur) is a difficult journey with breathtaking landscapes and rugged with rivers. Only for 4x4 vehicles with significant fording capacity. No service or network.

Located in the Northeastern Region of Iceland, Dettifoss waterfall is said to be the second most powerful waterfall in Europe measured by volume of water.

Located in the Eastern Region of Iceland the F903 (Hvannalindavegur) is an exciting journey with breathtaking landscapes following a small river and crossing it twice.

Road 626 (Hrafnseyrarvegur) is the name of a very scenic drive located on the coast of the fjord Dýrafjörður in the mountainous peninsula Westfjords of Iceland.

Oddsskardsgong is a mountain tunnel at an elevation of 631m (2,070ft) above the sea level, located in eastern Iceland.

Steingrimsfjörðurheiði pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 440m (1,443ft) above the sea level located in the Icelandic Westfjords.

Located on the Westfjords, a large peninsula in northwestern Iceland, Road 24 (Ingjaldssandsvegur) is one of the most remote drives of the country. The road requires slow, careful driving.

Iceland’s rugged, awe-inspiring landscapes make for one of the best and unusual road trips you can make. The roads are long and winding, and if you elect to go into the highlands on the country’s F-roads, you may be driving across glacial rivers and up winding mountain gravel tracks. It is a driving experience unmatched anywhere in the world.

Located in the Southern Region of Iceland, Dyrholaey Lighthouse is a century old lighthouse on an isolated clifftop.

Road 619 (Ketildalsvegur) is the name of a very scenic drive located on the coast of Arnarfjörður, one of the Westfjords in Iceland.

Iceland offers a unique driving experience. The road system of the country features 14 road tunnels, some of which stand out for their unique features, including an underground crossroad. Built since the 1960s, these tunnels have improved transportation across the country, making travel faster and safer between regions.

When can travelers expect the enchanting F-roads of Iceland to open up for exploration? These rugged, unpaved gravel paths beckon adventurers towards the breathtaking inner reaches of the country, known as the highlands. Renowned as mountain roads or highland roads, these F-roads often present thrilling challenges, including daring river crossings. However, with careful planning and a suitable vehicle, embarking on these F-roads becomes an unforgettable experience, as the Icelandic highlands that surround them are unparalleled in their natural beauty and serene tranquility.

Kollafjarðarheiði is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 464m (1,522ft) above the sea level, located in the West Fjords peninsula of Iceland.

Brókartindur is a mountain peak located in the southeastern part of Iceland. As a part of the vast Vatnajokull National Park, reaching its summit requires a 4x4 modified vehicle.

Haukadalsskarð is a mountain pass at an elevation of 375m (1,230ft) above sea level, located on the western coast of Iceland.

In Iceland, some tunnels and bridges have only one lane, especially in rural areas. While they are not numerous, it's important to remember the rules before driving through them. The key thing to know is how to handle oncoming traffic. If you're in a tunnel and there's a passing place on your right, you must pull over to allow the other vehicle to pass.

Vaðlaheiði is a mountain pass at an elevation of 544m (1,784ft) above sea level, located in northern Iceland. The road to the summit is closed to passenger vehicles—4x4 only. At this elevation, it’s one of the highest roads in the country.

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