Driving the defiant Road F734 (Vesturheiðarvegur)
F734 (Vesturheiðarvegur) is a very demanding drive with breathtaking landscapes and rugged with rivers located in the Northwestern Region of Iceland. With a few deep rivers crossings, someone said this a road ‘for those with balls of steel’.
Located in the Blandaa valley, the drive is only for 4x4 vehicles with significant fording capacity. No service or network. The road runs north-south from Strangakvísl towards Road 35. It is a rough and challenging road, with some steep sections passing by impressive lava formations. Should not be drive in anything else than a full size 4x4 with high clearance. The track is usually muddy and slanted, with narrow parts passing through rocks. The road is heavily potholed and your vehicle will bounce, labour and shake.
It’s only open during the summer months, usually between late June and early September. Expect to be alone, this track is not very busy even and very remote. In case of a breakdown, there is very little in the way of passing traffic or inhabitants around. It’s one of the famous F Roads of the country.
There are a few deep rivers to cross, especially Blandá and Svartá rivers. Crossing big rivers requires a bit of experience. Do not attempt to cross with one car, or during heavy rain. It can be treacherous if the water level rises due to lots of rain and warm weather. Be careful and ask the locals for advice. Only well equipped jeeps and larger vehicles are able to cross the rivers. Always check the river to ensure that it's not too deep. From time to time there are smaller water holes. This road is amazing by day, but can be dangerous during the dark night. Rental car insurance does not cover damages from water, including any damage caused by crossing rivers. Several deep rivers with high water flow have to be crossed. Some of them can be 1.4 metres deep.
Pic: pietro_valocchi