Driving the wild 4x4 road to Svinaskard Pass
Svínaskarð Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 485m (1,591ft) above sea level, located at the edge of the Reykjavík capital area and the countryside of Kjósarhreppur, in Iceland. It’s said to be one of the most demanding roads in the country.
Where is Svinaskard Pass?
The pass (‘The pass of pigs’) is located in the Höfuðborgarsvæðið region, in the southwestern part of the country. The pass was first accessed by car in 1930 but has hardly received any maintenance for a very long time.
Is the road through Svinaskard Pass unpaved?
The road through the pass is totally unpaved. It’s called Svínaskarðsleið. It’s a very difficult drive and a 4WD vehicle and an experienced driver are required. Descending from the pass (N), the trail goes in a steep zig-zag pattern down a steep mountainside, into and through a cliff-edged ravine. The road in this part is extremely steep, narrow, and with sharp turns. The road gets so steep in places that the car can slide down on the loose rocks under its own weight.
How long is the road through Svinaskard Pass?
The road is 16.7 km (10.37 miles) long, running north-south from Kjósarskarðsvegur (Road 48) to Þingvallavegur (Road 36).