The challenging Road 917 to the summit of Hellisheiði Eystri
Hellisheiði Eystri is a mountain pass at an elevation of 644m (2,112ft) above sea level, located in Northeast Iceland. The road is very steep, with some parts reaching gradients of up to 15%. Even though driving the road is a bit intimidating, the view from the top is astonishing.
How Challenging is the Road to Hellisheiði Eystri?
The road to the summit is mostly unpaved, called Hlíðarvegur (917). It’s a highly challenging drive with 15 hairpin turns. The road is steep and high, narrow in parts, and can be slippery when wet. It offers superb driving with numerous tight switchback bends and curves, high drop-offs (not for the faint-hearted), and truly amazing views from the top.
Is Road 917 to Hellisheiði Eystri Open in Winters?
At this elevation, it stands as one of the highest roads in the country. It's one of the country's first roads to close each autumn due to heavy snowfall.
Where Does Road 917 to Hellisheiði Eystri Start and End?
The road is 70.7km (43.93 miles) long, running north-south from Vopnafjörður on Norðausturvegur (Road 85) to Þjóðvegur (Road 1), offering stunning views of the sea. Considered the steepest mountain road in the country, some sections have gradients up to 15%. The road is passable for all cars and vehicles when conditions are good. However, a motorhome with "front wheel drive" might find it challenging on the steepest parts, especially in wet weather.
Is the Drive through Road 917 to Hellisheiði Eystri Worth It?
At the summit, there’s a former weather station, providing a breathtaking view over Héraðsflói Bay. The journey offers great views of coastal cliffs at Drangsnes and the abandoned farm Krummsholt, where indistinct Viking ruins are found. At least two to three options at the top allow you to stop at small parking lots to take photos.
Pic: L M