Öxi Mountain Pass (Route 939)
Iceland's steepest and most dramatic mountain crossing
Route 939, known as the Öxi Pass, tackles Iceland’s most dramatic mountain crossing with grades reaching 13% on narrow gravel switchbacks carved into near-vertical mountainsides. The route climbs from sea level at Berufjörður fjord to 552 meters elevation through a series of hairpin turns that test both driver nerve and vehicle brakes. Stone cairns mark the summit, where views stretch across the Vatnajökull ice cap and East Fjords’ serpentine coastline.
This is challenging mountain driving requiring excellent brakes, low gears, and steady nerves on exposed cliff-edge sections. High-clearance vehicles handle the gravel surface, but the real test is managing steep descents without overheating brakes. Open June through October, weather permitting — fog and wind can close the pass without warning. No fuel or services exist along the route, so tank up in Reyðarfjörður or Djúpivogur. The reward is accessing one of Iceland’s most spectacular viewpoints and experiencing genuine mountain driving in a land shaped by ice and stone.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 25 mi / 40 km |
| Duration | 4-5 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1811 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance vehicle with good brakes |
| Nearest town | Reyðarfjörður, Iceland |
| Land manager | Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | road.is |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Landcruiser Prado or similar high-clearance SUV handle the Öxi without modifications?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD is the minimum — the road is steep gravel, not a rock crawl. What matters more is having strong, well-maintained brakes for the descents, which are punishing on stock brake setups under load.
When does Route 939 over Öxi typically open and close each year?
The pass is generally accessible from June through October. Snow can close it outside those months without warning, and even in summer, fog and ice are possible at the summit — check road.is before you go, every single time.
Is a permit required to drive the Öxi Mountain Pass?
No permit is required. Route 939 is a public road managed by the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration. It's free to drive, but it can be closed by authorities during bad weather — closures are posted at road.is.
What's the hardest section of the Öxi and what should I actually be ready for?
The steep switchbacks on the climb out of Reyðarfjörður are the crux — grades hit roughly 16-18%, loose gravel, and narrow lanes with limited passing room. The descent on the north side is equally aggressive; burned-out brakes are a real risk if you're riding them instead of using low gear.
How far is the nearest fuel stop, and is there any camping along the route?
Fuel up in Reyðarfjörður before you start — there's nothing on the pass itself. There are no established campsites on the route; dispersed camping in Iceland requires staying off protected land and keeping 200m from farms, so the exposed high terrain here offers limited practical spots.
Trail track
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