Scenic Route 939: Öxi Pass

Öxi Pass – Enchanting mountain road

Route 939, also known as Öxi Pass, is a less traveled and very scenic route in eastern Iceland. If you’re looking for a way to connect the towns of Djúpivogur and Egilsstaðir, this is the perfect choice. Although not as well known as the main Ring Road, this route offers breathtaking views of fjords, mountain valleys, rivers and waterfalls.

We didn’t know where to look first, and it was definitely the most beautiful part of the trip we took in Iceland.

Panoramic views of fjords and mountains

Beginning at a height almost at sea level, the road slowly leads you over the Öxi Pass. Right of the bat, fjord views and coastline remind you why Iceland is a land of endless natural contrasts.

As you climb the Öxi road, you’ll get views of majestic snow-capped mountains that look like out of Mordor (if you’ve read Lord of the Rings). Their strange peaks resemble the teeth of a crown or glittering crystals. They look beautiful and terrifying at the same time and will accompany you for several kilometres.

These views are constantly changing. Sometimes you see sharp peaks peeking out of the mist. Other times, you are captivated by snow-covered slopes that gradually disappear into the misty horizon.

Farms and lonely houses

Although Route 939 is all about natural beauty, along the way you’re sure to notice a few houses and farms that seem to defy the harsh conditions of their surroundings. Scattered in valleys or at the base of mountains, these homesteads often feel like small oases in an inhospitable landscape.

Along the way, you will meet several animals, such as sheep and cows, which belong to these farms. Together with the surrounding scenery, this only adds to the amazement of the journey.

Waterfalls

While driving through the Öxi Pass, you will notice a number of small waterfalls flowing down from the mountains. In fact, the most beautiful ones are often close to the road, so you can easily admire them directly from the car or make a short stop. Among them, the absolute standout is the Folaldafoss Waterfall.

Even before you reach the main waterfall, you’ll be amazed by the numerous small streams cascading down the lush green hills. Just a few meters later, you’ll catch sight of the waterfall itself, where you can park your car and take a closer look.

Its powerful current, plunging from the basalt rocks directly into the river, enchants with its raw beauty. From the parking lot, you can walk down to the pond where it lands and marvel at the waterfall’s splendor, as well as the breathtaking surrounding landscape.

Changing scenery

The Öxi Pass guides you through an ever-changing landscape, shifting from moss-covered lava fields to lush green valleys and dark basalt cliffs. With every turn, the scenery transforms, leaving you constantly wondering what breathtaking view lies just around the next corner.

Last stretch of the road prepared a surprise for us in the form of a white kingdom. Snow blanketed everything around us, while a soft white mist descended from above, reducing visibility to just a few meters in places. It truly was an incredible adventure.

In no more than 10 minutes, we were joining Route 95, which would take us to Hengifoss Waterfall. However, this road also leads to the small town of Egilsstaðir.

We were being played by the fog and it made it impossible to see what was around us most of the way, but it was definitely worth it.

If you’re doing a round trip around the whole of Iceland, you can’t miss this one.