Kjölur Highland Route
Viking highway through volcanic wasteland
The Kjölur route cuts straight through Iceland’s highland heart, threading between the massive ice caps of Langjökull and Hofsjökull across a landscape that looks more like Mars than Earth. This is the most accessible of Iceland’s highland crossings, following ancient paths used by Vikings and outlaws, passing the geothermal wonderland of Hveravellir with its natural hot springs steaming against the barren plateau. The track climbs to over 2,000 feet elevation through black sand desert and volcanic rubble, where the only signs of life are hardy arctic foxes and the occasional research station.
Moderate difficulty requires decent ground clearance but not technical 4×4 skills – most capable AWD vehicles handle it fine in good conditions. Open typically July through mid-September, with river crossings that can turn treacherous during snowmelt or storms. No fuel available for 120 miles, so carry extra jerry cans and emergency gear including food and warm clothes. Cell service disappears completely once you leave civilization. This route delivers what Iceland promises – absolute isolation, otherworldly volcanic landscapes, and the satisfaction of crossing terrain that stops most travelers cold.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 75 mi / 120.7 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2300 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High clearance AWD |
| Nearest town | Gullfoss, Iceland |
| Land manager | Icelandic Environment Agency |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | vegagerdin.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 high-clearance AWD do Kjölur, or do I need a lifted 4x4?
A stock high-clearance AWD like a Duster or Dacia Jogger can run Kjölur in good summer conditions, but the river crossings and washboard gravel punish low-clearance vehicles hard. A dedicated 4x4 with decent ground clearance is the smarter call — this is no place to find out your rig's limits.
When does the F35 (Kjölur) actually open each year and can I drive it in June?
The Icelandic Road Administration typically opens F35 in late June to early July depending on snowmelt, but early June is a gamble — it's often still gated. Check road status at road.is before you go, and don't assume 'summer' means 'open.'
Do I need a permit or pay any fee to drive Kjölur?
No permit or entry fee is required to drive the F35 Kjölur route. The Icelandic Environment Agency manages the highlands, and access is free — though driving off marked tracks is illegal and carries serious fines.
What's the hardest section of Kjölur and what should I actually expect?
The river crossings — particularly near Áfangi and a few unnamed fords mid-route — are the crux. They're not technical in a rock-crawling sense, but glacial melt makes water depth unpredictable; a crossing that was knee-deep in the morning can be axle-deep by afternoon. Watch flow, check for rocks underfoot, and don't cross blind.
How far is the nearest gas from the Kjölur route and is there any fuel mid-route?
There is no fuel on the route itself. Stock up in Reykjavik, Selfoss, or Blönduós before heading in — the 75-mile crossing plus approach roads mean you should carry a minimum 50-liter fuel buffer. The historic Hveravellir hot spring station mid-route has a small service hut but no fuel pumps.
Trail track
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