Kjölur Highland Route F35 Northern Extension
Highland solitude beyond the tourist buses.
The northern reaches of F35 beyond Hveravellir push into Iceland’s most isolated highland terrain, where the road deteriorates to rough tracks threading between active geothermal fields and the terminus of Langjökull glacier. Past the last tourist buses, this extension climbs through boulder fields and river crossings toward Kerlingarfjöll, offering unobstructed views of the glacier’s scarred face and steaming vents that mark unstable ground.
Moderate difficulty with several unbridged river crossings and loose volcanic scree requiring high-clearance 4WD and careful route-finding. Best accessed July through September when snowmelt stabilizes and highland roads officially open. Carry extra fuel, recovery gear, and GPS navigation as the track becomes indistinct in places. The reward is pure Icelandic highland solitude and some of the country’s most dramatic geothermal activity away from the crowds.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2450 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Gullfoss, Iceland |
| Land manager | Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Land Cruiser 200 or Defender handle this trail, or does it need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD with good all-terrain tires handles the F35 Northern Extension fine. Lifted rigs have more margin on the river crossings, but factory clearance on a Land Cruiser, Defender, or Hilux is sufficient — just know your belly and approach angles before you drop into any ford.
When does the F35 Northern Extension actually open, and is it always accessible in July?
The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration typically opens highland F-roads in late June to early July, but it varies year to year based on snowpack. Always check road.is before you leave — 'open' can flip to 'closed' overnight after a storm even in August.
Do I need a permit or is there an entry fee to drive the F35?
No permit or fee required to drive the route itself. Iceland's highland F-roads are managed by the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration and are open to the public when conditions allow. If you camp in designated highland areas, follow Leave No Trace — dispersed camping is permitted but don't dig trenches, move rocks, or damage vegetation.
How serious are the river crossings on this route, and what's the hardest one?
Crossings are unbridged glacial rivers that vary significantly with temperature and rainfall — a knee-deep morning ford can be thigh-deep by afternoon. The hardest crossings on this extension can reach 50–70cm in peak melt; walk them on foot first, check the bottom, and cross at the widest, shallowest point. Glacial water is fast and cold — a swept vehicle here is a serious situation.
How much fuel do I need, and is there any resupply near the trailhead?
The nearest fuel is in Selfoss or Akureyri — depending on your direction — and there's nothing on the highland plateau itself. Budget for the full 45km of rough terrain plus your approach and exit, and carry a minimum 20–30 liters of reserve. Don't assume Gullfoss has a pump; it doesn't.
Trail track
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