Kaldidalur — Þingvellir to Húsafell via the Highland Pass between Langjökull and Ok
Cold wind, black lava and two glaciers.
Kaldidalur means Cold Valley, and it earns the name. From the historic Þingvellir area the gravel Road 550 climbs out of green lowland into a barren basin of black sand and lava, with the Langjökull ice cap on one side and the flat-topped Ok on the other. There’s no vegetation to speak of at the top, just wind, grit and long views. The surface is washboarded gravel with a few loose patches, and the passage is short enough that a stock SUV with decent tyres can often do it. The road drops toward Húsafell and the Hvítá river valley once you clear the high point.
Honest rating: Easy to Moderate. A high-clearance vehicle is smart, and 4WD is recommended because weather and washouts change fast up there. Kaldidalur is closed by snow most of the year, so check road.is for opening dates, usually late June to September, and again for conditions on the day. Fuel up before Þingvellir, since there is none on the pass, and bring layers because the wind chills you even in July. Phone signal is spotty at best. Camping on the pass is restricted, so plan on a campsite at Húsafell or Þingvellir. It’s a good first taste of the highlands before you commit to harder F-roads. Have a dirty day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 25 mi / 40.2 km |
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2385 ft |
| Best season | late June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance, 4WD recommended |
| Nearest town | Húsafell, Iceland |
| Land manager | Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (Vegagerðin) |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | Icelandic Road Administration |
| Verified | |
| 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 crossover or 2WD car drive Kaldidalur?
Kaldidalur (Route 550) is not an F-road, so 4WD isn't legally required, and many 2WD cars make it in summer. Expect washboard, loose gravel and sharp rocks, so high clearance and decent tires are worth having. Check your rental agreement, since many exclude gravel or highland damage.
When does Kaldidalur open, and can I drive it in winter?
It's a summer road, usually open from around late June through September, depending on snowmelt. It's closed in winter and not maintained. Check road.is for the current status before you go.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to drive Kaldidalur?
No permit is needed to drive the road, which is managed by Vegagerðin. Stay on the road, because off-road driving is illegal in Iceland and heavily fined. Parking at Þingvellir National Park is paid, so budget for that at the start.
What's the hardest part of Kaldidalur?
The hardest part is the high stretch near the 2,385 ft summit, where the road is rough, washboarded and exposed. Wind is the real hazard. Gusts can rip a car door out of your hand, and fog or sudden weather can cut visibility fast. The road is otherwise slow and bumpy rather than technical.
Is there fuel, food or cell service along Kaldidalur?
There are no services along the 25 miles, and cell coverage is spotty. Fuel up and stock water and snacks before you leave, at Þingvellir or in the Húsafell area. Tell someone your plan, and budget 2-3 hours with photo stops.
Trail track
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