Kjalvegur F35 Highland Traverse
NASA moonscape through glacial river crossings
The F35 Kjalvegur cuts 166 kilometers through Iceland’s savage interior from Gullfoss to the ring road near Blönduós, crossing the Holtavörðuheiði highland plateau where NASA trained Apollo astronauts. This ancient route passes the Kerlingarfjöll mountains and Hveravellir geothermal area, where you’ll ford multiple glacial rivers including the treacherous Hvítá crossing that claims vehicles every summer.
Moderate difficulty requiring high-clearance 4WD and river crossing experience. Water can be thigh-deep at crossings, especially after rain or glacial melt. Best tackled June through September when F-roads are officially open. Carry recovery gear, emergency food, and satellite communication — cell service is nonexistent. The payoff is witnessing Iceland’s raw geological violence: steaming vents, painted rhyolite mountains, and endless highland solitude that defines real overlanding.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 103 mi / 166 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2297 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Gullfoss, Iceland |
| Land manager | Iceland Road 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 Hilux or Land Cruiser 200 run the F35 without modifications?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD with good all-terrain tires is enough for the F35 under normal summer conditions. Lifted suspensions help at the river crossings, but plenty of people cross in unmodified rigs — just don't rush the fords.
When does the F35 actually open and close each year?
Typically opens late June and closes by late September or early October, depending on snowpack and river levels. The Iceland Road Administration (Vegagerðin) posts official opening dates at road.is — check it the week before you go, not months ahead.
Do you need a permit or pay any fees to drive the F35?
No permit required and no fee to drive the route itself. Highland F-roads are public, managed by the Iceland Road Administration. Driving them before the official opening date carries fines and can void your rental insurance — that's the main regulation to respect.
What's the hardest section and what makes it serious?
The glacial river crossings are the crux — water levels can jump fast after rain or afternoon glacial melt, turning a straightforward ford into a vehicle-swallowing situation. Always scout on foot first, note the depth and current, and cross in the morning when melt is lowest.
Is there any fuel or resupply between Gullfoss and the northern end of the route?
Nothing. The 166km traverse has zero fuel stops, no services, and no cell service for emergency calls. Carry a full tank plus a jerry can, enough food and water for 2+ days, and a satellite communicator — this is genuine remote travel.
Trail track
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