Kjalvegur Highland Route (F35)
Iceland's ancient glacier highway
The Kjölur route has been Iceland’s main highland passage for over a thousand years, cutting straight through the island’s heart between two massive glaciers. This 170-kilometer gravel road connects Gullfoss waterfall in the south to Blönduós on the north coast, passing through the geothermal wonderland of Hveravellir where hot springs steam against a backdrop of ice-capped peaks. The route crosses the Kjalhraun lava field and skirts the western edge of Hofsjökull glacier, with the road reaching its highest point at 670 meters above sea level.
F35 rates as moderate difficulty—rough gravel with occasional river crossings but manageable for any high-clearance vehicle in summer months. Stock 4WD handles it fine, though the corrugated sections will rattle your teeth loose. Best driven June through September when snow clears; winter closure is absolute. No fuel available along the route, so tank up before heading into the highlands. The payoff is Iceland’s most accessible taste of the raw interior—endless volcanic plains, geothermal areas, and the kind of otherworldly landscape that makes you understand why Vikings thought this was the edge of the world.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 106 mi / 170 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2198 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD recommended |
| Nearest town | Gullfoss, Iceland |
| Land manager | Icelandic Road Administration |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | road.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 Hilux or Land Cruiser handle F35 without any modifications?
Yes — a stock high-clearance 4WD is fine for F35 under normal summer conditions. The gravel is rough but not technical; the main risks are river crossings and soft volcanic sand pulling you sideways, not rock-crawling.
When does the F35 actually open each year and what happens if you go too early?
The Icelandic Road Administration typically opens F35 in late June, sometimes early July depending on snowmelt — check road.is the morning you leave, not the week before. Driving a closed F-road in Iceland is illegal and carries serious fines; the conditions that keep it closed will also likely strand you.
Do you need a permit to drive the F35 and is there an entry fee?
No permit required and no trail fee as of now — F-roads in Iceland are public highland roads managed by the Icelandic Road Administration. Just make sure your rental contract or vehicle insurance explicitly covers F-roads, because many standard Icelandic rental agreements void coverage the moment you hit an F-road.
What's the hardest part of the F35 and what should I actually be prepared for?
The river crossings are where people get into trouble — the Þjórsá tributaries can run fast and thigh-deep depending on glacial melt, and conditions change same-day. Watch other vehicles cross first, walk it if you're unsure, and never cross alone; the remote highland interior means a recovery could take hours to days.
There's no cell service on F35 — what's the realistic plan if something goes wrong 50 miles in?
Carry a satellite communicator (Garmin InReach or similar) — this is non-negotiable on F35, not optional gear. Travel with at least one other vehicle, bring extra fuel for the full 106-mile run plus buffer since there are zero fuel stops between Gullfoss and the north end, and file a trip plan with someone who knows when to call for help.
Trail track
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