Kjölur Route F35 — Gullfoss to Blönduós via Hveravellir and the Highland Interior
Between two glaciers on the old outlaw road.
Kjölur is the highland road people forget about because Sprengisandur gets the glory. It shouldn’t be forgotten. The old route follows a gap between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers, and for centuries it was the path that outlaws, farmers and travelers took across the interior. You leave Gullfoss on gravel, climb past Hvítárvatn, and the world goes quiet and bare. Then you hit Hveravellir, a geothermal field with a hot spring you can soak in while steam vents hiss around the hut. The road is rough, washboarded and rocky, but the line is clear and the scenery never lets up. Out the back you drop north through Blöndudalur toward Blönduós.
This is the easier of Iceland’s big highland crossings. A high-clearance 4×4 is required because it’s an F-road, and rental agreements usually say so in bold. The route is mostly bridged and the main hazard is a bad stretch of washboard and the weather, which can turn on you without warning. It’s usually open from late June to early September, and you should check road.is and safetravel.is before you go. Fuel up in Gullfoss or Blönduós, because there is no fuel in between. Camping is at designated sites only, including Hveravellir. You get empty horizons, glaciers on both sides, and a soak in a natural hot spring. Have a dirty day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 110 mi / 177 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2300 ft |
| Best season | Late June-early September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD (F-road) |
| Nearest town | Blönduós, 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 conditions SafeTravel Iceland |
| 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 4Runner or similar SUV do Kjölur?
Yes, if it's a true high-clearance 4WD. F35 is one of the easier F-roads in Iceland, but the route is legally restricted to 4WD vehicles with high clearance, and 2WD crossovers aren't allowed. Expect long stretches of washboard and rocky gravel, so carry a full-size spare and a way to air tires up and down.
When does the Kjölur route open, and can I drive it in winter?
It typically opens late June to early July once snow clears and the surface firms up, and closes around September or October depending on snowfall. In winter it's closed and buried in snow, and driving past a closure sign can mean a fine and a rescue bill. Check road.is for the current open/closed status before you leave.
Do I need a permit to drive F35, and what are the rules?
No permit is needed to drive it, but F-road rules apply: stay on the marked track, because off-road driving is illegal and heavily fined in Iceland. You'll pay a fee to camp at established sites like Hveravellir. Camping with a vehicle outside designated campsites is restricted, so plan your nights around the huts and campgrounds.
What's the hardest part of the route?
Mostly it's the rough, rocky, corrugated gravel, plus a few soft or washed-out patches in the lava desert sections, especially early in the season. A few small streams can run high after rain or snowmelt, though most of the main crossings are bridged. Rate it moderate: tiring and slow rather than technical, with 110 miles typically taking a full day or more.
Is there fuel or cell service along the way, and should I tell anyone my plans?
There's no fuel on the 110-mile stretch itself, so fill up near Gullfoss/Geysir at the south end or in Blönduós at the north end. Cell service is spotty across the interior. File your travel plan at safetravel.is, carry the 112 app, and check road.is conditions before heading out.
Trail track
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