Kjölur Route (F35)

The Kjölur Route (F35) cuts a 103-mile gravel ribbon through Iceland’s most desolate interior, following the same path traders used a thousand years ago to move between the north and south coasts. This ancient highway runs straight through the heart of the highlands, threading the needle between the massive Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers at elevations that peak around 2,130 feet. When the wind howls across this moonscape and the nearest cell tower sits 50 miles away, you understand why early Icelanders called this route the “Valley of Ghosts.”

The F35 demands a high-clearance 4WD but won’t punish a well-prepared rig. The gravel surface stays relatively smooth compared to Iceland’s more notorious F-roads, though river crossings and sudden weather changes can turn sections treacherous without warning. Most drivers complete the route in 4-6 hours during the June-September season when snow clears enough to make passage safe. Outside these months, the route closes entirely—winter here means business. The iconic Hveravellir geothermal area marks the halfway point, offering the only services and established camping along the entire route. Natural hot springs steam beside the road, creating an otherworldly stop where you can soak while glacial winds bite at anything above water level.

This isn’t a technical rock crawl or a mud bog—it’s an endurance run through terrain that feels more Mars than Earth. The emptiness stretches beyond what most North American drivers have experienced, broken only by distant glacier peaks and the occasional arctic fox. Fuel up completely before starting, carry extra water, and prepare for weather that can shift from calm to violent in minutes. Dispersed camping is allowed, but finding shelter from the highland winds becomes a survival skill. The Kjölur Route rewards drivers who respect its remoteness with landscapes that existed long before humans walked Iceland’s shores and will outlast us all.

Q: What type of vehicle do I need for the Kjölur Route?

A: The F35 requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle but doesn’t demand extreme modifications like 35-inch tires or rock sliders.

Q: How long does it take to drive the full Kjölur Route?

A: Most drivers complete the 103-mile route in 4-6 hours, depending on stops at Hveravellir and weather conditions.

Q: When is the Kjölur Route open?

A: The F35 operates from June through September when snow clears from the highlands, closing completely during winter months.

Q: Are there services or fuel available on the trail?

A: Hveravellir geothermal area at the midpoint offers the only services, with camping and hot springs but no fuel stations.

Q: Can I camp along the Kjölur Route?

A: Dispersed camping is permitted throughout the highlands, though finding wind-protected sites requires careful scouting.

Have a dirty day.