highlands · Iceland
Kjölur Highland Route (F35)
Kjölur (F35) runs through Iceland's central highlands between Hofsjökull and Langjökull glaciers. Route details: - Length: ~170 km (Gullfoss to Route 1 north) - Road: F35 (gravel, highland F-road) - Duration: 4-5 hours drive (slow, rough sections) - Open: Mid-June to mid-September (weather dependent) - Vehicle: 4x4 essential (no river crossings on main route) Landmarks: - **Hveravellir**: Hot spring area with bathing pool, mountain hut, campsite - View of Langjökull glacier (west) - View of Hofsjökull glacier (east) - Mountain desert landscape - Historical route (used for 1,000+ years) Access: - South access: From Gullfoss (Route 35) - North access: From Route 1 near Blönduós Services: - Hveravellir hut and campsite (midway) - No fuel or services on route - Highland buses operate summer Combine with: Golden Circle, Kerlingarfjöll, North Iceland Kjölur is one of Iceland's most historic and accessible highland routes. Crossing duration: Full day (with stops at Hveravellir).
About Kjölur Highland Route (F35)
Kjölur (F35) runs through Iceland's central highlands between Hofsjökull and Langjökull glaciers. Route details: - Length: ~170 km (Gullfoss to Route 1 north) - Road: F35 (gravel, highland F-road) - Duration: 4-5 hours drive (slow, rough sections) - Open: Mid-June to mid-September (weather dependent) - Vehicle: 4x4 essential (no river crossings on main route) Landmarks: - **Hveravellir**: Hot spring area with bathing pool, mountain hut, campsite - View of Langjökull glacier (west) - View of Hofsjökull glacier (east) - Mountain desert landscape - Historical route (used for 1,000+ years) Access: - South access: From Gullfoss (Route 35) - North access: From Route 1 near Blönduós Services: - Hveravellir hut and campsite (midway) - No fuel or services on route - Highland buses operate summer Combine with: Golden Circle, Kerlingarfjöll, North Iceland Kjölur is one of Iceland's most historic and accessible highland routes. Crossing duration: Full day (with stops at Hveravellir).
History & Background
This site in the Highlands follows routes that have connected Icelandic communities for centuries. Before modern roads, Icelanders traveled on horseback along marked trails between farms and trading posts. The first proper roads were built in the early 20th century, and the Ring Road (Route 1) wasn't fully completed until 1974. This scenic route passes through landscapes that early travelers would recognize — the same mountains, rivers, and valleys that appear in historical accounts and the medieval sagas. Modern travelers can now experience these historic landscapes in comfort, but the sense of wonder at Iceland's scenery remains unchanged.
Key Facts
- ✔Historic 1,000+ year route
- ✔Between Langjökull & Hofsjökull
- ✔F35 highland road (4x4)
- ✔Hveravellir hot springs midway
- ✔July-Sept only
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Book NowHistory & Background
This site in the Highlands follows routes that have connected Icelandic communities for centuries. Before modern roads, Icelanders traveled on horseback along marked trails between farms and trading posts. The first proper roads were built in the early 20th century, and the Ring Road (Route 1) wasn't fully completed until 1974. This scenic route passes through landscapes that early travelers would recognize — the same mountains, rivers, and valleys that appear in historical accounts and the medieval sagas. Modern travelers can now experience these historic landscapes in comfort, but the sense of wonder at Iceland's scenery remains unchanged.
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Kjölur has been Iceland's main highland crossing for over 1,000 years — outlaws, traders, and travelers used it when coastal routes were too dangerous. Today the F35 road follows the same path between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. The landscape is vast and empty: gravel plains, distant glaciers, volcanic mountains. Midway: Hveravellir, a hot spring oasis where travelers have bathed for centuries. The route is passable in summer (July-Sept) for 4x4 vehicles and highland buses.
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Book NowVisitor Information
Best Time
Summer (June-August) for the best road conditions and views
Duration
2-6 hours driving
Access
Car required; some routes need 4x4. Check road.is for conditions.
Why Visit
Drive Iceland's historic highland crossing between two glaciers — 1,000-year-old route through mountain desert with hot spring oasis.
Hidden Gems Nearby
Best Time of Day
Visit this attraction during golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) for the most beautiful light.
Iceland's low-angle sunlight creates long shadows and warm colors that transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary ones.
Local Knowledge
Ask locals for their favorite nearby spots — Icelanders are friendly and love sharing recommendations.
The best experiences often come from local tips about lesser-known viewpoints, cafés, or hidden natural features.
Weather Changes
Don't leave if the weather is bad — wait 15 minutes and it often changes dramatically.
Iceland's rapidly changing weather can transform a gray scene into a spectacular display of light and clouds in minutes.
Practical Information
Best Time
Summer (June-August) for the best road conditions and views
Duration
2-6 hours driving
Access
Car required; some routes need 4x4. Check road.is for conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to this attraction?▾
Check the location on a map app and verify road conditions at road.is. A regular car is sufficient for most paved roads, but a 4x4 may be needed for gravel or highland roads.
Is there an entrance fee?▾
Entry fees vary by site. Many natural attractions in Iceland are free, while museums and organized tours typically charge admission.
When is the best time to visit?▾
Summer (June-August) offers the best weather and longest days. Winter brings possible Northern Lights but shorter daylight hours and potential road closures.