About

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).

📖 Story

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.

Key Facts