Self Drive Route
Kjölur & Kerlingarfjöll
Across Iceland between Langjökull and Hofsjökull
Cross Iceland between Langjökull and Hofsjökull with Hveravellir and Kerlingarfjöll as the signature stops.
Kjölur is one of Iceland’s classic interior crossings, but it should still be treated as a Highlands journey rather than a shortcut between north and south. Kerlingarfjöll and Hveravellir are the two major reasons to slow down. Start with a full tank, use a vehicle permitted for the roads you plan to drive, and make road opening and weather checks part of the itinerary.
Winter Warning
Do not attempt Kjölur or Kerlingarfjöll as a normal winter self-drive route while mountain roads are closed.
Must See
Main Highlights
Kerlingarfjöll
Colourful geothermal mountains and the route’s main hiking destination.
Hveravellir
Geothermal area and a natural break between the glaciers on the long interior crossing.
Along the Route
Stops & Highlights
2 must-see locations
Kerlingarfjöll
Highland mountain range with colourful rhyolite terrain and geothermal valleys.
Allow enough time for geothermal hiking; weather can change rapidly.
Hveravellir
Protected geothermal area on Kjölur with hot springs, colourful mineral deposits, seasonal huts and a bathing pool.
Good rest stop between the glaciers; respect marked geothermal paths.
Day Plan
Suggested Itinerary
08:00
Enter Kjölur
Start with a full tank, food, water and current road/weather checks.
10:30
Kerlingarfjöll
Allow several hours if hiking is a priority.
15:00
Continue across Kjölur
Keep enough time margin for rough-road driving and weather.
17:00
Hveravellir
Geothermal stop and break before the final section of the crossing.
19:00
Exit the Highlands
Do not let a late schedule push you into unsafe driving conditions.
Self-Drive Plans
Alternative Itinerary Options
Choose the plan that fits your schedule.
1-Day Kjölur Crossing
Long summer dayFor experienced drivers who keep hiking short and use the route primarily as a scenic highland crossing.
Start early and keep significant weather and fuel margin.
Recommended 2-Day Kjölur
2 daysKerlingarfjöll on day one, Hveravellir and the remainder of the crossing on day two.
Much safer and more enjoyable than forcing long hikes and the full crossing into one day.
Before You Go
Practical Information
Trip Duration
1–2 days
Starting Point
Gullfoss or North Iceland
Best Time to Visit
Summer only, when the mountain roads are officially open. Opening dates vary with snow and ground conditions, so always use current road status rather than a fixed calendar date.
Road Conditions
This is a Highlands route with rough gravel and mountain-road conditions. Use a suitable permitted 4x4 and check road opening and surface conditions immediately before departure.
Weather
The route is exposed and high-elevation. Strong wind, cold, rain and low visibility can arrive quickly in summer.
Fuel
There is no fuel on the Kjölur highland crossing. Fill the tank before entering the Highlands and keep a reserve for delays or detours.
Food
Carry food and water for the crossing. Seasonal services at highland destinations should be treated as a bonus, not your only supply plan.
Parking
Use established parking at Kerlingarfjöll, Hveravellir and signed viewpoints. Never drive off-road to create your own stop.
Toilets
Basic seasonal facilities are available at major highland service areas, but not along every section of the route.
Safety
Stay on legal roads, keep away from unmarked geothermal ground, carry warm layers and water, and turn back if visibility or road conditions deteriorate.
Accessibility
Road surfaces are rough and many geothermal or hiking areas have uneven ground. Accessibility is limited compared with normal lowland sightseeing routes.
Winter Driving
The route is seasonal. Closed mountain roads must not be driven even if the weather looks good at the start point.
Opening Hours
No fixed opening date applies. Check official mountain-road status before departure.
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Tours & Activities
8 hours 30 minutesLandmannalaugar Highlands | Day Tour | Midgard
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45,000 ISK
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9 hours 30 minutesPrivate Day Trip in Landmannalaugar from Reykjavík
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9 hours 30 minutesPrivate Day Trip in Landmannalaugar South Region area on a 4x4 truck
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7 hoursLandmannalaugar Full Day Tour
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8 hoursHekla & Maelifell Adventure - Private Super Jeep Tour
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Insider Knowledge
Travel Tips
Use a rental vehicle explicitly permitted on the roads you plan to drive.
There is no fuel on the Kjölur highland crossing, so fill up before entering the Highlands.
Check road opening status and weather immediately before departure.
Carry food, water and warm layers even on a good summer forecast.
Plan two days if you want substantial hiking at Kerlingarfjöll.
Do not drive onto closed roads or off marked tracks.
Accommodation
Hotels Along the Route
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Common Questions
FAQ
Do I need a 4x4 for Kjölur and Kerlingarfjöll?+
Plan this as a Highlands 4x4 route and confirm your rental agreement allows the exact mountain roads in your itinerary.
Is there fuel on Kjölur?+
No dependable fuel is available on the crossing. Start with a full tank and plan conservatively.
When does Kjölur open?+
There is no guaranteed opening date. Mountain roads open when conditions allow, so check official road status immediately before departure.
Can I do Kjölur in one day?+
Yes in good summer conditions, but it becomes a long driving day. Two days is much better if Kerlingarfjöll hiking is important.
Can I drive Kjölur in winter?+
Not as a normal independent self-drive route while the mountain roads are closed.
What are the two main stops?+
Kerlingarfjöll and Hveravellir are the signature destinations and deserve most of your non-driving time.
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