Self Drive Route
Kjölur & Kerlingarfjöll
Across Iceland between Langjökull and Hofsjökull
A summer Highlands crossing via Kjölur with stops at Hveravellir and Kerlingarfjöll, intended for properly equipped travellers who understand mountain-road conditions.
Along the Route
Stops & Highlights
2 must-see locations
Kerlingarfjöll
Mountain range with colorful 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.
Guided Experiences
Tours & Day Trips in Iceland
Golden Circle, Northern Lights hunts, whale watching, glacier hikes, lava cave tours and more. Explore Iceland your way.
Accommodation
Hotels Along the Route
Find Hotels in Iceland
From cozy Reykjavík guesthouses to remote Highland lodges — thousands of properties with free cancellation and best price guarantee.
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.
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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