Kjölur Highland Route (F35)
Historic highland route between glaciers connecting North and South Iceland with hot springs and mountain landscapes.
About
About Kjölur Highland Route (F35)
Historic highland route between glaciers connecting North and South Iceland with hot springs and mountain landscapes.
Drive Iceland's historic highland crossing between two glaciers — 1,000-year-old route through mountain desert with hot spring oasis.
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Photo Gallery
Background
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.
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).
Folklore
Story & Folklore
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.
💡 Did You Know?
Kjölur was abandoned for 200 years (1700s-1900s) due to ghost stories — travelers claimed to see apparitions and outlaws haunting the route.
Local Legend
The Outlaw's Refuge
Iceland's vast, uninhabited highlands have been associated with outlaws since the saga age. The most famous highland outlaw was Fjalla-Eyvindur (Mountain Eyvindur), who lived as a fugitive in the highlands for over 20 years in the 18th century with his wife Halla. They survived the extreme conditions by living in caves, hunting, and occasionally raiding lowland farms. Their story has become legendary, representing the human capacity to endure against impossible odds. Ruins attributed to their shelters can still be found in the highlands, and their tale has inspired countless Icelandic books, poems, and songs about freedom, love, and survival in the wild heart of Iceland.
Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Explore
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Location
📍 Location
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