Suðurland / Norðurland vestra (Highland interior) · Iceland
Kjölur Highland Route
F3535Gullfoss / Haukadalur junction to Blönduós
Iceland’s most celebrated highland crossing, threading the Kjölur plateau between two massive ice caps through geothermal hot springs and ancient wilderness.
The F35 Kjalvegur runs 168 km through Iceland’s uninhabited central interior, flanked at a distance by the Langjökull glacier to the west and Hofsjökull to the east. The route passes the geothermal oasis of Hveravellir, the colourful rhyolite mountains of Kerlingarfjöll, and the glacier-fed lake Hvítárvatn. River crossings are bridged, making it the most accessible of Iceland’s highland routes, though a 4WD vehicle is legally required and conditions can deteriorate rapidly outside midsummer.
Scenery
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Kjölur Highland Route on the map103.1 mi · point to point
Navigate to the start: Apple Maps · Google Maps
Character
The highest road in Iceland, by our count in the catalogue.
Corners
busiest around mile 39Elevation
under 4%4–8%over 8%203.4 – 750.5 mPoints of interest3 stops
- BláfellshálsViewpoint16 mi in
- Gullfoss Viewing PlatformViewpointat the start
- ÁrbúðirFood and drink26 mi in
Hazards
- Rough corrugated gravel requiring low speeds
- No fuel or services for the entire route
- Rapidly changing weather including snow at any time
- 4WD legally required, do not attempt in a standard car
Sources
“Said to be the most famous road of the Icelandic highlands... the route leads through the middle of Iceland, enjoyable with a magnificent view of glaciers, mountains, and highland lakes.”
Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked
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