F35 Road in Iceland: Guide to the Kjölur Road

The Icelandic Highlands boast some of the country's most beautiful, dramatic, and rugged scenery, and driving Kjölur Road is one of the best ways to see this region. 

Also known as F35, Kjölur Road in Iceland runs between the country's North and South, stretching across the middle. While many travellers take to the Ring Road for a long Iceland road trip, driving Kjölur is an adventurous alternative only possible during the summer, when the Highland F-roads are open.

So what can you expect if you decide to take an adventure down this stretch of highway? Anticipate hot springs, glaciers, mountains and more, all in a remote setting. Due to this remote setting, though, the best way to travel along Kjölur Road is via a rental car, so you can experience this road trip at your own pace. Icelandic law also requires 4x4 vehicles throughout the entire Highlands region. Lava Car Rental offers a variety of such 4x4 vehicles to keep you safe and comfortable throughout the journey. 

Ready to get started planning your Iceland Kjölur Road road trip? Here’s everything you’ll need to know.

 

What is Kjölur Road and Why is It So Special?

So what is Iceland’s Kjölur Road? Also known as the F35 Iceland, or sometimes the Kjölur Route or Kjalvegur Road, Kjölur Road is a 168-kilometre, 104-mile roadway that extends from southern Iceland, near Haukadalur and Gullfoss Waterfall, all the way to the north, ending around Blonduos. As such, Kjölur Road is one of the longest roads that goes through the Icelandic Highlands. It’s the second-longest F-road in Iceland and only one of two roads in Iceland that connect the southern and northern portions of the country.

The other road is the F26, though it’s a bit more difficult to traverse than the F35 — making Kjölur Road a good choice for travellers looking for adventure and confident in their driving skills, but who might be overall new to Iceland. Do note, though, that while F35 is the easier journey out of the two, it’s still incredibly remote. There are no gas stations, shopping centres or campsites to be found right on the road. Additionally, as mentioned, a 4x4 vehicle is necessary to drive on F35.

It's not just its remoteness that makes Kjölur Road special, though. It’s all the sights and sounds you’ll experience along the way that make this a top road trip route in Iceland. The Highlands offer some of the most dramatic scenery in the entire country, and the region as a whole is a hiker’s paradise. Kjölur Road allows you to see a bit of everything the Highlands has to offer.

 

What is the Best Time to Go to Kjölur Road, Iceland?

If you decide to take an Iceland road trip along the Kjölur Road, it’s important to realise that the roadway is only accessible during the summer months. The Highlands roads are completely shut off to vehicle traffic during the fall, winter and spring, due to the poor road conditions and very harsh weather. 

Also, realize that Iceland’s summers are quite short, only a few months, so if you want to visit the Kjölur Road, you’ll need to plan to come to Iceland in June, July, August or September, with July and August being overall your best bets.

Not only will visiting Kjölur Road during July or August ensure that you can actually access it, but it also ensures you a nice timer overall, with great weather and an opportunity to see the Midnight Sun. You’ll have plenty of daylight by which to get around and see other locations in Iceland.

While the official opening and closing days of the Highland roads change every year depending on the weather and the road conditions, you can get an idea of the potential opening dates on this table:

  

What is Driving Kjölur the F35 Road in Iceland Like?

Wondering about roadway conditions when you drive Kjölur Road during an Iceland trip? You can rest easy knowing that it is one of the easier F-roads in Iceland, with no river crossings. That said, it does come with a few small challenges and it’s not as easy to drive as, say, the Ring Road, which is pretty much completely paved and well-maintained, all around the country. That said, with the right vehicle and preparation, you can safely enjoy driving this route. 

The F35 is mostly gravel. If you’ve never driven on gravel before, it can be a little slippery and difficult to navigate. It’s important to drive on the slower side and to brake carefully, so that you don’t slip or skid. Braking gently and smoothly is a necessity for you to retain control of the vehicle, particularly in turns, when going up or down hills, or when driving in the rain.

You likewise need to slow down when you see oncoming traffic approaching and, if you’re coming up on another vehicle driving in the same direction, stay a good distance away from the back of their vehicle. Vehicles in front of you can kick up loose gravel that can hit and damage your car.

Throughout most of Iceland, the speed limit on gravel roads is around 40 to 50 kilometres per hour or 25 to 30 miles per hour. This speed should keep you safe on these specific road conditions, and allow you ample time to safely stop if you come across any changes in road conditions or obstacles such as crossing wildlife.

Even with these precautions, though, you can expect that you can drive the entirety of Kjölur Road in just five hours if road and weather conditions cooperate. However, we have a feeling you won’t want to spend just five hours on this road. There’s so much to stop and see and do, that we recommend you plan on spending at least a day or two travelling the length of Kjölur Road, with stops to sleep over throughout the journey.

In short, if you want to explore the Highlands, at Lava Car Rental, we always recommend Kjölur Road and Landmannalaugar, as these two roads offer you plenty of opportunities to explore this region’s beauty, but without the hazards of a river crossing. As a car rental company, we must stress that damage incurred by a river crossing will not be covered by your rental car insurance, and you’ll need to pay for any necessary expensive repairs out of pocket. As such, when renting a car in Iceland, it’s wise to opt for roadways that do not require river crossings.

Get more information about Iceland’s Highland F-roads in our full guide to driving in the Icelandic Highlands.

 

The Best Things to See Along Kjölur Road F35

Think you can confidently take on Kjölur Road during your trip to Iceland? As you begin planning your road trip itinerary, be sure to add these must-see sights and experiences to your list.

 

Gullfoss Waterfall

If you’re travelling northward from the southern point of F35, then be sure to stop at Gullfoss Waterfall, situated nearby. A classic Icelandic scenic spot, it sits along the Golden Circle — another favourite Iceland road trip route, but much more popular and not as remote. No first trip to Iceland would be complete without seeing Gullfoss Waterfall.

 

Hvítárvatn: The Serene Glacier Lake

As you travel northward, you’ll come across Hvítárvatn next. This glacier lake sits at the bottom of Langjokull Glacier. Stop by, get out of the car and take it all in. Sometimes, you can see small icebergs on the lake and sailing on the lake is a popular activity. If you plan extra days for sightseeing into your road trip itinerary, these are the types of activities you can enjoy.

 

Kerlingarfjöll: Colourful Geothermal Wonders

As you travel northward, another major site you’ll come across is Kerlingarfjoll, located about half-way up F35. This is a mountain range in the middle of the Highlands and it contains a lot of opportunities for various forms of recreation. You can go hiking around the colourful mountain landscapes, for example, or check out the hot springs.

For both of these activities, you can stop off at Kerlingarfjöll Highland Base, where you can find hikes, including a hike to a hot spring. However, you can also go a little bit further and find even more scenic hiking opportunities at Hveradalir. There, you’ll find a range of hiking trails and lots of geothermal activity, enough for easily spending several hours exploring before you go on your way again.

 

Hveravellir

_{Photo by Hveravellir}

Lastly, you’ll come across Hveravellir, which is about an hour’s drive north of Kerlingarfjoll. This is another geothermal area that’s worth checking out, and it also contains a lava field. The Hveravellir Lodge is the site of a hot spring where you can take a dip, so be sure to pack your swimsuit — alongside all the other must-packs for an Iceland trip! 

 

What to Do on Kjölur Road F35

Beyond these top sites to stop during your drive, though, what should you actually do during your Kjölur Road road trip, no matter where you end up deciding to stop?

 

Sightseeing and Hiking

As mentioned, sightseeing and hiking are some of the top activities along Kjölur Road. Particularly, the best place to do so is in and around Kerlingarfjoll. Here, you can find vibrant mountains, geothermal valleys and hot springs. Hiking around the area and seeing as much as possible could easily take up half your day.

 

Soaking in the Hot Springs

Don’t think that the hot springs are just for show. You can actually take a dip in certain geothermal hot springs. This relaxing treat is just the thing after a day spent in the car or exploring the surrounding area on foot. Hveravellir is a top spot for hot spring bathing.

 

Taking in and Photographing the Scenic Views

Nature and adventure photographers flock to Kjölur Road to take in the majestic scenery and you should, too, even if your photography skills aren’t quite at the professional level.

 

Where to Stay Along Kjölur Road

As mentioned, there aren’t really a lot of places to stay right along Kjölur Road, due to its remoteness. However, you can find a few options if you take a few small detours — often detours that you would be taking anyway for sightseeing.

If you want to camp, there are a few campsites available around Kerlingarfjoll and Hveravellir. If you’d like to camp in Iceland, be sure to check out our full Iceland camping guide. 

If you’d like to stay in a mountain hut, which is a bit like a rugged hostel, with bunk beds, a shared kitchen space and a few other amenities, you can find more information via Nordic Adventure Travel.

For something a little more luxurious, check out the options at Kerlingarfjöll Highland Base. The hotel offers beautiful, Nordic-style accommodations with fantastic views, right from your bed. You also get free WiFi, access to the on-site baths, a free breakfast and activities each day.  

 

Tips for Planning to Drive F35 in Iceland

Excited to begin planning your trip to drive the F35 in Iceland? Here are a few parting tips.

• Seasonal Timing: Only plan your road trip for the summer months, as that’s when the F35 is accessible. It will be closed during the winter months.
• Check Road and Weather Conditions: During your entire trip, keep an eye on the road conditions and weather conditions, for safest travels.
• Choose the Right Car: A reliable 4x4 vehicle is essential for navigating the F-roads.
• Fuel Up: Gas stations are sparse in the Highlands, so make sure to refuel with petrol before you set off on your road trip. If you’re driving from South to North, the best place to refuel is somewhere in the Golden Circle area, around the Geysir Geothermal Area. If you’re travelling from North to South, you can refuel in Blönduós.
• Pack Essentials: Bring layers, hiking boots and a camera. Weather can change quickly, so plan to wear clothing that you can adapt for varying conditions, such as waterproof outer layers for sudden rainstorms. For more insights, check out our full guide to packing for an Iceland trip.
• Food: Just as there are no easy accommodation or fuel options along F35, there are likewise few options for food. The only restaurants are at Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort and the Hveravellir Lodge. As such, pack your own water, snacks and food, and plan to prepare your own meal. 
• Stay on Designated Paths: Whenever exploring any of Iceland’s landscapes, stay on the marked paths, whether you’re driving or hiking, and follow Leave No Trace principles. This means carrying out what you carried in, and never leaving behind any trace of your being here. Not following this restriction can damage Iceland’s delicate landscape. Note that off-roading is illegal everywhere in Iceland, so keep your car on the road at all times.
• Insurance Options: For extra peace of mind during your trip, invest in extra protection for your rental car, via Lava Car Rental’s Full Protection insurance package.

 

Kjölur Road FAQs

• Why drive the Kjölur Road?

The Kjölur Road allows you to see both the South and North of Iceland, as well as the Highlands. Unlike other Highland roads that may require river crossings, Kjölur Road does not, making this route a bit safer and easier for travellers. Additionally, it provides a more remote, less crowded and more adventurous alternative to a Route 1 road trip.

• What car do I need for the Kjölur Road? 

You absolutely must rent a 4x4 vehicle if you plan on driving the Kjölur Road. Not only is it required by law, but the rugged, often gravel roads necessitate such a vehicle.

• When to drive the F35 Kjölur Road? 

The only time you can drive on this road is during the summer months, as the Highland roadways are closed off during winter due to weather and poor road conditions. Plan to drive the Kjölur Road in July or August, preferably, though depending on the year, the road may also be open sometime in June and September.

• Is there any river crossing on the F35? 

No, there is no river crossing on the F35 road, making it one of only a few F-roads that do not have a mandatory river crossing.

• How much time do you need for F35?

While you can easily drive the entire length of the F35 in one day, if you really want to stop, go at a leisurely pace and see all the sights you want to see, along the way, plan to spend at least one to two days on the F35, breaking up your trip with camping or staying at one of the huts or lodges near the route.

 

Ready to Book Your Trip to Iceland to Drive the F35?

Driving Kjölur Road during a trip to Iceland can be an unforgettable experience, taking you all the way across the country by way of some of the most remote and dramatic landscapes. To experience it all, though, you’ll need an Iceland car rental.

Opting to get around using a car rental in Iceland allows you to go at your own pace, see what you want to see, when you want to see it, and overall enjoy your trip to the fullest, remaining flexible for whatever adventure comes your way.

Start those adventures by booking a reliable 4x4 vehicle with Lava Car Rental Today — and get ready to discover Iceland’s interior like never before! Check out our full lineup of 4x4 cars and SUVs and reserve yours now. 

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