F35 in Iceland: Complete Guide to Driving the Kjölur Route by 4x4

By Johanna Georgsdóttir Verified Expert

Routes like the Ring Road and Golden Circle are usually the first choices for people planning a trip to Iceland. However, during summer, when the Highlands are accessible, F-roads can be a remarkable addition to your itinerary. These remote routes take you through breathtaking landscapes, away from the crowds.

Not all F-roads are created equal. If you don’t have much experience with rough roads or river crossings, F35 in Iceland (the Kjölur Route) is a great choice for those seeking a Highland adventure without the most challenging aspects. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for this F-road with the right 4x4 rental.

What Is the F35 (Kjölur Route) in Iceland?

F35 in Iceland, also known as the Kjölur Route, stretches from just north of Gullfoss toward the north until it meets the Ring Road between Blönduós and Varmahlíð. The rough gravel road covers about 168 kilometers (104 miles) with several detours that can take you to beautiful geothermal areas nestled in the Highlands.

Unlike many other F-roads in the country, it doesn’t have any river crossings, making it more beginner-friendly. Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers loom on the horizon, creating an iconic Icelandic interior landscape filled with contrast. While technically no longer classified as an F-road, the Kjölur Route still requires an approved 4x4 vehicle. 

Is F35 an F-Road? Rules, Requirements, and Legal Restrictions

Although reclassified around 2018, F35 remains a summer-only route. Because it is easier than many other F-roads, it’s ideal for drivers new to Highland driving, as long as you have the right vehicle.

Why a 4x4 Is Mandatory on the F35

Why is a 4x4 still mandatory? There are several reasons you shouldn’t even think about driving this route without one. 

• Rental companies only allow 4x4 vehicles for this route
• Your rental insurance will be void if you drive it without a 4x4
• The terrain includes rough gravel roads with potholes, washboarding, ruts, and loose gravel
• The road is unmaintained and far from towns and help, if required
• Weather can change suddenly, potentially stranding a smaller car

The fact remains, if you intend to drive into the interior, you need a 4x4 like a Dacia Duster, Suzuki Vitara, or Jeep Renegade, all models we regularly recommend from our fleet for routes like F35, especially for first-time Highlands drivers.

Insurance, Gravel Protection, and Rental Conditions

Reykjavik Cars includes basic insurance, such as third-party liability and CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) insurance with all rentals, but when you’re driving in the Highlands on a route like F35, basic isn’t enough. These rough gravel roads require a higher level of insurance to avoid surprise bills at the end of your trip.

Driving in the Highlands exposes vehicles to gravel, potholes, rapidly changing weather, and other obstacles. Most of our customers driving F35 choose full coverage with gravel protection because loose gravel damage is one of the most common issues we see on this route. Keep in mind that insurance rarely covers undercarriage or water damage, so drive carefully. 

Before booking, verify that your chosen vehicle is approved for F-roads. F35 is generally included for all F-road-capable vehicles, but checking with us first ensures peace of mind. 

When Is the F35 Open? Seasonal Access and Road Conditions

Even though F35 in Iceland isn’t classified as an F-road anymore, its opening dates still follow a similar pattern. 

• Southern portion: Opens around June 10 (range: June 1-14)
• Northern portion: Opens around June 11 (range: June 8-14)

F35 is generally one of the earliest F-roads to open, making it a safe bet for the early Highlands season. It can also be one of the last to close. If you can, plan to drive this route early in the summer. Driving tends to be smoother when the road first opens since it is often graded before opening. 

For accurate planning, consult with road.is for real-time road conditions. Also, keep an eye on weather conditions, and check SafeTravel.is for weather and safety warnings.

Expect:

• Gravel, potholes, standing water, washboarding, steep inclines
• No deviations from the marked road (illegal and heavily fined)
• Sparse services, so prepare accordingly

Unlike many of the other F-roads in Iceland, you may also be able to book a tour along this route in the off-season. However, you will not be able to drive yourself with a rental car once the road is marked as impassable.

Driving the F35: Distance, Route Overview, and Travel Time

F35 from Gullfoss to the point where it rejoins the Ring Road in the north covers about 164 kilometers (104 miles). The route winds through the Icelandic Highlands, weaving between glaciers and mountains. While the speed limit on such gravel roads is generally 80 km/h, you must plan for less due to the road’s conditions, often just 40-60 km/h. For most people, the route takes five to six hours to drive with no stops.

You can certainly use this route as a more scenic way to get to the north, but we recommend making F35 a part of your itinerary by stopping at the sights along the way. You may find many places you wish to stop along F35, but make sure you use designated pull-offs and don’t simply stop on the road or drive off the road. With all the beautiful scenery, it’s easy to forget these important rules for driving in the Highlands.

What to See Along the Kjölur Route

The Kjölur Route is popular among visitors and locals due to the beautiful scenery you will encounter along your drive. Whether you use F35 as a way to get to or from the north or you want to make it a bigger part of your itinerary, you’ll find plenty of places to stop along the way. The remote nature means you’ll be away from the crowds while you enjoy some of the best Iceland’s interior offers.

There are a few primary points of interest we recommend adding to your itinerary.

Gullfoss and the Southern Access Point

Your journey on F35 in Iceland will begin just north of Gullfoss, making the waterfall a good starting point for the trip. As part of the Golden Circle route, Gullfoss is one of the most popular waterfalls in the country. However, that doesn’t make it any less impressive. In fact, if you arrive early in the morning before the tour buses, you’ll practically get it all to yourself before you start your Highland trip.

As you begin driving north from the waterfall, the paved road will give way to gravel, marking the beginning of your Highland route.

Hvítárvatn and Glacier Views

As you drive north along F35, two glaciers will come into view on either side. Langjökull and Hofsjökull offer a sharp contrast against the black volcanic soil and stretch far into the distance. You will find some small pull-offs here where you can take some photos and enjoy the scenery. These pull-offs are easy to miss, so keep an eye out.

You will also see Hvítárvatn, or “White River Lake,” at the edge of Langjökull. This lake is a milky-blue color due to runoff from the glacier. This lake feeds one of the biggest rivers that runs through western Iceland. The north side of the lake is one of the best places to stop because the water is closer to the road, so you can get great views with less hiking.

Kerlingarfjöll Geothermal Area

Kerlingarfjöll is one of the most stunning geothermal areas in Iceland. Getting here requires a short detour from F35 down another F-road, but it’s well worth the extra time. In this area, you’ll find:

• Steaming geothermal vents and fumaroles
• Orange, red, and yellow mineral deposits for colorful mountains
• Numerous hiking trails through active geothermal valleys
• A basecamp with lodging and camping options

You can expect a remote, immersive experience with fewer tourists than in many of the other geothermal areas. An early morning hike here is one of the most peaceful times, before tour buses arrive in the area. Consider spending the night here to take advantage of the quiet morning hours.

Hveravellir Hot Springs and Facilities

Closer to the northern end of the route, you’ll encounter Hveravellir, a nature preserve that is geothermally active. In this location, you can expect:

• Natural hot springs for bathing
• Boardwalks winding through geothermal features
• A mountain hut and campground

Hveravellir is the perfect place to stop for a rest, soaking in natural geothermal pools in a more rustic setting than the more popular tourist lagoons. Be sure to test each pool before entering. The glacial meltwater can cause some of the pools to cool down at times.

Are There River Crossings on the F35?

The biggest question you may have is whether there are unbridged river crossings like there are on many of the other F-roads. The short answer is no, there are no rivers to cross along this route, which is part of the reason it is no longer considered an official F-road. However, there can be standing water in some of the recesses and potholes along the road, which can be a challenge. 

If you encounter standing water, get out of the car to determine the depth and whether your vehicle can safely make it through the water. If it is too deep, turn around and head back the way you came. It is illegal to leave the road, even to get around obstacles. Having a proper 4x4 from our fleet can help reduce this risk.

Fuel, Food, and Services on the F35 Route

Like other parts of the Highlands, driving F35 requires you to be prepared because of the lack of services along the route. Fuel is especially scarce when driving F-roads. When driving this route, you will either need to fill up close to Gullfoss or at Blönduós or Varmahlíð if you’re starting from the north. Always top off your tank before starting because you won’t get another chance.

Food is a little easier to get along this route, but you still won’t have a lot of options, and what you do find will be more expensive than in other locations. Stock up on food and drinks at a grocery store in an inhabited area before you drive F35. However, if you need food, you can find a restaurant at Kerlingarfjöll Highland Base with hot meals and drinks. There is also a small restaurant/café at Hveravellir.

Both Kerlingarfjöll and Hveravellir have basic services available for visitors. You will find restrooms, some accommodations, and limited supplies. Hveravellir also has hot springs for bathing and a basic communal kitchen for preparing meals.

Camping and Accommodation Along the Kjölur Route

While some visitors simply use F35 as a way to get across the country without stopping for the night, you can see more of the area and enjoy the remote nature to its fullest if you spend at least one night here. If you want to spend the night, it’s important to remember that wild camping is not permitted in a vehicle and is restricted in protected areas like Hveravellir.

Therefore, you should plan to stay in one of the available accommodations along the route. The Kerlingarfjöll Highland Base is a newer resort that is open year-round, with various types of accommodations. The campground is open during the summer months. Hveravellir also has a summer campground and a mountain hut with shared and private rooms.

Safety Tips for Driving F35 in Iceland

Although the F35 in Iceland is generally considered a beginner-friendly Highland road, you still should take appropriate safety precautions, just as you would anywhere else in the country. First and foremost, make sure you rent an approved 4x4. At Reykjavik Cars, we typically recommend models with higher ground clearance for F35 to give you better control and make the long gravel road more comfortable. 

Before you head into the Highlands on F35, check the weather and road conditions. Flexibility is your biggest ally in Iceland. Due to the remote nature of F35, you must be fully prepared for anything. If the weather isn’t good or the road conditions are poor, consider trying another day. Strong winds, rain turning roadways to mud, and fog that reduces visibility are all real risks when driving in the Highlands.

Some of the other important safety tips to follow include:

• Fueling up before starting the route
• Purchasing all food and supplies ahead of time
• Driving for the conditions, not the speed limit
• Watching for water hazards, despite no river crossings
• Downloading offline maps to accommodate spotty cell service
• Sharing your plan on SafeTravel.is
• Respecting road closures
• Staying on the marked roads

Don’t let the fact that F35 is considered the “easiest” F-road mislead you. You could drive for 30 minutes or more without even encountering another vehicle. Whenever you drive into the highlands, caution and preparation are key to your safety.

Is the F35 Worth It? Who This Route Is (and Isn’t) For

F35 isn’t about mesmerizing waterfalls, dramatic coastlines, or even breathtaking canyons; it’s about a trip to a more remote region of Iceland where geothermal features contrast against ancient glaciers. You’ll get space, isolation, and a raw interior that not everyone gets to see. Whether this side trip is worth it all depends on what you want from your journey.

Driver profiles

How do you know if F35 is a good choice for you? Based on what we see every summer, most people underestimate how different F-roads are from typical paved routes. The F35 may be one of the most forgiving options, but it’s still not for everyone. Here’s how to decide if it’s the right fit for you. 

For most travelers, the F35 is a sweet spot. You get a true Highlands experience without the technical challenges of river crossings. If you’re comfortable driving on gravel and choose the right 4x4 from Reykjavik Cars, it’s one of the safest ways to explore Iceland’s interior. 

Renting a Car for the F35: Practical Advice from Local Experts

For F35, choosing the right 4x4 isn’t just a recommendation; it’s essential for your safety and compliance. At Reykjavik Cars, we prepare travelers for routes like F35 every day during the summer season. The most common mistake we see is choosing a vehicle that’s technically allowed, but not comfortable for long gravel driving. We have:

• A fully approved F-road fleet: From mid-size 4x4s like the Dacia Duster and Suzuki Vitara to larger models like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rover Defender.
• Clear vehicle guidance: We can help match you to the perfect 4x4 for your itinerary and experience level.
• Comprehensive insurance options: Full coverage with gravel protection, including windshield and body damage.

Every vehicle in our fleet is clearly marked with its F-road eligibility, and we’ll always confirm whether the vehicle you want is approved for the routes you plan to take. If you have multiple F-roads on your itinerary, we can help you choose one that covers all of them, not just the easiest.

Driving F35 in Iceland is an exciting adventure. As long as you approach the road slowly and with respect, fully prepared with one of our F-road-approved 4x4s, you can enjoy a piece of Iceland with fewer crowds and a more serene experience. A trip into the Highlands is an unforgettable adventure. Don’t miss it on your next summer trip! Be sure to book early to secure your preferred vehicle at the best price.