Driving the demanding Road F35 in the Highlands of Iceland

Get ready for an epic Icelandic adventure on the F35! This gravel road snakes through the highlands of Kjölur, a plateau sitting pretty high at 600–700 meters.

Clocking in at 168km (104mi), the Kjalvegur Road (as it's also known) cuts right through the heart of Iceland, running north to south. You'll start south of Iceland near Haukadalur, behind the iconic Gullfoss waterfall, and wind your way up to the north near Blönduós.

The road surface is corrugated tuff gravel and this is the second-longest highland route. This path has some serious history, once serving as a crucial horse trail for traders back in the day!

Remember, this is an F Road, which means it's only open during the summer months – roughly June to the end of August/September. These roads are mountainous, unpaved, and the weather can change in a heartbeat. A 4WD is a must, and your standard rental car insurance probably won't cover you here. The road can be pretty rough, and maintenance isn't always top-notch, but any river crossings are bridged. While most cars *can* handle it in summer, low-riding vehicles should probably sit this one out.

While there aren't any official river crossings on the F35, it's always smart to check the weather forecast. Be warned if you detour to other F roads. Glacial rivers can swell quickly, so watch other cars cross first and, if possible, drive slowly downstream with the current. The first section near Blöndulón is decent, but after that, expect gravel and rocks – drop your speed to around 40km/h. Traffic is usually light, but keep an eye out for other vehicles to gauge conditions. Some sections might even require first gear at under 10km/h!

The F35 tops out at 672m (2,204ft), making it one of Iceland's highest roads. Winter brings snow and closures, so plan your trip between late June and mid-September. Pack for cold weather and expect things to change quickly.

Allow 5-6 hours for the drive without stops. The views are incredible: glaciers, mountains, and highland lakes stretch as far as the eye can see. You'll be driving between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers.

There are cool places to stop along the way. Hveravellir, about a third of the way along, is a tiny spot with a restaurant, camping houses, a swimming pool, and hiking trails. Check out the Langjökull glaciers, Kerlingarfjöll, and the Kjalhraun lava field. Don't miss the natural hot springs, where you can experience Iceland's famous "fire and ice." Kerlingarfjöll, about halfway along the route (10km off the F35 via the F347), boasts 100 km2 of mountains reaching over 1.5km high, hot springs, and vibrant vegetation. You might even see snow on the peaks. There are plenty of campsites, or you can embrace Iceland's wild camping freedom. Take a dip in geothermal pools and admire the Gýgjarfoss waterfall. Just remember to drive carefully and enjoy the ride!