How long is Route 35 in Iceland?
Iceland, europe
168 km
672 m
moderate
Year-round
Ready for a true Icelandic adventure? Buckle up (in your 4x4, of course!) and get ready to tackle the F35, also known as the Kjalvegur Road or Kjölur Route. This isn't your average Sunday drive.
Stretching 168km (104 miles) from south to north, through the Kjölur plateau in Iceland's highlands, this gravel road winds through the heart of the country. We're talking elevations around 600–700 meters, so be prepared for some serious views!
The F35 is an F road, open roughly from late June to mid-September. Think unpaved, potentially rough terrain, and rapidly changing weather. A 4WD is a must. Forget about taking your rental sedan - seriously!
While there aren't any major river crossings directly on the F35 itself (they are bridged), conditions can still vary wildly. Check the weather forecast *before* you go, and be prepared for anything.
The first part of the road isn't too bad, but soon the road turns to gravel and rocks. You'll be crawling along at 40km/h (25mph) in places, and some sections may require speeds under 10km/h! Budget 5–6 hours for the drive, without stops.
But the scenery? Absolutely worth it. Glaciers (Langjökull and Hofsjökull), mountains, and highland lakes await! It's a photographer's dream.
Make sure to stop at Hveravellir, about a third of the way along the F35. This remote spot has a restaurant, a swimming pool, hiking trails, and even natural hot springs! Or detour briefly to Kerlingarfjöll (via F347), a mountain range with snow-capped peaks, hot springs, and colorful vegetation.
Just remember to bring your sense of adventure, and always be prepared for the unexpected!
Road Details
- Country
- Iceland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 168 km
- Max Elevation
- 672 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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