Exploring Icelandic Glaciers: Your Guide to the Kjölur Route in the Southeast Highlands

Icelandic glaciers, including the majestic Langjökull Glacier, are among the most extraordinary natural wonders in the Northern Hemisphere—vast, shifting masses of ice that shape the landscape and define the island’s wild heart. The beauty of Icelandic glaciers attracts travelers from around the world.

For travelers heading beyond the Golden Circle, the path to Langjökull Glacier and into Iceland’s Highlands is an unforgettable journey into the raw, untouched interior. 

As you explore the Icelandic glaciers, you’ll discover unique features that highlight their ancient history and significance to the environment.

Here’s your guide to exploring the Kjölur Route in the Southeast Highlands.

An overview:

Discovering Icelandic Glaciers: A Journey Through Ice and History

Understanding the impact of climate change on Icelandic glaciers is crucial for appreciating these natural wonders.

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The unique ecosystem supported by Icelandic glaciers includes various flora and fauna adapted to the harsh conditions.

Langjökull Glacier Tour: What to Know Before You Go to the Icelandic Glaciers

Langjökull is Iceland’s second-largest glacier, spanning around 950 square kilometers. Classified as an ice cap, Langjökull is composed of centuries-old compressed snow, with ice that averages 400–450 years in age. The glacier formed over 6,000 years ago and continues to renew itself as it slowly flows under its own weight—a defining characteristic of any true glacier. 

The glacier’s surface reveals dark layers of ancient volcanic ash from past eruptions, now embedded in the ice. These ash layers create dramatic visual patterns and are a stark reminder of Iceland’s fiery past. The compressed glacier ice, often tinged in luminous blue, is denser and melts roughly eight times slower than regular ice. A feature that most glaciers in Iceland have in common.

Kjölur Highland Road: The Best Places to Visit

The route to Langjökull cuts through the Icelandic Highlands—a remote, elevated plateau known for its vast deserts, rhyolite mountains, and geothermal wonders. The only access to this region is via the Kjölur Route (F35), a 196-kilometer highland road connecting Gullfoss in the south to Blönduós in the north. Open only in summer and accessible exclusively by 4WD, this ancient track sits 600–700 meters above sea level and passes between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers.

Highlights along this route include: 

• Langjökull Glacier: While only accessible for snowmobiles, Jeeps and modified vehicles, the view from before the edge of the glacier at Skálpanes, the highest point of road 336, to the glacier & Jarlhettur mountain range is well worth the drive. In clear weather, the view extends to the south, as well as to the north, to Hofsjökull and Kerlingarfjöll mountains.
• Kerlingarfjöll: A mountain range known for its colorful rhyolite peaks and steaming geothermal valleys. A new hotel, opened in 2023, now offers year-round accommodation, while the summer campsite is a favorite among hikers.
• Hveravellir: A geothermal field located between the glaciers, famed for its bubbling hot springs and natural hot pools—ideal for bathing in the midst of Iceland’s wilderness. 

Crossing Kjölur: A Highland Adventure only for 4WD (and Horses)

The Kjölur route (F35) is one of Iceland’s most straightforward Highland crossings, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking to experience the interior without extreme challenges. While the gravel road can be bumpy, it does not involve any river crossings—a rarity among Iceland’s Highland roads. This means that anyone with a proper 4WD vehicle can safely drive the route in summer, without requiring off-road expertise or special modifications. 

Take it slow and enjoy the scenery to make the most of the journey. Staying overnight before and after the crossing adds comfort and flexibility to the experience. In the south, accommodations range from guesthouses to boutique hotels in the Gullfoss area, including nearby towns such as Flúðir and Reykholt. In the north, the regions around Blönduós, Varmahlíð, and Sauðárkrókur also offer a wide variety of lodging options to suit every travel style. Or choose the overnight stop at Kerlingarfjöll or Hveravellir and experience the light nights of the Icelandic summer in the silence of the highlands. 

Traveling through the Icelandic glaciers gives you the opportunity to witness breathtaking sights that are unlike anywhere else.

A Remote Place in Iceland: Skálpanesvegur and Beyond

Branching from the Kjölur route is Skálpanesvegur, a 12-kilometer road leading toward Langjökull’s edge. Here, the environment grows even harsher and more isolated. Building a road through the soft, muddy plains between Kjölur and Langjökull once seemed impossible. Ástvaldur “Valdi” Óskarsson, a pioneer with an unshakable vision, undertook the seemingly impossible task of building a road through some of Iceland’s most treacherous terrain. 

With no clear tracks and ground that became impassable in spring, he built out a 12-kilometer route—today known as Skálpanesvegur. This rough but vital track created the first vehicular access to Langjökull from the east side. His work opened up the glaciers East side to vehicles, laying the foundation for tourism in this remote part of Iceland’s Highlands.

For those who have never been on a glacier, Langjökull offers far more than a frozen landscape—it provides a window into Iceland’s dramatic natural history. Standing on its vast surface, surrounded by silence and sweeping highland views, is a truly unforgettable experience. In summer, visitors can witness the shimmering white and blue of exposed glacier ice, while in winter, the glacier transforms into a pristine world of snow.

Glaciers are among the most inhospitable places on Earth, yet they play a vital role in the ecosystem—supplying mineral-rich water to rivers and oceans, and providing some of the world’s purest drinking water through glacial groundwater. 

Touring Langjökull can be tailored to different levels of adventure. Snowmobiling offers high-speed excitement across the icy expanse, perfect for thrill-seekers. For a more accessible experience, Jeep & monster truck tours provide a comfortable, all-terrain option suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Guided tours ensure safety, expert insight, and access to the glacier’s most captivating features. 

Visitors should consider guided tours to explore the Icelandic glaciers safely and learn about their geological significance.

Final Tip: Whether navigating the historic Kjölur route, relaxing in the hot springs at Hveravellir, or gliding over the ice cap of Langjökull, the Icelandic Highlands promise landscapes that feel untouched by humans. With the right planning—and the right guide—this remote corner of the world becomes surprisingly reachable. 

The Icelandic glaciers provide essential insights into our planet’s climate patterns and environmental changes.

Experience the stunning beauty of the Icelandic glaciers by participating in organized tours that showcase their grandeur.

Vatnajökull and Mýrdalsjökull: Iceland’s Other Iconic Glaciers

While Langjökull offers a dramatic journey into the Highlands, two other glaciers—Vatnajökull and Mýrdalsjökull—are more easily accessible and popular among tourists. 

Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, covers around 8% of Iceland’s landmass and dominates the southeast region. Easily reached via the Ring Road, this glacier is home to famous outlet glaciers like Skaftafellsjökull and Fjallsjökull, and the striking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift toward the Atlantic. Vatnajökull National Park offers well-developed infrastructure for hiking, ice caving, and glacier walks, making it a top choice for first-time visitors. 

Many adventure seekers are drawn to the Icelandic glaciers for activities like ice climbing and snowmobiling.

Further west lies Mýrdalsjökull, situated near the town of Vík. Beneath this glacier rests the infamous Katla volcano, making it a thrilling destination for exploring the Icelandic glaciers. Despite its volatility, Mýrdalsjökull is a major hub for glacier tours, including snowmobiling and ice cave explorations, often starting from the popular Sólheimajökull outlet and Vik village.

Both glaciers can be reached year-round via Road 1 along the South and offer a wide range of guided excursions—making them some of the most visited glacier destinations in Iceland. 

Important Safety Note: Never attempt to walk or drive on a glacier without a certified guide or a guided tour in Jeep/Truck/snowmobile. Glaciers can be deceptively dangerous, with hidden crevasses, unstable snow, and rapidly changing weather. Guided tours ensure your safety and provide expert knowledge of the terrain. 

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