Kjölur

A remote highland plateau between two major glaciers offering raw, otherworldly landscapes of volcanic terrain and geothermal areas. This high-altitude route rewards adventurous travelers with solitude, golden hot springs, and views of Iceland's most pristine wilderness.

Things to do

• Soak in Kjölur geothermal hot springs — Bathe in naturally heated golden-hued hot springs scattered across the plateau, most notably around the Hveravellir area where geothermal vents create surreal steaming pools.
• Hike the Kjölur Highland Route — Trek the legendary 55 km trail between Gullfoss and Landmannalaugar through pristine volcanic moonscape and colorful geothermal zones on foot or horseback.
• Visit Hveravellir geothermal area — Explore Iceland's second-largest geothermal field featuring boiling mud pots, steam vents, and the historic shelter built by outlaw Eyvindur in the 18th century.
• Drive or traverse between Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers — Experience the raw contrast of Iceland's interior by traversing the highland plateau positioned between these two major ice caps.
• Photograph volcanic lava fields and ash deserts — Capture otherworldly landscapes of dark basalt flows, pumice fields, and barren volcanic terrain that define the Kjölur interior.
• Camp under midnight sun or northern lights — Experience Iceland's extreme daylight in summer or aurora borealis in winter from one of the country's most remote and dark-sky accessible locations.

Food to try

• Kjötsúpa (Icelandic lamb stew) — Hearty slow-cooked lamb and root vegetable soup traditionally eaten by highland travelers and still served at mountain huts along the route.
• Fresh trout from highland streams — Arctic char and brown trout caught from Kjölur's pristine glacial-fed rivers, often grilled simply at mountain lodges or huts.
• Rye bread baked in geothermal heat — Dense, slightly sweet Icelandic rye bread traditionally baked using the residual heat from geothermal springs in the area.
• Dried fish (harðfiskur) and Icelandic cheese — Non-perishable provisions carried by trekkers that capture authentic Icelandic flavors suitable for multi-day highland journeys.

Local customs & good to know

• Come fully prepared and self-sufficient — Kjölur is extremely remote with no services; carry all food, water, fuel, and emergency supplies, and inform someone of your route before departing.
• Respect the mountain hut system and leave-no-trace ethic — Highland huts operate on an honor system and require booking or payment; pack out all waste and treat this pristine wilderness with reverence.
• Travel seasonally and check conditions — Kjölur is only safely accessible from mid-June to September; always check weather forecasts and road status as conditions can change rapidly in the interior.
• Honor Iceland's outlaw history and heritage — Learn about historical figures like Eyvindur who survived in these highlands; respect archaeological sites and stories tied to Iceland's interior legends.