Kaldidalur

Highlands, Iceland
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Kaldidalur Valley is a highland road and Iceland’s second-highest pass at 727 meters above sea level. It’s also the shortest road among the three main roads crossing the central highlands from north to south. The valley of the glaciers is truly a fitting name for Kaldidalur, as it is surrounded by the glaciers Þórisjökull, Geitlandsjökull, Eiríksjökull and Langjökull. The former glacier Ok also lay in Kaldidalur valley, though now it is merely a rugged hill in the spectacular landscape. Kaldidalur Valley offers a unique landscape and gives you a taste of the Icelandic highlands without having to cross rivers. The road is opened from June to early September, depending on snowfall.

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  • Climate

    Climate

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  • Lighting conditions

    Lighting conditions

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  • Accessibility, services and permits

    Accessibility, services and permits

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  • Visitors and risk factors

    Visitors and risk factors

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Accessibility

The Kaldidalur road is 40 kilometers long, a rough gravel road suitable for all kinds of cars. It is closed from June to early September, depending on snowfall. Off season it is crucial that you use super jeeps or specialized vehicles.
Public transportation unavailable
There is no public transportation available in this area
4x4 required
Challenging terrain accessible only by off-road vehicles with high ground clearance
Bad phone coverage
Poor phone coverage with frequent interruptions
Guide recommended
Guidance is suggested, but not required

Services nearby

Close to Reykjavík and Selfoss, so hotels, gas stations and convenience stores are in abundance. Nearest hospitals are in Reykjavík, Selfoss or Borgarnes, all within 100 km.
Accommodation
More than 50 km away
Gas station
More than 50 km away
Hospital or emergency room
More than 50 km away
Parking
< 1 km
Restaurants
More than 50 km away
Shopping
More than 50 km away

Permits

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The area is owned by the government, so a government permits are needed.
Shooting permits are issued by the local government

Basecamp and facilities

Along the road, there is an abundance of gravel plains that can be used as lots for basecamps. There are no facilities along the route, but it lies only 32 km from Þingvellir National Park. There is no phone coverage in the area.

Risk factors

During winter months, this area has high snowfall. It is very secluded with little or no phone service. Hiking or climbing to the glaciers should only be attempted with certified glacier guides.

Visitors

The area is a low to medium tourist attraction as both locals and tourists drive this road to enjoy the scenery.

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