Adventure along Road 550 (Kaldadalsvegur) in Iceland
Road 550 (Kaldadalsvegur) is a very scenic drive located in the Western region of Iceland, leading through some rough landscapes. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is not legally required, but highly recommended. There are no river crossings.
Is Road 550 in Iceland paved?
Set high in the Highlands of Iceland, the road, also known as "the Kaldidalur," is totally unpaved with some rougher sections, filled with potholes and stones, and it has no unbridged river crossings. It is a former F-road. The terrain is pretty much flat with no big ascents or descents.
When was Road 550 (Kaldadalsvegur) built?
One of Iceland’s oldest and first permanent roads, it was built in the 1830s as a horse road between the western and north-western settlements.
How long is Road 550 (Kaldadalsvegur)?
It’s 40km (25 miles) long, running south-north from Thingvellir to Húsafell. It is the shortest of the highland tracks traversing the Highlands of Iceland, therefore earning the nickname "highlands for beginners."
How long does it take to drive Road 550 (Kaldadalsvegur)?
To drive the road, also known as the Kaldidalur route, without stopping will take most people between 2 and 3 hours. It is very important to check rainfall in this area before setting off. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended; many car rental companies forbid the use of their two-wheel-drive vehicles on this route.
Is Road 550 (Kaldadalsvegur) open?
Running through the Mars-like landscape of Kaldidalur and some rugged and stunning countryside, it's one of the highest roads in the country, topping out at 720m (2,362ft) above sea level. Usually, it is passable for most vehicles three to five months of the year; it’s usually impassable from September/October through May (depending on snow).