Plizio Visual Lab

Kaldidalur

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

valley

Weather…

Kaldidalur is a historical highland pass and mountain road in western Iceland, stretching between the Langjökull glacier and the extinct Ok volcano. The name translates to 'Cold Valley,' referring to the region's harsh, often snowy climate. With a pass height of 727 meters above sea level, it is the shortest of the major highland tracks, connecting the Borgarfjörður region in the west with Þingvellir National Park in the south. The route is characterized by a barren, almost alien-looking stone desert and features spectacular views of the surrounding Langjökull, Eiríksjökull, and Þórisjökull ice caps. Historically, Kaldidalur was an important route for Icelanders to reach the annual Althing at Þingvellir. Today, the F550 road is a popular route during the summer months for travelers seeking a glimpse of the interior without venturing deep into the inaccessible highlands. The landscape stands as a testament to the glaciological processes that shaped the area following the retreat of glaciers at the end of the last ice age.

Location: Iceland
Nearby: Laugarvatn (37 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-4	-4	-3	1	4	9	10	9	6	1	-2	-3
Rain mm	160	148	141	111	87	77	92	101	155	123	129	159

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

This highland pass is typically reached by driving a rugged F-road from either the Thingvellir area in the south or the Borgarfjörður region in the west. A reliable 4x4 vehicle is completely essential for navigating this remote route.

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Best season

The route is generally only open and safely passable during the short summer months, typically from late June to early September. Winter brings heavy snow and impassable conditions, closing the track entirely to standard traffic.

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Terrain & paths

The landscape is characterized by a barren, extremely rocky, and desolate gravel environment practically devoid of vegetation. The driving track is unpaved, often heavily corrugated, and features loose stones that require careful navigation.

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What to bring

Even in the middle of summer, visitors must bring warm layers, a reliable windbreaker, and waterproof outer clothing. Emergency supplies, extra food, and a complete spare tire for your vehicle are strongly recommended for this desolate region.

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Parking

There are no formal parking lots along the pass, but drivers usually pull over at safe, naturally widened gravel shoulders to take in the views. Always ensure your vehicle is completely off the main track to avoid blocking others.

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Safety

Weather conditions in the highlands can deteriorate with terrifying speed, reducing visibility to zero in minutes. There are no services, no fuel stations, and virtually no cell phone reception along the entirety of the route.

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Time needed

Driving the entire length of the pass without stopping typically takes around two to three hours. However, most travelers usually spend at least a half day in the area to allow for cautious driving speeds and numerous photography stops.