Kjölur
Kjölur is a plateau in the highlands of Iceland, roughly defined as the area between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. It is lies at an altitude of about 600–700 metres.
Geography
At the northern end of the Kjölur road, near the headwaters of the Blanda river, the hot springs of Hveravellir provide a warm oasis. Not far from Hveravellir, the Kerlingarfjöll, a volcanic mountain range, is situated to the north-east of the Kjölur road.
History
Like Sprengisandur highland road, the area was probably known since the first times of Icelandic settlement and is mentioned in the Icelandic sagas. A track along Langjökull was used a shortcut between regions during summer. THis is today known as Kjalvegur hinn forni (Old Kjalvegur) and is still in use for trekking and horse-riding. Piles of stones mark the track through the highland desert. After some people had perished in a snowstorm by the end of the 18th century, the Kjölur road was forgotten for about 100 years. It was rediscovered in the 19th century.
In the 18th century, the Icelandic outlaw Fjalla-Eyvindur used the Hveravellir hot springs as a settlement. One of the hot spots in this area is still used for bathing.
Transport
A gravel road known as Kjalvegur (F35) runs through the centre of the area, connecting the south and north-west regions of the country. A few smaller tracks lead from the main track, making Hveravellir and Kerlingarfjöll accessible by car. Other tracks however, may only be used on foot.
Facts
During the 18th century an outlaw named Fjalla Eyvidur stayed warm here and lived here for 20 years. He stole sheep from pastures to eat. He retreated here, with his wife, because he was a criminal. This hot spring kept him warm and living a somewhat comfortable life. Later, in the 20th century, many plays were made about him and his wife retreating to this area.
