Iceland: Fertile South Bike Tour CUSTOM (Coles)

Five nights; six days of self-guided bike touring on paved and smooth gravel or lava roads in South Iceland, customized for Luke Coles et al.

“Day 6, almost all off road and through the river, is a dream ride and is the reason I returned to Iceland” – Janice K


ITINERARY:

Sep 7: Meeting & Introductions

Morning pickup from airport in Keflavik for transfer to your guesthouse in Hveragerdi. Outdoors, you will enjoy numerous hiking trails along geothermal hillsides, the hot swimming pool and “hotpot” beside the river. Indoors, you will enjoy a geothermal sauna. You will test your bikes, and explore the greenhouse community, where tropical plants grow at the Arctic Circle, thanks to the unlimited hot water just beneath the earth’s surface here.

Sep 8: Hveragerdi to Lake Pingvallavatn ~43km

Today you are on your way to Nesbud, located on the shores of Lake Þingvallvatn. You will cycle alongside the lake toward the Trans-Atlantic Rift and one of the most geologically active areas in Iceland. The roads become quieter as the day progresses and there are a series of hills to climb as you ascend above the headland to the edge of the lake. Once you arrive at your inn, you can spend the afternoon exploring the hiking trails around the geothermal hot water plant or tackling a steep 17% climb to a stunning viewpoint. B

Sep 9: Lake Pingvallavatn to Geysir ~77km

Ride on a quiet paved road around the shore of Þingvallvatn, to the site of the world’s oldest surviving parliament at Þingvellir. There you can stand on the edge of the MidAtlantic rift, and enjoy gazing into the depths of the clear glacial water of the lake, at the divergence zone of tectonic plates. From here, you’ll bike to the namesake of all geysers, at Geysir. Stop for lunch options overlooking Laugarvatn, then ride the rolling road along its shore toward Geysir. You will spend the night in private cottages near the geyser, which will allow you to visit it after the crowds from Reykjavik have left for the day. Watch the late-night sunset as you sit beside this magnificent natural wonder. B

Sep 10: Geysir to Flúðir ~50km or Brjánstaðir ~70km, via Gullfoss

Visit the magnificent waterfall of Gullfoss, then enjoy a downstream ride along the banks of the Hvita River. Afternoon optional stop at Skalholt, a modern church with stained glass mosaics on the ancient site of the first Christian bishopric in Iceland. This spiritual centre has been a theological powerhouse since 1000A.D. In 1953 foundations were laid for the new church. During excavation, the remains of a 1309 cathedral were found, including the carved coffin of Pall Jonsson, a hard-as-nails bishop whose death in 1211, according to Pals Saga, was greeted with an earth tremor and deluge. When excavators opened the coffin in ’53, there was a downpour again – the biggest in many years. B

Sep 11: Flúðir or Brjánstaðir to Leirubakki ~70km

Today’s long ride takes you up the banks of the Pjorsa River, by the newly constructed hydroelectric facility at Stöng, and downstream to a uniquely Scandinavian retreat in the
middle of the volcano Mt. Hekla’s lava fields. Along the way, you will visit the reconstruction of traditional Icelandic homestead which was abandoned in 1104, during an eruption of Hekla. You may even be able to take a short hike to a beautiful waterfall nearby. The most intrepid cyclists can ride the rest of the way to the hotel, across a hydroelectric dam and endless fields of lava and pumice. The hotpot at your hotel will be a welcome site if you decide to do this afternoon ride! B

Sep 12: Leirubakki to Sudurlandsvegur ~52km on lava roads. Alternative paved route ~64km

Start the day biking on quiet roads through farmlands and around the volcano range of Hraun, near the valley of Þórsmörk. Today’s feature ride is on a lava road through fantastic open Icelandic landscape. There is a paved road alternative if you find it too challenging riding on the lava. Your last stop of the day is Keldur, a prime example of later homesteading featured in Njal’s Sagas. End of day transfer into Reykjavik for a final night on the town. B

  • Hotel TBD in Reykjavik

Sep 13: Day Seven; September 13th: Early morning transfer to Keflavik.

Reykjavik is a 45-minute drive from the airport, so this will be an early start in time to catch your flight. Taxis are available and the most convenient option.

All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.


PRICING

Self-Guided: C 6085 (per person, double occupancy – based on two participants)

Group discounts:
Tour Cost: C 5395 (per person, double occupancy – based on four participants)
Tour Cost: C 4675 (per person, double occupancy – based on six participants)

Group discounts will be applied to your invoice after sufficient bookings are received.

Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 5 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, essential transfers, hybrid bike rental, maps and route instructions, taxes

Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.

All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.


Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.

1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.

2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.

PLEASE NOTE: Trip Cancellation Insurance is highly recommended. If this is not provided by your credit card or elsewhere, please let us know and we can provide recommendations.