Iceland: Fertile South Bike Tour CUSTOM (Coles)

“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.

• Guesthouse Frost og Funi (Frost & Fire), or; Hotel Ork, Hveragerði

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

• Hotel Ion, Nesjavollum

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

• Hotel Geysir, Geysir, or; Hotel Gulfoss, Brattholt

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

• Hotel Fludir, or; Guesthouse Fludir, Flúðir, or; Fosshotel Hekla, Brjánstaðir

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

• Leirubakki Guest House, Landsvei

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.

 

Activity Levels

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To help you choose an appropriate level of daily challenge, we use elevation profiles to represent the route, and a challenge-rating system using symbols from the skiing world. Many of you will already be familiar with it; If not, here is a brief explanation. Note that these classifications may vary with weather and/or road conditions, and you should always arrive with a sense of fun and adventure. If you are unsure, choose a guided trip. The vehicle support can help you get over any hill, and can turn even the most difficult trip into an easy one.

 

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The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.

 

This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.

 

Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.

 

This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.

 

The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.

 

There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.

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