Iceland: Fertile South Bike

Start: Reykjavik, BSI Bus Terminal, 13:00, day one.

Finish: Reykjavik, 17:00, day eight.

Meal inclusions: Listed for guided trips only, please see dates & pricing section for accurate inclusions per support level.

Please contact us to arrange alternate meeting and departure plans, if necessary.

1

DAY 1:

Introductions.

Early afternoon pickup in Reykjavik for transfer to your guesthouse in Hveragerði. 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.

Meal Inclusions: Dinner.

Guesthouse Frost og Funi, or Hotel Ork, Hveragerði.

2

DAY 2:

Hveragerði to Lake Þingvallavatn ~45km (+500m / -400m).

Today you are on your way to Nesbud, located on the shores of Lake Þingvallavatn. 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 viewpoint.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Ion Adventure Hotel, Nesjavollum.

3

DAY 3:

Lake Þingvallavatn to Geysir ~75km (+1,200m / -1,200m).

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 Mid-Atlantic 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.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner.

Hotel Geysir, Geysir; or Hotel Gulfoss, Brattholt.

4

DAY 4:

Geysir to Flúðir via Gullfoss ~75km (+900m / -1,000m).

Visit the magnificent waterfall of Gullfoss, then enjoy a downstream ride along the banks of the Hvítá 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.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner.

The Hill Hotel; or Guesthouse Flúðir, Flúðir.

5

DAY 5:

Flúðir to Þjórsá Valley ~85km (+700m / -700m).

Today's long ride takes you up the banks of the Þjórsá 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 a 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 sight if you decide to do this afternoon's ride.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Landhótel, Landborgir; or Leirubakki Guest House, Leirubakki.

6

DAY 6:

Þjórsá Valley to Hella Area ~45km (+400m / -400m).

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.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Hotel Laekur, Rangarvallavegur; or Hotel Ranga (optional upgrade for private groups) , Sudurlandsvegur.

7

DAY 7:

Hella Area to Skógafoss 85km (+400m / -500m), transfer back to lodging

Follow the coast under the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. The wind blows here, and we adjust the day's plan to take advantage of a tailwind. The ride is flat except for a couple of good climbs along the South Coast. You will gather for a picnic lunch beneath the waterfall Skógafoss, where distractions include a very interesting folk museum. The optional alternative today is an independent day exploring Þórsmörk on foot. Transport leaves at 09:00, and returns at about 20:00, just in time for dinner. We send you with lunch, but your guides only accompany you if the entire group opts in.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Same lodging.

All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.

SELECT A DATE BELOW TO RESERVE:

Guided: C 6795 (per person, double occupancy)

Includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners, hybrid bike rental, van and guide support, maps and route instructions, taxes

Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.

Self-Guided: C 6255 (per person, double occupancy)

Includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 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.

Single Occupancy: Add C 1365

Bike Rentals:

Hybrid-Fitness: Included

Flat bars. Trek FX 2 Disk, or similar, with rear rack/trunk bag.

* Change to E-bike: C 995

Flat bars. Trek Verve+ 2 or similar, with rear rack/trunk bag. Lowstep frames available by request.

All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.

BEST TIMES

The best time to enjoy this tour is June to August.

• Spring, April to May, is relatively dry and bright. Daytime average high temperatures range from 6 to 10 °C (43 to 50 °F). Note that seasonal businesses and routes may still be closed, or on off-season hours, until mid-June.
• Summer, June to August, typically peaks around 14 °C (57 °F).
• Autumn tends to be the rainy season, though temperatures in September and October can still be mild, similar to spring.

GET TO THE START

Fly into Keflavik International Airport (KEF), approximately 45 minutes from the capital city of Reykjavik.

The easiest and most economical method of travel from the airport to Reykjavik is the Flybus. The service operates in connection with all arriving flights. The Basic Flybus ticket will take you from the airport to the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik, which is also adjacent to the domestic airport (REK). If you would like transportation directly to your inn you will need to purchase the Flybus+ and book one of the hotels/guesthouses listed on their webpage. Tickets can be purchased upon your arrival from airport kiosks or in advance by booking online.

Taxis are also available from the airport.

AFTER THE FINISH

After day eight’s activities, you will be shuttled back to Reykjavik by 17:00. It is best to fly out the following morning. Contact us for hotel recommendations.

BEFORE AND AFTER

If you have one extra day:
Some extend their trip by a day to include hiking the glacier at Snæfellsnes, others just add a night or two for exploring Reykjavik. A popular day tour is a visit to nearby Inside the Volcano.

If you have several days:
Join our Fertile South Bike tour for a well rounded active Iceland holiday.

Iceland Air links North America, Iceland, and Europe, making it easy to add a visit to over 20 destinations in Europe, before or after your adventure.

We recommend the following accommodations in Reykjavik for before or after your tour; please let us know if we can assist with reservations:

• Hotel Oðinsve, Ph: +354 511 6200
• Hotel Borg, Ph: +354 551 1440
• Hotel Fron, Ph: +354 511 4666
• Snorri’s Guesthouse, Ph: +354 552 0598

MORE READING

Iceland is awe-inspiring. The landscape, so newly formed, refreshingly pristine, and geologically active, defies portrayal with words and pictures, although it will inspire you to try! Steam rises from hot pools on volcanic mountainsides, and glacier-fed waterfalls tumble down to the lush lands below. We have combined the best scenery with the least used roads, and the most comfortable hotels, to create a bicycle tour you'll never forget.

We provide abundant vehicle support, while you ride the wide open spaces, breathing clear air warmed by the Gulf Stream, and bathing in water heated by the earth. When the road beckons in front of you, and the sun illuminates the rivers, pastures, and icecaps all around, you will be moved by the sheer magnificence of your surroundings. You may ponder, as you gaze into the Mid-Atlantic Rift, or soak in your hotpot beneath the midnight sun, the humbling power of the dynamic earth.

The cycling begins in Hveragerði, not far from Reykjavik. You will ride your bike around the lake of Þingvallvatn to the ancient parliament at Þingvellir, then to Geysir and the impressive waterfall at Gullfoss. Skirting the mountains on fairly level roads at their base, you will cross the fertile Biskupstungur (“Fields between Rivers”) to the lava fields below Mount Hekla, and riding under the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier between Hvollsvollur and Vik before taking a ferry to the spectacular Westman Islands for a final afternoon of exploration on foot. You will rest in a charming combination of small inns, Scandinavian-style guesthouses, and comfortable hotels. You will be able to bicycle until your heart’s content.

Bring your sense of wonder and adventure on our Iceland South Bike Tour!

“Top notch” - Stuart B