Iceland: Westfjords Bike Tour
Eight nights; nine days of bicycle touring through the rugged coastline and glacial interior of the Snaefellsness Peninsula, and into the heart of the majestic Westfjords.
“Riding along the fjords with meadows on the other side and snow-capped mountains as background was magnificent.” – Bob G.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- A wilder, more remote part of Iceland with fewer tourists.
- Experience the thrilling challenge of cycling Westfjords’ rugged terrain, with rewarding climbs, winding coastal roads, and scenic descents.
- Discover the rich birdlife at Látrabjarg cliffs, home to puffins, gannets, and razorbills—the largest bird cliff in Europe.
- Visit the historic island of Flatey, with its charming church, Iceland's smallest library, and colorful local life.
- Pedal along the tranquil north coast of Snæfellsnes and past Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains.
- Relax in Flókalundur’s hot springs, following a day of rugged coastal cycling in some of Iceland’s most remote fjords.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.
50-75 km/day on a mix of paved and gravel roads. Some significant climbs make this a difficult ride, with rewarding descents. Hills, lava surfaces, and sometimes weather combine to create a particularly rewarding challenge.
Daily Distance:
- 1: Introductions and Warm Up Ride, up to ~15km (+50m / -50m).
- 2: Búdir to Hellissandur ~54km (+550m / -550m).
- 3: Hellissandur to Stykkishólmur ~75km (+550m / -550m).
- 4: Breiðafjörður Bay Ferry via Flatey Island.
- 5: Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs ~59km (+850m / -800m).
- 6: Patreksfjörður to Flókalundur ~71km (+1500m / -1500m).
- 7: Flókalundur to Þingeyri ~57km (+850m / -850m).
- 8: Þingeyri to Ísafjörður ~49km (+450m / -450m).
- 9: Farewell Ride ~41km (+400m / -400m).
(Click image to enlarge)
Activity Levels
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.
Start: Reykjavik, BSI Bus Terminal, 13:00, day one.
Finish: Reykjavik, 17:00, day nine.
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.
DAY 1:
Introductions and Warm Up Ride, up to ~15km (+50m / -50m).
Meet in Reykjavík for a two-hour transfer to the golden sandy beaches near Langaholt. After bike fittings, enjoy a short, gentle ride along the scenic southern coast of Snæfellsnes, or opt for a leisurely stroll on the nearby trails before settling in at your secluded hotel for the night.
Meal Inclusions: Dinner.
Hotel Búðir, or Fosshotel Hellnar, or Langaholt Guesthouse, Snaefellsbaer.DAY 2:
Búdir to Hellissandur ~54km (+550m / -550m).
Cycle along the arable southern coast of Snæfellsnes and through the Snæfellsjökull National Park. Stop at a café in Hellnar for refreshments and enjoy the views of the Valasnos, a freestanding rock extending east of the bay. We recommend a visit along the route to one of Iceland's most peculiar caves, Vatnshellir, an 8000-year-old lava tube reaching over 200 meters. Continue through the coastal lava fields of the national park, around the tip of the peninsula to the town of Hellissandur. From here, a short van transfer to the top of the glacier nearby, or continue on to Grundarfjörður if staying there.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner.
Adventure Hotel Hellissandur, Hellissandur, or Kirkjufell Guesthouse, Grundarfjörður.DAY 3:
Hellissandur to Stykkishólmur ~75km (+550m / -550m).
Ride the rugged north coast of Snæfellsnes, past Kirkjufell and through the Berserkjahraun lava fields into Stykkishólmur, known as “the town of a thousand islands”. Be sure to visit the array of special attractions such as the local folk museum (a timber built Norwegian house), the certified health-promoting town swimming pool, the Volcano Museum, the Library of Water, and the many art galleries and restaurants.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel Stykkishólmur, Stykkishólmur.DAY 4:
Breiðafjörður Bay Ferry via Flatey Island.
Enjoy a more relaxing day today, beginning with a short stroll to the harbour to board the ferry for a two-hour scenic journey through Breiðafjörður Bay. Keep your binoculars and camera ready—white-tailed eagles, seals, and even the occasional whale are known to appear. The ferry makes a brief scheduled stop at the historic island of Flatey, known for its colourful houses, old church, and Iceland's oldest library. After continuing across the bay, you'll transfer to the historic fishing town of Patreksfjörður, where you can unwind with a soak in a community hot pool before settling in for an evening of fresh seafood and comfortable lodging.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Fosshotel Westfjords, Patreksfjörður.DAY 5:
Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs ~59km (+850m / -800m).
After breakfast, cycle from your hotel to Látrabjarg, the westernmost point in Iceland and a world-famous natural attraction. Europe's largest bird cliff at 14km long and up to 441m high, it is home to millions of birds, including puffins, northern gannets, guillemots and razorbills, and hosts up to 40% of the world population of certain species. Ambitious riders may opt to cycle back to their lodging, while the support vehicle will transfer tired adventurers.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Same lodging.DAY 6:
Patreksfjörður to Flókalundur ~71km (+1500m / -1500m).
This day of exploration will be an exciting mix of paved and un-paved winding coastal roads and climbs with scenic downhill sections. Enjoy the remote cycling over some of Iceland's most ruggedly beautiful fjords before reaching your resting place for the evening at Flókalundur. The town was named after Hrafna (Raven)-Flóki, who is credited with christening the country “Iceland”. Legend has it that Flóki arrived from Norway and endured a hard first winter, during which he lost many animals. In the spring, he hiked to a mountain top and, after seeing that the surrounding fjords were still filled with ice, decided he could not bear to stay in such a cold and inhospitable frozen land.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel Flókalundur, Flókalundur.DAY 7:
Flókalundur to Þingeyri ~57km (+850m / -850m).
Begin today’s route over an inland pass with the desolate moon-like surface of the high lands. Your efforts will be well-rewarded as an epic descent reveals breathtaking ocean views. Marvel at the largest waterfall in the Westfjords, the Dynjandi, a perfect place to rest and have a snack. Watch for seals along the uniquely beautiful (and aptly named) Seal Bay before cycling past the famous Icelandic independence leader Jón Sigurðsson's childhood home in Hrafnseyri, where there is now a museum and charming coffee shop offering soup, bread, coffee and homemade treats. End the day travelling over the renowned “Westfjords Alps”, to the historically rich town of Þingeyri. You may decide to pop into the Café Simbahöllin (specializing in Belgian waffles), visit the oldest functioning mechanic workshop in Iceland (circa 1913), or take a dip in the pool before an independent dinner.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Kex Þingeyri, Þingeyri.DAY 8:
Þingeyri to Ísafjörður ~49km (+450m / -450m).
This final day of your cycling sojourn in Iceland will be a shorter one as you cool down your muscles and take some time to explore the bustling fishing town of Ísafjörður, one of the largest fisheries in Iceland and the capital of the Westfjords. You will have the option to pedal through the stunning 9km Vestfirðir mountain tunnel, a marvel of engineering and a sample of the many mountain tunnels in Iceland. Once arriving in Ísafjörður, you will have free time to visit the Maritime Museum where you can learn about the rich history of the local fishing and trade industry, explore the local folk museum, containing the oldest house in Iceland, built in 1734, drop in to the unique library, or catch a current movie (Icelandic subtitles) with the locals in the balcony seats at the coolest and smallest old fashioned movie theatre. End the day with a stroll down the village streets to your hotel, dreaming of all you have seen, smelled and tasted this past week.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel Ísafjörður Torg, Ísafjörður.DAY 9:
Farewell Ride ~41km (+400m / -400m).
Those opting for the transfer back to Reykjavík will enjoy a final stretch of cycling along flat and stunning coastal roads to Suðavík. Pay a quick visit to the Suðavík Arctic fox museum (hopefully there will be an adorable resident rescue fox kit to see up close). If time and preferences allow, stop in Hólmavík to view the notable “Necropants” at the Icelandic Museum of Witchcraft and Sorcery. Make sure to watch for the sub-arctic wildlife and scenery during the drive back to Reykjavik.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SELECT A DATE BELOW TO RESERVE, OR START A NEW DATE
2026 DATES:
2027 DATES:
Don't see what you want?
(Inclusions & pricing are listed below)
PRICING
Our tour costs are ALL IN, including fees & taxes.
Guided: C 7295 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 9 days, 8 nights, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners, guide and vehicle support, entry fees, luggage handling, maps, route instructions, hybrid bicycle rental, 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 6595 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 9 days, 8 nights, 8 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, maps, route instructions, essential transfers, hybrid bicycle rental, 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 1555
Tour cost excludes airfare and travel to and from the starting point, costs for activities listed as optional, bar and beverage bills, meals not shown as included, gratuities for your driver and/or guides.
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: Included
Flat bars. Trek FX 2 Disk, or similar, with rear rack/trunk bag.
* Change to E-bike: C 1095
Flat bars. Trek Verve+ 2 or similar, with rear rack/trunk bag. Lowstep frames available by request.
* E-bikes are very limited and are on a first-come first serve basis. If your booking is contingent on an e-bike, please indicate this in your order comments.
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 departure, this usually involves a surcharge depending on the details. Those who prefer to travel self-guided typically need only two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and we can sometimes offer reduced rates for larger groups. Please get in touch for more information.
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.
Otherwise, Reykjavik is a small city, and almost everything is within walking distance. Some areas are traffic free.
Taxis are also available from the airport.
AFTER THE FINISH
On day nine following your morning bike ride, you will be transferred about 5 ½ hours back to Reykjavik by van. In lieu of the van transfer, you may want to fly to Reykjavik (REK) from Ísafjörður (IFJ); daily flights are operated by Iceland Air.
BEFORE AND AFTER
Private Groups and Self-Guided departures:
If your schedule allows for extra time, there are opportunities to extend this itinerary to include a more in-depth experience of Western Iceland. One option, often recommended by our guide, is to include an extra night at Þingeyri (day seven) from where you can explore the Þingeyri peninsula along one of Iceland’s most stunning routes. You can ride part of the Svalvogar Circuit; to the lighthouse and back is about 46km on a rugged road that is sure to be a highlight of your adventure. There are also hiking and horseback riding options at Þingeyri. Another option is to add a night at the end of the tour following your stay at Ísafjörður; this will allow more time to cycle the beautifully paved coastal road between Ísafjörður and Reykjanes. Please ask for more details!
If you have one extra day:
From Reykjavik, some guests extend their trip by a day to include hiking the glacier at Snæfellsnes, visiting the nearby Inside the Volcano, or just exploring the city.
If you have several days:
Join our Fertile South Bike tour or Dramatic North 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
The land and sea of the Snaeffellsnes peninsula are filled with tales of a bygone era. Explore sites such as Berserkjahraun, a 4000 year old lava field, whose name originated from Icelandic folklore; in the Eyrbyggja Saga, a long-standing feud between Snorri Goði and Arnkel Goði was responsible for the creation of the path through the spectacular field.
The fascinating culture is surpassed only by the landscape. Winding coastlines, moss-covered lava fields, massive basalt-column cliffs, migratory bird communities, glacial mountain ranges, gushing waterfalls, and geothermal heated pools create an other-worldly experience. You will breath the fresh ocean air, feel the bright northern sun on your skin; you and your bicycle will be one strong, beautiful, and capable machine rolling down these country roads. Fully immerse yourself in the local hospitality, traditions, history, and of course, the freshest and finest local cuisine: Skyr (Icelandic yogurt), Hangikjot (smoked lamb), Klenat (pastry), cheeses, incredible unique ice cream, reindeer meat, and abundant seafood. Bring your sense of adventure, appetite, and camera for this experience of a lifetime.