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.
- Challenging cycling.
- Lonely Planet calls this the #1 region in the world for 2022 travel!
- Spectacular roads along and between fjords.
- Scenery is almost always superb and unobstructed by forests.
- Migratory bird colonies; basalt-column cliffs; rugged coasts, and ancient volcanos.
- The freshest and finest local cuisine.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
50-75 km/day on a mix of paved and gravel roads. Some significant climbs make this a challenging route, with rewarding descents. Through the rugged coastline and glacial interior of the Snaefellsness peninsula, then north into the heart of the majestic Westfjords.
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: Introductions, ~15 km
- DAY 2: ~55 km
- DAY 3: ~75 km
- DAY 4: Ferry & Hiking
- DAY 5: ~60 km + Options
- DAY 6: ~60 km
- DAY 7: ~70 km
- DAY 8: ~50 km
- DAY 9: Up to ~40 km
Iceland: Westfjords Bike Tour – Elevation Profile
(Click image to enlarge)
Iceland: Westfjords Bike
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.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Introductions; ~15km
Meet in Reykjavík for a two-hour transfer to the golden sandy beaches near Langaholt. After bike fittings, warm up with a short, flat ride along the beautiful southern coast of Snæfellsnes. D (Meal inclusions shown for guided trips only. Self-guided trips usually include breakfasts.)
Hotel Búðir, or Fosshotel Hellnar, or Langaholt Guesthouse, Snaefellsbaer
Búdir to Hellissandur; ~55km
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. If time permits, enjoy a stroll through the Maritime Museum in the “Fishermen’s Garden”. BD
Freezer Apartments, Hellissandur
Hellissandur to Stykkishólmur; ~75km
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. BL
Hotel Stykkishólmur, Stykkishólmur
Ferry & Hiking on Nature Reserve Flatey.
Enjoy a more relaxing day today, starting with a stroll down the street to the ferry for a two-hour scenic ferry ride through the Breiðafjörður Bay. Be sure to have your binoculars and camera handy for white-tailed eagles, seals, and possible whale sightings! Midway through the bay, disembark on the beautifully historic and storied island town of Flatey, where you can explore and dine in local style. Flatey boasts Iceland’s oldest and smallest library (circa 1864), the Flatey church (circa 1926) with its interior paintings of island life scenes, and of course sheep and puffins on the outskirts of town. Wave farewell to the island folk as you board the ferry for the return ride before a transfer to the historic fishing town of Patreksfjördur. Savour a soak in a community hot pool, then an evening meal of fresh seafood, and comfortable lodging. BLD
Fosshotel Westfjords, Patreksfjörður
Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs; ~60km with options to extend.
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. BL
Same lodging
Patreksfjörður to Flókalundur; ~60km
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. BLD
Hotel Flókalundur, Flókalundur
Flókalundur to Þingeyri; ~70km
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. BL
Guesthouse Sandafell, Þingeyri
Þingeyri to Ísafjörður; ~50km
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. BLD
Hotel Ísafjörður Torg, Ísafjörður
Farewell Ride; Up to ~40km
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. B
If you are catching the ~40 minute direct flight from Air Iceland Connect, enjoy a relaxed morning in Ísafjörður before your flight at around noon.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2024 Guided:
- Jul 11-19
Self-Guided available any dates, except for those listed above. New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
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: 1555
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: Included
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.
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.
