Iceland: Dramatic North Bike Tour
Seven nights; seven days. A challenging bicycle tour on paved and gravel roads along Iceland’s Arctic Coast Way, with options to hike and ride horses. In June the sun stays up all night.
“Iceland is the lead character in this movie.. a troubled hero, at times uncooperative, but with such natural generosity and overpowering beauty, you can’t look away.” – Erik N.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- The less-travelled part of Iceland.
- Easy access from Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city.
- Other-worldly landscapes and national parks.
- Natural beauty in every direction – snow-capped mountains, gorgeous valleys, striking coastlines.
- Midnight sun.
- Icelandic horses.
- Akureyri, “the jewel of the north”.
- Dettifoss – the biggest waterfall in Europe.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: Introductions
- DAY 2: ~57 km
- DAY 3: ~60 km
- DAY 4: ~60 km
- DAY 5: Up to ~112 km
- DAY 6: ~54 km
- DAY 7: ~36 km
- DAY 8: Transfer & Farewells
Iceland: Dramatic North Bike Tour – Elevation Profile
(Click image to enlarge)
Iceland: Dramatic North 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, 10:00, day one.
Finish: Reykjavik, 16:00, day eight. ~$100 flights to Reykjavik from Akureyri as alternative to complimentary van transfer.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Introductions
Pickup in Reykjavik at the BSI Bus Terminal for the 3 ½ hour drive to Sauðárkrókur. Along the way you will visit still-active Vidimyri church, a stunning example of 17th century Icelandic architecture, and the Glaumbear Farmstead, whose dwarf sod houses were the eventual home of Snorri Thorfinnson – the first Viking born in N. America at Newfoundland’s L’Anse aux Meadows. In Sauðárkrókur, you can test your bikes, visit the nearby geothermal heated swimming pool, or stretch your legs on the back of an Icelandic horse before dinner. Optional flights are available from Reykjavik to Sauðárkrókur through Icelandair. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only)
Hotel Tindastoll, Sauðárkrókur; or, Hotel Varmahlíð, Varmahlíð
Ride into Hofsos ~57km
From Sauðárkrókur, ride through a river valley known for its horses and ethereal blue light. Picnic in the mountain-nestled village of Holar, seat of the bishop from 1106-1801 and the last stronghold of the Catholic Church during the Reformation. You can visit the cathedral, restored to its original state. Afternoon ride along the coast of Skagafjordur to Hofsos, where you can visit the Icelandic American Heritage Museum. Transfer back to Hotel Tindastoll at day’s end. BLD
Same lodging
The Tröllaskagi Peninsula ~60km
Follow the coast around the Tröllaskagi Peninsula – Peninsula of Trolls – to lunch in Siglufjörður, a small fishing town once known as the herring centre of Iceland. A visit to the Herring Era Museum will give insight into the boom that hit this region during the 20th century. Later, views of Grimsey Island increase the beauty of the ride. BLD
Sigló Hótel, Siglufjörður; or, Brimnes Hotel & Cabins, Ólafsfjörður
Into Akureyri ~60km
An easier ride along the coast toward Akureyri, acknowledged as the home of some of the world’s most beautiful people, and known by golfers for the Arctic Open Championship. Visit the botanical gardens, old houses, and relative abundance of restaurants and bars, where the fun is heightened by the location near the Arctic Circle. B
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri, or, Hotel Kea, Akureyri
Husavik, whales, and waterfalls Up to ~112km
Follow the Eyjafjörður coast from Akureyri toward Laufas, where well-preserved farm buildings and the oldest thatched houses in Iceland add to the gorgeous charm of an already scenic valley. Lunch at Storutjarnir, or Iceland’s most spectacular waterfall, Gođafoss – Falls of the Gods. Follow the salmon-rich river valley to the coast at Husavik – locally proclaimed the whale-watching capital of Europe, and home of an interesting whale information centre. BLD
Fosshotel Husavik, or, Cape Hotel, Husavik
~54km
Today’s ride takes you past a small geyser, large greenhouses, and along a lava river valley with pseudocraters – formed by cooling lava bubbles instead of by extraterrestrial impact – toward Lake Myvatn, with its myriad islands, ducks, and pretty vistas. Approximately ten kilometres of the route (close to Myvatn) is unpaved. BLD
Fosshotel Myvatn, or, Icelandair Hotel Myvatn, Myvatn
Around Lake Myvatn, and afternoon van ride to the Jokulsargljufur Canyon National Park.~36km
Today is a day to enjoy the unique Myvatn surroundings. After a morning circumnavigation of the lake on your bike, the afternoon can be spent visiting the natural mineral baths (the “Blue Lagoon of the North”) and outlying attractions with your guide, including an optional sightseeing flight over Askja – the world’s biggest caldera – where US astronauts trained for moon landings. BLD
Same lodging
Transfer to Reykjavik
This is an approximate 6-hour drive. Optional flights from Akureyri are available to Reykjavik through Icelandair. B
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2023 Guided:
- Jun 26-Jul 3
- Jul 31-Aug 7
2024 Guided:
- Jun 24-Jul 1
- Jul 29-Aug 5
Self-Guided available any dates, except for those listed above. New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 6555 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners, support vehicle, full-time guide(s), maps, 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 5465 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, 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: 1295
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 long fjords and river valleys flanked by alpine mountains make this a collection of outstanding rides for bicycle touring. The midnight sun, drier climate, and greater shelter from prevailing winds produce more fertility than expected; the vegetation includes flourishing botanical gardens in Akureyri and trees like nowhere else in Iceland. Akureyri – the gem of the north at the end of Eyjafjordur is also known for the blonde beauty of its people. On the way from Akureyri to Lake Myvatn, you will stop in the European whale watching capital at Husavik, for a special night, with views of snow-capped mountains across the fjord. The approach to the lake takes you through marshland peppered with small lakes and ponds, which attract more birds than anywhere else in Iceland, and can make the approach to Myvatn very memorable. Cycling around the lake itself is particularly interesting because of the many green pseudocraters and islands. On day seven, you can visit Jokulsar Canyon National Park and Dettifoss – the biggest waterfall in Europe.
