Iceland is awe-inspiring. The landscape, so newly formed, so refreshingly pristine, and so 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.
Cycling here can be both challenging and rewarding. Road surfaces vary, and the landscape is so open that headwinds are strong and tailwinds divine. We have combined the best scenery with the least used roads, and the most comfortable hotels, so that you can enjoy this un-crowded place as fully as possible. We provide thorough 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 humbled by the sheer magnificence of your surroundings.
You will begin cycling in Hveragerði, not far from Reykjavik. by riding 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 exploring the magical nature reserve at Þórsmörk - "Thor's Playground". You will rest in a charming combination of small inns, Scandinavian-style guesthouses, and comfortable hotels. You will be able to ride to your hearts content, but will occasionally need to switch from your bike to a vehicle capable of carrying you across rivers. Please bring your sense of wonder and adventure!
Route notes: 35 - 100 km/day on mainly paved with occasional gravel roads, with some rolling hills, and lots of level riding. The riding ease is often wind-dependent, but we endeavor to ride downwind in some cases. Highlights: black sand beaches, lobster feast, steaming earth, beautiful lakes, standing in the Trans Atlantic Rift, Geysers, waterfalls, volcanoes, Icelandic ponies, glaciers, puffins.
2008 Guided Dates: Jun 28- Jul 5; Jul 19-26.
Tour starts: 1:00pm day 1, Reykjavik, Iceland and finish: late afternoon day 8, Reykjavik, Iceland.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Early afternoon pickup in Reykjavik/Hotel Loftleider, for transfer to your guesthouse in Hveragerdi. Owned by Knütur Bruun - a patron of Icelandic art, and the chairman of the National Gallery - your guesthouse is well appointed and decorated. Outdoors, you will enjoy the hot swimming pool and "hotpot" beside the river. Indoors, you will enjoy a geothermal sauna and the art Gnutur has collected. You will test your bikes, and depart early for dinner in a nearby coastal village, after exploring the greenhouse community, where tropical plants grow at the Arctic Circle, thanks to the unlimited hot water just beneath the earth’s surface here. Dinner included (guided trips only). Lodging: Guesthouse Frost og Funi (Frost & Fire), Hveragerði.
Day 2: 52 or 70km. Ride on quiet gravel and paved roads 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 ridge, and enjoy gazing into the depths of the clear glacial water of the lake, at the divergence zone of tectonic plates. The afternoon will finish with a pleasant, quiet, and fairly level ride around the lake and back to your inn. Self-guided: breakfast. Guided: all meals. Lodging: Hotel Nesbud, Nesbud.
Day 3: 53 or 69km. Ride on paved and gravel roads to the namesake of all geysers, at Geysir. Visit the magnificent waterfall of Gullfoss before relaxing at your hotel. Meals included: Self-guided: breakfast. Guided: Breakfast and dinner. Lodging: Hotel Geysir, Geysir.
Day 4: 44 or 98km. A downstream ride along the banks of the Hvita River. Afternoon optional ride to Skalholt, a church with stained glass mosaics, on the 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. Meals included: Self-guided: breakfast. Guided: Breakfast and dinner. Lodging: Hotel Hekla, Selfoss, Fludir.
Day 5: 44 or 95km. Afternoon hiking option. 44 or 95km. Afternoon hiking option 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 Hekla’s lava fields. Along the way, you will visit a homestead abandoned in 1104, during an eruption of Hekla, and will have the choice between a 4-hour hike to Iceland’s second highest waterfall - Háifoss, or simply riding another 50km downstream in the shadow of the snow-capped Mt. Hekla volcano. Meals included: Self-guided: breakfast. Guided: all meals. Lodging: Leirubakki Guest House, Landsveit.
Day 6: 66 or 69km. Following mountain roads through lava fields, farmlands, and around the volcano range of Hraun, you will ride to Hvollsvöllur, near the valley of Þórsmörk. You will stop on the way to visit Keldur, a prime example of later homesteading featured in Njal’s Sagas. When you arrive in Hvollsvöllur, you can visit the Njal’s Saga museum for enlightenment about this integral part of Icelandic culture. Meals included: Self-guided: breakfast. Guided: all meals. Lodging: Hotel Hvolsvollur, Hvollsvollur, Ranga, Sudurlandsvegur.
Day 7: 80km. Ride along the coast under the Glacier Mýrdalsjökull. The wind blows here, and we adjust the days plan to take advantage of a tailwind. It is flat except for a couple of good climbs near Vik. Picnic lunch beneath the waterfall Skogafoss, where distractions include a very interesting folk museum. Additional options include visiting the glacier and seeing the puffin colony at Dyrholaey. Meals included: Self-guided: breakfast. Guided: all meals. Lodging: Same as last night.
Day 8: A morning of exploration by 4WD and on foot up the Þvera valley to Þorsmörk. Enjoy uncountable waterfalls as they cascade off the volcanic plateau. Cross the river to two spectacular waterfalls in your 4WD transport to the hidden paradise of Þorsmörk ("Thor’s Forest") nature reserve – one of Iceland’s most spectacular but inaccessible wildernesses. Sealed off by three glaciers, two rivers, and a string of mountains, it reveals glaciers, wildflowers, and bird-filled willow woods. Van transfer at day’s end, back to Reykjavik. Breakfast included. Lunch also on guided trips.
Testimonials:
"Day 6, almost all off road and through the river, is a dream ride and is the reason I returned to Iceland."
(Janice Kretchman)
"I was thrilled with how thoroughly the trip was researched, so that every little detail was taken care of. Even our accommodations before and after the trip were carefully taken care of."
(Jim and Anne Jesse)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Guided Cost: $4895 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners, van & guide support, maps & route notes, taxes)
Self-Guided Cost: $4395 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, luggage handling, maps & route notes, taxes)
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Iceland
Bicycle Touring
Horse Riding
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