Explore some of Iceland’s most remote mountain trails by bike from the wild centre all the way to the south coast. Ride through black deserts, past towering, green volcanoes and the contrasting sight of numerous glaciers. Camp at remote mountain lakes, bathe in natural hot springs and experience the serenity that can only be found in pure, unspoilt nature.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
1
Join tour Reykjavik
Arrive Reykjavik and check into guest house. Iceland’s thriving city is the world’s most northerly capital and was established by the Norse chieftain Ingolfur Amarson around the year 874AD. The oldest part of the town is near the harbour, around the lake known as Tjornin, a favourite spot for strolling. Ducks, geese, swans and Arctic terns can be observed at close quarters and the harbour is always busy with trawlers and other vessels.
Overnight Simple Guest House
2
Reykjavík City – Golden Circle Sight Seeing - Langisjór Highland Lake
After leaving the guest house our first stop of the day is the Þingvellir National Park where we will see first hand the meeting place of the tectonic plates of America and Europe and visit the site of the world´s oldest parliament. Then we visit the Geysir hot springs with its spouting geothermal geysers before walking down to the queen of Icelandic waterfalls, the Gullfoss. After lunch we drive to Langisjór highland lake with some sightseeing stops on the way in the old Viking colony in Þjórsárdalur Valley. Tonight there is an optional evening walk to Sveinstindur peak, offering on clear days an unforgettable view of the Fjallabak highlands and Vatnajökull glacier, Europe's biggest glacier.
Overnight Basic Camping
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3
Langisjór Highland Lake to Áltavötn Oasis by bike
Start biking from Langisjór lake in the morning. We will be biking on some winding mountain tracks with Vatnajökull glacier behind us, watching over us as we start our exciting journey into the wild. Our track is a remote mountain road that is guarded by volcanoes and dotted by little lakes in the vast highland plateau and desert. We will overnight in Álftavötn hut, located in one of the very few oasis of the Icelandic highlands. (Distance by bike 52km).
Overnight Basic Camping
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4
Álftavötn Oasis to Strútur Hot Springs
Today we will head towards Strútur in the highlands north of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, where the mega volcano Katla lies dormant. Strútur and the cozy mountain hut there are well known landmarks of the highlands. Now we are about to enter the true arctic desert, the landscape becomes more rough than before and the terrain turns into pitch black volcanic ash, colored occasionally by brilliantly green mountains, rising up from the dunes. In the afternoon we leave the bikes behind for a few hours and hike to Strútslaug, a natural hot pool hidden deep in the mountains, there we can unwind with only nature for company. (Distance by bike 33 km)
Overnight Basic Camping
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Swimming available
5
Strútur Hot Springs - Mælifellssandur Desert - Emstur Hut
Today we continue making our way through the desert and take in the moonlike landscape of Mælifellssandur highland desert, sharply contrasted with the white flanks of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier and green hills of the Fjallabak mountains. Solitude, peace and quite will follow us on this seldom travelled mountain road. Tonight we sleep in the popular Emstrur hut which is a part of the famous Laugavegur hiking trail. (Distance by bike: 36 km)
Overnight Basic Camping
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Swimming available
6
Emstur Hut - Laugavegur Track - Þórsmörk Valley - Básar Hut
Today we leave the bikes behind and set out on foot. The day starts with a crooked path down to Syðri Emstruá River which we’ll cross on a bridge. After crossing we head south to an area called Almenningar. The landscape now starts to change once again and we’ll be seeing peaceful streams covered in arctic birch and flowers. More refreshing river crossing, a bit more demanding than before. On the other side of this river we have left Almenningar behind and entered Þórsmörk valley. From there we have a 40 min walk to Langidalur hut in Þórsmörk and from there on to Básar hut where we spend the night. This part is wonderful as vegetation has spread over the area and Þórsmörk is undeniably one of the pearls of Icelandic nature. (Hiking distance: 15 km)
Overnight Basic Camping
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7
Þórsmörk - Eyjafjallajökull Volcano View - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall – Reykjavík City
Today we will explore Þórsmörk and bike out of this beautiful glacier carved valley. We start the day with a hike up Mt. Valahnúkur to get a good view of Eyjafjallajökull with its infamous volcano and Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. We bike to Stakkholtsgjá canyon and explore it on foot, searching for the hidden waterfall deep in its narrowest recesses. Then we head for Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where we can walk behind it and watch the water pound off the cliff above. Then drive to Reykjavik. (Distance by bike: 34 km)
Overnight Simple Guest House
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
8
Free day for optional activities
Today is a free day to explore Reykjavík City, go shopping or visit some of the numerous museums in the city. You could visit the Blue Lagoon or one of the local swimming pools. If you are up for adventure you can try some of the greatest activity tours Iceland has to offer. They include going snorkeling between the continents, river rafting on a glacier river or sea kayaking on the North Atlantic ocean. Prices are listed under the 'Other sightseeing & activities' section of the trip notes.
Overnight Simple Guest House
Included meals: Breakfast
9
Tour ends Reykjavik
The tour ends in Reykjavik this morning after breakfast.
Included meals: Breakfast
