Fire and Ice Gravel Cycling Adventure in Iceland

8 Days, Multiple Departures

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Fire and Ice Gravel Cycling Adventure in Iceland
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Location
  • Things to keep in mind
  • FAQ

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The journey starts in Iceland’s capital, and home to two thirds of the small local population, Reykjavik. Our 600 km loop ride takes us through a stunning variety of landscapes – from West Iceland, across the highlands, past glaciers and over lava fields. This is a country shaped by fire & ice – a millennia of volcanic activity and the slow moving mighty glaciers have carved out the majestic landscapes of Iceland. A gravel bike is the perfect way to experience the landscape.

Stay in cozy accommodations en route and learn why Iceland is renowned as a wellness destination. Bathe in hot springs, jump in ice cold pools. Experience the strangeness of life under the Midnight Sun – the sun never sets in Iceland during the summer. Enjoy support from local guides and a professional support team on our full-board tour.

Tour highlights

Discover the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik

Ride across the highlands and see the Langjokull Glacier and Hallmundarhraun lava field.

Soak in the hot spring paradise of the Husafel Canyon Baths

Climb the Svínaskard gravel pass

Duration: 8 days

Distance: 520 km

Region: Iceland

Terrain: Gravel

Level: Advanced

Average distance x day: 86 km

Average time x day: 5 hours 45 minutes

Full Support

Enjoy small group sizes and professional, personal support all week from your guides & support vehicle.

We work with an industry leading guide to guest ratio – expect up to 4 guests per guide on the trip with guides leading the way on the road and a support vehicle close by at all times. Note that for groups of 4 riders or less this tour is run as a guided trip without the support vehicle.

The ride support vehicle is stocked with natural ride nutrition, electrolytes and water, as well as a full set of tools to resolve any mechanicals. On selected days the support crew will serve a delicious picnic lunch in a scenic location en route. Enjoy local foods chosen to keep you feeling energized and healthy.

Our guides are experienced riders from all walks of life united by a love of cycling who’ll help to keep the group safe, motivated and savoring the trip of a lifetime.

All guests will receive access to our digital Road Book and routes, giving everyone the flexibility to ride at their own pace.

Is this tour for me?

Advanced

Rated 3 out of 4 our Advanced tours are designed for people who ride regularly and want back to back challenging days on the bike. Riders should be confident riding in a small group, comfortable on extended climbs (at your own pace) and have good bike handling skills on corners and descents. E-bikes are available on all of our tours.

About

Cycling: Full support

Accommodation: 3* and 4* hotels

Food: Breakfast, lunch & evening meals

Airfare

Transfers

Fly to Reykjavik Airport.


We recommend you bring your own bike.

"Awesome service, we rented 2 Kona’s to ride the Vies Verde to Olot, the staff in the the rental shop was top notch. I’ve been a competitive cyclist for 30 years and I’ve seen a lot, these guys are number 1 in my book! Already looking forward to a longer stay in Girona."

- Brian, Canada

"The whole team was great. Nothing was too much trouble, our itinerary was spot on and was tweaked on the fly according to our wishes and how the group was traveling. Can't recommend them enough, with a special shout out to Peter who was with us for the entire time and really made the trip something special."

- Mark, Australia

Gallery
About The Host
Gethy and Mario

Gethy and Mario

Gethyn is from Wales but has been living in Catalonia for 14 years, and having found a quiet spot in the forest not far from Girona, he has no intention of leaving. Gethyn's been a part of the cycling team since the early days and loves the job. He rides the road and gravel with friends and MTB with his dog.

During the past 10 years, Mario has lived in different countries, but now he's back home in Conegliano to ride every steep hill in the area! Despite his focus on road cycling, he's had some amazing moments with his beloved steel gravel bike! Mario has been a member of the cycling team since 2019 and couldn't be happier! He looks forward to seeing you on the road soon!

Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Reykjavik

Meet your guides and fellow riders at our hotel in Reykjavik at noon. We'll welcome everyone to Iceland, enjoy a bite to eat and then head out on a short warm-up ride. Tonight we'll eat together at our favorite sport in Reykjavik and discuss the adventure ahead!

Eat: Welcome Lunch and evening meal

Sleep: Hotel

Cycle: Warm-up ride

Day 2 Reykjavik to West Iceland

Our jouney begins with a ride west out of Reykjavik hugging the coast. After 27 kms our road turns north. The main challenge of the day is a 6 km gravel climb to the Svínaskard pass at nearly 500 m elevation. The views are breathtaking! A long descent follows before we continue on undulating terrain on the paved road around the Hvalfjördur inlet. Enjoy a great photo opportunity en route at the Fossarétt waterfall.

Eat: Breakfast | Lunch | Evening meal

Sleep: Hotel

Cycle: Reykjavik - to Hvalfjörður, 89km, 1359 m

Day 3 Hvalfjörður to Borgarnes

Continue on our trajectory north west into West Iceland. Look out for horses en route - this is a favourite area for horse riders. Ride alongside lakes, cross rivers and marvel at mother nature. We'll pass the Borgarbyggð Waterfall en route to our resting place for tonight at Hotel Hamar.

Eat: Breakfast | Lunch | Evening meal

Sleep: Hotel

Cycle: Hvalfjörður to Borgarnes, 79km, 890 m

Day 4 Borgarnes to Varmaland

Ride north east towards the highlands and the village of Varmaland. The ride is characterised by wide open, undulating, stunning landscapes. Look out for the mountain peak of Grjothals to the north. Our destination of Varmaland is an eco-friendly producer of flowers & vegetables, with production powered by energy from hot springs. Around 20 people live in the village all year around.

Eat: Breakfast | Lunch | Evening meal

Sleep: Hotel

Cycle: Borgarnes - Varmaland, 78km, 942 m

Day 5 Varmaland to Húsafell

It's time to change direction today and point our bicycles to the east. Today's route is over 80% gravel and, whilst the shortest of our rides, packs a real punch as we ride inland through an area of volcanic activity. In the afternoon we'll enjoy a relaxed guided hike to the Husafel Canyon Baths - pack your swimsuit to enjoy a serene soak in a surreal hot spring paradise that has to be seen to be believed. En route we'll learn about the geology of the region, the impact of climate change and see the spectacular two-tiered waterfall Langifoss.

Eat: Breakfast | Lunch | Evening meal

Sleep: Hotel

Cycle: Varmaland - Húsafell, 62km, 603 m

Day 6 Across the Highlands - Glaciers and Lava Fields

Take the Kaldidalur road from Húsafell south to the Þingvellir National Park. It's a breathtaking ride from Husafell to Nesjavellir with views of the Langjokull Glacier and Hallmundarhraun lava field. The day begins with a 16 km gravel ascent to a dramatic volcanic plain at 700 m the edge of a glacier - the mighty Langjökull (the Long Glacier) is the second largest glacier in Iceland. It's 50 km long and 20 km wide, with ice 580 m deep at it's thickest. At its highest point the Langjökull reaches an alititude of 1,450 meters. It's located in the Highlands, and two main highland tracks, connecting the north and the south of Iceland, lie alongside it. After the climb a stunning descent unfolds to the Þingvellir National Park. Enjoy the dramatic rocky scenery as we ride around the lake to our hotel.

Eat: Breakfast | Lunch | Evening meal

Sleep: Hotel

Cycle: Húsafell - Nesjavellir, 85km, 1100 m

Day 7 Nesjavellir to Reykjavik

Our final day begins with a punchy paved 4 km climb out of the hotel. Views of the lake unfold behind as we reach 400 m. Follow the road for another 20 km to descend to the green countryside outside of Reykjavik. Enjoy a magical rolling ride to enter the city from the south and head to the centre hugging the coastline. Enjoy a celebratory last night in Reykjavik.

Eat: Breakfast | Lunch | Evening meal

Sleep: Hotel

Cycle: Nesjavellir - Reykjavik, 73km, 736 m

Day 8 Departures

Sadly, it's time to say farewell! Plan your onward travel from Reykjavik center.

Eat: Breakfast

Location
Things to keep in mind

More than 90 days - No Cancellation Fee 

61 – 90 Days - 50% of Tour Price

31 – 60 days - 75% of Tour Price

0 – 30 days - 100% of Tour Price

The parties agree to this combined travel contract, which is subject to the following PARTICULAR CONDITIONS.

TOUR NAME. As established in the Trip Notes, sent to the guest.

DATE OF TOUR. As established in the Trip Notes, sent to the guest.

PRICE. As established in the Trip Notes.

PLACE OF DEPARTURE AND RETURN. As established in the Trip Notes.

PLACE, METHOD, AND CALENDAR OF PAYMENT. As established in the Trip Notes

SCHEDULE. As established in the Trip Notes.

ITINERARY AND PREVIOUS SERVICES. As established in the Trip Notes and supplemented with the documentation that will be delivered to the guest before departure in the Tour Itinerary.

ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED, CATEGORY, CHARACTERISTICS, AND SITUATION. As established in the Trip Notes. The guest expressly acknowledges being informed of this, giving his/her agreement to the categories, characteristics, and situation of the hotels and means of transport that will be used in the contracted trip. Hotels may vary depending on their occupancy.

MINIMUM NUMBER OF PEOPLE. The completion of this trip requires the minimum number of people that the Trip Notes expressly indicate (if a minimum is not required, this clause is not applicable). The Agency may cancel the trip if a minimum number of people is required and this minimum is not reached. See Trip Notes for the specific conditions of your tour.

EXECUTION OF THE TOUR. The Agency is responsible for the correct execution of all travel services included in the contract (by article 161 of Bill no. RD 1/2007). The Agency shall provide adequate assistance without undue delay to the traveler in need of assistance. The Agency may invoice a reasonable surcharge for such assistance if the need for assistance has been caused intentionally or due to the negligence of the guest. Said surcharge will in no case exceed the actual costs incurred by the Agency. The guest must inform the Agency without undue delay of any lack of compliance observed during the execution of a travel service included in the contract.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGN GUESTS. Visas, passports, fees, and other necessary documentation may be required, as established in the Trip Notes.

INSURANCE

Assistance Insurance. The contracted trip includes the option to obtain travel assistance

Cancellation Insurance. The consumer declares that he/she has been informed by the Agency of the possibility of contracting insurance, paid by the guest, which covers the costs of cancellation and to have assistance covering the cost of repatriation or transfer to the place of origin, in case of accident, illness or death as well as other eventualities.

Insurance in case of insolvency. The purpose of the insurance is to respond to the fulfillment of the obligations arising from the provision of services to the contractors of a combined trip and, especially, to the reimbursement of the funds deposited in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Agency. By European, Spanish, and Catalan legislation, The host has contracted insurance with the following company:

FAQ