Cycling in Iceland

Iceland is a country of outstanding natural beauty. Cycling and traveling in Iceland is a great experience, but you should be prepared for harsh weather and rugged nature. We urge you to travel Iceland responsibly and help keep Iceland’s vast but fragile environment intact for future generations. CYCLING ICELAND 2019 and another independent travel map created by dedicated cyclists offer specific tips for anyone touring Iceland by bike, foot, bus or car.

We wish you a pleasant and safe journey.

Cycling in Iceland is a great experience but difficult. Be ready for…

Adverse weather conditions. The weather in Iceland can vary from one minute to the next. Expect extreme wind speeds, cold, rain and even snow. Bring warm clothing and adjust your travel plans to the weather.

severe nature . Steep cliffs, cracks, boiling hot springs, glaciers and sea beaches with intense surf pose a danger to visitors. Respect nature and be careful, even if there is no warning sign.

Sensitive vegetation and soil. Due to the cold climate, loose volcanic soils and increasing tourism, trampling and erosion are serious problems. Off-road driving is strictly prohibited. Follow the designated trails and pay attention to nature.

small population. The nearest shop, public transport or other services can be 200 km away. Stock up on groceries and spare parts, and tell others or www.safetravel.is about your plans before venturing into remote areas.

Heavy traffic. Car traffic has increased significantly in recent years. On large sections of Route 1, traffic exceeds 3,000 cars per day (one car every 10 seconds during the day). Streets are narrow, no bike lanes. Long-distance cycling and public transport are safer.

Mass tourism. Iceland is now visited by more than 2 million tourists annually. At places like Geyser or Gulfoss you will meet hundreds of visitors. Since most tourists seek nature by car, cyclists suffer from heavy traffic on main roads and fluid public transport. Cycling in remote areas is the best experience.

Iceland is expensive. Basic groceries are relatively fairly priced, but all other goods and services are expected to pay much more than in most other countries.

Camping on campsites: Many campsites in Iceland are allowed to drive close to the tent. If you pitch your tent in a beautiful green area at 20:00, by 23:00 you may be surrounded by 2-ton SUVs, caravans, etc. and there may be a party on a (bright) summer night. It can be quieter on tent-free campsites. Use the campsite list on www.cyclingiceland.is to find places suitable for cyclists.

Camping outside of designated campgrounds is a hot topic of discussion, including overnight RV parking, off-road parking, close proximity to homes and private property, trash and human waste. Recently, the rules have become stricter. However, free camping with a small tent and bicycle far away from the neighboring house is legal and does not harm anyone. Make sure the place is clean and in a natural state.

Wetter

Iceland has a cool and windy oceanic climate. Summer is short and the best time for cycling is from late May to early September. At this time, the average temperature is 10–12 °C (50–54 °F). Some warm days can exceed 20 °C (68 °F), but temperatures close to zero are also common. Most days there is a combination of clouds and sunlight, but rain is common. As lows approach, conditions can be quite humid on one side of the country. Inland, highlands and mountain passes are often colder, more often wind, fog, rain or snow.

Keep in mind that the weather in Iceland is much more changeable and windy than in other countries. Strong winds often intensify within 10 minutes and one place can be calm and a strong storm only 5km away. Always bring warm clothes, even for a short day trip. Wind and rain can chill you quickly, and shelter is scarce because trees are rare. Always check the weather forecast ( en.vedur.is , tel: 902-0600, or ask the locals) before setting off. Wind speed and gusts ( vindhviður ) from windy places on main roads are indicated on electronic signs 10-30 km from these areas as well as on www.road.is. At wind speeds above 15-20 m/s cycling becomes dangerous. Gusts easily exceed 30m/s near some mountains and it may not be possible to push a bike.

Adapt your travel plans to the weather. If it’s too windy to ride a bike, wait in a safe place until the weather improves. If you must ride your bike upwind, consider cycling late at night and at night, as the wind often dies down in the evening. This has the added benefit of much less car traffic and amazingly bright summer nights, but access to shops and services is of course limited.

streets

Most of the main roads are paved, although the surface is sometimes uneven. Iceland’s main highway, Route 1, bypasses the country for about 1,400 kilometers. In the last five years, traffic on many tourist routes has increased by more than 100%. With cars passing by every few seconds, most of the main roads in southwest Iceland do not meet current European road safety standards, are narrow (less than 8 meters wide) or have a multi-lane road with no room for cyclists. Only some streets have wide sidewalks or bike lanes.

Use the map to find the best routes. We recommend cycling on back roads , using public transport or cycling at night when the exposure is less. Traffic is lighter in more remote parts of the country, but vehicles move quickly. The roads also get narrower, especially after leaving Route 1. Minor roads are still mostly gravel. There is much less traffic on gravel roads, but there can be potholes, washboards or loose sand on long sections.

Cars that are overtaking too closely, drivers who are blinded by the low-lying sun, poor visibility in rain and fog, blind hills, side winds and loose gravel are particularly dangerous for cyclists. You may only drive on a single lane bridge if you are certain that no car will drive onto the bridge when crossing the bridge – do not trust motorists that they will see you and stop. With the exception of the Hvalfjörður and Vaðlaheiði tunnels, cycling is permitted in all tunnels. Conditions for cycling in them are quite good, since the intensity of movement is quite low. All tunnels are lighted but you need bike lights to see them.

Inner Highlands

Mountain roads in the inland highlands are usually closed until late May or even July, depending on seasonal snowmelt. The Roads Administration (www.road.is) has up-to-date information on road and weather conditions and summer opening times. All high-altitude roads are rough gravel roads of varying quality, from tamped mud to uneven washboards, loose gravel to sand that is impassable when the conditions are too dry. Many rivers have to be crossed by fords and can become dangerous during or after rain and in the case of glacial rivers in warm periods. As a result, in summer you may have to wait late into the night or into the early morning to cross certain glacial rivers.

The map also shows selected abandoned roads and single-lane roads with no motorized traffic. They provide off-road connections across footbridges, mountain passes and highlands. You may need to carry a bike on some ruined or steep spots, and you need to get accurate information about the conditions on these dirt trails before setting off.

For all mountain roads and trails, mountain bikes are recommended with thick studs for good traction and comfort, and low gears to help you climb steep hills. Keep in mind that the nearest accommodation in the highlands can be far away and there are usually no shops or services. The weather can be terrible, including sandstorms or snow. Large areas are not covered by cell phones and some routes are very lonely. Depending on the road surface, it can be very slow and you can only cover 25 km per day. Keep in mind that this map does not show the quality of the roads and roads with more traffic are not necessarily better than those with fewer cars. This card alone is not enough to travel in the highlands. We recommend,

Always inquire about the current weather and road/track conditions at the local tourist information offices, hut keepers and other travelers before setting off on your journey. If you are traveling alone or off-road, make sure your friends, boss or www.safetravel.is are aware of your travel plans so you can organize assistance in case of an emergency.

Cycling to and from Reykjavik and Akureyri

There is a fairly good network of cycling routes in the metropolitan area , see the Reykjavik map above for the best routes. In 2018, five colour-coded main routes will be marked. In addition, cycling is usually normal on all secondary roads; Many also have bike lanes. Note that cycling on sidewalks and sidewalks is legal in Iceland, but cyclists must show respect to pedestrians. Some narrow or uneven areas are marked as “slow” paths on the map; cycle faster on the neighboring “orange” roads. It is not recommended to ride a bike on major highways.

There are no bike lanes outside the city limits , and the main roads are subject to heavy and fast traffic. Route 1 is particularly narrow and dangerous for cyclists, but the road to Keflavik is wider. Much better to cycle along the small roads to Krysuvik, Nesjavellir, Tingvellir and the old Tingvellir-Laugarvatn road or around Hwalfjördur via Mosfelscheidy / Kiosarskard / Geldingadrag.

Public transport is a great way to avoid traffic. In the north you can catch buses to Akranes or Borgarnes, which will take you through the Hwalfjördur Tunnel, which is closed to cyclists. You can take a bus to South Iceland, for example to Hveragerdi, Selfoss or Hvolsvolur.

East of Akureyri : Route 1 through the Vikuskard Pass is narrow, hilly and difficult. It is much more pleasant to drive on Wadlaheid (see Akureyri map). This gravel road is in fairly good condition, it is open at both ends despite tunnel work. The gradients are stable, the gradient is less than 10% and there are few cars. The new Vaðlaheiði tunnel will be closed to cyclists, but when the tunnel opens, Víkurskarð could become more convenient for cyclists due to less traffic.

traffic rules

Bicycles are allowed on all roads except in the Hwalfjördur and Wadlaheidi tunnels. However, most of the main roads in southwest Iceland are dangerous for cyclists. In the metropolitan area it is better to use bike lanes. When cycling on roads, cyclists must ride on the right side of the rightmost lane and overtake vehicles. In Iceland, cycling is legal on sidewalks and sidewalks, but cyclists must be careful around pedestrians. Any off-road driving or cycling is strictly prohibited. Tire tracks easily wash away loose soil and the vegetation is very delicate and takes years to recover in Iceland’s cold climate.

Bicycles must be fitted with headlights and taillights when riding in the dark, in tunnels or in poor visibility, but not in daylight. Children under the age of 15 are required by law to wear bicycle helmets. Children under the age of 7 may only ride under the supervision of a person aged 15 or over.

gear

Always wear warm, windproof and rainproof clothing; Gloves and a warm hat may be required even in summer. Tents must withstand strong winds. We recommend a sturdy trekking bike or a mountain bike with thick spikes for the highlands. Steep climbs and headwinds require low gears. Good lighting on the bike and a safety vest increase safety when cycling on main roads, at night and in tunnels. Wear parts such as tyres, brake pads, chain and bearings should be in good condition as the nearest bike shop may be far away. Tools and spare parts are required for on-site repairs. The most common problems are loose tires, broken spokes, broken chains, loose or lost nuts and bolts,

Residence

The cycling map shows all campsites and all places with overnight accommodation. In the highlands are all the huts and shelters that can be reached by bike, bus or boat. Cyclists should be prepared to camp as the nearest house may be too far away.

Cabins: Cabins in the highlands are likely to be overcrowded and should be booked in advance.

Camping: Travelers are expected to use the designated campsites. At cyclingiceland.is we offer specific information about bicycles for all of Iceland’s approximately 250 campsites. We recommend places with a car-free zone only for tents, especially if you don’t like parking 2-ton SUVs right next to your tent. The campsite list also includes information on windbreaks, hot showers, drying wet clothes, interior amenities, bike repair tools and more. Download the list to your smartphone or print it out.

Camping outside the campsite: If the nearest campsite cannot be reached, travelers and cyclists are allowed to set up a regular tent for one night anywhere along the road/trail/trail except on farmland, in areas too close to residential buildings and especially protected areas. Note that in the lowlands along the road there are usually fences. Ask the owner for permission before settling on agricultural or private land. Always ensure that all rocks, moss, grass and trees are left in their natural state and that all debris is removed. Secure your tent to withstand sudden high winds that could hit at any moment.

Campers and vans should always use specially designated pitches. In the settlements of South Iceland, tents must also use specially designated campsites; Free camping is restricted to wildlife sanctuaries at least a few kilometers from homes or cultural areas.

food and drinks

Groceries can only be bought in towns and a few other locations on the highway. So you must have enough food to last you a few days as you traverse the highlands. As Iceland is sparsely populated there can be 100-200 km between shops, even on route 1, for example between Mivatn and Egilsstadir and between Hoffn and Skaftafel.

In rural areas, the water from streams and rivers is usually easily accessible. Never take water from areas below farms or fields. Instead, visit farms and ask for tap water. Water from glacial rivers should only be drunk in emergencies and is best filtered. Two liters of water is usually enough, but in places with sand and lava without surface water it may be necessary to carry more water.

Arrival by plane and arrival at Keflavik Airport

Cyclists who take their bikes with them on flights to Iceland are usually required to pack them in appropriate boxes.

Keflavik Airport: There is no place to pack and unpack bikes in the terminal building, but 100 meters just before arrival you will find the Bike Pit, a special container with repair stands, pumps and tools. Bike crates can be stored at Bilahotel (Geysir building, 800m from Arnarvöllur 4, tel. 455-0006, www.luggagestorage.is , see map of Keflavik). Also a good option is to take the bus to Reykjavik and start cycling there – Camping Reykjavik / City Hostel also offers tools, a stand and storage space for bike boxes.

Cycling from/to Keflavik Airport: The cycle path to Keflavik starts at a bicycle container. For all other destinations you have to ride the bike on the road. The main road to Reykjavik is mostly quite wide, but traffic is heavy.

Buses from Keflavik to Reykjavik: Flybus, Airport Express and Airport Direct connect all flights. From their bus terminals in Reykjavik (BSÍ, Holtagarðar and Grandi) they all also provide transport to Reykjavik Camping / City Hostel, other guesthouses and hotels. Line 55 Strætó goes to Hafnarfjordur or BSÍ, but this particular bus does not carry bikes.

Domestic flights mainly depart from Reykjavik City Airport (there are two terminals, see Reykjavik map). Bikes can be taken on all domestic flights, but you must ask the airline in advance if you are traveling by bike. No boxes are needed on domestic flights, but turn the steering wheel and put some gaskets on the delicate parts.

Travel by bus and bike

The public transport map, www.publictransport.is shows all scheduled bus, ferry and plane routes in Iceland. Sightseeing tours that do not allow travel from A to B are not displayed. For timetables, etc., see the operators’ websites. Check if the bus is running on schedule, buses can be canceled due to a storm.

Public buses run according to a timetable all year round. A pre-order is not possible. Tickets for all long-distance buses can be bought from the driver in cash or by credit card. Strætó has the largest network. Tickets for Strætó are also sold at several locations in the countryside, as well as at the swimming pools and “10/11” shops in the city area. Packages of 20 tickets are cheaper, and there are discounts for youth and travelers 67+. Bicycles are transported free of charge if there is space.

Scheduled buses , operated by private companies, operating only in the summer. These services must be booked in advance; It is usually sufficient to show a reservation number on the bus. The cost of bicycles about 4000 crowns extra; Cyclists must contact the operator beforehand. Passengers without a reservation can board the bus and pay the driver if there are seats available.

Bike transport: Contact the operator and ask if/how the bikes are transported on a specific bus. Strætó motorway services often have an external bike rack. Most other buses carry bicycles in the luggage compartment, while some minibuses have luggage tags and some buses do not carry bicycles at all. Most services have a capacity of around 4 ± x bikes (less in winter), but the bus driver decides how many bikes can be carried. Arrange a “plan B” in advance, as buses on main routes can sometimes be overcrowded with bikes. Be prepared to make the bike as small as possible when carrying it in the luggage compartment. Remove loose parts from bicycle carriers and fasten bicycles with tension belts; Some seals prevent scratches.

Notes on individual lines: Most buses run once or twice a day, with some outlying lines only a few times a week. There are additional buses between Hvolsvolur, Reykjavik and Borgarnes, which can have more space for bikes than intercity flights. See the Fly and Bike section below for information on buses near Keflavik Airport. Please note that between Egilsstadir and Hoffn most SVAust buses do not carry bicycles and there is no traffic except in summer on the 60 kilometer stretch to the east.

Bus stops in Reykjavik: Long- distance buses depart from various locations in Reykjavik (see Reykjavik map): Strætó: Mjódd, several lines also from BSÍ terminal. Flybus , IOYO and SBA : BSÍ terminal. Direct airport : Terminal Reykjavik (Skógarhlíð 10). Express to Airport: Klettagarðar 4. Icelandbybus: Harpa and Camping. Trex and Thule Travel: City Hall (Vonarstræti) and camping.

Bus stops outside of Reykjavik: Buses stop in every village. By bike, we strongly recommend only using scheduled stops. If necessary, drivers can disembark passengers anywhere on the route where the bus can safely stop, e.g. B. in parking lots or crossings with smaller streets. To board a bus between scheduled stops in the countryside, call the operator in advance and agree on a convenient place to stop the bus. Due to heavy traffic, drivers must be ready to stop; Just waving your arms is not enough.

Capital area: Strætó ‘s yellow city buses accommodate up to 2 bicycles when other passengers, wheelchairs or wheelchairs are not needed. Tickets must be paid for in cash (approx. 470 kroner, no change) or purchased in advance; Bikes ride for free. However, cycling is usually the best choice in Reykjavik.

Travel by ferry and bike

The Smyril Line Norröna ferry operates once a week all year round between Hirtshals (Denmark), Torshavn (Faroe Islands) and Seidisfjordur. Summer trips must be booked no later than 6 months – there is always room for bicycles, but places in the cabins sell out quickly.

All domestic car ferries carry bikes and you can usually take a bike on a passenger ship. Bikes do not need to be booked in advance, but always contact the operators to confirm departure.

Ferry Herjólfur to Vestmannaeyjar: The port of Landeiahoff is sometimes closed due to bad weather or shallow water. On such days the ferry runs from Þorlákshöfn, Strætó route 52 ends in Hvolsvöllur, and a special bus connects the ferry to Þorlákshöfn.

Baldur Ferry via Breiðafjörður: Cyclists wishing to visit the small island of Flatey must lift/remove their bike onto the ship by crane and for crossings bikes are transported on the car deck.

Winter in Island

On a beautiful winter’s day, you can enjoy a wonderful day trip on studded tires on Reykjavik’s ice-covered cycle paths. You can rent a bike with studded tires from several bike rental companies in Reykjavik. All bike lanes within the city area (see Reykjavik map) are regularly cleared of snow. The main routes are cleared every morning, the side routes may take longer to clear after heavy snowfalls. Black ice and some snow are very common, so studded tires are required for winter driving. All hiking trails are illuminated at night. So if you want to see the Northern Lights, it is best to go to several dark areas of the cave, Skerjafjördur or Laugarnes.

WARNING: Cycling outside of Iceland can be extremely dangerous in winter.

In winter (October to April) the weather in Iceland is often extremely severe. Storms, heavy rain, snow and ice on the roads, darkness create extremely unfavorable conditions. Without trees and houses, there is no shelter from the wind and cold, and cyclists and tourists are at extreme risk of hypothermia. Only the main roads connecting towns and villages have been cleared of snow. Some gravel roads in the Westfjords and Eastfjords and all high-altitude roads are closed. There are fewer buses and the vehicles are often smaller and have less luggage space. Buses are often canceled due to storms and snow.

Several cyclists ride in Iceland in winter, but outside of the settlements you need arctic survival experience, the best gear and knowledge of local conditions and weather. Expect to be stuck for days or weeks due to snowstorms. clear and calm days are rare.

health care

Emergency number: 112

Rural areas: In most villages/towns with > 100 inhabitants, general medical consultations are offered by medical centers (heilsugæsla, open only on weekdays). There are pharmacies in most cities. In small towns, a local shop can sell a limited range of medicines upon request. Specialist doctors, dentists and hospitals are only available in the largest cities in each part of the country.

Capital area: Visit a Heilsugæsla on weekdays. Contact Læknavaktin in Kópavogur, Smáratorg, tel. 1700 in the evenings and weekends. The pharmacy is open daily from 08-24 near the Reykjavik campsite: Lyfja, Lagmúli 5.

In an emergency, call 112 and Landspítali Hospital in Fossougur has a 24-hour emergency department.

CYCLING MAP OF ICELAND

can be downloaded here