Iceland: The Dramatic North
Eight days. Challenging cycling on paved and gravel roads, with options to hike and ride horses. This near to the Arctic Circle in June, the sun stays up all night.
The long fjords and river valleys flanked by alpine mountains make this a collection of outstanding rides. 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. The ride 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. The complimentary transfer back to Reykjavik may take you across Iceland’s interior – a mountain and desert road between huge glaciers – a fitting end to this fantastic adventure.
The Plan:
Day 1:
Noon pickup in Reykjavik at the BSI Bus Terminal or your inn for the 3.5 hours 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, dwarf sod houses, eventual home of Snorri Thorfinnson – the first Viking born in North 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 Air Iceland: www.airiceland.is D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfasts only)
Hotel Tindastoll, Sauðárkrókur, www.hoteltindastoll.com
Day 2: 56 km/34 mi.
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
Day 3: 69 km/42 mi.
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
Brimnes Hotel & Cabins, Ólafsfjörður, www.brimnes.is
Day 4: 60 km/37 mi.
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
Hotel Kea, Akureyri, www.keahotel.is
Day 5: 108 km/67 mi.
Follow the Eyjafjörður coast from Akureyri toward Laufas, where a well-preserved farm building depicts past daily life. 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
Kaldbaks-kot, near Husavik, www.heimsnet.is/cottages/
Day 6: 50 km/31 mi.
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, where the best summer weather in Iceland helps one appreciate its myriad islands, ducks, and pretty vistas. BLD
Hotel Reynihlid, Myvatn, www.myvatnhotel.is; or
Hotel Gigur, Myvatn, www.keahotels.is/Hotel-Gigur
Day 7: 50 km/31 mi. morning ride around Lake Myvatn, and afternoon van ride to the Jokulsargljufur Canyon National Park.
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 outlying attractions with your guide, or taking an optional sightseeing flight to oversee Iceland’s dramatic interior, including Askja – the world’s biggest caldera – where US astronauts trained for moon landings. BLD
Same lodging
Day 8: Transfer to Reykjavik
This is an approximate six-hour drive. Optional flights from Akureyri are available to Reykjavik through Air Iceland. B
Inn Notes: We have selected inns of the highest possible standards, and endeavour to secure rooms with private bathrooms for all guests. On this adventure, there are no inns with private washrooms on 2 nights, in which case you may have to share a bathroom with other Freewheeling guests. If you are uncomfortable with this, we will try to make alternative arrangements for you. Please discuss this with us when booking.
The Details:
| Start: | BSI Bus Terminal or your inn in Reykjavik, noon day one for 3.5 hr transfer to Sauðárkrókur. Optional flights to Sauðárkrókur from Reykjavik are available. |
| Finish: | Reykjavik, 16:00 day eight. Optional ~$100 flights to Reykjavik from Akureyri as alternative to complimentary van transfer. |
| Guided Cost: | $3795 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners, van support, full-time guide, maps and route notes, taxes) |
| Self-Guided Cost: | $3495 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, luggage transfers, maps and route notes, taxes) |
| Single Occupancy: | $625 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $195 |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departure, updates or to add a new departure. |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | Jun 25-Jul 2; Jul 24-31. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departure, updates or to add a new departure. |
| Self-Guided Dates: | You choose! Best months are mid-June to mid-August. |
| Optional Extras: | Ask about a one-day trip to Greenland |
All pricing and details are subject to change without notice.
