Norðurþing

NOTE: This image is a panorama consisting of multiple frames that were merged or stitched in Panorama Studio. As a result, this image necessarily underwent some form of digital manipulation. These manipulations may include blending, blurring, cloning, and color and perspective adjustments. As a result of these adjustments, the image content may be slightly different from reality at the points where multiple images were combined. This manipulation is often required due to lens, perspective, and parallax distortions. / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Explore remote fishing villages, dramatic sea cliffs, and deep fjords along the northern edge of the country. This rugged route takes cyclists through quiet coastal roads with minimal traffic and sweeping views of the Arctic Ocean.

Access. Access via Akureyri, the northern hub, where bike assembly, rentals, and tour logistics are widely available.

Notes. Best experienced in peak summer (July-August) when daylight is nearly 24 hours.

Þingeyjarsveit

Hansueli Krapf / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)

Tour the geothermal wonderland of Northeast Iceland, taking in the dramatic canyon of Ásbyrgi, the roaring Dettifoss waterfall, and the volcanic landscapes around Lake Mývatn. The route blends smooth tarmac sections with rugged volcanic gravel tracks.

Access. Fly into Akureyri or Húsavík from Reykjavík, or reach the region via the Ring Road. Local bike rental and support available in Akureyri.

Notes. Best experienced from June to September. Some interior connectors feature rough volcanic gravel requiring wider tires.

Bláskógabyggð

cwi.aida / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Combine famous sights with quiet agricultural backroads and gravel tracks away from the main tourist crowds. Riders pedal past geothermal areas, roaring rivers, and rolling green valleys in the historic heartland.

Access. Begin from Selfoss or Laugarvatn; bike rentals and guided day tours operate out of Reykjavík and Selfoss.

Notes. Accessible from May through September; watch out for heavy tourist traffic on the primary paved sections.

Bláskógabyggð

Pietro / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Traverse the barren, volcanic heart of Iceland between two glaciers on the historic Kkjölur interior track. This remote gravel adventure demands self-sufficiency as you pedal past hot springs, black sand deserts, and massive ice caps.

Access. Accessible from the south via Haukadalur or the north near Blönduós. 4x4 support or bus transfers are often used to reach the highland trailheads.

Notes. Open only during the short summer window from July to August. Unpaved, rough volcanic gravel tracks requiring sturdy tires and river-crossing preparedness.

Southern Peninsula

Antony-22 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Traverse otherworldly lava fields, geothermal vent areas, and rugged volcanic terrain close to Keflavík International Airport. The peninsula features rolling paved roads and challenging gravel tracks carved through dramatic black volcanic rock.

Access. Easily accessible straight out of Keflavík or Reykjavík, with full bike rental and repair shops available in the capital region.

Notes. Can be windy year-round; recommended for experienced riders comfortable with exposed coastal weather.

Western Region

Karen Pease / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Circumnavigate Iceland on the iconic Route 1, a legendary long-distance cycling route taking in dramatic coastlines, cascading waterfalls, and glacial outwash plains. This epic tour offers challenging climbs and frequently windy conditions rewarded by otherworldly volcanic scenery.

Access. Fly into Keflavík International Airport near Reykjavík. Bike assembly and rental services available in the capital, along with luggage transfer providers for supported tours.

Notes. Best ridden from June to August when daylight is endless, though weather can change rapidly. Heavy summer traffic requires caution on narrow stretches without shoulders.

Eyja- og Miklaholtshreppur

olekinderhook / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Cycle the scenic coastal loop around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called 'Iceland in Miniature' for its diverse landscapes of lava fields, dramatic sea cliffs, and the glaciated stratovolcano at its tip. The rolling roads offer a moderately challenging and visually stunning tour.

Access. An easy two-hour drive or bus ride north of Reykjavík. Rental bikes and organized day tours can be arranged in the capital or Stykkishólmur.

Notes. Accessible from May through September. Coastal winds can be strong, but traffic is generally lighter than the main Ring Road.

Rangárþing ytra

Steinninn / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Conquer one of Iceland's most challenging and remote interior tracks, crossing the desolate plateau between Hofsjökull and Vatnajökull glaciers. A legendary test of endurance featuring dramatic black desert vistas and unbridled river crossings.

Access. Approached via southern routes near Hella or northern entry points near Bárðardalur. Fully supported expedition operators run seasonal tours.

Notes. Strictly mid-summer access only (July–August). Extremely remote with no services; riders must carry all food, camping gear, and water-filtering equipment.

Kaldrananeshreppur

James Studarus stardustimages / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Explore Iceland's most rugged and sparsely populated peninsula, where steep coastal switchbacks drop down into deep, dramatic fjords. The quiet gravel roads and winding tarmac challenge riders with relentless climbing and spectacular Atlantic panoramas.

Access. Access via the ferry across Breiðafjörður or driving north from Borgarnes. Base towns like Ísafjörður offer limited bike repair and local support.

Notes. Best ridden from June to August. Weather can be fierce and unpredictable; sections of road may be unpaved and steep with hairpin turns.