Iceland Bicycle Touring Route: Pre-Trip Plan 2023 Iceland Bike Tour

Here's a look at my planned bicycle touring route around Iceland. Highlights of the Iceland bike tour will include Snæfellsnes peninsula, the Westfjords, Akureyri, and the F26 Divide Road.

Planned Route For Iceland Bike Tour 2023

I've been planning a cycling trip around Iceland for some time now. The flights are all booked, my dates are set (late July and August 2023), and now I've finally settled on a route.

Choosing a cycle route around Iceland was no easy task though. There's a lot of waterfalls, volcanoes, and other highlights to squeeze in!

With more or less 40 days to play with for cycling in Iceland, I had a few options for different routes.

Choosing where to bike tour in Iceland

One option, was to just do the main ring road (the Golden Circle) tour. This would have taken me around the island, but perhaps missed out on some wilder places.

Another idea, was to include the most extreme cardinal points on a cycle route around Iceland.

A semi-ridiculous idea, was to follow every coastal road I could (but that meant missing out the interior of Iceland).

Decisions, decisions!

After a shakedown tour in Greece to test out new equipment (and myself it must be said!), I realised that I needed to balance ambition with reality.

Like every country I've ever been to, there was no way I was going to see all of Iceland by bike.

There was also no point in leaping straight into 100 km days and thrashing out a gruelling 2500 – 3000 km route around Iceland either.

Instead, I've come up with a more sensible idea to only (!) cycle 2000 kms during my bike ride around Iceland.

How I planned the Iceland cycling route

When it comes to bicycle tour planning, I love looking at paper maps and reading some guidebooks. Google maps is also great, but the main thing that has helped me plan this bike tour route of Iceland is Komoot.

I have to say that even just a few years ago, planning bike tours was never easy on cycling apps. Komoot (I use the premium version) works great though.

Not only can you plan the route (which I prefer to do on a laptop), but the mobile phone app also has navigation and downloadable routes.

All in all a marked improvement from years ago!

Related: Bicycle touring navigation

Below, you should be able to see my Iceland cycle touring route on Komoot. As I will be bicycle camping, I made this with day end points being either campgrounds, or good places to wild camp.

If you click through to it, you'll see it's also broken down into day by day stages of cycling.

Notes For Route Planning Iceland Bikepacking

As with all carefully laid plans, if this one lasts more than the first few days I'd be surprised! I do have some flexibility in that I have 10 spare non-cycling days to get things back on track if I have to.

I can use these as rest days, split longer days into different sections, or take days out because of bad weather.

Here's some rough notes to go with the stages of the route planning:

18/07/2023: Keflavik Airport to Vogar Camping

Activity: Land at the airport, put the bike together, take money from an ATM. Try leaving the bike box at a hotel or Geysir car rentals. Cycle to the campground.
End Place: Vogar Camping
Approx Distance: 17 km
Sleeping: Cabin at Vogar camping
Notes: Short day due to late arrival, bike assembly, and need to store the bike box. There might be left over food and gas canisters at the campground.

Related: Bicycle camping gear list

19/07/2023: Vogar Camping to Mosskogar Camping

Activity: Check for any equipment issues or lost items – I can get new stuff in Reykjavik if I have to. Ensure food supply for 2-3 days. Have a relatively easy day's ride to gradually get into the journey.
End Place: Mosskogar Camping
Approx Distance: 51 km
Sleeping: Tent at Mosskogar campsite
Notes: Charge electronic gear and stock up on food.

20/07/2023: Mosskogar Campsite to Thingvellir

Activity: Plan for a shorter day to allow for sightseeing in Thingvellir.
End Place: Thingvellir
Approx Distance: 36.4 km
Sleeping: Tent at Thingvellir campsite
Notes: Find a secure location to lock the bike if going hiking in the park.

21/07/2023: Thingvellir to Borgarnes

Activity: Full day of cycling, with the first challenging day's ride.
End Place: Borgarnes
Approx Distance: 90 km
Sleeping: Tent at Borgarnes campsite
Notes: Stock up on supplies at the supermarket upon arrival for the next 2-3 days.

22/07/2023: Borgarnes to Campsite near Arnarstapi – Snaefells Peninsula Iceland

Activity: Another long day of cycling. Ensure sufficient food for a couple of days.
End Place: Campsite near Arnarstapi – Snaefells Peninsula Iceland
Approx Distance: 94 km
Sleeping: Tent at campsite
Notes: It will be a long day of cycling.

23/07/2023: Campsite near Arnarstapi – Snaefells Peninsula Iceland to Olafsvik

Activity: Have a slightly shorter day of cycling around the peninsula.
End Place: Olafsvik
Approx Distance: 71.8 km
Sleeping: Tent at campsite
Notes: Consider stocking up on supplies in Olafsvik.

24/07/2023: Olafsvik to Stykkishólmur

Activity: Another short day, which can be considered a rest day (haha). Confirm ferry times and stock up on food for 3-4 days.
End Place: Stykkishólmur
Approx Distance: 63.5 km
Sleeping: Tent at campsite
Notes: Prepare for the upcoming remote areas with limited food choices.

25/07/2023: Tjaldsvæðið í Stykkishólmi camping site to Flókalundur camping site

Activity: Take the ferry, which acts as a rest day. Be prepared for some challenging days ahead.
End Place: Flókalundur camping site
Approx Distance: On the ferry for most of the day
Sleeping: Tent at campsite
Notes: Utilize the day on the ferry for rest and preparation.

26/07/2023: Flókalundur camping site to Hnjotur Guesthouse

Activity: Expect a lot of uphill and downhill on this day. Check if food is available at Hnjotur Guesthouse, plan to stay for 2 nights.
End Place: Hnjotur Guesthouse
Approx Distance: 70 km
Sleeping: Tent at guesthouse (if available)
Notes: Food might be expensive, consider stocking up for the next few days.

27/07/2023: Hnjotur Guesthouse (Round Trip)

Activity: Leave tent and gear set up near guesthouse? Take a round trip to the westernmost point of the island, possibly to see puffins. Note the significant elevation gain of over 1000 meters.
End Place: Hnjotur Guesthouse
Approx Distance: 50 km
Sleeping: Tent at guesthouse again
Notes: Might pass a few places to eat… so eat!

28/07/2023: Hnjotur Guesthouse to Bíldudalur Camping Ground

Activity: Expect a total ascent of about 1500 meters on this day – it will be quite horrible. Stop early at Patriksfjordur if feeling tired. Stock up on supplies at the village before continuing.
End Place: Bíldudalur Camping Ground
Approx Distance: 63 km
Sleeping: Tent at campsite
Notes: Check for available supplies in the area.

29/07/2023: Bíldudalur Camping Ground to Þingeyri

Activity: Another day with a 1500-meter ascent. Why am I doing this again? Prepare for a challenging ride.
End Place: Þingeyri
Approx Distance: 86 km
Sleeping: Tent at campsite
Notes: Limited supplies may be available at a cafe.

30/07/2023: Rest Day

Activity: Take a day off to rest and recover from the previous days' challenging rides. Wash my bike touring clothes?

31/07/2023: Þingeyri to Ísafjörður

Activity: Have a shorter day to allow for partial recovery. Consider resupplying in Ísafjörður for 3-4 days.
End Place: Ísafjörður
Approx Distance: 44 km
Sleeping: Tent at campsite
Notes: Use the time in Ísafjörður to resupply adequately.

01/08/2023: Ísafjörður to Wild Camp

Activity: Plan for a shorter day and aim for wild camping.
End Place: Wild camp
Approx Distance: 57.6 km
Sleeping: Wild camp
Notes: Ensure all necessary supplies are carried.

02/08/2023: Wild Camp to Reykjanes tjaldsvæði

Activity: Expect an average day of cycling.
End Place: Reykjanes tjaldsvæði
Approx Distance: 77 km
Sleeping: Tent at campsite
Notes: Uncertain if there are any supply places available at this location.

03/08/2023: Reykjanes tjaldsvæði to Hólmavík

Activity: Prepare for a total ascent of 870 meters.
End Place: Hólmavík
Approx Distance: 88 km
Sleeping: Tent at campsite
Notes: Hólmavík should provide an opportunity for resupply.

04/08/2023: Hólmavík to Camping Borðeyri

Activity: Expect a tough day with a distance of 105 km and 1300 meters ascent. Consider treating yourself to a cabin if feeling exhausted. Limited resupply options in the small village.
End Place: Camping Borðeyri
Approx Distance: 105 km
Sleeping: Tent at campsite
Notes: Check for available supplies, as the village has a small population.

05/08/2023: Camping Borðeyri to Inselwanderung am Blanda

Activity: Explore Inselwanderung am Blanda (not sure that's it's name but can't be bothered to check right now). Note that the campsite quality is uncertain but should have a supermarket.
End Place: Inselwanderung am Blanda
Approx Distance: 89 km
Sleeping: Tent at campsite
Notes: Check the quality of the campsite and utilize the available supermarket.

06/08/2023: Inselwanderung am Blanda to Sauðárkrókur Campground

Activity: Expect a day with plenty of resupply options.
End Place: Sauðárkrókur Campground
Approx Distance: 48 km
Sleeping: Tent at campsite
Notes: Take advantage of the resupply opportunities.

07/08/2023: Sauðárkrókur Campground to Akureyri

Activity: The last day of phase 1, with a distance of 76 km and a total ascent of 740 meters.
End Place: Akureyri
Approx Distance: 76 km
Sleeping: Accommodation in Akureyri (hotel, hostel, etc.)
Notes: Enjoy the comforts of accommodation in Akureyri after a long day of cycling.

08/08/2023: Day off in Akureyri

Activity: Take a day off in Akureyri to rest, explore the city, and prepare for the next phase of the journey.
End Place: Akureyri
Sleeping: Accommodation in Akureyri (hotel, hostel, etc. – but let's face it, probably the tent again)
Notes: Utilize this day to rest and recharge before continuing the adventure.

09/08/2023: Akureyri to CJA camping?

Activity: Cycle past Godafoss waterfall and start a loop around the lake. Expect a shorter day.
End Place: CJA camping? (exact location not specified)
Approx Distance: 67.2 km
Sleeping: Tent at campsite
Notes: Begin the loop around the lake and ensure to stock up on food for the upcoming days.

10/08/2023: CJA camping? to Bjarg / Camping Myvatn

Activity: Continue cycling around the north of the lake with a relatively short day.
End Place: Bjarg / Camping Myvatn
Approx Distance: 39 km
Sleeping: Tent at campsite
Notes: Stock up on food for approximately 5 days as the next days on F26 are uncertain due to varying weather and terrain conditions.

11/08/2023: Bjarg / Camping Myvatn to Wild Camp

Activity: Start the wild camping section and ensure to have access to water.
End Place: Wild camp
Approx Distance: 96 km
Sleeping: Tent at wild camp
Notes: Prepare for a tough day and ensure enough water is available for camping.

12/08/2023: Wild Camp to Nyidalur FI Mountain Hut and Campsite

Activity: Expect another challenging day with the possibility of snacks at the end point hut.
End Place: Nyidalur FI Mountain Hut and Campsite
Approx Distance: 77 km
Sleeping: Tent at mountain hut
Notes: Purchase necessary snacks or food at the end point hut, as there may not be other options available.

13/08/2023: Nyidalur FI Mountain Hut and Campsite to Versalir Hut

Activity: Another challenging day; note that the end point hut may not be open. Prepare accordingly.
End Place: Versalir Hut
Approx Distance: 66 km
Sleeping: Tent at mountain hut
Notes: There may not be any supplies available at the end point hut, so plan accordingly.

14/08/2023: Versalir Hut to Rjúpnavellir Camping & Cottages

Activity: Prepare for a day where you may be running low on food. Reach Rjúpnavellir Camping & Cottages.
End Place: Rjúpnavellir Camping & Cottages
Approx Distance: 84 km
Sleeping: Tent at campsite
Notes: Check for available supplies at the campsite, as you may need to replenish your food stock.

15/08/2023: Rjúpnavellir Camping & Cottages to Camping Selfoss

Activity: Experience the last remote day of the journey.
End Place: Camping Selfoss
Approx Distance: 70 km
Sleeping: Tent at campsite
Notes: Utilize the campsite facilities and ensure you have enough supplies for the remaining days.

16/08/2023: Rest Day

Activity: Take a well-deserved day off to rest, recover, and prepare for the final leg of the journey.
Sleeping: Tent at campsite

17/08/2023: Selfoss to Grindavik

Activity: Ride to Grindavik, the final destination before heading back to the airport.
End Place: Grindavik
Approx Distance: 84 km
Sleeping: Tent at campsite
Notes: Enjoy the last leg of the journey and ensure you have all necessary supplies for the remaining days.

18/08/2023: Grindavik to Keflavik

Activity: Ride to the airport in Keflavik, concluding the cycling portion of the trip.
End Place: Keflavik
Approx Distance: 30 km
Sleeping: Hotel (last night booked)
Notes: Complete the journey and prepare for your departure from Iceland.

19/08/2023 to 26/08/2023: Spare Days

These are spare days. They may get taken up by rest days and unforeseen circumstances during the main cycling portion of the trip. If I have 3 or 4 days left over, I could stay in Reykjavik for a couple of nights.

27/08/2023: Departure

Activity: Fly back to Athens, concluding the entire journey.

More articles about cycling in Iceland to come!