BC08 – Ancient Kjalvegur Road Biking Tour

Biking tour in the highlands of Iceland

For centuries Kjalvegur was the main route between the southern and northern part of Iceland. The new Kjalvegur-motorway remains the most popular route in the highlands. We will not be cycling along the new road but will take the old Kjalvegur, better known as the “Ancient Kjalvegur”. It is one of the best cycling routes in Iceland. This route is not for the faint of heart.

We start at Hveravellir and spend the night there after taking a bath in natural hot pool outdoors. Hveravellir is a spectacular place with hot fumes rising out of the earth and smoking fumaroles, some full of mysteriously blue water. In the 17th century Hveravellir was for a while home to the most famous of Icelandic outlaws, Fjalla-Eyvindur and his spouse Halla, and the remains of their hut can still be seen.

From Hveravellir we will cycle along the Valley of Thieves (Þjófadalir) along the east-perimeter of Langjökull-glacier. We will be able to get to glimpse of rumbling and muddy glacial-rivers and some excellent views of the glacier as it winds its way down to the Hvítarvatn-lagoon. We end the tour at Hvítárnes, by an old mountain-hut that is said to be haunted. Many travelers who have spent the night there have seen a distraught young woman appear in the dimly lit hallway. According to archaeological evidence there once was a small farm in Hvítarnes and it is thought that the footpath from the farm lay where the mountain-hut was build centuries later. Thankfully we do not have to stay in the Hvítarnes-hut because we will be picked up and driven to Reykjavik, stopping at two beautiful popular sites along our way. First we will visit Gullfoss, a spectacular waterfall located in the canyon of Hvítá River. Then we will visit Geysir, hot springs that have existed for over a thousand years. A stunning site is viewing the hot springs erupt, throwing steam into the air.

This route is 45 kilometers, cycled in one day. The terrain is quite demanding, changing from grass to mud, volcanic sand and lava, with single-track trails being common.
To join the tour you need to be in good physical shape and it is preferable to have some experience of mountain-biking.
Cycling along the Ancient Kjalvegur offers a unique experience of the Icelandic highlands and its nature. We recommend it to everyone who feels they are up for the challenge.

Price

64.900 ISK. 

Departure

Available: On Fridays at 16:00, from July 6th to October 1st.

Details

All of our participants are supplied and fitted with bikes and safety helmets for your tour. You will receive a free water bottle and our guide will tend to your every need. Before taking to the bike there will be a bicycle orientation and tour safety talk.

Biking distance: 45 km.

Duration: 24 hours.

Minimum: 4 participants. (Also available for fewer participants, contact us for price).

Level: Difficult.

Included: Accommodation in hut/tent, all meals, pickup at hotel, all transport, helmet, experienced English speaking guide, high quality mountain bike.

Not included: Sleeping bag.

Note: Bring warm clothing, rain gear, sleeping bag, good shoes, bathing suit and towel.

Meeting point

Our tours this summer will be operated from Icelandic Travel Market Tourist Information Center in downtown Reykjavik, the heart of our capital city. The house in Bankastræti 2 is one of the Reykjavik´s oldest buildings, built in the middle of the 19th century. We look forward to seeing you. It´s also possible to get pickup to your hotel.