Gravel
Iceland

Gravel Iceland

A must-see (must-ride) for gravel lovers, the Westfjords region of Iceland is a gravel paradise

Ready for a real adventure? Join us on this gravel trip to Iceland and feel the power of raw nature.

Overview

Details

Next Departure

August 20th 2023

From

USD $6,095

Duration

7 days / 6 nights

Non-Rider Friendly

No

Rental Bike

Not available

Ride Program

Total Distance

Total Elevation

Daily Av. Distance

Daily Av. Elevation

Overview

Iceland is an incredibly wild land where volcanos, hot springs, unique rock formations, glaciers and huge waterfalls dominate the landscape. It’s a country that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime, it really is that special and unique.

After the huge success of our 2021 “Beyond Tarmac” trips, we wanted to include the Westfjords region of Iceland as a destination for those gravel riders looking for that ultimate adventure and off-road wilderness experience. We’ll provide the usual Thomson legendary support, with our regular ride leaders, mechanics and van drivers being joined by some experienced locals. The terrain is not overly technical, mostly smooth and fast gravel with a few more broken or tricky sections here and there, and some sections of pavement as you approach the small towns.

You’ll stay in incredibly remote hotels, some of which will provide fairly basic amenities – but you will experience a truly authentic Icelandic adventure.

Are you ready for the ride of your life?

Trip Technical Difficulty

1
2
3
Not only for gravel newbies but also experienced riders that don’t enjoy very technical terrain. Possibility of a few tricky segments here and there, among easy sections and paved roads.

Ride Surfaces

Grade 1
25%
Grade 2
30%
Grade 3
25%
Grade 4
10%
Grade 5
10%

Bike Setup Recommendations

Recommended Tires

700×38

A minimum 700×38, but feel free to use more rubber for more comfort and grip if your bike has extra tire clearance.

Recommended Gearing

38T × 11-42

We recommend a minimum gear ratio of 0.90 using a 38T chainring × 42 rear cog (or equivalent). Check your gear ratios at www.bikecalc.com/gear_ratios.


Gravel Explained

Read below for a brief description of our gravel definitions. We have classed the surfaces into five categories, from tarmac to boulders, to give an indication of the amount and level of rough stuff on each trip.

Click below to see Cycling Tips’ great explainer video on gravel surfaces.
GRADE 1
Bad roads, cobbles and rough paved surfaces. You’d find this rideable on a standard road bike.
GRADE 2
Well-made, hard-packed dirt roads offering a road-like experience but without the traffic. Some rutting and looseness of stones.
GRADE 3
Reasonably smooth gravel. Discernible small rocks over a hard-packed surface.
GRADE 4
Rough gravel with conditions that may include shale, larger gravel and rocks. Tubeless tyres and big clearance are the most practical choice.
GRADE 5
Borderline MTB terrain, at the rougher end of the spectrum for the capabilities of most gravel bikes.

Cycling helmet, sunglasses and shoes illustration

Itinerary

Day Description Distance Elevation Hotel
01 Welcome to Iceland Malarhorn Guesthouse
02 Across country to Heydalur Heydalur Country Hotel
03 Cruising the fjords to Isafjordur Hotel Isafjordur Torg
04 South to Bildudalur Hotel Harbour Inn
05 In search of puffins Breidavik Hotel
06 Final push to Flokalundur Hotel Flokalundur
07 Takk!
Daily Averages
Itinerary View Itinerary View
Map View Map View
01
02
03
04
05
06
07

Itinerary Detail

Day 1

Distance

Elevation


Welcome to Iceland

Your trip starts in Reykjavik where our staff will pick you up at your hotel before the transfer to the first hotel of the trip in Drangsnes.

After lunch, orientation meeting and bike build-up, you’ll head out for your first ride, a magnificent coastal loop through the Drangsnes Peninsula.

Day 2

Distance

Elevation


Across country to Heydalur

Your journey through the Westfjords region of Iceland begins today with a stunning ride from Drangsnes to the countryside hotel in Heydalur. You’ll be riding into a remote wilderness with incredible Icelandic landscapes that are unique to this part of the world.

Day 3

Distance

Elevation


Cruising the fjords to Isafjordur

Am amazing ride today which follows the dramatic coastline of the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord, one of the largest fjords in Iceland and whose name translates to “fjord of sea ice”. The route is mostly flat as it follows the coast, up and  down numerous smaller fjords before we arrive in Isafjordur. With a population of around 2500, Isafjordur is the biggest town in the region and in the evening we’ll enjoy a stroll around the tin-roofed wooden houses and cafés that form the picturesque town centre of the “metropolis” of the Westfjords.

Map & Profile

Read our Gravel Explainer for a full description of our gravel definitions.

Grade 1
40%
Grade 2
30%
Grade 3
20%
Grade 4
10%
Grade 5
0%

Read our Gravel Explainer for a full description of our gravel definitions.

Grade 1
30%
Grade 2
40%
Grade 3
20%
Grade 4
5%
Grade 5
5%

Read our Gravel Explainer for a full description of our gravel definitions.

Grade 1
40%
Grade 2
30%
Grade 3
20%
Grade 4
10%
Grade 5
0%

Surface Details

Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Day 04
Day 05
Day 06

Dates & Prices Illustration

Dates & Prices



Date Booking Status Availability Price / Per Person Single Supplement Non-rider Discount
2023
Aug 20 - 26
Taking Bookings
Limited spots available
USD $6,095
USD $950
USD $1,170
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Waiting List


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    Trip Hotels

    Malarhorn Guesthouse

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    Heydalur Country Hotel

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    Hotel Isafjordur Torg

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    Hotel Harbour Inn

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    Breidavik Hotel

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    Hotel Flokalundur

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    What's Included

    What's Included What's Not Included
      Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 7 days / 6 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • Lunch on the 1st day
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up and Drop-Off in Reykjavik
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • 1 x Support Van & 4WD vehicle
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the ride arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties
    • Bottled water
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities
    What's Included
      Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 7 days / 6 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • Lunch on the 1st day
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up and Drop-Off in Reykjavik
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • 1 x Support Van & 4WD vehicle
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the ride arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties
    • Bottled water
    What's Not Included
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities

    Travel details - airport departures

    Pick-up/Drop-off Info

    Arrival

    Pickup Location Time

    Reykjavik Keflavik Airport

    8:00am

    OR

    Any hotel in downtown Reykjavik

    9:00am

    Departure

    Drop Off Location Time

    Any hotel in downtown Reykjavik

    2:00pm

    OR

    Reykjavik Keflavik Airport

    3:00pm



    Gravel Iceland

    The Westfjords region of Iceland is a gravel paradise, discover it with Thomson Bike Tours


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