Icelandic volcanoes and glaciers

Fire and Ice

Tour Description: Guided

This trip circles the conservation area called "Fjallabak" or "Behind the Mountains" in the central highlands of south Iceland. The area is one of the largest geothermal areas in the world, framed in by large glaciers, hence a place of great contrasts.

During the trip we pass some of the very well known attractions of Iceland like one of our most active volcano mt. Hekla, Landmannalaugar with it‘s natural geothermal pool, Eldgjá, Þórsmörk and Skógarfoss.

During the drive out we visit the great Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir area with spouting geysers and boiling hot springs. The biking is mostly on dirt and gravel roads, with many unbridged rivers and the last two days involving considerable single-track sections. This is a demanding mountain biking trip that requires fitness and at least some mountain-biking experience.

Additional Nights: This tour commences with a transfer from Reykjavik at 8 am on day 1, and ends on the evening of day 5; so most clients will need to book extra nights before and after the tour.

Learn more about guided tours. 

Tour Description: Self-guided

This trip circles the conservation area called "Fjallabak" or "Behind the Mountains" in the central highlands of south Iceland. The area is one of the largest geothermal areas in the world, framed in by large glaciers, hence a place of great contrasts.

During the trip we pass some of the very well known attractions of Iceland like one of our most active volcano mt. Hekla, Landmannalaugar with it‘s natural geothermal pool, Eldgjá, Þórsmörk and Skógarfoss.

During the drive out we visit the great Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir area with spouting geysers and boiling hot springs. The biking is mostly on dirt and gravel roads, with many unbridged rivers and the last two days involving considerable single-track sections. This is a demanding mountain biking trip that requires fitness and at least some mountain-biking experience.

Additional Nights: This tour commences with a transfer from Reykjavik at 8 am on day 1, and ends on the evening of day 5; so most clients will need to book extra nights before and after the tour.

Learn more about guided tours. 

Highlights: Guided

• Norðurnámshraun lava field
• Kýlingavatn, a tranquil mountain lake
• Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
• Krossá River
• Strútslaug natural pool

Highlights: Self-guided

• Norðurnámshraun lava field
• Kýlingavatn, a tranquil mountain lake
• Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
• Krossá River
• Strútslaug natural pool

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Hekla - Landmannalaugar (29 miles/47 km)
Starting at 820 feet (250 m) with Hekla towering above us, the first day's ride is on gravel roads that are rough at times but quite smooth riding on other parts. Slowly gaining altitude we first travel through black sands, cross a minor unbridged river while experiencing the constant change in scenery.

From the black sands we bike into the more vegetated Dómadalur area with grass covered mountains on one side and the coloful ryholite mountains on the other. We pass a few mountain lakes and climb to over 350-650 feet (100-200 m) hills with the reward of a short downhill on the other side. Finally we reach the stunning Landmannalaugar area at 1,800 feet above sea level (550 m) with its colourful surroundings and warm natural pools to soak ourselves in.
Overnight in Lanmannalaugar.  

Day 2: Landmannalaugar - Hólaskjól (24 miles/39 km)
From Landmannalaugar we travel back about 1 mile (2 km) and turn right with Norðurnámshraun lava field on our left, crossing the Jökulgilskvísl river on a bridge and passing around the beautiful Kýlingavatn, a tranquil mountain lake.

Travelling eastward, with quite a few unbridged river crossings, we travel through the narrow valleys of Jökuldalir along the famous route Fjallabaksleið. Most of the day we range between 1,600 and 2,300 feet (500/700 m) in altitude going up and down but descend a bit towards the end, reaching Hólaskjól at an altitude of about 1,150 feet (350 m) in the afternoon.
Overnight in Hólaskjól. 

Day 3: Hólaskjól - Strutur (19 miles/32 km)  
From Hólaskjól we climb some 250m, early in the day, going back in westerly direction passing Álftavötn and Álftavatnskrók. Going off the main track just before it passes through the river Ófæra we turn right onto the old Strutsstigur-track, that is closed for vehicle traffic now and takes us over Laugarháls, throuch Hólmsárbotnar and to the Strútslaug natural pool. After an optional bath, we set of again for the last hour to the Strútur hut where we spend the next night.
Overnight in Strutur.  

Day 4: Strutur - Þórsmörk (26 miles/42 km)
From Strútur we take the double track to the southerly Fjallabaksleið on Mælifellsandur. Passing just to the west of the mountain Mælifell, a near perfect cone rising above the black sands to the north of Mýrdalsjökull clacier, we turn west for some 15 km on relatively flat sandy road until we reach the intersection to the Hvanngil hut. We turn left at the intersection and follow the Fjallabaksleið road to southwest for 6km. Turning south of the doubletrack, the singletrack takes over and we follow the second half of the famous hiking route Laugavegur, that lies between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk. Depending a little bit on weather condition the track is tricky at times with a couble of sections where most of us need to carry the bikes short distances. The vegetation steadily increases as the day evolves and sums up in the woods of Thor, or Þórsmörk. There we will enjoy a nice barbeque dinner in the sheltered campsite at Langidalur valley with great views towards the two glaciers Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull. Ending the day at 220m a.s.l. the total descend amounts to 350m.

Overnight in Þórsmörk.  

Day 5: Þórsmörk - Seljalandsfoss (18 miles/29 km) 
From Langidalur we first take a short (500m) single-track through the slopes of Valahnukur down to the footbridge over the Krossá river. The track is narrow and we may hike a good deal of it. After crossing the bridge we may need to cross the unbridged Hvanná river, depending on which side of the Krossá-bridge it falls into Krossá, because it changes its track frequently. Following the 25km of rough dirt road to the west out of Þórsmork, there are numerous rivers and streams to cross until we hit the asphalt the last 5 km to Seljalandsfoss where we get picked up and taken to Reykjavik after our pack-lunch and final photo-shoot with the 60m high waterfall in the background.

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

July 15, 2013

Dates: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package (guided)
Per person, double occupancy €1290 Extra nights, available upon request €0 Bike rentals Mountain bike, Trek 4300 (per day, payable locally, approx.)) €40 Equipment included free with all rentals €0 Group discounts Tour package, 7-9 people €1200 Tour package, 10 or more people €1161

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

• An experienced guide
• Accommodation in two person tents
• Breakfast and dinner at camps and pack lunches during activity days
• Support vehicle and luggage transport between camps
• Transfer to and from Reykjavík

  Not included

• A final dinner and night out in Reykjavík
• Mountain bike (can be hired)
• All other things not specifically included in itinerary or booking terms

   

Included Services: Self-guided

Hotels: Guided

Acccommodation is in tents and huts along the route. 

Hotels: Self-guided

Acccommodation is in tents and huts along the route. 

Bike Rentals: Guided

A mountain bike of at least mid-level quality with front shock absorber is necessary. It can be rented from the company at limited availability. 

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

A mountain bike of at least mid-level quality with front shock absorber is necessary. It can be rented from the company at limited availability. 

Surface and Terrain: Guided

This is a demanding mountain biking trip that requires fitness and at least some mountain-biking experience. It has many single-track sections, considerable climbing and some long days. As the tour travels through the interior of Iceland, there will be lots of un-bridged rivers of all sizes and weather conditions that can be challenging. 

It is rated Moderate and is for cyclists in average physical condition. 

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

This is a demanding mountain biking trip that requires fitness and at least some mountain-biking experience. It has many single-track sections, considerable climbing and some long days. As the tour travels through the interior of Iceland, there will be lots of un-bridged rivers of all sizes and weather conditions that can be challenging. 

It is rated Moderate and is for cyclists in average physical condition. 

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Reykjavik, Iceland

Tour includes transfers from and to Reykjavik

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Reykjavik, Iceland

Tour includes transfers from and to Reykjavik

More About Iceland: Guided

The sparsely populated island-nation of Iceland is extremely popular for travelers interested in going to some of the most untouched and rugged terrain on the planet. Its varied natural landscape can be forbidding and austere, but also lush and green. The land includes geysers, waterfalls, and volcanoes, and wild horses, sheep, and dogs roam the countryside. The location and climate of Iceland has led to the creation of spectacular glaciers and icebergs, as well as polar wildlife like puffins.

The national parks in Iceland are the biggest most popular attraction and are exceptionally well maintained. The landscapes, wildlife, and challenging terrain make Iceland an ideal destination for many outdoor activities, including fishing and hunting, biking, hiking, and bird watching. Icelandic traditions are heavily Norse-influenced and decidedly European. The city of Reykjavik is a center of culture for this friendly country full of exciting challenges.

More on bicycling in Iceland > 

View all Iceland bike tours >

More About Iceland: Self-guided

The sparsely populated island-nation of Iceland is extremely popular for travelers interested in going to some of the most untouched and rugged terrain on the planet. Its varied natural landscape can be forbidding and austere, but also lush and green. The land includes geysers, waterfalls, and volcanoes, and wild horses, sheep, and dogs roam the countryside. The location and climate of Iceland has led to the creation of spectacular glaciers and icebergs, as well as polar wildlife like puffins.

The national parks in Iceland are the biggest most popular attraction and are exceptionally well maintained. The landscapes, wildlife, and challenging terrain make Iceland an ideal destination for many outdoor activities, including fishing and hunting, biking, hiking, and bird watching. Icelandic traditions are heavily Norse-influenced and decidedly European. The city of Reykjavik is a center of culture for this friendly country full of exciting challenges.

More on bicycling in Iceland > 

View all Iceland bike tours >

Weather: Guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Weather: Self-guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Tour Company Background: Opus Adventures: Guided

Opus Adventures is the only licensed travel agency in Iceland that specializes in mountain biking adventures in Iceland. They aim to give guests the opportunity to enjoy the best of Iceland in a safe and fun filled adventure holiday that is in perfect balance with the environment. 

Their name, Opus, stands for artistic work and most commonly refers to orchestral music. As they say, "We like to think of our trips in the same way and to play such music well, which requires team work and a synergy between the bike, the rider and the environment. At Opus Adventures we aim at mastering that in every trip".

Tour Company Background: Opus Adventures: Self-guided

Opus Adventures is the only licensed travel agency in Iceland that specializes in mountain biking adventures in Iceland. They aim to give guests the opportunity to enjoy the best of Iceland in a safe and fun filled adventure holiday that is in perfect balance with the environment. 

Their name, Opus, stands for artistic work and most commonly refers to orchestral music. As they say, "We like to think of our trips in the same way and to play such music well, which requires team work and a synergy between the bike, the rider and the environment. At Opus Adventures we aim at mastering that in every trip".

Terms and Conditions: Opus Adventures: Guided

Opus Booking Terms and Conditions

This booking is made with Opus Adventures, Dverghólar 16, 800 Selfoss, ICELAND.

Bookings are only accepted from persons at the age of 18 or more at the time of booking. Bookings by or on behalf of persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by written parental consent and they must be accompanied on the trip by another person over the age of 18.

OA trips are of an adventurous nature. Outdoor activities such as mountainbiking and trekking carry an inherent risk of injury and possible death, which cannot be eliminated. One must accept that although we do our utmost to reduce any risks to an acceptable level, there are chances of accidents happening. When booking with OA you aggree to abide by instructions and decisions made by our guides regarding the safety of individuals and/or the group. All participants agree to receiving medical treatment from the guide or other team members in case of accidents or illnesses in remote places, whilst evacuation plans are put into effect. OA or its staff cannot be held responsible for any incidents or accidents occurring on its trips.

Mountainbiking and trekking require at least an average level of fitness and good health. It is the participants responsibility to ensure that they obtain proper training and medical advice with regard to the planned activity.

We require that all participants have a valid travel insurance that covers all medical and/or rescue expenses for trips of adventureous nature. If, for any reason, an incident is not covered by a travel insurance, the responsibility remains with the participant to cover such expenses. Note that normal travel insurance policies may not cover you for certain activities, possibly including mountainbiking and trekking in remote areas. Before arrival participants must provide OA with the following information on the provided CLIENT DETAILS AND INSURANCE FORM:

• Insurance contract number, name and address of insurance company and its emergency telephone number.
• Name, address and telephone no. of a family member whom we should contact in case of emergency. 
• Previous or current medical condition and current medication.

A copy of this form, for all participants, is kept with the guide on the trip as well as OA office.

OA makes every effort to stick to the planned itinerary but participants must appreciate and acknowledge that all tours require considerable flexibility in the actual operation. OA and its guides reserve the right to adjust the itinerary without notice due to weather or mountain conditon or other unforeseeable circumstances. This must be accepted by all participants.

All fees quoted in our tariff are based on current exchange rates, taxes and prices in Iceland. Although OA will attempt to stick to all quoted prices, OA reserves the right to change already quoted prices without notice due to any and all cost increases that are outside our control, e.g. currency fluctuations and governmental taxes. No surcharges will be added, after invoices have been issued, unless we are forced to do so by changes in taxes, laws or currency rates. In such cases OA will always absorb an amount equivalent to 5% of the total trip fee but may charge clients for amounts exceeding the 5%. Clients will be entitled to cancel their bookings with full refund if surcharges exceed 10% of the total trip fee. No changes in fees will be made less than 8 weeks prior to departure.

Included in the trip fee:

• An experienced tour guide.
• Breakfasts and dinners at camps/guesthouses and pack lunches during activity days. 
• Accommodation in quality two person tents or guesthouses (single suppl. at extra costs). 
• Luggage transport between camps. 
• All transfers during trip if some parts are not biked. 
• Other details as described in itinerary.

Not included in trip fee:

• Travel to and from beginning and end points if not specifically included.
• Personal medical/rescue insurance (see note above). 
• All personal equipment incl. sleeping bag and mattress (can be hired).
• A mountain bike (can be hired). 
• Bicycle spare parts although most common parts will be kept in the luggage transport vehicle and can be bought at reasonable costs if needed. 

A confirmation fee of 25% of total trip fee is required upon booking to reserve a space. Full payment is required no later than 30 days before departure. If booked later, full fee has to be paid to validate a booking.

Participants wishing to cancel their booking must notify OA in writing immediately. The following cancellation charges will apply, counting from the date a notification is received by OA:

• 50% of deposit payed if cancelled beetween 90 and 60 days prior to departure
• 100% of deposit payed if cancelled between 60 and 30 days prior to departure
• 100% of trip fee if cancelled within 30 days prior to departure

OA is not obliged to make any kind of reimbursement for trips which are interrupted or shortened by participants themselves for any reason whatsoever. We STRONGLY recommend you obtain cancellation insurance if you don't have travel cancellation coverage already (such as through premium credit cards).

A trip departure is not guaranteed until the minimum number of participants have confirmed their booking. If OA must cancel the trip for any reason, the participants will be informed no later than 30 days before the trip departure and any payments made to the company will be fully reimbursed. However participants will not be able to make any claims for compensation for consequential losses such as changes to flight tickets etc.

Personal belongings on trips are entirely at the participant’s risk and OA shall have no liability for a possible loss or damage.

OA accepts no liability for delays or other consequences of force majeure incidents such as strikes, riots, acts of war or terrorism, disease outbreaks, government intervention, natural disasters or adverse weather conditions. If such occurrences cause us to have to cancel a trip we will offer an alternative holiday if possible, but accept no liability for return of fees paid prior to cancellation or curtailment.

Making your booking implies that you’ve read, understood and accepted the booking conditions stated in these two pages and agree to abide by them.

Terms and Conditions: Opus Adventures: Self-guided

Opus Booking Terms and Conditions

This booking is made with Opus Adventures, Dverghólar 16, 800 Selfoss, ICELAND.

Bookings are only accepted from persons at the age of 18 or more at the time of booking. Bookings by or on behalf of persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by written parental consent and they must be accompanied on the trip by another person over the age of 18.

OA trips are of an adventurous nature. Outdoor activities such as mountainbiking and trekking carry an inherent risk of injury and possible death, which cannot be eliminated. One must accept that although we do our utmost to reduce any risks to an acceptable level, there are chances of accidents happening. When booking with OA you aggree to abide by instructions and decisions made by our guides regarding the safety of individuals and/or the group. All participants agree to receiving medical treatment from the guide or other team members in case of accidents or illnesses in remote places, whilst evacuation plans are put into effect. OA or its staff cannot be held responsible for any incidents or accidents occurring on its trips.

Mountainbiking and trekking require at least an average level of fitness and good health. It is the participants responsibility to ensure that they obtain proper training and medical advice with regard to the planned activity.

We require that all participants have a valid travel insurance that covers all medical and/or rescue expenses for trips of adventureous nature. If, for any reason, an incident is not covered by a travel insurance, the responsibility remains with the participant to cover such expenses. Note that normal travel insurance policies may not cover you for certain activities, possibly including mountainbiking and trekking in remote areas. Before arrival participants must provide OA with the following information on the provided CLIENT DETAILS AND INSURANCE FORM:

• Insurance contract number, name and address of insurance company and its emergency telephone number.
• Name, address and telephone no. of a family member whom we should contact in case of emergency. 
• Previous or current medical condition and current medication.

A copy of this form, for all participants, is kept with the guide on the trip as well as OA office.

OA makes every effort to stick to the planned itinerary but participants must appreciate and acknowledge that all tours require considerable flexibility in the actual operation. OA and its guides reserve the right to adjust the itinerary without notice due to weather or mountain conditon or other unforeseeable circumstances. This must be accepted by all participants.

All fees quoted in our tariff are based on current exchange rates, taxes and prices in Iceland. Although OA will attempt to stick to all quoted prices, OA reserves the right to change already quoted prices without notice due to any and all cost increases that are outside our control, e.g. currency fluctuations and governmental taxes. No surcharges will be added, after invoices have been issued, unless we are forced to do so by changes in taxes, laws or currency rates. In such cases OA will always absorb an amount equivalent to 5% of the total trip fee but may charge clients for amounts exceeding the 5%. Clients will be entitled to cancel their bookings with full refund if surcharges exceed 10% of the total trip fee. No changes in fees will be made less than 8 weeks prior to departure.

Included in the trip fee:

• An experienced tour guide.
• Breakfasts and dinners at camps/guesthouses and pack lunches during activity days. 
• Accommodation in quality two person tents or guesthouses (single suppl. at extra costs). 
• Luggage transport between camps. 
• All transfers during trip if some parts are not biked. 
• Other details as described in itinerary.

Not included in trip fee:

• Travel to and from beginning and end points if not specifically included.
• Personal medical/rescue insurance (see note above). 
• All personal equipment incl. sleeping bag and mattress (can be hired).
• A mountain bike (can be hired). 
• Bicycle spare parts although most common parts will be kept in the luggage transport vehicle and can be bought at reasonable costs if needed. 

A confirmation fee of 25% of total trip fee is required upon booking to reserve a space. Full payment is required no later than 30 days before departure. If booked later, full fee has to be paid to validate a booking.

Participants wishing to cancel their booking must notify OA in writing immediately. The following cancellation charges will apply, counting from the date a notification is received by OA:

• 50% of deposit payed if cancelled beetween 90 and 60 days prior to departure
• 100% of deposit payed if cancelled between 60 and 30 days prior to departure
• 100% of trip fee if cancelled within 30 days prior to departure

OA is not obliged to make any kind of reimbursement for trips which are interrupted or shortened by participants themselves for any reason whatsoever. We STRONGLY recommend you obtain cancellation insurance if you don't have travel cancellation coverage already (such as through premium credit cards).

A trip departure is not guaranteed until the minimum number of participants have confirmed their booking. If OA must cancel the trip for any reason, the participants will be informed no later than 30 days before the trip departure and any payments made to the company will be fully reimbursed. However participants will not be able to make any claims for compensation for consequential losses such as changes to flight tickets etc.

Personal belongings on trips are entirely at the participant’s risk and OA shall have no liability for a possible loss or damage.

OA accepts no liability for delays or other consequences of force majeure incidents such as strikes, riots, acts of war or terrorism, disease outbreaks, government intervention, natural disasters or adverse weather conditions. If such occurrences cause us to have to cancel a trip we will offer an alternative holiday if possible, but accept no liability for return of fees paid prior to cancellation or curtailment.

Making your booking implies that you’ve read, understood and accepted the booking conditions stated in these two pages and agree to abide by them.