Beautiful mountain and ocean sceneries

Secrets of Westfjords

Tour Description: Guided

To many the "Westfjords" area is the biggest secret in Icelandic tourism due to less traffic, wonderful mix of mountain and ocean sceneries and the closeness to the old and traditional way of making a living of the land and sea in these northern latitudes.

This trip explores some of the fantastic attractions of the area, small fishing villages, great seacliffs with astonishing birdlife, golden beaches you wouldn‘t expect to find in these latitudes and beautiful mountains.

This trip is all about culture, landscapes, wildlife, midnight sun and great food. The biking is mixed between gravel and asfalt seaside roads with quite a bit of climbing over mountainpasses between the fjords. Lacking technical sections and continous dwellings in highland altitudes this trip is ranked in our moderate group.

A trip that truly gives an insight into both modern and past lifes of people in these northern latitudes, is a great holiday that suits bikers of all abilities although a fair fitness level is needed. The luxury of a support vehicle should also be of comfort to those who may worry that they can't make the longest days.

Learn more about guided tours. 

Tour Description: Self-guided

To many the "Westfjords" area is the biggest secret in Icelandic tourism due to less traffic, wonderful mix of mountain and ocean sceneries and the closeness to the old and traditional way of making a living of the land and sea in these northern latitudes.

This trip explores some of the fantastic attractions of the area, small fishing villages, great seacliffs with astonishing birdlife, golden beaches you wouldn‘t expect to find in these latitudes and beautiful mountains.

This trip is all about culture, landscapes, wildlife, midnight sun and great food. The biking is mixed between gravel and asfalt seaside roads with quite a bit of climbing over mountainpasses between the fjords. Lacking technical sections and continous dwellings in highland altitudes this trip is ranked in our moderate group.

A trip that truly gives an insight into both modern and past lifes of people in these northern latitudes, is a great holiday that suits bikers of all abilities although a fair fitness level is needed. The luxury of a support vehicle should also be of comfort to those who may worry that they can't make the longest days.

Learn more about guided tours. 

Highlights: Guided

• Bjargtangar, the western most point of Iceland
• Fjord of Patreksfjörður
• Town of Bíldudalur
• Dynjandi, one of Iceland‘s most picturesque waterfalls
• Capital town of the Westfjords, Ísafjörður
• Sandafell Mountain

Highlights: Self-guided

• Bjargtangar, the western most point of Iceland
• Fjord of Patreksfjörður
• Town of Bíldudalur
• Dynjandi, one of Iceland‘s most picturesque waterfalls
• Capital town of the Westfjords, Ísafjörður
• Sandafell Mountain

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Stykkishólmur to Brjánslækur (9 miles/15 km)
Meeting up in the beautiful town of Stykkishólmur the trip starts at the harbour area where we will aboard the Baldur ferry that will take us over Breiðafjörður bay to Brjánslækur via the island of Flatey. The boatride takes about 3,5 hours and at Brjánslækur we get our luggage up to the restored stone farmhouse at Brjánlækur where we will spend the night. Than we saddle our bikes with our swimsuits and towels on the back and make a short warm up ride on a blacktopped road towards Vatnsfjörður for a soak in a primative rocky beach jacuzzi that makes use of a nearby geothermal borehole. On return your guide and assistant will start preparing dinner while you enjoy the views over the bay of Breiðafjörður with its hundreds of small islands and explore on your own the nearby area.
Overnight in Brjánslækur. 

Day 2: Brjánslækur to Örlygshöfn (41 miles/66 km) 
After saying goodbye to our friends the farmers at Brjánslækur we ride westward some 25 km before climbing over the Kleifaheiði pass (400m) over to Patreksfjörður. We then travel out the fjord on the south side until we get to Örlygshöfn, which is against the town of Patreksfjörður on the other side of the fjord. Our destination is close to where the road starts climbing up again over the Breiðavíkurheiði (340m) towards Látrabjarg.
Overnight in Örlygshöfn. 

Day 3: Daytour to Látrabjarg (29 miles/48 km) 
In the morning we ride from Örlygshöfn over Breiðavíkurheiði (340m) and Látraháls (220m), to Bjargtangar, the western most point of Iceland. From the lighthouse at Bjargtangar we will make an optional walk along the cliffs of Látrabjarg, one of Iceland‘s most densily populated birdcliffs and the largest one, over 14 km in length and upto 441m high. We then turn back and bakctrack our route from the morning and back to Örlygshöfn where we spend a second night.
Overnight in Látrabjarg.  

Day 4: Örlygshöfn to Bíldudalur (44 miles/72 km) 
From Örlygshöfn we ride around the fjord of Patreksfjörður until we get to the town of Patreksfjörður. In the second half of the day we will then climb over two mountainpasses, first over the pass of Botnaheiði (380m) over to the fjord of Tálknafjörður and then over the pass of Hálfdán (500m) over to Arnarfjörður and make a nice descent to the town of Bíldudalur where we will spend the night.
Overnight in Bíldudalur.

Day 5: Bíldudalur to Þingeyri (60 miles/97 km)
This is the longest day of the trip that also takes us over two quite hard mountainpasses. Typically this day is shortened a bit by using our support vehicle to transfer us (e.g. by skipping the second big climb), especially if weather or road condition is foul. From Bíldudalur we travel towards Trostansfjörður before we make an approximately 500m climb to the top of Dynjandisheiði pass. We then travel on top of the mountains for some kilometers over undulating ground until we drop down by Dynjandi, one of Iceland‘s most picturesque waterfalls. Still travelling around the great Arnarfjörður we make our way pass the largest hydroelectrical powerplant in the westfjords at Mjólká and further on until we reach our second mountainpass of the day over Hrafnseyrarheiði (540m). After the strenous climb up we are rewarded with an exhilirating drop on the other side down to Dýrafjörður. Still a short climb (100m) over the side of the Sandafell mountain awaits us before we drop into the town of Þingeyri were we will spend the last night of the trip.
Overnight in Þingeyri. 

Day 6: Þingeyri to Ísafjörður (62 km)
The last day first takes us around Dýrafjörður and against Þingeyri on the other side of the fjord we climb up the pass of Gemlufallsheiði (280m) over to Önundarfjörður. We will make our lunchstop in the town of Flateyri, where 19 people lost there lifes when an avalanche struck the town in october of 1995. We will be able to view the huge avalanche protection hill that was built in the aftermath of this tragic accident. After our visit to Flateyri we will climb the highest mountainpass of the whole trip over the Breiðadalsheiði (620m) that will make us work hard on the way up but we will be rewarded with a wonderful drop down to Skutulsfjörður and the capital town of the Westfjords, Ísafjörður, where our trip comes to an end. At Ísafjörður, some may go straight to the airport for their flight to Reykjavík or into the town for an extra night in the westfjords. 

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

June 17, 2013

Dates: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package (guided)
Per person, double occupancy €1490 Bike rentals Mountain bike, Trek 4300 (per day, payable locally, approx.) €40 Equipment included free with all rentals €0 Group rates Tour package, 6-9 people €1386 Tour package, 10 or more people €1341

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

• An experienced guide
• Accommodation in guesthouses and hostels
• Five dinners (all but the last day)
• Breakfasts and pack lunches during activity days (all but the first day)
• Support vehicle and luggage transfer between guesthouses

Not included:

• Sodas and alcoholic beverages
• Mountain bike (can be hired)
• Transfer to Stykkishólmur where trip begins and transfer from Ísafjörður where the trip ends. Bus booking to Stykkishólmur and bus or domestic flight bookings from Ísafjörður can be arranged on request. 
• All other things not specifically included in the itinerary or booking terms

Included Services: Self-guided

Hotels: Guided

Accommodations include guesthouses and hostels along the route.

Hotels: Self-guided

Accommodations include guesthouses and hostels 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 tour travels almost entirely on roads that are sometimes gravel and can be quite rough. Since this tour does not require technical mountain biking, it does not require previous mountain biking experience. The days can be quite long with considerable elevation gains. 

This tour is rated Moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition. 

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

This tour travels almost entirely on roads that are sometimes gravel and can be quite rough. Since this tour does not require technical mountain biking, it does not require previous mountain biking experience. The days can be quite long with considerable elevation gains. 

This tour is rated Moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition. 

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Reykjavík, Iceland

Transfer to Stykkishólmur where trip begins and transfer from Ísafjörður where the trip ends. Bus booking to Stykkishólmur and bus or domestic flight bookings from Ísafjörður can be arranged on request. 

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Reykjavík, Iceland

Transfer to Stykkishólmur where trip begins and transfer from Ísafjörður where the trip ends. Bus booking to Stykkishólmur and bus or domestic flight bookings from Ísafjörður can be arranged on request. 

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.