Bicycle touring in Iceland is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the country’s raw nature, coastal villages, and wide‑open landscapes. The West of Iceland is especially well suited for bike travelers: quieter roads, dramatic fjords, and plenty of places to rest, recharge, and explore. If you’re planning a cycling trip here, a bit of preparation goes a long way—both for comfort and safety.
Below are practical bicycle touring tips for Iceland, with a special focus on the west coast and how to use comfortable bases like Ourhotels.is properties to structure your route.
Iceland’s weather and when to go
The main cycling season in Iceland runs from late May to early September. In West Iceland, this is when you’ll find:
– Milder temperatures (often 8–15°C / 46–59°F)
– Long daylight hours (near‑midnight sun in June and July)
– More services open in small towns
Even in summer, weather changes quickly. Expect sun, wind, rain, and fog—sometimes in the same day. Always check the forecast (vedur.is) and road conditions (road.is) before you set out, and build flexibility into your itinerary. Using fixed, comfortable overnight stops like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn makes it easier to adjust your daily distances to the weather.
Choosing the right bike and gear
For West Iceland, a touring bike or gravel bike with sturdy tires (32–40 mm or wider) is ideal. You’ll encounter a mix of paved roads and occasional gravel stretches, especially if you explore side roads and viewpoints.
Key gear to bring:
– Waterproof panniers and a dry bag for electronics
– Full rain gear (jacket, pants, shoe covers, and good gloves)
– Layered clothing: base layer, insulating mid‑layer, windproof outer layer
– Front and rear lights (essential in fog and low visibility)
– Repair kit: spare tubes, multi‑tool, chain lube, patches, and a pump
Because services can be spaced out, carry extra snacks and at least one full day of food in case you face strong headwinds or decide to shorten your riding day.
Planning your route in West Iceland
West Iceland offers a great mix of manageable distances and spectacular scenery. A smart strategy is to plan your route around comfortable, bike‑friendly accommodations so you can ride light and sleep well.
A sample structure using Ourhotels.is properties:
1. Hvítá Inn – Gateway to Borgarfjörður
Located close to Borgarnes, Hvítá Inn is a perfect starting or early stop on a West Iceland cycling route. From here you can:
– Explore the Borgarfjörður region with its rivers, hot springs, and lava fields
– Ride scenic loops without heavy luggage, returning to the same cozy base
– Stock up in Borgarnes and plan your next leg toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Staying at Hvítá Inn gives you a comfortable launchpad before heading into more remote stretches, and it’s easy to adjust your daily distance depending on weather and energy levels.
2. Stykkishólmur Inn – On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Stykkishólmur is one of the most charming towns in Iceland, and Stykkishólmur Inn makes an ideal mid‑tour stop. From here you can:
– Ride coastal routes with views of Breiðafjörður’s countless islands
– Take lighter day trips around the northern Snæfellsnes Peninsula
– Enjoy restaurants, a harbor walk, and services that are welcome after long days in the saddle
Using Stykkishólmur Inn as a base lets you experience the peninsula in depth without carrying all your gear every day. You can plan out‑and‑back rides or loops, returning to a warm bed and hot shower each night.
3. Ísafjörður Inn – Heart of the Westfjords
For experienced cyclists, continuing to the Westfjords is an unforgettable adventure. Ísafjörður is the region’s main town, and Ísafjörður Inn is a strategic place to rest and regroup. From here you can:
– Tackle classic Westfjords routes with steep climbs and dramatic fjords
– Do day rides to nearby villages and viewpoints, leaving heavy bags behind
– Take a rest day to explore the town, museums, and local cafés
The Westfjords can be demanding—long distances between services, variable road surfaces, and strong winds—so having a reliable, comfortable base like Ísafjörður Inn is a major advantage.
Safety tips for cycling in Iceland
– Be visible: Wear bright colors and use lights even in daytime, especially in mist or rain.
– Watch the wind: Strong crosswinds can be more challenging than hills. If winds are extreme, consider shortening your day or taking a rest day at your current inn.
– Respect traffic: Many roads are narrow with no shoulder. Ride single file and be prepared for passing cars and buses.
– Know your limits: Distances that seem easy on a map can feel much longer in headwinds or rain. Plan conservative daily mileage and use flexible overnight stops like Ourhotels.is properties to adapt.
Food, water, and services
In West Iceland, you’ll find more frequent services than in the interior, but it’s still important to plan:
– Refill water whenever you can; tap water is safe and excellent.
– Carry extra snacks and a backup meal.
– Use towns like Borgarnes, Stykkishólmur, and Ísafjörður to restock.
Staying at places like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn means you can enjoy a proper breakfast, dry your gear, and head out each morning well fueled.
Why base your tour around Ourhotels.is
Ourhotels.is offers a network of comfortable inns across West Iceland that work especially well for bicycle touring:
– Strategic locations: Hvítá Inn near Borgarnes, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords naturally break your journey into manageable stages.
– Comfort after long rides: Hot showers, warm beds, and a calm atmosphere make recovery easier so you can enjoy the next day’s ride.
– Local insight: Staff can often share up‑to‑date information on weather, road conditions, and nearby services—valuable for cyclists planning each day.
By linking these inns into your itinerary, you can design a flexible, scenic route through West Iceland that balances adventure with comfort.
Making the most of your Iceland bike tour
– Plan your main overnight stops in advance, especially in high season.
– Allow extra days for weather or rest—use them to explore local sights on foot or by short, unloaded rides.
– Travel light but prepared: prioritize good clothing, repair gear, and safety equipment.
With thoughtful planning, West Iceland becomes an ideal playground for bicycle touring: quiet roads, dramatic coastlines, and welcoming places to stay. Using Ourhotels.is—especially Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn—as your anchors, you can experience Iceland’s wild landscapes from the saddle while always knowing there’s a comfortable inn waiting at the end of the day.
