E-Biking the Quiet Valley Roads of Borgarfjörður

The wide, farm-lined valleys of Borgarfjörður are some of the easiest places in Iceland to explore on two wheels. Traffic on the rural routes is light, the terrain rolls rather than climbs, and from the riverbank at Hvítárbakki you can point a bike in almost any direction and find a paved or gravel road leading somewhere worth stopping. This is a practical rundown for cyclists who want to cover ground under their own power on an e-bike or a touring bike.

Route ideas from Hvítárbakki

Hvítárbakki sits on Route 50, the main valley road, roughly 90 km from Reykjavík and about a 30-minute drive inland from Borgarnes. That puts several natural turnaround points within a half-day ride:

• To Deildartunguhver and back — Europe’s most powerful hot spring is just off Route 50 near Reykholt, about 35 km from Borgarnes. It gushes roughly 180 litres of near-boiling water a second, and the Krauma baths sit right beside it. A relatively flat out-and-back that suits most riders.
• The Reykholt loop — Route 50 runs east past the small pool at Kleppjárnsreykir and on to the historic village of Reykholt, home of the medieval writer Snorri Sturluson. A good mid-distance goal with a café and a swim along the way.
• Toward Húsafell — For strong e-bike riders, Route 50 continues and becomes Route 518, climbing gently up-valley toward Húsafell and the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. This is a longer, more committing day; plan the return leg carefully.

Wind, gravel and blind rises

Wind, not hills, is the deciding factor for cycling in Iceland. It can turn a gentle valley into hard work in either direction, so plan routes with the return leg in mind: if you ride out with a tailwind you will fight it all the way home. Check the forecast before you set off and be willing to shorten the loop.

Route 50 is paved, but several connecting side roads in the valley are gravel. Wide tyres handle these comfortably; narrow road tyres do not, so check what your bike is fitted with before committing to an unpaved link. Watch too for blind rises and single-lane bridges, which are common on Icelandic rural roads — ease off and expect an oncoming vehicle you cannot yet see.

What to bring and when to go

June to August gives the longest daylight and the mildest temperatures, though it is rarely warm by mainland standards. A few practical points:

• High-vis and lights. Even in bright summer nights, a rear light and a high-visibility layer are advised — mist and low sun cut visibility fast.
• Layers and a windproof shell. Weather shifts quickly; carry a waterproof jacket regardless of the morning forecast.
• Water, snacks and a basic repair kit. Services between villages are sparse, so do not count on a shop mid-ride.
• Duration. Budget 2–3 hours for the Deildartunguhver out-and-back, most of a day for the Húsafell direction.

If you do not travel with your own bike, e-bike and cycle rental is easiest to arrange in Borgarnes or Reykjavík before you head inland; confirm availability ahead of your trip.

Where to Stay

Base your rides at Hvítá Trucks, the converted expedition trucks on the bank of the Hvítá at Hvítárbakki. Their position directly on Route 50 means you roll straight onto the valley’s main cycling road from your door — no shuttle, no city traffic to escape first — with a hot tub waiting for tired legs at the end of the day. Book direct on Ourhotels.is for the best rate.

Photo: Alexander Grebenkov via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0.