Bikepacking Iceland | An Epic Adventure on Two Wheels

This article is brought to you in partnership with Bikepacking Iceland. Anyone spending time in Iceland soon discovers that getting around can be challenging. Compared with many other European countries, the island’s public transport network is relatively limited, largely because of high operating costs, a scattered population, and Iceland’s unique geography. For this reason, many people look for flexible ways to explore the country beyond the main towns and cities. While cycling may not be the first option that comes to mind, it is increasingly becoming one of the most rewarding ways to experience Iceland. A bicycle offers a level of freedom and independence that few other forms of transport can match. Cyclists can travel at their own pace, stop whenever a landscape catches their eye, and enjoy a much closer connection with Iceland’s dramatic natural surroundings. From lava fields and black-sand beaches to mountain passes and remote valleys, travelling by bike allows visitors to experience the country in a more immersive and memorable way. A lava field by the Fagradalsfjall eruption in 2021. Photo: Golli. Iceland Review. Cycling is also a practical choice. Bikes are inexpensive to maintain comparing to cars, require no fuel, and can often navigate routes and trails that are inaccessible to larger vehicles. For many travellers, they provide a simple and sustainable way to explore Iceland while keeping costs down. Although Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, experienced cyclists often find that a bike can be surprisingly adaptable. With the right equipment and preparation, changing conditions become part of the adventure rather than an obstacle. It is therefore no surprise that Iceland has seen a steady growth in cycling culture in recent years. Both locals and newcomers have embraced bikepacking and long-distance touring, drawn by the opportunity to explore the country’s extraordinary landscapes in a more personal, environmentally friendly and adventurous way. From California to the Westfjords Photo: Bikepacking Iceland. With a passion for adventure and long-distance bike travel, Texas-born and Westfjords-based Tyler Wacker has brought fresh energy to the local cycling community through Bikepacking Iceland — a tour company offering alternative experiences in West Iceland. Before launching Bikepacking Iceland, Tyler tested the waters with a cycling journey that stretched across two tectonic plates, if not continents. Starting in California, he rode 11,600 kilometres before reaching his new home in Ísafjörður. Understandably, this massive journey gained the attention of the local media . “Bikepacking Iceland began as soon as I moved to Ísafjörður in August 2020,” says Tyler. “I was looking for a job alongside my studies and connected with a local who had a small workshop and a few bike repair tools. He repaired bikes alongside his main job, but no longer had much time for it. The transition happened naturally, and eventually I bought the tools from him and moved the workshop to a new location.” Aligned With the Weather Photo: Thrainn Kolbeinsson. The Bikepacking Iceland experience can be summed up in three words: remote, unpredictable and rewarding. It is ultimately an adventure that balances challenge with excitement. Strong winds, sudden weather changes and long stretches without shelter can make the ride demanding. Yet the dramatic landscapes, welcoming communities in small towns, and hot pools at the end of long riding days make every challenge worthwhile. Understanding the weather is one of the most important parts of preparing for a trip. Riders should pack warm clothing, waterproof layers, and extra gloves and socks. If bringing your own bicycle, gravel or mountain bikes are the most suitable options. Alternatively, Bikepacking Iceland offers bike rentals and setup assistance. The Westfjords Way Photo: Bikepacking Iceland. The Westfjords Way is one of Iceland’s premier cycling routes. It offers riders a true taste of the region’s dramatic zigzagging fjords, winding gravel roads, steep climbs and spectacular hot springs. It is both physically demanding and visually unforgettable. With Bikepacking Iceland, the route can be explored through multi-day tours covering distances between 500 and 950 kilometres. Depending on experience and preference, Bikepacking Iceland offers three styles of tour: self-supported, semi-supported and fully supported or guided. On fully supported tours, the team manages everything from route planning and logistics to accommodation and meals. Your Basecamp in Iceland Photo: Bikepacking Iceland. Founded by someone with a genuine passion for cycling, Bikepacking Iceland is more than simply a tour operator. It is a community for like-minded adventurers, offering support and space for both beginners and experienced cyclists alike. The company operates two hubs conveniently loc