ICELAND MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE EXPEDITION
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: THE ULTIMATE ICELANDIC EXPERIENCE
This route is designed to offer motorcyclists much more than the typical tourist tour. Escape the crowded asphalt circuits of the Ring Road and venture into the wild heart of the island via some of its legendary gravel tracks (F-Roads).
It is an exclusive product focused on intermediate-level Trail/Maxi-Trail motorcycle riders, combining world-famous natural wonders (Golden Circle, glaciers, whale watching) with the thrill of riding through volcanic ash deserts and fording rivers on the legendary F208 route. It is Iceland in its purest and most adventurous state.
Global technical specifications
- Total Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights (8 days of effective piloting).
- Estimated Total Distance: ~1,750 km (may vary depending on weather conditions).
- Terrain: 40% Asphalt / 60% Gravel Tracks and technical F-Roads.
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate-High. (Requires prior experience in off-road driving and river crossings).
- Ideal Motorcycle: Trail / Maxi-Trail (E.g.: BMW R1250GS, Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Ténéré 700, KTM 890 Adv).
- Tires: Mandatory mixed 50/50 or knobby (e.g., Continental TKC80, Mitas E07, Motoz Tractionator).
Day 1: The Golden Circle and the Gateway to the Highlands
We begin our journey from Reykjavik along one of Iceland's most picturesque scenic routes, winding our way alongside a majestic volcano through landscapes of tuff, black lava, and moss until we reach the country's largest natural lake. From there, traversing agricultural valleys and fjords, linked by quiet secondary roads, we'll arrive at the majestic waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Although this first taste has left us breathless, the best is yet to come. We'll embark on 70 km of pure off-roading along Kaldadalsvegur, one of the country's first mountain roads. Originally built as a bridle path in 1830, it connects the Husafell area with Þingvellir National Park. After visiting the park, we'll head to our accommodation in the Laugarvatn area.
Route: Reykjavik – Thingvellir Lake – Husafell – Pingvellir – Laugarvatn
Distance: 272 km | Piloting time: ~5 hrs.
Land: 60% Paved / 40% Gravel.
DAY 2: Crossing the Kjölur Desert to the North Sea
After visiting Geysir and Gullfoss, we'll take the legendary F35 (Kjölur) route, crossing the inland desert between two glaciers. A mandatory stop at the Hveravellir oasis is a must for a morning thermal bath surrounded by fumaroles. We continue until we rejoin the paved road at Blönduós. Depending on the group's pace, we'll either skirt the wild Skagi Peninsula along a coastal track to Sauðárkrókur or head directly to Varmahlid.
Route: Laugarvant – Geysir – Gulfoss – Hveravellir – Varmahlid.
Distance: ~221km – (40 asphalt)
Terrain: 80% Fast track / 20% Asphalt.
Day 3: The solitude of the Icelandic interior
A pure off-road stage to enjoy one of the best tracks in the Icelandic interior. We'll cross rivers and ash plains, climb winding roads through otherworldly landscapes, and end the day with a beer and dinner in one of the lively restaurants of what's known as the "capital of the north."
Route: Varmahlid - Akureyri
Distance: 180 km | Piloting time: ~5-6 hrs.
Land: 95% Gravel / 5% Paved Road.
Day 4: The waterfall of the Gods and the queen of the mountains.
We'll fly towards the imposing Waterfall of the Gods, where Icelanders threw their icons into the sea upon converting to Christianity. From there, we'll visit Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. We'll stop at the remote farm of Möðrudalur. For the final leg, we'll embark on a 100km off-road route that will take us back through Iceland's lunar landscapes, past Herdúbreid, the Queen of the Mountains. After a brief stop at Studlágil Canyon, we'll return to the main road to end the day in the small town of Egilstádir, a service town for the fishing communities of the East Fjords.
Route: Akureyri– Mytvan– Dettifoss – Möðrudalur – Egilsstaðir
Distance: ~350 km | Piloting time: 5 - 6 hrs.
Terrain: 50% Asphalt / 50% Gravel
Day 5: The Öxi Pass and the Eastern Fjords
A shorter stage to regain energy. We'll take a shortcut along the famous Route 939 (Öxi Pass), a 20 km stretch of steep gravel road through the mountains that will lead us directly to the eastern fjords. We'll continue along the coast to the picturesque port of Höfn.
Route: Egilsstaðir – Paso de Öxi (Route 939) – Djúpivogur – Höfn
Distance: 185 km | Piloting time: ~2.5 hrs.
Land type: 80% paved / 20% gravel.
Day 6: The Domain of the Glaciers
A day dedicated to visual wonder, driving in the shadow of the gigantic Vatnajökull glacier. Visit the famous Jökulsárlón iceberg lagoon. For a touch of adventure, we'll take a detour along a secluded track to the Heinabergsjökull glacier front, a hidden gem untouched by mass tourism.
Route: Höfn – Jökulsárlón – Heinabergsjökull – Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Distance: 200 km | Piloting time: ~3.5 hrs (plus visits).
Terrain: 95% Paved / 5% Gravel.
DAY 7: The Queen Stage - Fordings on the F208
The most anticipated day. We ventured into the Fjallabak Nature Reserve along the legendary F208 South. A demanding route at a leisurely pace, with otherworldly landscapes, colorful mountains, and black deserts. The day included between 10 and 15 glacial river crossings that required skill and caution.
Route: Kirkjubæjarklaustur – F208 South – Landmannalaugar – Lava Islands
Distance: ~150 km | Piloting time: 5 - 7 hrs.
Terrain: 90% F-Road (Technical track and fords).
(Note: If weather conditions are adverse, there is a safe alternative route along the paved road on the south coast.)
DAY 8: Reykjanes Peninsula and End of Route
We left the Highlands behind and, after passing Selfoss, explored the Reykjanes Peninsula. A fascinating volcanic landscape, we visited geothermal areas like Seltún and the mysterious Lake Kleifarvatn before our triumphant entry into Reykjavík for a farewell dinner.
Route: Hrauneyjar – Selfoss – Reykjanes Peninsula – Reykjavik
Distance: 205 km | Piloting time: ~3.5 hrs.
Terrain: 100% Paved Road
DAY 9: Return
Free day in Reykjavik, return of motorcycles and transfers to Keflavik airport.
IMPORTANT NOTES ON LOGISTICS AND SECURITY
Climate Flexibility: In Iceland, the weather dictates the route. Access to the Highlands (Days 2, 4, and 7) depends on the official opening of the F-Roads by the Icelandic government. They typically open in late June or early July and remain open until mid-September.
Safety at River Crossings (Day 7): The guide will always check the crossing first. River levels increase in the afternoon due to snowmelt.
Support Vehicle: We will bring a 4x4 vehicle that will transport our luggage, food, tools, spare parts and extra gasoline.
PILOT PROFILE: Do I have the necessary skill level for this trip?
Don't worry, you don't need to be an expert rally or extreme enduro driver to join this adventure.
To fully and safely enjoy the experience, these are the requirements:
Previous experience: You need at least 2 years of experience riding motorcycles and be comfortable driving on gravel tracks.
Physical condition: Days on the bike can be long, depending on several factors (especially the Icelandic weather). It's essential to feel comfortable in various situations to avoid premature fatigue. We want to emphasize that you need to be in good health and optimal physical condition. The combination of off-road riding with changeable weather can be demanding.
Our travel philosophy:
The pace of the tour is completely relaxed; this isn't a competition or a race. Our goal is to travel and explore. We'll take frequent breaks, giving you plenty of time to rest, take photos, record videos, and simply admire the surroundings.
In addition, along the route we have integrated moments of respite and optional activities to enjoy the local culture and nature —bathing in hot springs or sightseeing tours— which will help us recharge our energy before the next stage.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: Prepared for all four seasons in one day
Flying in Iceland is an incredible experience, but the weather is unpredictable. During a single leg of the journey, you might encounter bright sunshine, strong winds, horizontal rain, and even temperatures near freezing in mountain passes and close to glaciers.
The absolute key to comfort and safety on this trip is layering (dressing like an onion) and ensuring waterproofing. Here is the equipment list we strongly recommend to each participant:
Motorcycle Gear (Protection and Weather)
- Trail/Touring Suit: Jacket and pants with approved protectors. Ideally, they should have high-quality waterproof membranes (such as laminated Gore-Tex).
- Rain Suit: If the main suit is not 100% waterproof or tends to soak through, it is mandatory to carry a one- or two-piece rain suit (like a rain jumpsuit) to put on over it to instantly block the wind and rain.
- Helmet: Trail/Adventure or full-face helmet. It is essential that the visor has an anti-fog system (Pinlock installed) due to temperature changes.
- Boots: High-top Trail/Adventure or Enduro boots. They must offer good protection for off-road riding and be strictly waterproof (we will need them for river crossings on route F208).
- Gloves: We recommend carrying at least two pairs. A couple of thick, waterproof winter jackets and a couple of lightweight summer/mid-season jackets in case the sun comes out.
- Thermal Layers (Temperature Management)
- Base Layer: Thermal underwear, including both long-sleeved shirts and tights. Merino wool is the best material, as it provides warmth even when damp and doesn't retain odors. (Note: Avoid cotton, as it traps sweat and cools the body.)
- Mid-layer: A quality fleece or a lightweight down jacket (synthetic or natural) that packs down easily.
- Neck Warmer/Neck Gaiter: Essential to prevent icy wind or rain from entering through the neck of the jacket (like a thick Buff or Windstopper).
Off the Bike and Essential Accessories
- Swimsuit and microfiber towel: A vital item in Iceland. We'll use them for bathing in the spectacular natural hot springs of Hveravellir and other secret pools along the route.
- Casual clothes: Comfortable clothes and lightweight shoes for relaxing in the evenings, having dinner, and strolling through the villages or Reykjavik.
- Hydration: A 2-3 liter hydration pack (like a Camelbak). On gravel tracks, it's vital to drink water constantly without having to stop the group.
- Dry bags: Even though the motorcycle panniers are waterproof, we always recommend storing underwear and electronics you'll need during the day (and that aren't in the support vehicle) in dry bags inside the panniers. Icelandic ash dust and humidity seep in everywhere.
- Sunglasses and lip balm/sunscreen.
The price: €2,100 Includes
- Accommodation: 8 nights in hotels, guesthouses or mountain refuges of proven quality, based on shared double room (single supplement upon request).
- Breakfasts: All breakfasts during the days of the route.
- Special dinners: Welcome dinner on Day 1 and farewell dinner in Reykjavik on Day 8.
- Expert guide:
- 24/7 accompaniment by a motorcycle guide, expert in the route and basic mechanics.
- 24/7 accompaniment by a local guide in a support vehicle, expert on the route and first aid.
- 4x4 assistance vehicle: Support van or SUV (see details in the Policies section).
- Tolls and fees: Access to Landmannlaugar National Park.
- Tracks and briefing: Delivery of GPS tracks of the route before the trip and daily safety and weather briefings.
Does not include
- International flights: Round trip flight to Keflavík International Airport (KEF).
- Motorcycle rental: (Note: If the agency provides the motorcycles, move this to the "Included" section).
- Fuel: Motorcycle gasoline for the entire route.
- Regular Meals and Dinners: Lunches en route (usually at gas stations or local cafes) and dinners on days 2 through 7.
- Insurance: It is mandatory for each participant to purchase travel and medical insurance with coverage for repatriation and adventure sports (motorcycling). Cancellation insurance is highly recommended.
- Optional excursions: Tickets for whale watching in Húsavík, entrance to paid thermal baths (e.g., Myvatn or Vök Baths), etc.
- Personal equipment: Motorcycle clothing, helmets, boots and thermal gear.
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses.