Well … it’s easier than the Faroe Islands. And far more popular.

BUT I wouldn’t recommend bikepacking the Ring Road (Route 1) around Iceland. 1,332 km (828 mi) long.

I met people who had done it. And they were not thrilled.

The shoulder is nearly non-existent — and tourist drivers are often gaping at the scenery, not watching for cyclists.

In fact, 4 guys who had spent 2 years cycling Alaska to the tip of South America found it tough.

There are buses, but many only run once a day. SOME take bikes underneath — but only if there is space.

Hvalfjörður and Vaðlaheiði tunnels do not allow cyclists. You’d need to find a ride through.

You can easily lose a day if you can’t get on that bus.

I took buses most of the way from near Egilsstaðir to Reykjavik. That was after only 2 days trying to cycle the Ring Road. For me it wasn’t worth the danger.

I had cycled a couple of days with Léonce Kircher from France on a minor highway and gravel roads. Those were great — but not easy due to wind and steepness.

We had come off the ferry together in Seyðisfjörður.

On the upside, campgrounds are frequent and inexpensive. Most with free hot showers.

There are many hostels, as well, though some are full in August.

GREAT would be to have a mountain bike and stay off the Ring Road. Of course to get to the best mountain bike trails, you would probably want a motor vehicle. 😀

BEST would be to plan well in advance. Fly up to the remote N.W. to do the Westfjords Way – 575 miles (925 KM).

Probably not solo, however.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

related – Cycling Iceland