Your cart is currently empty!
Westfjords Hjólafundur (Bike Meeting)
69.995kr. – 275.995kr.
8 days • Experience the Route that Started it All
Want to experience the Westfjords Way and have the opportunity to meet other like-minded bicyclists from around the world? Converge in the Westfjords from August 5 to August 12 and cover 1,016 kilometers over 8 days.
Description
8 days • Experience the Route that Started it All
Want to experience the Westfjords Way and have the opportunity to meet other like-minded bicyclists from around the world? Converge in the Westfjords from August 5 to August 12 and cover 1,016 kilometers over 8 days.
Number of spaces: 20
Dates: August 5-12 (8 days)
You know the route that started it all. Traverse defunct mountain passes and take in the wild fjordscapes of the Westfjords region all while making new friends along the way. Every night there is an option of accommodation or camping with the exception of one night where there is only a guesthouse. Every evening has a restaurant and breakfast option in the morning, so you can plan to pack a little lighter.
This tour is fully self-supported but a route guidebook will be provided that will explain the route and sites for each day. The option of having luggage transported between accommodation may become available later if a certain number of participants is reached and is desired by the group. It is expected that groups within the group will form based on riding paces and interests and the group can choose what they would like to do each day.
The Route
The Route
You know the route that started it all. Traverse defunct mountain passes and take in the wild fjordscapes of the Westfjords region all while making new friends along the way. Every night there is an option of accommodation or camping with the exception of one night where there is only a guesthouse. Every evening has a restaurant and breakfast option in the morning, so you can plan to pack a little lighter.
This tour is fully self-supported but a route guidebook will be provided that will explain the route and sites for each day. The option of having luggage transported between accommodation may become available later if a certain number of participants is reached and is desired by the group. It is expected that groups within the group will form based on riding paces and interests and the group can choose what they would like to do each day.
Itinerary
Day 0; Friday, August 4
Arrive to Ísafjörður at your leisure and build bikes at the Fjord Hub if necessary. A mechanic will be available for any last minute adjustments and you can stock up on any necessary accessories needed such as C02, tubes, or Westfjords memorabilia. Choose from the many hotels or Airbnb for this night’s accommodation.
Optional: Group shakeout ride to Bolungarvík via the old road at 3pm.
Dinner and group meetup: Dokkan Brugghús at 7pm
Day 1; Saturday, August 5
Start the day by meeting at Heimabyggð at 8:30am and rollout by 9:30. This day follows the fjords where you can choose to stop at the Arctic Fox Center before arriving at Litlibær for the first waffles of the tour. After you are sufficiently full on sugar, keep your ears and eyes open for whales in the fjord. The day finishes with dinner and a bed/camping at Heydalur which is one of the best accommodations in the Westfjords.
Day 2: Sunday, August 6
Start the day with breakfast with the group and determine when you would like to roll out. By this point, it is common for different groups to form based on paces and interests. Choose your own adventure as you climb your first mountain pass and take on the Drangsnes circle where you can choose to stop at the famous seaside hot pots. The day finishes with dinner and a bed/camping at Hotel Laugarhóll.
Day 3: Monday, August 7
Breakfast provided at Hotel Laugarhóll before starting this long gravel tour of the eastern Westfjords. Highlights include the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft and the Sheep Farming Museum before arriving at Tangahús in the small village of Borðeyri. Sneak in some more waffles before dinner at Riishús if you arrive in time.
Day 4: Tuesday August 8
Breakfast provided at Tangahús before traversing the next mountain pass and dropping into the western region of Iceland. It is a good idea to stock up on snacks at the grocery store in Buðardalur as the next day has very few services. Choose to stop at Hólar Farm, an animal sanctuary that is a true gem of Iceland before taking the world-class gravel stretch of Fellströnd and Skarðsströnd. Accommodation at Gils Guesthouse (no camping available).
Day 5: Wednesday, August 9
A full breakfast is necessary for this stretch of the southern Westfjords with very little resupply. Choose to stop early at Kroksfjarðarnes for coffee and cake and some of the best handcrafts in the region. Enjoy the long day in the saddle before arriving at Flókalundur for a long dip in the natural hot spring.
Day 6: Thursday, August 10
This day continues on the southern coast of the Westfjords where you can see Snæfellsnes peninsula and glacier on a clear day. Choose to stop at Birkimelur hot pot early in the day or continue on and enjoy one of the many beaches. Climb up an over the first mountain pass before arriving at Patreksfjörður. Resupply at the grocery store and liquor store before climbing the next mountain pass to Talknafjörður. Choose to detour to visit their hot pot with a view or continue on to climb the last mountain pass of the day before descending into Bildudalur. Accommodation at Harbour Inn or camping at the municipality campground.
Day 7: Friday, August 11
The day you’ve been waiting for. The sites are endless and you will pass Foss waterfall, the A-frame sheep shack and Rekjafjarðarlaug hot pot all within a short stretch. Next climb up and over the mountain pass before descending on the pearl of the Westfjords, Dynjandi. Finally, take on Svalvogar which features several river crossings and unreal double-track gravel before arriving at the low-tide section. Don’t worry, bikes can always cross but we’ll keep you informed on the tide schedule. Arrive in Þingeyri to help pick up each others’ jaws. Accommodation at Við FjörðInn or the municipality campsite.
Day 8: Saturday August 12
Finally, start making your way back to Ísafjörður but not without a few more stops. Fuel up with coffee and cake at Gemlufall or Kaffi Sól. Visit the most picturesque pier Holt before climbing the last mountain pass to Ísafjörður and completing the Westfjords Way. It’s not complete until you jump into the harbor to solidify your ride.
Inclusions
Price includes:
- Detailed trip guide
- All accommodations
- Breakfast each morning except for Days…
- Cycling Westfjords starter pack include microfiber towel, Icelandic delicacies and map
- Discounts at restaurants and museums
- On-route support in case anything goes wrong
- Transportation to/from Ísafjörður airport
- Bike box/bag storage during tour
Price does not include:
- Flight or transfer to and from Ísafjörður
- Bicycle and equipment (you bring your own)
- Dinners and other meals noted
- Museum entrance fees and other attraction fees
- Guide – you should plan to navigate the route yourself and with the other participants
- Any transport of people, bike, or luggage on the tour
Additional Information
This trip is perfect for anyone who:
- Is looking to bikepack in a supportive environment at a comfortable pace and meet riders from around the world
- Experience the Westfjords Way, the route that started it all
What you will need:
- Recommended bike: Gravel bike with at least 40mm tires or similar (rentals available)
- Bikepacking bags + sleep system (we can offer advice on bags and setup prior to your trip, but are unable to provide rentals this year)
- Biking gear from wool base layers to shoe covers. A recommended gear and clothing list will be emailed to registered participants
- Trip insurance that covers cycling
Accommodations:
Trip prices vary based on the type of accommodations chosen. Use the drop down menu to select from camping, simple or deluxe accommodation – prices are for one or two riders.
- Twin lux usually stands for a twin/double bed with a private bathroom with some exceptions.
- Single lux usually stands for single bed with a private bathroom with some exceptions.
- Twin simple usually stands for twin/double bed with a shared bathroom with some exceptions
- Single simple usually stands for single bed with shared bathrooms with some exceptions.
Exceptions:
- Borðeyri only has group rooms in various sizes and none with private bathrooms.
- Flókalundur has only twin/double rooms
- Heydalur has only rooms with private bathroom
- In Gil, all the single rooms have shared bathrooms + no camping so campers get a bed
- In Bíldudalur all the single rooms have shared bathrooms
- In Þingeyri all the single rooms have shared bathrooms, but “single simple” gets a bed in a room for three.
- In some cases, single simple need to share a room with others.
- To sum it up “lux” stands for the better option available and simple the simpler option
Related products
-
Group Rides & Guided Tours
The Witch of the Westfjords Guided Tour
3 days • The Most Unique Ride in the Westfjords
Experience solitude, magic, and breathtaking views on this remote route, guided by the route creators. This is a bikepacking tour that includes transportation to the route and accommodation.
This tour is made possible by the Áfram Árneshreppur grant.
Number of spaces: 6
Dates: August 18-20 (3 days)
-
Group Rides & Guided Tours
Custom Guided Tours
Cycle the Westfjords at your pace with one of our expert local guides!
We offer custom guided tours for all passport routes and group rides, suited to your pace and interests.
Contact us to request availability for your dates!
-
Group Rides & Guided Tours
Women’s Bikepacking Weekend
3 days • Experience the best of the Westfjords with women from around the world
Experience the Westfjords in our women’s three day guided intro to bikepacking trip.
-
Group Rides & Guided Tours
Westfjords Village Hopping Fully Supported
9 days • Experience the culture of the Westfjords Fully Supported
Come and ride the beautiful Westfjords of Iceland over 9 days where we will visit most of the villages in the Westfjords and get to know the culture of the region.