Westfjords Way in 8 Days Package Tour

270.000kr.410.000kr.

8 days • Self-Supported • Experience the Route that Started it All

Bikepack the Westfjords Way with like-minded bicyclists from around the world! Converge in the Westfjords and cover 1,016 kilometers over 8 days, and cycle the official Westfjords Way route (the route of the Arna Westfjords Way Challenge) organized by the people created the race and who know this region best!

Dates: July 7-15

SKU: N/A Category:

Description

8 days • Self-Supported • Experience the Route that Started it All

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 includes accommodation, and every evening has a restaurant and breakfast option in the morning, so you can plan to pack a little lighter. As locals who know this region intimately, booking with us means you benefit from our local knowledge and connections with all the best accommodations, and stops off the beaten path. 

  • 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 smaller 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.
  • Gravel bike rentals are available through our partner, the Fjord Hub, for a discounted price of 50,000 ISK

Why book with us?

We call the Westfjords home. We created the routes you’re riding, but even more importantly, our connections are your connections. When you book with us you know you are getting the best information on accommodations, hidden gems, and local secrets. And if anything goes wrong, you have access to our extensive network of Westfjords contacts to help get you sheltered, fed, and back on route.

Itinerary

Day 0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 most mornings 
  • On-route emergency support in case anything goes wrong
  • Bike box/bag storage during tour
  • Cycling Westfjords starter pack include microfiber towel, Icelandic delicacies and map
  • Discounts at restaurants and museums 
  • Transportation to/from Ísafjörður airport

Price does not include:

  • Flight or transfer to and from Ísafjörður
  • Bicycle and equipment (you bring your own)
    • Rentals are available through our partner, the Fjord Hub, for a discounted price of 50,000 ISK
  • 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

    Accommodations

    Accommodations: 

    Accommodation prices are for one or two riders. Single riders will have a bed in a private room, and two riders booking together will share a twin or double room. Contact us for more information.

    Additional Information

    This trip is perfect for anyone who:

    • Is looking to bikepack the Westfjords Way 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