The Witch of the Westfjords Guided Tour

134.995kr.

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)

 

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Description

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.

As published on Bikepacking.com, witchcraft, car-free gravel mountain passes, and a daily hot pot make the Witch of the Westfjords bikepacking route a perfect mix of hard riding, relaxation, and enchantment. Winding through a defunct road abandoned since the 1960s, only an adventurous few have ventured this deep into the Westfjords of Iceland. This three-day tour loops through the least populated municipality in Iceland, combining the unique magic of remote mountains and fjordscapes.

Number of spaces: 6

Dates: August 18-20 (3 days)

 

Route Highlights

Tour highlights:

View the full route overview on bikepacking.com

Tour highlights include:

  • The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft – this route is more than the line we travel. We learn more about the region’s history before starting our journey.
  • Trékyllisheiði – an abandoned mountain pass with sections of flowy doubletrack, shifty shale and fast descents
  • Stunning views along the remote Strandir coast, the least populated municipality in Iceland
  • Krossneslaug – one of the best hot pots in all of Iceland and the pinnacle of reward after traversing the mountain pass. Choose to soak after the first day or the morning of the second depending on arrival time.
  • Hótel Djúpavík – for a mid-ride snack and glimpse into the old fishing community.
  • The Old Herring Factory – seasonal art gallery and the tanks Sigur Rós famously played in.
  • Hótel Laugarhóll – best dinner on-route and hot pot. Choose a hotel room or camping.
  • Drangsnes Hot Pots – seaside hot pots before finishing the route.

Itinerary

Day 0; Thursday August 17

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. You may choose to be transported with Cycling Westfjords the next day or plan to meet us at the Witchcraft museum at 10:30am on August 18.

Optional dinner and group meetup: Dokkan Brugghús at 7pm

Day 1: Friday, August 18

Arrive to the Fjord Hub at 6:30 am for an early departure to the route, which is about 3 hours away. Last minute tweaks and bike setups can be done before the departure. You may choose to be transported with Cycling Westfjords or meet us at the starting point. A light to-go breakfast will be ready for participants. We will arrive at the Witchcraft Museum in Holmavík to gain a deeper understanding of the region at around 9:30am. We will then start riding by 11am. This is the mountain pass day and features the crux of the route. We will have a midride lunch before descending to Norðurfjörður for dinner and a warm bed. 72 kilometers with 1,600 meters of elevation gain.

Day 2: Saturday, August 19

The second day starts early again, at 8am with breakfast at our guesthouse. We will then ride to Krossneslaug, the hot pot at the end of the road. After a nice soak, we will continue on our journey down the Strandir coast around 11am. We will stop for lunch at Hotel Djupavík and visit the seasonal art exhibit and tanks where Sigur Rós played. Dinner and another hot pot soak is delivered at Hotel Laugarhóll for the night. 88 kilometers with 1,500 meters of elevation gain.

Day 3: Sunday, August 20

The last day is the shortest, but delivers unmatched fjordscapes and another hot pot soak before the trip is completed at the Witchcraft museum for celebratory soup and optional beer at Galdur Brewery. 53 kilometers with 750 meters of elevation gain.

Inclusions

Price includes:

  • Transportation to/from the route from the Fjord Hub in Ísafjörður
  • Accommodation in double rooms on Day 1 and 2 (to be shared with other participants)
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner on Day 1, 2, and 3
  • Access to the museums 
  • Entrance into Krossneslaug
  • Cycling Westfjords starter pack include microfiber towel, Icelandic delicacies and map
  • Bike box/bag storage during tour

Price does not include:

  • Flight or transfer to and from Ísafjörður
  • Bicycle and equipment (you bring your own or rent from us)
  • Accommodation on Day 0 and Day 3 (see accommodation options below)
  • Alcoholic beverages

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouses are included for Day 1 and 2 
  • Book your own accommodation for Day 0 and Day 3

Additional Information

This trip is perfect for anyone who:

  • Wants to ride the Witch of the Westfjords route with the help of local guides
  • Wants a unique experience of the Westfjords region

What you will need:

  • Recommended bike: Hardtail or full suspension mountain bike (hardtail rentals available)
  • Bikepacking bags to carry your equipment + emergency bivvy (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

Meet Your Guides

 

Tyler Wacker

Tyler has called the Westfjords home since 2020 after spending eight months biking across the US to reconnect with what’s important to him. He holds a master’s degree in Coastal Communities and Regional Development, and his passion is to engage with the broader issues of place through biking. As part of @cyclingwestfjords, he is a co-race director of the Arna Westfjords Way Challenge. Follow along @_tylervision.

Lynnee Jacks

Lynnee moved to the Westfjords in 2021 after living all around the West Cost of the United States. When she isn’t riding bikes, you can find her studying at the University Centre of the Westfjords, or off in the mountains on her next adventure. Follow along @currectlysomewhere

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