The answer is yes, though it’s not a destination for beginners. In this post, we share the best tips to help you make the most of your cycling experience in the land of fire and ice.
Is Iceland Right for Your Cycling Trip?
Cycling in Iceland is an extraordinary journey, but it is fundamentally different from a typical European bike tour. Iceland offers world-class riding for the right cyclist, but it can quickly become miserable for those expecting traditional road touring conditions.
Rather than a smooth ride and frequent cafe stops, riding here is an adventure in the middle of the vast nature, full of glaciers, mind blowing landscapes, volcanic wonders, and waterfalls EVERYWHERE. But you have to take into consideration the unpredictable weather, and vast distances between settlements among other factors.
Key Factors You Must Know Before Planning
Iceland has become one of the most desired destinations for its wild nature and otherworldly landscapes. According to Iceland Data, the country received 2.3 million tourists in 2025, who came to take in the beauty of its glaciers, volcanic terrain, numerous waterfalls, and geothermal wonders.
Population & The Supply Gap
A large portion of the population—around 250,000 out of the country’s 400,000 total inhabitants—lives in the Reykjavík area. The rest of the country consists of small towns. The second-largest city in the country is Akureyri, which has only 20,000 inhabitants!
Furthermore, the interior of the country—the so-called Highlands—becomes completely snow-covered in winter, which is why the population is concentrated near the coast, where temperatures are milder.
This creates a logistical challenge. Many areas of the country, especially the interior, are highly isolated in terms of access to supplies. If you are planning to travel across Iceland by bicycle, it is essential to keep this in mind: you must stock up on provisions and carefully plan the food you intend to bring with you. Water is less of an issue, as it is quite readily available throughout the country.
Weather, Wind, and Seasonality
Iceland lies between the 63rd and 66th parallels north, close to the Arctic Circle.
Given its location, there are plenty of daylight hours in the summer, reaching their peak in June with the so-called “midnight sun.” This makes for a truly delightful experience when traveling by bicycle…
In contrast, daylight hours are considerably reduced from mid-September to March, reaching 4.5 hours of daylight in December. Cycling during these dark months is challenging, even with winter tires, as some roads become difficult to navigate due to snow.
Given these conditions, the following months offer the best daylight for cycling:
Wind: The Biggest Challenge for Cyclists
Iceland is the second windiest country on Earth, with Arctic winds that can reach gusts of over 80 km/h (50 mph). So, it is very important to be mindful of the wind, especially if you are cycling through areas with traffic, as there are few places to take shelter in many parts of the country.
If conditions change (which can happen in the blink of an eye), finding cover among glaciers, rocky paths, and lava fields is difficult. Furthermore, only about 2% of the country is covered by trees, so you had better come well-prepared!
In summer, storms are less frequent, though it is quite likely that at some point you will have to cycle in windy conditions. Do not cycle if you are on roads with heavy traffic and crosswinds, or if wind speeds exceed 40 km/h. We recommend downloading the Windy app; it is quite reliable and provides good weather forecasts, allowing you to plan several days in advance.
Rain and temperature conditions
Temperatures in Iceland are relatively mild for its latitude, largely due to a current arriving from the south—the AMOC—but don’t be lulled into a false sense of security… It can get cold, even in summer! Be sure to pack a good pair of gloves, warm wool socks, and waterproof clothing, as it tends to rain quite often!
The Terrain: Asphalt, Volcanic Gravel, and F-Roads
Given such weather and geographical conditions, investment in roads is limited, and even Route 1, supposedly the best and most important highway in the country, is quite restricted. In our opinion, traffic is one of the most significant reasons to avoid traveling along Route 1. During the summer, the south coast is swarming with cars, which makes it dangerous for everyone.
You will find it more relaxing to travel along secondary roads. While Route 1 offers plenty of rest areas, many sections lack proper shoulders.
To get the absolute most out of cycling in Iceland, we strongly recommend using at least a gravel bike or a mountain bike. Although pure road cycling is technically possible on paved sections, using a road bike will significantly limit your experience, confining you to high-traffic corridors and cutting you off from the true magic of Iceland: its vast, unpaved backcountry.
Paved roads vs gravel roads
Iceland’s terrain mostly breaks down into three types:
- Paved Roads: Quality asphalt routes that connect towns and scenic regions, including quiet secondary roads through the fjords and the North. They offer smooth riding, though shoulder space can be narrow depending on the area.
- Gravel & Coastal Tracks: Dirt and gravel roads connecting smaller fjords and scenic loops. The surface changes quickly from packed dirt to loose volcanic sand and sharp gravel. Wider tires (at least 45mm) are a must here to stay stable.
- F-Roads (The Highlands): Wild mountain tracks cutting through the middle of the island. Expect steep climbs, deep sand, rough gravel, and river crossings with no bridges. To ride here, you definitely need a tough gravel bike or a mountain bike.
Who Is Iceland Cycling Really For?
Cycling across Iceland is an unforgettable adventure, but it is not a destination for everyone. Before booking your flight, it is important to be honest about your cycling style and your expectations.
Iceland is ideal for:
- Adventure & Gravel Cyclists: Riders who love raw, changing landscapes and aren't afraid of unpaved roads, volcanic dirt, or steep F-road ascents.
- Travelers Seeking True Wilderness: Anyone looking to trade crowded tourist hot spots for wide-open fjords, lava fields, and silent Highland valleys.
Iceland might NOT be for you if:
- You are a pure road cyclist looking only for continuous, smooth asphalt with wide shoulders.
- You expect dense infrastructure with cafes, shops, and bike mechanics every few kilometers.
- You dislike riding in unpredictable weather, wind, or rain.
Final Thoughts: Is Iceland Worth Cycling?
Absolutely! Iceland’s lush, vibrant nature is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Exploring the country by bike and pedaling along remote Highland gravel routes is a true bucket-list adventure. There is nothing quite like soaking up the tranquility of the countryside, surrounded by lush green landscapes and iconic Icelandic sheep. After a long ride across raw lava fields, relaxing in a natural geothermal hot spring is the ultimate reward. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience every cyclist should try.
If you’re planning to head out on your own, make sure you plan your route, food supplies and equipment carefully before you go.
And if you’d prefer to travel as part of a group without having to worry about the logistics, you can join one of our organized cycling trips in Iceland, where you can simply enjoy the ride while our local experts take care of all the planning.
