cycling map and bicycle service around iceland summer 2015
Transkript
cycling map and bicycle service around iceland summer 2015
CYCLING MAP AND BICYCLE SERVICE AROUND ICELAND SUMMER 2015 Services in The Westfjords: Craftsport Tel. 456 3110 Austurvegi 2, Ísafjörður [email protected] www.craft.is Services in North Iceland: Westfjords Adventures Tel. 456 5006 Aðalstræti 62, Patreksfjörður [email protected] www.wa.is Vélaverkstæði Hjartar Eiríkssonar Tel. 451 2514 Búlandi 1, Hvammstangi [email protected] Hike and Bike Tel. 899 4845 Reykjahlid, Mývatn [email protected] www.hikeandbike.is Google it! Kári Árnason Tel. 863 6419 Víðihlíð 23, Sauðárkrókur [email protected] Fjalladýrð í Möðrudal Tel. 899 4845 70 km East from Mývatn [email protected] www.fjalladyrd.is In emergency Viðar Eiríksson - Húsavík Google it! Hjólaviðgerðir Simba - Ísafjörður notendur.snerpa.is/vbk - Þingeyri Services in East Iceland: Bílar og vélar Tel. 473 1333 Hafnarbyggð 14a, Vopnafjörður [email protected] Skógar - Egilsstaðir Tel. 471 1230 Dynskógar 4, Egilsstaðir [email protected] www.facebook.com/skogareg Þór Þorfinnsson Tel. 892 3535 Hallormsstaður, 14 km south of Egilsstaðir [email protected] www.skogur.is In emergency Sportver - Akureyri Skíðaþjónustan - Akureyri Google it! Stálstjörnur - Seyðisfjörður www.iceland-tour.com - Seyðisfjörður www.simbahollin.is - Þingeyri www.hotelbjarg.is - Fáskrúðsfjörður www. westtours.is - Ísafjörður Verslunin PAN - Neskaupstaður www.stadarborg.is - Breiðdalsvík www.smastal.is - Djúpivogur www.hotelframtid.com - Djúpivogur Services in West Iceland: 45 Viðigerði Reiðhjólaverkstæði Axels Tel. 896 1979 Merkigerði 2, Akranes [email protected] www.axelsbud.com Guðmundur B. Kjartansson Tel. 867 9984 Garðaflöt 4, Stykkishólmur [email protected] 35 Google it! Skipavík - Stykkishólmur Setberg Vegamót Services in Reykjavík and The Capital Area: Borgarhjól Tel. 551 5653 Hverfisgata 50, Reykjavík [email protected] www.borgarhjol.is Icelandic Mountain Guides Tel. 587 9999 Stórhöfði 33, Reykjavík [email protected] www.mountainguides.is Bike Company Tel. 590 8550 Faxafen 8, Reykjavík [email protected] www.bikecompany.is Touring service Hjólaspítalinn Tel. 892 2752 Auðbrekka 4, Kópavogur [email protected] www.hjolaspitali.com Rafmagnshjól Tel. 534 6600 Fiskislóð 45, Reykjavík [email protected] www.e-bike.is E-bikes Bikestore Berlin Tel. 899 0943 Geirsgata 5A, Reykjavík [email protected] www.reidhjolaverzlunin.is Reykjavik Bike Tours Tel. 694 8956 Ægisgarður 7, (old harbour) Reykjavík [email protected] www.reykjavikbiketours.is Icebikeadventures Tel. 824 0322 Dælustöðvarvegur 8, Mosfellsbær [email protected] www.fatbike.is www. icebikeadventures.com Helibiking, fatbike, mountain bike Google it! www.ellingsen.is www.utilif.is www.kriacycles.com www.everest.is www.gap.is www.markid.is www.hjolid.123.is Reiðhjólaviðgerðir Eiríks www.velaverkjs.is www.suzuki.is - E-bikes Hvellur Tel. 577 6400 Smiðjuvegur 30, Kópavogur [email protected] www.hvellur.com Hjólasprettur Tel. 565 2292 Dalshraun 13, Hafnarfjörður [email protected] www.hjolasprettur.is Icelandic Transport Authority • When cycling on roads, cyclists should go with the flow of the traffic. They should stay on the right side of the lane and allow motor vehicles to pass. Where there is more than one lane in the same direction, cyclists should use the lane farthest to the right. • Cycling on sidewalks and walking paths is legal in Iceland, but cyclists have to show regard for pedestrians. • By regulation, children under 15 years of age are required to use bicycle helmets when cycling. Services in Reykjanes: Google it! Útisport - Reykjanesbær LEGEND: www.atv4x4.is Bike Cave Tel. 770 3113 Einarsnes 36, Reykjavík [email protected] www.bikecave.is A bike Coffee Town / village 50 - 200, 201 - 999, 1000 + Service Camping site Accommodation Mountain hut or shelter Shop with provisions Swimming pool Nature bath, geothermal spa Emergency hut Public toilet outside towns, villages and camping sites Örninn Tel. 588 9890 Faxafen 8, Reykjavík [email protected] www.orninn.is TRI Tel. 571 8111 Suðurlandsbraut 32, Reykjavík [email protected] www.tri.is Services in South Iceland: Smáratún Stefán Viðar Sigtryggsson Tel. 663 8484 Fiskhóll 9, Höfn [email protected] Bílaverkstæði Jóhanns ehf. Tel. 866 1093 Austurmörk 13, Hveragerði [email protected] Google it! Jötunn vélar Tel. 480 0400 Austurvegi 69, Selfoss [email protected] www.jotunn.is Iceland Activities Tel. 777 6263 Mánamörk 3-5, Hveragerði [email protected] www.icelandactivities.is www.arcanum.is - Vík Hjólabær Tel. 482 1289 Austurvegi 11, Selfoss [email protected] Sport og tækni Tel. 583 2226 Vestmannabraut 24, Vestmannaeyjar [email protected] Safetravel http://safetravel.is/app/ www.bjarmaberg.is - Höfn *This map does not describe road quality. Quality varies greatly by weather and other factors. There is no guarantee that roads / tracks with heavy traffic are easier to bike than those where few cars drive. Travelling in the highlands can be dangerous. Fagrahlíð Guesthouse - Hvolsvelli www.glacierguides.is Emergency number: 112 Rental Guided tours Shop Repair Repair enthusiast Services in The Interior Highlands Kerlingarfjöll Mountain Resort Tel. 664 7878 [email protected] www.kerlingarfjoll.is In emergency http://kaywa.me/3QApf CYCLING MAP 2015 ONLINE **There may be more fords than shown on the map. The symbols and classification only indicate where most water crossings may be expected. Drought, rain and thawing snow make the mapping of fords very inaccurate. Car traffic numbers are summertime statistics. This is an overview map which does not provide exhaustive information. Before setting off, one needs to gather information about the road conditions as well as accomodation and other services in the area to be travelled. It is particularly important to be well informed when planning to travel in the highlands. 50 61 Cycling path (usually walking path as well) outside towns and villages Road with hard shoulder which is at least 1,5 metres wide Asphalt road with fewer than 100 cars a day Asphalt road with 100 to 500 cars a day Asphalt road with 500 to 1500 cars a day Asphalt road with 1500 cars a day or more Gravel road with fewer than 100 cars a day Gravel road with 100 to 500 cars a day *Mountain road / track with fewer than 30 cars a day Mountain road / track with 30 to 100 cars a day Mountain road with 100 cars a day or more Single track Distance in km between points. Selection of distances over 10 km. Recommended route to / from Reykjavík EuroVelo **Ford which is usually easy to cross Ford which sometimes or generally has deep water / strong current Road number Heavy traffic with high speed and little space for cyclists Dangerous winds Road constructions in summer 2015 Height in metres above sea level Steep hill, 6-10% grade, ascent on right hand of road Steep hill, 10% < grade, ascent on right hand of road Many steep and short hills Tunnel (single / double lane), length in km Airport Scheduled ferry Bus stop for scheduled bus outside of towns and villages Popular tourist destination Loose sand possibly causing difficulties in biking on mountain roads/tracks A lot of loose sand, often causing difficulties in biking on mountain roads/tracks Boundaries of reserve areas where camping is prohibited outside designated camping sites Schedules to Þórsmörk (Básar and Langidalur) and Landmannalaugar. Summer schedule 13 June - 15 Sept. 2015 Main lines in the Westfjords Patreksfjörður - Bíldudalur: Tel. 456 2636 & 893 2636 Ísafjörður – Bolungarvík: Tel. 892 1417 & 456 7195 Ísafjörður – Súðavík: Only to be pre-ordered: Tel. 540 2700 Ísafjörður – Suðureyri – Flateyri – Þingeyri: Tel. 893 6356 www.isafjordur.is/thjonusta/straetisvagnar Westfjords Tourist Information: Tel. 450 8060 - www.westfjords.is CL W WC (SH W WC) Álftavatn 568-2533, 832-4008 AT W WC Álftavötn 562-1000 AT W WC Álkuskáli 452-4880, 853-4015 OP *W *WC Árbúðir 486-8757, 895-9500 AT W WC Baldvinsskáli 568-2533 AT **W WC Básar 562-1000 AT W WC Bjarnalækjarbotnar 486-6100 OP W WC Blágil 487-4840 OP W *WC Bleikskvíslarskáli 865-8177 OP *W *WC Blængur 487-4781 OP W ? Botnar (Emstrur) 568-2533, 832-5008 AT W WC Botni 462-2720 OP *W *WC Breiðavík 860-1393 AT W WC Bugaskáli 452-4137, 452-7112 CL ? *WC (SH ? *WC) Dalakofinn 562-1000 AT W WC Dreki 462-2720, 853-2541 AT W WC Dyngja 894-0758, 471-1858 OP *W WC Dyngjufell 462-2720 OP *W *WC Fellaskáli 865-8177 OP W WC Ferjukot/Hald 860-2876 OP W ? Fimmvörðuskáli 562-1000 AT **W WC Fornihvammur 435-1287, 898-1687 CL W WC (?) Foss 478-8888, 896-9980 CL W WC (SH W *WC) Fosshóll 865-8177 OP *W *WC Framgil 487-4840 OP W WC Fremstaver 641-2003 CL W WC (SH W WC) Galtaból 515-9000 OP ? ? Galtarárskáli 452-4137, 452-7112 AT ? ? Gatfell 488-8810, 486-8808 CL **W ? (SH **W *WC) Geldingafell 860-1393 HHHCL *W *WC (SH *W *WC) Gil 436-3162 AT W WC Gljúfurleit 486-6014 OP ? ? Hagavatnsskáli 568-2533 OP W *WC Hallarmúlaskáli 486-6100 OP W *WC Haugakvíslarskáli 865-8177 OP W WC Heiðarhús 462-6974 OP W WC Helgaskáli 480-6600 OP W ? Herðubreiðarlindir 462-2720 AT W WC Hildarsel 862-5907 OP *W ? Hlöðuvellir 568-2533 CL **W *WC (SH **W *WC) Hnúabaksskáli 451-2649, 855-0582 OP W WC Hof 464-1122, 894-0872 ? W WC (?) Hólaskjól 894-9977, 478-4840 AT W WC Hólaskógur 661-2504, 6612503 AT W WC Hrafntinnusker 568-2533 AT W *WC Hrakstrandarkofi 471-1835, 862-1835 OP ? ? Hrossatungur 487-4840 OP W *WC Hungurfit 487-8888, 896-9980 OP W WC CL ? ? (SH W WC) Kofinn 437-1789, 853-8378 OP W WC Kverkfjöll (Sigurðarskáli) 863-9236 AT W WC Landmannahellir 893-8407 AT W WC Landmannalaugar 568-2533, 860-3335 AT W WC Laugafell 462-2720, 822-5192 AT W WC Leiðólfsfell 487-4840 OP ? ? Leirás 661-3913, 487-8925 OP *W *WC Leppistunguskáli 486-6617, 854-6725 OP W WC Loðmundarfjörður 863-5813 AT W WC Lónaborg 451-2938, 893-0638 OP *W WC Miklafell 892-4941 OP ? ? Mönguhólsskáli 865-8177 OP *W *WC Nýidalur 568-2533 AT W WC Réttartorfa 461-4422, 894-4722 OP W WC Rjúpnavellir 892-0409 AT W WC Rústaskáli 453-8085 OP ? *WC Sandbúðir 486-8810 OP ? *WC Setrið 568-4444 CL W WC (SH W WC) Skeiðamannafit 852-5563 CL W WC (SH ? *WC) Skjaldborg 894-1169, 486-4400 OP *W *WC Skælingar 562-1000 OP W WC Snæfell 860-1393 AT W WC Stóraflesja 464-4340, 854-8740 OP ? *WC (?) Strútur 562-1000 AT W WC Sultarfit 896-6624, 853-5891 CL W WC (SH ? *WC) Sveinstindur 562-1000 OP W WC Svínárnes 480-6600, 486-6617 OP W ? Sörlastaðir 462-7816, 695-7218 OP W WC Torfhvalastaðir 486-6014 CL ? ? (?) Urðarkot 462-6912 OP ? ? Valgeirsstaðir 568-2533, 862-3363 AT W WC Veiðivötn 487-5130, 852-2659 AT W WC Veigubúð 464-6100 OP ? ? Versalir 897-3064 CL **W WC (SH W WC) AT W WC Sandvík Blue Lagoon 88 Grindavík 53 Þorlákshöfn 74 Eyrarbakki Airports with scheduled flights Scheduled Ferry Connections For dashed route lines of STRÆTÓ, passengers must call Tel. 540 2700 at least 2-4 hrs. before departure. Tel. 540 1313 - www.grayline.is Activity Bus Akureyri - Dalvík MÝVATN TOURS: Tel. 464 1920 - www.myvatntours.is FJALLASÝN: Tel. 464 3941 & 464 3940 - www.fjallasyn.is Tel. 511 2600 www.bustravel.is Tel. 540 1313 www.grayline.is KEFLAVIK AIRPORT TRANSFERS: The roads A rather large portion of Iceland’s road system is made up of gravel roads, especially those with less traffic. The main highway around Iceland, Route 1, circles the country in around 1400 kilometers. Once you get away from the South-West part, the traffic becomes less but it is still fast, and the roads get narrower, especially once you get off Route 1. On the gravel roads you may encounter long stretches with potholes, “washboards” or loose sand but far less traffic. Cyclists are allowed in all tunnels except the one under Hvalfjörður Fjord north of Reykjavik. Laki Eldgjá Hvanngil Mýrdalsjökull Skógar Reynis- Vík fjara Reykjavík - Viðey Island Dalvík-Grímsey & Dalvík-Hrísey Tel. 458 8970 & 467 3102 - www.landflutningar.is/saefari Húsavík-Flatey & Húsavík-Grímsey Gentle Giants - Tel. 464 1500 - www.gentlegiants.is Vestmannaeyjar (from Landeyjahöfn) Reykir - Drangey (with Drangey Tours) Tel. 821 0090 & 821 0091 - www.drangey.net Stykkishólmur - Flatey - Brjánslækur The car ferry across Breiðafjörður Bay Tel. 433 2254 - www.seatours.is 4 15 12 19 51 Domestic Flights AIR ICELAND destinations: Vestmannaeyjar Scheduled Ferries Jökulsárlón FreysAH 112 nes 10 15 Kirkjubæjar16 19 klaustur 20 12 20 51 52 Djúpivogur Papey Skaftafell 16 78 62 Reykjavík, Ísafjörður, Akureyri, Egilsstaðir, Grímsey, Þórshöfn, Vopnafjörður. Tel. 570 3030 - www.airiceland.is EAGLE AIR destinations: Reykjavík, Vestmannaeyjar, Höfn, Húsavík, Bíldudalur, Gjögur. Tel. 562 4200 & 562 2640 - www.eagleair.is Ísafjörður Bíldudalur Grímsey Húsavík Gjögur Þórshöfn Vopnafjörður To Hornstrandir Area & Vigur Akureyri Egilsstaðir VESTURFERÐIR (also to Vigur): Tel. 456 5111 - www.vesturferdir.is BOREA: Tel. 456 3322 - www.boreaadventures.com Höfn Reykjavík Tel. 540 1313 www.airportexpress.is Tel. 580 5400 www.flybus.is Tel. 823 0099 www.kexpress.is Cycling in Iceland Iceland’s cool, oceanic climate is quite mild for its latitude, thanks to the Gulf Stream. The summers are short, and the best time to visit is late May to early September. The average daytime temperature around the coast during May to September is 10-12°C (50-55°F). Average daily sunshine in July and August is 5-6 hours, and during the summer months the nights are bright: on clear days you have 24 hours of daylight and even the midnight sun near the Arctic Circle. However, the weather is extremely changeable and unpredictable so you should always be prepared for the unexpected. You can encounter strong sudden winds and even snow in the middle of summer. Even if you stick to the main road, you should always follow the weather forecast and in all cases carry warm clothing with you. Try to keep your plans flexible so you can go with the wind instead of struggling against it. If you must go against the wind, you might consider cycling in the late evening and in the night (in June and July) as the wind often calms down in the evening. Benefits of this also include far less motor traffic on the busier roads and the wonders of experiencing sunset and sunrise, but of course less access to shops and services. You can get the weather forecast by telephone: 902 0600 or just by asking the locals. Icelanders follow the weather forecast almost religiously. At altitudes in the interior highlands the temperatures are of course lower. See also Weather in Iceland under the headings Useful Links and Info for Cyclists. Emstrur Þórsmörk Seljalandsfoss 21 Landeyjahöfn Árskógssandur - Hrísey Djúpivogur - Papey Tel. 695 5544 - www.hrisey.net Tel. 478 8119, 862 4399, 854 4438 (Ferry) - [email protected] Rafmagnshjól ehf. | Fiskislóð 45 - 101 Reykjavik | Tel. 534 6600 | [email protected] | www.e-bike.is The weather Höfn Landmannalaugar 9 T11 Hvolsvöllur 2 Berunes Tel. 899 8000 & 894 2967 - www.sporttours.is www.re.is If you are planning an adventurous cycling trip, Iceland is unique in many ways. It is safe to travel here if you are properly prepared, and you will find Icelanders both helpful and friendly. You can plan your own trip but there are also a few companies that specialize in guided bike tours. Hella 75 2 Stöðvarfjörður 14 10 Landmannahellir Álftavatn 18 Tjarnarbyggð Stokkseyri SKAFTAFELL Transfer 17 T21 11 Rjúpnavellir Leirubakki 74 75 Tourist Info in Egilsstaðir: Tel. 471 2320 - www.svaust.is Useful Links & Info for Cyclists The interior highlands Weather in Iceland The mountain roads across the interior highlands are usually closed until late May or even as late as July, depending on the road and the weather conditions in spring. The Road Administration has information on mountain roads and when they open in the summers at www.vegagerdin.is/english The highland roads are all rough gravel/dirt roads of various qualities from packed mud to washboards, loose gravel and even sand which may be impossible to bicycle on when it has been dry for some period. Many rivers must be crossed at fords and can become dangerous in or after rain, and in the case of glacial rivers, in warm periods. You may therefore have to wait until late night or early morning to cross some glacial rivers during the summer. Mountain bikes with fat studded tires for good tracking and comfort and low gear ratios to help climb steep hills are recommended. Please remember that in the highlands the nearest lodging can be far away. The highlands are generally devoid of shops and any services. Terrible storms may rage. Large areas have no mobile telephone coverage, and some tracks are very lonely. The map overleaf only shows the amount of traffic and where loose sand can be expected. It shows only the major fords. Please read the legend to the map carefully. Those who plan to travel in the interior highlands must aquire further information not covered by this map. Accommodation Swimming Pools www.en.vedur.is www.belgingur.is/locales/en www.yr.no www.swimminginiceland.com Travelling in Iceland Free Cycling map of Reykjavik on line reykjavik.is/gonguoghjolastigar Service stations offering food, WC and air pumping These are found in every town. www.n1.is www.olis.is www.skeljungur.is The Cycling map shows urban areas in Iceland where camping or indoor accommodation is available. Huts in the highlands may (quite likely) be full and need to be booked well in advance. See more info in the List of huts and shelters in uninhabited areas. In general travellers are allowed to put up their tents everywhere except on cultivated land, too close to residential buildings and especially protected areas. It is still a common courtesy to ask farmers for permission before camping on their land. Food and drink www.lmi.is Accommodation www.hagkaup.is www.byko.is www.husa.is www.hostel.is www.farmholidays.is Camping Grounds Roads and road conditions www.tjalda.is/en The Icelandic Mountain Bike Club Useful info in English for cyclists: www.fjallahjolaklubburinn.is/english The Biking Book of Iceland Trails you can find in the Westfjords. Google it! Mirjam Wouters Food can be purchased only in towns and some other highway locations. You will therefore have to take food for several days when you are crossing the highlands. As Iceland is sparsely populated, there may be 100 to 200 km between shops even on the Ring Road between Mývatn and Egilsstaðir and Höfn and Skaftafell. Water can usually be accessed quite easily in the countryside from streams and rivers. However, in sand and lava areas water needs to be carried. Never take water from areas where farms or fields are upriver. There you can visit the farms and get tap water. Water from glacial rivers should only be drunk in emergency and preferably filtered. Usually 1 to 2 liters of water carrying capacity is enough. EuroVelo 1 – The Atlantic coast route There is project underway to construct a EuroVelo route in Iceland. The route is shown on the map, even though it has not been opened yet. It might happen in 2016! Based on information from The Icelandic Mountain Bike Club, visit their website for further info: http://fjallahjolaklubburinn.is/english Bike Tours Segway Tours Bike Rental Bicycle Rental www.reykjavikbiketours.is | Old Harbour | Mobile: +(354) 694 8956 WWW.TRI.IS www.safetravel.is www.planiceland.com www.visiticeland.com www.visitreykjavik.is www.travelnet.is www.nat.is www.fi.is www.utivist.is www.publictransport.is Free maps of Iceland Shop chains with seasonal bike equipment www.vegagerdin.is/english CL *W WC (SH W WC) Þverbrekknamúli 568-2533 OP W WC Þönglabakki 463-3220, 984-3230 OP ? *WC Öldumóðsskáli 452-4499, 895-4499 OP ? ? Örk 483-4454, 894-2244 OP ? ? BL Keflavík International Airport Vestara-símahús 858-1167 Ytrimosar 464-3111, 855-2531 OP ? ? Þeistareykir 866-0903, 866-3586 OP W WC Þingmannaheiði 450-3211 OP *W WC Þjófadalir 568-2533 OP *W *WC Þorskafjarðarheiði 522-1000 OP ? WC Þórsmörk 568-2533, 893-1191, 552-8300 He llis s Rif and ur Ól afs ví Gr k un da rfjö rðu r th S t w e op udy w t a w io ll .io ns yo o .is n CL W *WC (SH W WC) Áfangagil 487-6598, 664-1012 AT W WC Áfangi 452-4600, 452-4661 AT W WC Álftakrókur 435-1140, 691-1182 R4 Selfoss 51 52 53 AH 112 55 r Austara-símahús 858-1167 Húsavík 860-1393 AT W WC Hvannalindir 471-1584, 853-6236 AT ? *WC Hvanngil 568-2533, 860-3336 AT W WC Hvanngiljahöll 860-2876 OP ? ? Hveravellir 452-4202, 894-1293 AT W WC Hvítárnes 568-2533 AT W WC Höll 557-9133, 864-0686 OP W WC Jöklasel 478-1000, 854-2133 AT W WC Karlsstaðir 477-1226, 894-5477 AT W WC Kerlingarfjöll 522-6500, 852-4223 AT W WC Klakksskáli 486-6703, 486-6688 Reykjanesbær 1 Reyðarfjörður Fáskrúðsfjörður Askja Hrauneyjar 72 73 the OP *W *WC Hafnir Reykjavík T11 12 T21 F 35 Norðfjörður 1 Eskifjörður 78 Breiðdalsvík 73 610 Reykholt 76 F 35 Árnes Flúðir Þóroddsstaðir 610 Laugarás Skeiða- og Þjórsárdalsvegur 9 11 Borg 76 17 18 Þrastaskógur 20 21 Brautarholt ea Arnarvatnskofi 473-1214, 858-1165 89 Sandgerði The SVAUST System Tel. 580 5400 CALL 534 6600 corridor, stable etc. Viðey Garður Hvalfjörður Tunnel 57 60 3 14 17 Geysir Ferry NORRÆNA to the Faroe Islands and Hirtshals in Denmark Seyðisfjörður Egilsstaðir ASK Nýidalur Borgarfjörður eystri 6 Tel. 481 2800 - www.herjolfur.is Take a tour on a quality Dutch e-bike W=no drinking water WC=water toilet *WC=latrine WC=no water toilet and no latrine SH=shelter by closed hut; latrine, Akranes Local Bus Lines in the Westfjords BLUE LAGOON TRANSFERS: A perfect way to see Reykjavik OP=open hut CL=closed hut AT=attended hut W=drinking water in hut *W=nearby drinking water **W=not always drinking water 57 5 Vopnafjörður Crossroads Skjöldólfsstaðir Grímsstaðir FellaDettifoss 650 56 Crossroads bær 661 62 Jökulsá á Brú 14 17 70 62 56 1 70 Herðubreiðarlindir Gullfoss Laugarvatn Skútustaðir Vopnafjörður Jökulsá á Fjöllum Mývatn Hofsjökull Hvítárnes Crossroads 6 Þingvellir Hvanneyri Tel. 519 5000 & 533 5055 - www.elding.is www.hjolamot.is List of huts and shelters in uninhabited areas 58 62 Krafla 661 650 Aldeyjarfoss Kerlingarfjöll Langjökull Kleppjárnsreykir 81 Borgarnes F 35 Hveravellir Reykholt Goðafoss (Fosshóll) Laugar 79 641 661 70 Dettifoss Fnjóskárbrú 62 641 70 Þórshöfn Hljóðaklettar Norðausturvegur Akureyri Airport 57 60 59 Bifröst Baula Vegamót Ísafjörður – Hólmavík: Tel. 893 1058, 847 0285 & 540 2700 Brjánslækur – Ísafjörður: Tel. 456 5006 - www.wa.is Brjánslækur – Patreksfjörður – Látrabjarg: Tel. 456 5006 - www.wa.is Cycling events in Iceland Most closed huts can be opened upon request. Fee must be paid in almost all huts. Some of the huts are in very bad condition and serve only as emergency shelters. Do not leave any garbage by the huts, please. 82 610 Akureyri Varmahlíð Svartá Staðarskáli Stykkishólmur 58 Vatnaleið Arnarstapi Hvammstangi Crossroads Skriðuland 82 Snæfellsjökull 83 Búðardalur 56 79 57 Víðigerði Hvammstangi Króksfjarðarnes Flatey Tel. 587 6000 - www.trex.is Blönduós 84 Ásbyrgi Húsavík 79 Aðaldalsvegur dw www.hostel.is Látrabjarg The STERNA System A system operated by Sterna Travel. Tel. 551 1166 - www.sternatravel.com Askja & Herðubreiðarlindir You cannot pay the bus fare with your app when travelling outside the capital area. Brjánslækur ACT Skriðuland Hólmavík ba Pay with the app in the capital area 59 Árskógssandur Crossroads in 33 HI Hostels around Iceland welcome you Pay the bus fare and get ticket info with your smartphone. Find your routes, plan your journey, locate the nearest bus stop and track your bus on a real-time map. Bíldudalur Tálknafjörður ÖrlygsPatreksfjörður höfn Hofsós 84 Reykir Hólar Sauðárkrókur Gjögur Reykjanes Crossroads Raufarhöfn 79 Hrísey Ólafsfjörður 85 Dalvík ly Get your free app and take the bus: REYKJAVIK EXCURSIONS: Tel. 580 5400 - www.ioyo.is SBA-NORÐURLEIÐ: Tel. 550 0700 - www.sba.is Skagaströnd Kópasker 641 650 Flatey 78 Siglufjörður On Travel in Iceland the smart way A system operated by “Reykjavik Excursions“ and “SBA-Norðurleið“. Flateyri Þingeyri Drangey rði 580 5400 • [email protected] • www.ioyo.is “ICELAND ON YOUR OWN“ TREX Vigur Súðavík Suðureyri ge BSÍ Bus Terminal • 101 Reykjavík • This is the main official bus system. Tel. 540 2700 - www.bus.is SUMMER 2015 Drangajökull era Hv R O Hnífsdalur Ísafjörður Grímsey blog - www.cyclingdutchgirl.com Ulf Hoffman has cycled around Iceland for many years. Web in German and English www.bikingiceland.com CYCLING ICELAND SUMMER 2015 Bolungarvík The STRÆTÓ System www.publictransport.is PUBLIC TRANSPORT Hornstrandir Area SUMMER 2015 Scheduled Buses & Bus Passports • Cyclists bringing their bikes on flights to Iceland need to pack them in suitable boxes. • At Keflavik airport, they are building facilities where cyclists can assemble their bikes. • Bike boxes can be stored at Bilahotel, next to the airport. • K. Express does not charge for bike transport to Reykjavik, and they take you straight to Reykjavik City Hostel. At the hostel/Reykjavik camping area, you have access to tools to assemble and disassemble bikes and you can store transport bike boxes there. • In most domestic airports you will find some space to work on your bike. Just be considerate and don’t take up too much space. • For getting out of Reykjavik, public transport to a town outside the city (e.g. Akranes, Borgarnes or Hveragerði) is a good option. It is cheap and there can be two bikes on each bus if space permits. Transport of bikes in the buses of Strætó bs. is free of charge. • By starting the trip from Reykjavik on the bus the bicyclist avoids the hectic and traffic-congested roads leading to and from the city. By taking the bus to Akranes or Borgarnes, one bypasses the only tunnel in Iceland that is not passable by bike: the Hvalfjörður tunnel. Taking the bus to Kjalarnes on the way to the West and cycling the Hvalfjörður fjord is especially pleasant, though. The fjord enjoys fantastic nature and sparse car traffic. • In Iceland, public transport buses are operated by several companies. The Public Transport map reflects which company operates which routes. The operators have homepages showing the seasonal schedules, prices and other useful info. Apart from Strætó and K.Express, most collect fees for the transport of bicycles. It is advisable to check beforehand the conditions of the operator you plan to travel with. • You can get on or off the bus anywhere the main road meets smaller roads on the route in rural areas. Just be sure to make clear if you want the bus to stop. In the Capital area and other areas with local buses, they only stop at marked stops. • For routes 79, 83, 84, 85 and the Súðavík bus, please consult the service centre at tel. 540 2700. • In rural areas, bikes are put in the luggage compartments of the buses or on bike racks. The number of bikes that can be allowed on any given bus cannot be guaranteed, but bikes are usually allowed as long as there is room for them. • For all rural buses, you can buy tickets on the bus with cash or a credit card. • Most domestic ferries do charge for the transport of bicycles. • The ferry to Vestmannaeyjar does sometimes have difficulties with the harbour in Landeyjarhöfn. As a second choice, they operate from Þorlákshöfn. Scheduled Buses (with Papey Tours) Vestmannaeyjar Borgarfjörður eystri welcomes you It´s yours to explore! The East of Iceland has a hidden treasure called Borgarfjörður eystri. With a total of only 130 inhabitants, the area, nonetheless, has plenty to offer for visitors, including a tremendous variety of hiking routes and great opportunities for cycling activities. The area offers a spectacular landscape and a good range of accommodation and services in the small town of Bakkagerði. There is great natural beauty in the area, as it is still untouched by mass tourism. The area around Borgarfjörður has great cycling routs suitable for Mountain Biking well as some exemplary facilities for cyclists. While people lived in most parts of the area past the middle of the 20th century, they are all deserted today. Lately local people have been marking numerous trails and have published a quality travel map, besides building comfortable hiking lodges. Going to Borgarfjörður will offer you a chance to experience a genuine Icelandic fishing village. In addition, you will be in contact with a close community of people renowned for their hospitality. Their local cuisine consists of high quality ingredients from the region, such as the fish landed fresh daily. The community lives in close proximity to nature and delights in a quiet life, making it the ideal place to relax and get in touch with nature. Borgarfjörður Brúnavík Bakkagerði Hofstrandarskarð Dyrfjöll 1 321 2 500 Gagnheiði Direct transportation between Keflavík Airport and Stóraá 3 Breiðavík Víknaheiði Environmental friendly. Húsavíkurheiði Húsavík has cycled around Iceland since 1998 members.ziggo.nl/erens/iceland.htm Nesháls Nes Loðmundarfjörður Cycling Iceland Summer 2015 Faxafeni 8 108 Reykjavík Tel: (+354) 590-8550 [email protected] www.bikecompany.is BIKE RENTAL - CITY TOURS GUIDED MTB TOURS 435 4 EMERGENCY NUMBER 112 While we take great care to get the details correct, we cannot accept responsibility for any errors. Check details for yourself, take care, and enjoy your time cycling in Iceland. To order the Cycling Iceland Summer 2015 printed map, please contact: [email protected] - www.hjolafaerni.is – tel. +354 864 2776 Welcome to send us feedback about cycling in Iceland and ideas for the next Cycling Map. This map is dedicated to our generation, our children and our future. #cyclingiceland 3. Borgarfjörður – Húsavík 19 km Time to visit: July – Oct. Mostly on a good 4WD track, from the Village Bakkagerði over Húsavíkurheiði pass (477 m) to the Húsavík hut. In Húsavík there is a hiking hut and camping site with WC and other facilities for travellers. An old farm and a church are still in a good condition near the coastline in Húsavík and worth the detour. Recommended cycling trails Here are descriptions of great cycling trails near Borgarfjörður. Note that some trails may have snow until midsummer so recommended time to visit is mentioned. 1. Brúnavík 6.5 km (one way) Time to visit: mid June – Oct. Follow a rough 4WD track that leads over Hofstrandarskarð pass to Brúnavík inlet. Where the track ends, you can walk or take your bike towards the refuge hut down by the sea, passing over grassy and marshy areas, and then explore the colourful beach in Brúnavík. 2. Borgarfjörður – Breiðavík – Húsavík 28 km Time to visit: July – Oct. Following an open 4WD track over Gagnheiði (500 m) and then down to the hut at Breiðavík inlet. In Breiðavík there is hiking hut and camping site with WC and other facilities. From Breiðavík hut there is a rather good track. At the trail crossing at Víknaheiði, turn left towards Húsavík. boxes and to repair bicycles. 477 More info at www.borgarfjordureystri.is Editor: Sesselja Traustadóttir, Director of Hjólafærni á Íslandi. Produced by Hjólafærni á Íslandi in cooperation with Ómar Smári Kristinsson & Nína Ivanova and Hugarflug. © Hjólafærni á Íslandi 2015 – 3rd English Edition. All information subject to change. Copyright exists on all layouts, designs and logos. ISBN 978-9979-72-814-6 The Cycling Iceland Summer 2015 map is based on maps from the National Land Survey of Iceland. the Campsite. Good facilities to store bike´s carrying Located only 3 km from the City Centre. Hvítserkur Michiel Erens Special thanks to: Andreas Macrander, Jónas Guðmundsson, Jón G. Snæland (Huts and Lodges in Iceland, Skrudda 2010), Hafþór Snjólfur Helgason, Regína Hreinsdóttir, Haukur Eggertsson, Ásbjörn Ólafsson and other employees of The Road Administration, Dorin Bofan, Karl Benediktsson, Kjartan Guðnason, Robert Berman, Morten Lange, Árni Davíðsson, National Land Survey of Iceland, The Environment Agency of Iceland, Icelandic Tourist Board and Tour Info staff around Iceland. Cover picture is taken by Dorin Bofan - www.dorinbofan.com. Picture from Borgarfjörður is taken by Guðný Sigríður Óladóttir. Based on info availablhe to us as on 20 May 2015. www.cyclingiceland.is Practical hints for Cyclists using Public Transport 4. Húsavík – Loðmundarfjörður 14 km Time to visit: July – Oct. The 4WD road is followed from the Húsavík hut over Nesháls pass (435 m). In good weather you can take the old horse road from Nesháls and back to the main road near the abandoned farm Nes, but this road is rough and steep on some parts. In good weather pleasant detours can also be taken into the surroundings. The hiking hut offers accommodation, a camping area and has great facilities for travellers. OUR SUPPORTERS: REYKJAVÍK CAMPSITE Tel. +354 568 6944 www.reykjavikcampsite.is