Óshlið Lighthouse Bike Ride
-
Port
Isafjordur, Iceland
-
Activity Level
Strenuous
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At
$299
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
Approximately 3 Hours
-
Meals Included
Meals not included
This biking tour for the really adventurous involves cycling along a ghost road -- a road once used by traffic but now closed to vehicles and open only for non-motorized recreational use. Óshlíð is the old road between Bolungarvík and Hnífsdalur and is one of Iceland's most scenic roads. It is famous for its enormous cliffs and steep mountains on one side and the roaring ocean on the other. It is perfect for bikers and runners -- for anyone seeking fresh air, rugged landscape views, fjord scenery and the great outdoors.
Gear up with a bike and set off towards the small village of Hnifsdalur. Hnifsdalur is home to only 250 people, but its depth of history is evident as you pass through.
You will pass the Bolungarvík Tunnel and pause to take some gorgeous pictures. From a stop at an elevated viewpoint, deep, cold and beautiful Icefjord, the Snæfjallaströnd mountain chain, and the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve allow you to channel your inner picture-postcard photographer.
At the end of the road, turn around in Bolungarvík and take the same route back to Ísafjörður.
Notes:
Due to Ísafjörður's remoteness and the scarcity of professional guides, all guiding is handled by locals; some are not professional, but all have great experience in guiding and extensive knowledge of the area. This tour is only for the very physically active. It is three hours of cycling over 15 miles with an elevation gain of 1,180 feet. The road is unpaved in places, and the surface is rough; the tall cliffs tend to slough rocks and gravel onto the right of way. Dress in layers. Wear a daypack, sunglasses, comfortable clothing, and shoes suitable for a bike ride. Bring a waterproof outer layer and bottled water. Minimum weight is 77 lbs. Minimum age is 12 years.