Iceland

When God finished creating the earth, he had some leftovers. Especially stone, fire, ice and water. He threw it in a corner, not realizing he had created Iceland.

For those who love rough nature and can take a beating when it comes to the weather, Iceland is the right destination. There is a wide spectrum of possibilities from lighter camping to camping bike rides on the bypass to more extreme expedition-like rides in the highlands where you have to be self-sufficient for many days. Different degrees are also possible, something for everyone. This makes Iceland a wonderful adventure destination. Several people often come for the second or third time.

Iceland does not only have snow and ice, although you could say that an average day would have all four seasons included.

Cyclability of the country

• The ring road that runs around the island is easy to cycle. And you regularly come across places to stock up on new stock. Only in the east you will encounter pieces without asphalt, but they are well paved.
• The interior is a different story, sometimes the road is nothing more than a sandy tire track. Some parts cannot be cycled, you sink into the lava dust, then you are happy that you encounter a washboard, the trick is to cycle on the edge of the washboard to have a grip. Rivers without a bridge are more the rule than the exception and should be taken with caution. Get off, first try without a bicycle, then the bicycle downstream next to you, otherwise it will push you under water. There are no villages in the highlands where you can buy new supplies. Depending on the length of the tour, this requires additional planning.

The population is very hospitable, open and tolerant. Making contacts is very easy. They are also very bicycle-friendly. The image of the gruff tough Icelander was completely shattered. You will be left alone, but if you have a question, you will be helped very friendly.

People from EU, Canada, Japan and USA don't need a visa. All other people need a Schengen visa to visit this country. You can find more information here https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/tourist-schengen-visa/. The visa is valid for 90 days, and allows you to travel through all Schengen countries.

Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world

Cooking fuel

Camping gas is often sold by gas stations and can also be found at the campground in Reykjavik. Fuel for the trangia is readily available at most major petrol stations. It is called rautspritt there. It burns well. The only annoying thing is that it also has a lot of soot and covers your things with a greasy black layer that is difficult to remove.

Supermarkets

Apart from the southwest, iceland is sparsely populated, which means that you have to bring enough provisions yourself. At gas stations there is usually also a shop where you can buy everything. Because you can sometimes be attacked by bad weather, it is always wise to always have enough stock with you.

Willem: you really have to prepare well for a trip through the interior. In 2013 we had more than ten days of provisions for our trip through the interior. On spec is not an option because that limits your range enormously.

In the supermarkets you can also buy dried packs of spaghetti, couscous, noodle soups and conditions where you only need to add water, handy if you have to bring food for a few days. The camping segment of the population is clearly not forgotten. Sometimes a barbecue is available at campsites.

Restaurants

Eating out in iceland used to be really expensive. With the economic downturn that also hit iceland, eating out is now just as expensive / cheap as in the netherlands. Menus look a bit different than in the netherlands, with specialties such as puffin (puffin), whale meat and lamb. Furthermore, of course a lot of fresh fish on the menu, which even people who normally do not like fish can enjoy!

Drinkable water

Bottled water is available in shops, but it is not very convenient to bring water on longer trips. You might as well get water "From nature". A water filter is recommended in many places in iceland sheep who defecate everywhere, so you do not know whether the water in a river is clean. You can find water everywhere in iceland, only on the stretch south of nyidalur on the f26 there is an area that is dry, so bring water with you.

Hypothermia is a risk, it can occur more quickly than you might expect. The greatest risk is between 0 and 12 degrees Celsius, because people are often not well prepared. Cold & wet & wind can be quite annoying. Therefore an extra point of attention if you cross the interior where you are more dependent on yourself. Appropriate rain gear + warm clothing that can be layered is necessary. Leave cotton at home and bring quick-drying materials. Don't forget your mittens / gloves.

Crossing rivers can also be dangerous. Water can be dangerously cold. Never go through "white water". In case of strong currents, never go deeper than knee through the water, otherwise ask for a lift with 4x4. For example, special sandals that do not fall off your foot due to the strong current. First aid kit!

Best time to cycle

The ideal time for cycling would be in the midsummer nights in June because maybe winter is over and you have almost 24/7 daylight. But also winter time seems to be very cool, challenging and you would definitely spot Aurora Borealis which gives the already stunning landscapes an extraordinary dimension.

The interior is in many cases closed until the middle or even the end of June. You can find an overview on visiticeland. Even then the weather can be very erratic. Depressing gray weather with low-hanging clouds, rarely pleasantly warm. While cycling it is still okay, but it is quickly cold at the tent.

Rutger: "In recent years I cycled about 3500 kilometers in Iceland. I liked it very well. It was a matter of riding between the showers. So when you wake up in the morning and it rains, just read a good book and only leave in the afternoon or possibly in the evening. "

Luddo: "Of the four weeks I had about 3 weeks of rain. I have never suffered so much while I have already cycled quite a bit in the high mountains."

Climate

Furthermore, it is again something to take into account. It can sometimes storm very hard (9 or more Beaufort). So stay informed. In Iceland they measure wind speed in m / s and not in Beaufort. Above 18m / s it is time to make sure you get to safety, tear down the tent and make sure you are safe and dry. At those wind speeds I have seen many tents tear and sometimes they are found miles away.

In such wind, long plastic pegs are useful to have a grip in lava sand. Large stones on top for extra weight also help.

Wind

The real bummer is the wind. By the way, it accounts for a large part of the cold. We cycled against the clock and predominantly had headwind, but we don't know if this is a constant and he can really keep going. Especially in the afternoon. So driving early in the morning or in the evening (at night) can be a solution.

Spare parts

Except in the larger towns, such as Reykjavik, Hella, Egilsladir and Akureyri, you are completely on your own. There is no bicycle shop between Selfoss in the south and Akureyri in the north. This is about 1000km via the ring road. In Selfoss, the bicycle repairer did not sell 28-inch wheels. These were for sale in Reykjavik.

Clothing

• Rain gear is indispensable.
• Warm clothes in layers. We always rode with long bib shorts and at least one fleece jersey, but usually more.
• Warm gloves and a hat were also a necessity.
• We wore shorts and a T-shirt for a few hours once (at the campsite in Egilsstadir).
• I wore shorts for three hours in three weeks. Don't skimp on warm clothing. In August it was often around freezing on the high plateau towards the end of the evening.
• Try to live to the rhythm of the weather: If the sun is shining more or less in the afternoon, prepare a hot meal on a nice picnic area with table on your burner. In the evening it may rain or it may be so cold that you don't feel like it anymore.