Motorcycle Travel Guide to Iceland

Motorcycle Travel Guide: Iceland

Iceland, the magical land of fire and ice, is a dream destination for many. Every year, millions of people flock to see its wonders, but not many dare to explore beyond the immediate vicinity of Reykjavik. For a biker, it is a dream come true. It is a journey that transcends the ordinary, where every mile unveils a spectacle of nature’s grandeur, inviting riders into the heart of Iceland's untamed beauty. This is a land where the horizon stretches infinitely, beckoning adventurers to explore its fire and ice on two wheels. Iceland is not just a destination; it is a call to freedom, an invitation to those who seek to merge their spirit with the wild, whether you're gliding on tarmac or conquering rugged terrain.

For the road warriors on touring bikes, Iceland’s Ring Road, approximately 1,330 km, offers an unparalleled journey around the island, with smooth tarmac that curves around misty fjords, cascades beside thundering waterfalls, and offers unobstructed views of glaciers that glisten under the midnight sun. It is a ride through a living postcard, where every stop and every turn presents a chance to witness the serene beauty of Iceland’s diverse landscapes.

Venture beyond the comfort of the Ring Road, and the adventure intensifies. The F-roads of Iceland await those daring enough to challenge their limits on paths less trodden. These mountain tracks, accessible only to motorcycles and 4x4s, lead into the heart of Iceland’s raw wilderness. Riding the F-roads is a journey back to the primal, where the land speaks in the language of lava fields, hot springs, and the rugged silence of the Highlands. It is here, amid the solitude and the vastness, that adventure riders find their bliss, navigating through terrain that tests their skill and rewards them with sights few have witnessed.

Whether you're drawn to the smooth allure of paved paths or the wild call of the F-roads, Iceland offers a dual paradise that caters to every rider’s dream. The experience is more than just a ride; it is an exploration of freedom, an encounter with the elements, and a journey to the world's edge. Gear up for an adventure that promises not just thrills and challenges but also a profound connection with the natural world. Iceland awaits, with open roads and untamed paths, to turn your motorcycle journey into an epic tale of adventure.

Paperwork and Entry Requirements

• Visas: Iceland is in the Schengen area, so you can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
• Passports: A valid passport is required, but EU citizens can also use ID cards.
• Driving Licence: A full, valid motorcycle licence is required and recognised in Iceland and the EU. An International Driving Permit is not needed.
• Vehicle Insurance: Required. Most insurers cover foreign riding within the EU for at least 30 days. Check with your provider.
• Vignettes: Not needed.
• Language: Icelandic is the official language, but most people speak English fluently.

Bringing Your Own Motorcycle

If you ship your bike as cargo, it qualifies as a temporary import. The shipping company will manage the paperwork. They will send you documents to fill out and handle customs declarations.

If you are arriving by ferry from Denmark, no additional paperwork is required, since you are bringing the vehicle with you. Iceland is not part of the EU but follows similar rules for customs and vehicle use. You may bring your vehicle into the country for up to a year before needing to clear it through customs.

Getting There: Shipping and Access Points

By sea (shipping): Eimskip ships motorcycles to Reykjavik. European departure ports include Immingham (UK) and Rotterdam (Netherlands). You need to deliver your bike to port about a week before departure. One added benefit is that you can leave your luggage on the bike and fly with only your helmet and hand baggage. Other shipping companies offer similar services.

By ferry: The ferry from Denmark by Smyril Line departs from Hirtshals and lands at Seyðisfjörður in East Iceland. The journey takes a little more than three days. The schedule is limited, and weather delays are possible, so build in a buffer.

By air (if renting or joining a tour): Reykjavik-Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is Iceland’s main international hub. It is around an hour’s drive from Reykjavik. Airport buses are available. Taxis are expensive, often costing up to €150. Some rental companies offer airport transfers for an additional fee.

Renting vs Taking Your Own vs Joining a Tour

Renting a motorcycle:

• Cost: Around €3,500 - 4,000 for two weeks (not including flights, fuel, or accommodation).
• Pros: Hassle-free pickup. No shipping required. Great for those who want to travel light.
• Cons: Limited selection. Restrictions may apply to F-roads unless riding with a guide.

Taking your own bike:

• Cost: Variable. Shipping costs and travel time must be added to accommodation and daily expenses.
• Pros: Familiar machine. No restrictions on road use. Greater flexibility.
• Cons: Requires more planning. Possible delays and extra paperwork.

Joining a tour:

• Cost: Varies based on whether bike rental or bike shipping is included.
• Pros: No logistics to handle. Accommodation, routes, support vehicles, and guidance included.
• Cons: Less freedom. Higher upfront cost, but easier to budget overall.

If you want to explore F-roads and remote regions, joining a tour is usually the safest and most practical option. If you prefer flexibility and enjoy route planning, then renting or taking your own motorcycle will offer a more independent experience.

Weather and Best Time to Ride

The best time to ride in Iceland is July through September. This is when most F-roads are open, though actual dates depend on snow melt.

If you are sticking to paved roads, the riding season runs from late April to October or even early November in mild years.

Icelandic weather is famously unpredictable. Expect wind, rain, sunshine, and possibly even snow-sometimes in a single day. Winds can reach over 120 km/h. Always check road and weather conditions at:

• https://vegasja.vegagerdin.is
• https://www.road.is
• https://safetravel.is

Accommodation and Cost of Travel

Accommodation fills up fast, especially outside Reykjavik. Remote regions like the Westfjords have limited options. For the best deals and choices, book nine to ten months in advance.

Camping is widely available and well equipped, but wild camping is only permitted with the landowner’s permission.

Fuel is expensive, approximately €2.20 per litre. Service stations outside the capital are less frequent, so plan fuel stops carefully. Most stations are self-service and require pre-payment by credit card.

Food is relatively costly. A burger and drink from a service station costs around €20. Restaurant meals can be significantly more expensive. Surprisingly, food at Icelandic service stations is of high quality.

Safety, Riding Laws, and Off-Road Rules

Iceland is very safe. Theft is rare and crime is minimal. However, common sense applies.

Animals, especially sheep, roam freely. If you hit one, stop and report it to the nearest farmer or police station.

Off-road riding is strictly forbidden. The terrain is extremely fragile. Riding on moss or lava can leave damage that takes decades to heal. Only ride on marked roads, including F-roads. In most cases, when people say "riding off-road," they mean riding on F-roads and other trails.

Speed limits are:

• 30–50 km/h in populated areas
• 80 km/h on gravel roads
• 90 km/h on paved roads

Drivers are generally courteous, though many are tourists unfamiliar with local roads. Always ride defensively.

Conditions: Road vs F-Road

Tarmac roads are in excellent condition. Some include gravel sections, which are manageable for most motorcycles.

F-roads are remote, rough, and highly variable. You may encounter hard gravel, loose rock, deep sand, and river crossings. These roads are only open for a few months and may change condition daily. Walk water crossings before attempting them.

Help may be hours away. Carry tools, spares, and a communication device. Do not venture into remote areas without preparation.

Riding Gear

Prepare for a range of conditions. Bring:

• Thermal base layers
• Waterproof over-layers
• A full face helmet or at least a peak helmet for wind
• Waterproof boots
• Spare gloves
• Waterproof socks or Sealskinz if you plan to ride F-roads

Must-Ride Roads and Favourite Routes

That is by no means a complete list, but those are some of our favorites.

F210 and F232 (Fjallabak Reserve): F210 offers hills, canyons, and a few hundred metres of riverbed riding. Close to Mýrdalsjökull, it becomes a black sand desert beneath a glacier. F232 leads to Bláfjallafoss waterfall. The combination feels otherworldly.

F206 and F207 (Lakagígar): Formed by over 130 volcanic craters during the 1783 eruption, this region is coated in moss-covered lava and black sand. F206 brings you in, while F207 loops the area. Expect river crossings and unforgettable isolation.

Road 61 (Ísafjörður to Hólmavík): The Westfjords at their finest. Towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and remote fjords. Stop at Litlibær farm café for coffee and waffles. Ride ends with a climb to a high plateau before descending into Hólmavík.

F88 and Odadahraun: The road to Askja leads through post-apocalyptic lava fields. Ride past Herðubreið mountain to Dreki hut, then hike to the caldera. The terrain is grey, cracked, and surreal.

Road 54 (Borgarnes to Stykkishólmur): An overlooked gem. The Snæfellsnes peninsula delivers lava cliffs, seals at Ytri Tunga, and the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull. Finish the ride with a decision: climb the pass or ride around it on road 574.

Must-See Places

Again, the list could go on for pages. Those are some of the less known places and definitely closest to our hearts.

• Nauthúsagil: narrow gorge with a waterfall
• Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
• Lakagígar (Laki area)
• Landmannalaugar
• Stuðlagil Canyon
• Fjalladýrð: turf village with views of Herðubreið
• Kolugljúfur Canyon
• Laugarvatn Fontana: geothermal bathing and traditional bread
• Svarta Kaffið: soup in bread, Reykjavik
• Hellnar: café and cliffside hotel
• Kaffi Kyrrð: quirky stop in Borgarnes
• Reykjanes Geothermal Beach
• Krauma Baths: fed by Deildartunguhver spring
• Brúarfoss waterfall

Practical Advice and Top Tips

• Carry at least two cards. Some petrol stations may just reject one card, so it's always good to have a backup.
• Carry a small fuel can for bikes with limited range. Especially if you are planning to use F-roads, you may struggle with petrol.
• Don’t underestimate Icelandic service station food. It's often cheap and delicious.
• Service your bike before the trip. Lava dust is tough on brakes and tyres.
• Carry spare spark plugs and an air filter if crossing rivers.
• Make time for regular stops at hot springs. It’s part of the Icelandic experience.

Tours by Freedom Moto

Icelandic Explorer A 13-day road tour covering 2,500km around the Ring Road and lesser-known corners. Comfortable accommodation and stunning scenery. Suitable for any road-going bike.

Iceland Unleashed : A 13-day adventure through the Highlands and along remote F-roads. Ride through rivers, lava fields, and volcanic deserts. Accommodation in huts and shelters.

All tours include accommodation, a support 4x4 vehicle, and motorcycle shipping from the UK or Europe.