This fun half-day trip enables you to explore the fjord in all its glory. This is a beginner friendly trail with stunning views across the fjord and beyond. Throughout the trip you will learn about the town's history and gain a local perspective on what like is like there.

Nestled in the heart of the Westfjords, Ísafjörður offers one of the most unique biking experiences in Iceland. Surrounded by towering mountains, deep fjords, and lush valleys, the town and its surrounding areas provide an incredible backdrop for cyclists of all levels. The town sits below steep mountain sides and is therefore exposed to avalanche risk during the winter time. Because of this, there are big walls in certain places to protect houses below. During the summer time, it’s a lot of fun to explore the barriers on a mountain bike.
The avalanche barriers along with the forests and open trails combine to make a great mountain biking route above the town. Your experienced guides will be sure to give you all the assistance you need as well as tell tales of life in Ísafjörður, history of the area and perhaps some local gossip!
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner looking for a leisurely ride, biking around Ísafjörður offers an unforgettable way to explore this remote and picturesque part of Iceland. The town itself is compact and easy to navigate, with charming streets, colourful houses, and plenty of local history to discover along the way. A bike ride around the town allows you to take in the views of Ísafjörður’s harbour, with fishing boats docked alongside the vibrant shoreline, and the dramatic mountain peaks that rise up from the fjord.
For those seeking more of a challenge, the nearby roads and trails lead into the stunning landscape of the Westfjords.
One popular route follows the edge of Skutulsfjörður, providing breathtaking views across the fjord and beyond. As you cycle through peaceful valleys, you may come across quiet villages, hidden waterfalls, and lush meadows dotted with wildflowers. The terrain varies, with some gentle slopes and others that offer more elevation, rewarding cyclists with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Along the way, cyclists can also learn about the history of the area. Ísafjörður has been a hub for fishing and trade for centuries, and as you ride, you’ll pass by historical sites and local landmarks that tell the story of life in this remote part of Iceland. Cycling is a perfect way to gain a local perspective on what it’s like to live in this close-knit community. With its clean air, rugged beauty, and welcoming atmosphere, biking around Ísafjörður offers an authentic Icelandic adventure that combines natural beauty with a sense of discovery.
Itinerary
What to bring:
- Warm woollen or fleece clothing including top, bottoms and socks. Please avoid cotton as it keeps you cold when wet and takes a very long time to dry.
- Sturdy shoes, no flip flops!
- Sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen, it can get sunny up here!
- Water bottle.
- Don’t forget your camera!
The journey begins at our base, Mávagarði C (grey building), where you meet your guide and gear up. We then start biking up the main street of the town, Aðalstræti. We bike up towards the mountains and the first slope that leads us to the avalanche barrier.
We sneak behind the towering walls and bike along the backside, popping back out to continue along the base of the mountain. We continue along flowing single track towards the forest in Tungudalur where we find the marvelous Buná river and waterfall.
For a great view over the fjord, we bike across the valley towards the final avalanche barrier. The short and slightly steep climb up the barrier is well worth the view. From here on it´s easy ride back into town.
Dates
Meeting point: Mávagarður C (grey building) close to the Eastern Harbour
Departure: 13:00 AM. Please be there half an hour before departure time
Guaranteed departures: Most days of the week (24th May - 19th September)
Minimum age: 12 years
Group size: Minimum number of 2 participants to operate the tour. Maximum group size is 6
Trip Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Duration of trip: 2.5 hours, 10-15km
Included: Mountain bike, helmet and professional guide