For the experienced and adventurous motorcyclist, Iceland
is fast becoming an exiting destination. A trip from the UK
is challenging to say the least. A mammoth ferry journey
taking 3 days, travelling on 2 ferry lines and passing
through several territories and then you eventually make
Icelandic land fall! From the UK, Aberdeen in Scotland is
the maritime starting point with Northlink Ferries for a
relatively quick sea transit to Lerwick in the Shetland
Islands. Changing ferry companies in Lerwick to the Faroese
Smyril Line and joining continental bikers who started
their sea journey in Denmark, the voyage continues to
Torshaven in the Faroes. After a brief stop-over in the
Faroese capital, the final sector is a long sail to
Seydisfjordur on the east coast of Iceland.
Any good biker will have researched what type of roads to
expect on arrival in a new country and in Iceland, the road
infrastructure is dominated by the mainly asphalt ‘ring
road’. Thereafter, the road network varies from single
track hard surface to an abundance of gravel and sub-graded
roads. The latter are ideal for the biker with an off-road
style bike, but caution, riding actually off-road, any type
of road, in Iceland is not permitted. The ring road itself
can be challenging and provides an excellent circuit of the
country. Few coastal areas have safety barriers and sheer
‘fall aways’ to the ocean are common, which can be
challenging when it is windy.
Fuel planning is always vital, however, Iceland is well
served with fuel stations along main routes. Some fuel
stations have a multitude of facilities, including banks,
post offices, supermarkets and restaurants. Rather oasis
like after a long ride! Riders taking on the gravel roads
of the interior must plan their bike range and fuel stops
carefully, as facilities are less common.
The weather needs to be respected and is certainly not what
you get in mainland Europe. Iceland receives the brunt of
all Atlantic weather systems, however, June and July are
the best months to plan a trip where temperatures are mild
and rain is minimum. The main weather hazard all year, is
the wind, which can make riding extremely dangerous. On one
day, I experienced such strong and gusty windy conditions,
I aborted my ride and laid up for the day. Additionally,
mountain wave action, especially in the south east, can
take the rider by surprise. In such areas such as the
Vanajokull, it can be common to be riding in still
conditions, suddenly to be confronted with
multi-directional uncomfortable turbulence pounding down
from the glacial high ground to the coastal plain.
For the biker who enjoys camping, no problems, there are
plenty of camping facilities and reservations are not
normally required. For the bed and breakfast and guest
house traveller, even in the busy months, accommodation can
be found in towns, villages or farms. The choice available
will suit all tastes.
Combining an interest of biking and geography, Iceland will
not disappoint. This fine country spoils you with a
combination of plains, volcanoes, mountain ranges and
passes, fjords, waterfalls and glaciers, not to mention
dramatic coastlines and pretty fishing towns and villages.
Undoubtedly a destination not to be overlooked, Iceland is
however, not for the inexperienced rider. Respect the
weather and plan your route in order to make it back for
your ferry departure at Seydisfjordur. Administratively,
ensure your bike insurance is valid in Iceland and most
important check you have satisfactory breakdown cover.
Resident in North Yorkshire, England, Nick Gilroy is an
experienced rider and global traveller who has ridden in
New Zealand, Australia, Namibia, Western Europe and all
over the UK. Nick completed a 1500 mile ride in Iceland on
a BMW R1200GS in July 2006.
