The Land of the Long Sunset - Cycling the Golden Circle - Iceland

The classic cycle trip is as old as the trails themselves. Planning a trip should not be a daunting task, but for any cycling newbie out there here is one idea for an easy introduction that will leave you feeling ‘on top of the world’ quite literally. Downhill gradients, panoramic sky, the big wide open, stunning evocative landscapes and almost non-existent traffic; Sounds good? Well trust me it is. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you ‘The Golden Circle Cycle Tour’ courtesy of ‘Reykajavik Bike Tours’ in Iceland, which provides highlights of the south west of Iceland. In the summer months of course you are also blessed with virtual 24 hours daylight this far geographically north, giving rise to the longest most impressive sunsets I have ever witnessed where the sun momentarily dips to the horizon before re-mounting it’s ascent once more.

Big Stefan Valsson the tour leader and owner (with a helmet and hammer, Thor comes to mind), in his laid-back imposing presence extols ‘let us go and soak up the scenery’. Few Icelanders have original surnames so directories list individuals by their first name. So names are based on the father’s first name plus ‘son’ or ‘daughter’. So Andrew, the son of Magnus would be known as Andrew Magnusson while Joanna would be known as Joanna Magnusson.

A native of Iceland and accredited tour guide, Stefan really enthuses visitors with obvious love of his homeland. Our start was from the Old Harbour in Reykajavick (Iceland’s Capitol). This delightful accessible city is home to some 60% of the country’s population. The Old Harbour is close to being 100 years old. Its’ charm is self-evident, the ocean, boats, the view and smell, historic buildings, with the nostalgia of the fishermen of yesteryear around you everywhere, sitting mending their nets and telling tales of the sea.

 

We travel by mini-bus and bike trailer to Gullfoss, the queen of Icelandic waterfalls, our start for the ride. Not unlike the world renowned Victoria Falls in appearance, a wide fall with a high volume of water and respectable drop, this is a classic scene. There are convenient staircases to access the falls to allow you to be brave/foolish to look over the edge. You do revel in the sheer beauty, so cliché I know. The journey there of a few hours traverses the surreal volcanic landscape, which is like no other. Along the way, Stefan provided engaging stories and history updates, often humorous in his engaging affable manner.

 

Once on to our superb suspension hybrid cycles, we set off for the Geysir geothermal area where hot springs are in abundance, geysers explode and pools of mud bubble. We continued through Thingvellir National Park (Parliament plains), this is where Iceland’s most important historical events have taken place and is in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. All in all a heady few hours of invigorating clean air and stimulating vistas of rugged age-old volcanic landscape, feeling and smelling nature from the saddle with the added bonus of exercise.  With the ever vigilant Stefan never far away watching his ‘flock’ in the support vehicle, we wend our merry way along a swoopy tarmac ribbon that feels painted-on to the undulating panorama a total distance of approximately 27km.  

This is a great introduction to the many wonders of the uniqueness that is Iceland and all it has to offer the visitor looking for ‘something different’. Just the simple fact this island does not possess any trees tells the tourist to be ready to expect the unexpected. On any new adventure, don’t ask yourself ‘why?’ Ask yourself ‘why not?’ Sometimes the best experiences are the ones you almost missed. Given the option of a sanitised car or coach and sensible clothes, I would choose cycling every time. There is a lot to be said for viewing life anywhere in this leisurely way, but especially if you are trying to unravel the densely woven historical and mythical strands that compose the legacy of this most individual and eccentric country.

Graham Swain-Broadcaster & Journalist

www.grahamswain.com

INFORMATION  

Ursula & Stefan Valsson

Reykjavik Bike Tours

Old Harbour (BehindElding Whale Watching)

Aegisgardur 7

E mail:  Bike@IcelandBike.com

T +(354) 694 8956

Web www.IcelandBike.com