Day 1

Selfoss – Nýidalur 

Witness The Waterfalls

Welcome to the start of your adventure with Ride With Locals! We begin our journey from our headquarters in Selfoss and head north, driving on the tarmac for the first 40-50 kilometers. As we enter the wilderness, the breathtaking mountains come into view, welcoming us with spectacular views.

Our first stop is at Hjálparfoss, a stunning waterfall that serves as a perfect spot to catch our breath and admire the beauty of the Icelandic nature. We continue on a wonderful pathway through Gjáin to Iceland’s second-highest waterfall, Háifoss. The grandeur of this waterfall is truly remarkable and is sure to leave you in awe.

As we push our bikes further, we make our way to a fun waterfall with a fun name: Dynkur. This is a perfect spot to take photos and capture beautiful scenery.

As we approach the end of the day, we pick up the pace and ride even faster, expressing our enjoyment of the land. We finally reach Nýidalur, a cozy mountain cabin in the remote and beautiful middle of nowhere. This is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of riding, surrounded by the untouched beauty of Icelandic nature.

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Day 2

Nýidalur – Mývatn
Into the Wilderness

After breakfast, we continue our journey into the heart of Iceland’s wilderness. As we enter Ódáðahraun, the country’s largest lava field, spanning over 4400 km², the surreal and timeless landscape takes our breath away. This vast field is a combination of many independent volcanic eruptions, some dating back thousands of years, that have shaped the dark, otherworldly terrain we see today.

Our adventure takes us further north, where we will pass by some of Iceland’s most impressive mountains. Herðubreið, also known as the “Queen of Icelandic Mountains,” is a 1682-meter-high mountain situated in the center of the Highlands. Its distinct pyramid shape makes it a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers. Upptyppingar is a volcanic mountain range in the north of Iceland, known for its unique geological formations, including craters, lava fields, and hot springs. Dyngjufjöll is a mountain range located in the northeastern part of Vatnajökull glacier, with its highest peak, Hágöngur, reaching 1538 meters.

As we make our way through this otherworldly landscape, we will also have the chance to explore other natural wonders, including the Skjálfandafljót River, Iceland’s second-longest river, and Grænavatn, a geothermal lake in the highlands.

Our day will end at a luxurious hotel at Mývatn, a tranquil but immersively large lake surrounded by stunning natural scenery that will certainly soothe our minds as we rest and recharge for the next leg of our journey.

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Day 3

Mývatn – Mývatn 
The Land of the enduro God

Today, we set out to meet the Enduro God, who according to legends, resides in Iceland. We venture into the heart of his domain, Þeystireykir, an area that is the paradise of enduro biking. Here, the rugged terrain and rocky landscape provide a challenging yet exhilarating experience for bikers of all levels. We explore Iceland’s northernmost volcanic area and take in the breathtaking sights of the surrounding geothermal activity.

As we navigate through the rough terrain, we stop to marvel at the Krafla volcano, a fascinating geothermal area that last erupted in 1984. This impressive landmark is a must-see for anyone interested in geology and the natural wonders of Iceland.

After our adventurous excursion, we head to Jarðböðin á Mývatni, a geothermal spa with hot pools filled with water sourced straight from the earth’s natural springs. Here, we have the opportunity to unwind and soak our muscles, allowing ourselves to fully relax and rejuvenate.

Finally, we return to our hotel in Mývatn for a well-deserved dinner, reflecting on the day’s thrilling journey and bonding over shared experiences.

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Day 4

Mývatn – Dreki
Back to the Mountains

Our journey from the beautiful Lake Mývatn takes us on a stunning path towards another lake, Grænavatn, nestled in the midst of Iceland’s rugged landscapes. From Grænavatn, we embark on a delightful path that leads us onto the ancient and storied Dyngjufjallaleið, a journeyer’s path with a rich history dating back centuries. This path takes us through a mesmerizing and otherworldly landscape, reminiscent of the moon’s dark and desolate surface, with black deserts and rugged lava fields stretching as far as the eye can see.

As we ride through this surreal landscape, we eventually make our way to Herðubreið, a massive and majestic mountain that has captured the imagination of Icelanders for centuries. Known as the “Queen of Icelandic Mountains,” Herðubreið stands at over 1,600 meters tall and has been the subject of numerous legends and folklore throughout the ages. Its imposing size and rugged beauty make it a must-see for any intrepid adventurer visiting Iceland.

We continue riding hard, navigating through the rugged terrain, until we reach an exciting and recently opened path that was closed to visitors for many years. This path takes us to Askja, known as the “Dragon’s Den,” where we witness a remarkable and otherworldly crater with a supernatural pool of water that will transport our imaginations into a world of dragons and heroes. Legend has it that jumping into Askja’s waters will change us forever – a challenge that some may be willing to accept.

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Day 5

Dreki – Nýidalur 
Some Things Must Come As a Surprise

As the sun rises on a new day, we awaken feeling refreshed and invigorated. After a restful night’s sleep in our cozy mountain cabin, we’re ready to hit the road and explore more of Iceland’s rugged beauty. Our first stop is an ocean of black sands, where we rev our engines and push our bikes to the limit, racing through the vast expanse of thick, dark sand.

The thrill of the ride is electric, and we feel like true adventurers as we tear through the sand with the wind in our hair. But as the sand comes to an end, a new landscape emerges. We find ourselves in Holuhraun, a majestic place known for its infinite hiding places. As we ride through this otherworldly terrain, we can’t shake the feeling that we’re being watched by supernatural beings. But we’re fearless riders, and we push on with confidence and excitement, eager to see what else this incredible journey has in store for us.

Our journey then takes us to Flæðurnar, an old highlanders pathway that will take us to an altitude of 1200 meters. We begin our ascent up this thrilling pathway, feeling the power of our bikes as they tackle the steep terrain with ease. The feeling we experience at 1200 meters, driving on our motorbikes through this rugged, breathtaking landscape, is indescribable. It’s a moment of pure freedom, and we savor every second of it.

As we descend from the mountain and head back to our mountain cabin in Nýidalur, we take with us the tranquility of the mountains, the magic of the sands, and the mystery of the lava fields. And what better way to cap off an unforgettable day of riding than with a mouth-watering barbecue shared with friends, old and new. We’ll raise a glass to the adventures of the day and the ones yet to come, knowing that whatever surprises lie ahead, we’ll be ready to tackle them head-on, with our bikes as our trusty companions.

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Day 6

Nýidalur – Selfoss 
Beauty of the South

As all adventures come to an end, ours will as well, but not before we blast back to our hometown. The paths we take on this last day are our favorite enduro pathways of the Southern Highlands and you‘ll understand why as you kick the bikes from gear to gear as you blast through them. Surrounded by the highlands and engulfed in the memories we have made together, this day will be bittersweet.

We start our journey from Nýidalur, with a sense of sadness for leaving such a picturesque location. The breathtaking views and stunning natural beauty will forever be engraved in our memories. As we venture through the Southern Highlands, we’ll visit some of the most spectacular landscapes Iceland has to offer. The vast stretches of Sprengisandur, the mesmerizing Þórisós, the magical Heljargjá and the serene Þórisvatn are just a few of the highlights of this day. We’ll be riding on some of the best enduro paths of the Southern Highlands, and you’ll feel the rush of adrenaline as you shift gears and accelerate through the twists and turns of the rugged terrain.

The ride will be catered to your needs and filled with warm goodbyes as we will have bonded through our expedition. Riding together through the secret paths of Icelandic nature as we visit surreal places together is just something that is both unforgettable and very valuable. By the gods and goddesses of Enduro may we the heroes of this journey be blessed! We’ll be back in Selfoss by evening, where we started our journey together. As we say our final goodbyes, we’ll leave with a sense of gratitude for the amazing experience we’ve had, and the memories we’ve made that will last a lifetime.

Ready for an epic adventure in Iceland? Look no further than Ride With Locals!

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