6 Days Motorcycle Adventure Through Iceland

The adventure sets off from our base in Hella, with 40–50 kilometres of tarmac before the wilderness opens up and mountain views take over. Today’s ride strings together a series of remarkable waterfalls — Hjálparfoss, the hidden gorge of Gjáin, Iceland’s second-highest waterfall Háifoss, and the thundering Dynkur. The day ends at Nýidalur, a remote mountain cabin set deep in the highlands.

After breakfast you head into Ódáðahraun, Iceland’s largest lava field at over 4,400 km². The route runs north past a line of striking mountains — Herðubreið, the “Queen of Icelandic Mountains” at 1,682 metres, the Upptyppingar volcanic range and the Dyngjufjöll massif. Along the way you’ll cross Skjálfandafljót, Iceland’s second-longest river, and pass the Grænavatn geothermal lake before arriving at the tranquil Lake Mývatn, where a comfortable hotel and beautiful surroundings await.

Today is all about the riding. You’ll explore Þeistareykir — a paradise for off-road riding, with rugged terrain and challenging tracks — and venture through Iceland’s northernmost volcanic area, alive with geothermal activity. A stop at the Krafla volcano, which last erupted in 1984, is a highlight before you unwind at the Mývatn Nature Baths, soaking in hot, mineral-rich spring water. The evening rounds off with dinner back at the Mývatn hotel.

Leaving Lake Mývatn, you ride toward Grænavatn and onto the ancient Dyngjufjallaleið track, a path with centuries of history. The landscape here is black desert and lava fields that could pass for the surface of the moon. You’ll pass Herðubreið — the “Queen of Icelandic Mountains” at over 1,600 metres, the subject of countless Icelandic legends — before reaching Askja, the “Dragon’s Den,” with its remarkable crater and otherworldly pool.

After a restful night, the day opens across vast black-sand expanses where you can really let the bikes run. The terrain shifts to Holuhraun, a majestic lava field full of hidden nooks and otherworldly ground, before you climb Flæðurnar — an old highland route reaching 1,200 metres that rewards you with pure freedom and breathtaking views. The day ends back at the Nýidalur cabin with a barbecue to celebrate the ride.

The final day runs along some of the southern highlands’ favourite off-road tracks, setting out from Nýidalur with mixed feelings about leaving. You’ll cross the vast Sprengisandur, the mesmerising Þórisós, the magical Heljargjá and the serene Þórisvatn, with plenty of twists and turns on some of the best riding in the region. By evening the journey comes full circle back in Hella, where it all began — with final goodbyes and lasting memories.