Reykjavík on Two Wheels

Reykjavík on Two Wheels

Biking is an increasingly popular activity in Reykjavík, both as a hobby and as a way of transportation. The city has plenty of green spaces and there's wilderness as well, just outside the city limits. Renting a bike to explore the city is not just a recipe for a great afternoon, it's also a great way to see another side of the city than most people get to see.

Heaven on Wheels

Most cyclists are drawn to the less busy path outside of Reykjavík's center. There are a number of paths along the coast that will take you around the Seltjarnarnes pininsula, such as Saebraut to the north and Aegissida to the south.

Another popular area is Ellidaardalur valley, a lush, green nature preserve centered around the Ellidavath lake and the treams that run from it along the valley. If you really feel like getting lost in the great outdoors, then hit the much larger Heidmörk wilderness south of Ellidaardalur. The cycling path brings you all sorts of landscapes from evergreen forest (a rarety in Iceland, you might have noticed) to scrub and lava fields.

In the City

Riding a bicycle is a great way to get around Reykjavík and to get to know the city. Be aware that some drivers are not used to sharing the road with cyclists, so take care. The city has made strides in introducing bike lanes, but you can also bike on sidewalks, walking paths and the street, as long as you don't interfere with traffic or pedestrians.

Bike tours are organized year round (bikes and helmets provided) where you'll get beyond the city center to discover some of the city's extensive green spaces. If you're up for a real adventure, rent a scooter to zoom along the coast and explore the wilderness on the outskirts of town.

Icelandic Farm. Photo by Olga

A Bicycling Tour across the Capital

• Old Harbour – Start your tour from the old harbour area in the city centre. This area used to belong to the fishing industry, but when that moved to the new harbour, there were plenty of empty buildings left. These buildings were taken over by artists, designers, new boutiques and restaurants and the area is quickly becoming one of the most interesting places to explore in Reykjavík. The view over the ocean and the mountains isn't bad either.
• Grotta- Ride along the seaside all the way to the northernmost tip of the Reykjavík peninsula. The Grotta lighthouse with a backdrop of the ocean view is very picturesque and in the winter, this is a great spot for norther lights viewing.
• Aegissida – Get back on your bike and head along the coastline on the other side of the peninsula. This is the Aegissida coastline, a popular recreational area for the inhabitants of west Reykjavík. You'll likely find plenty of locals running, cycling, or just walking their dogs in the fresh sea air.
• Nautholsvik – The geothermal beach at Nautholsik is one of the most popular spots in Reykjavík on sunny summer days. The yellow sand and heated water make for a little slice of the tropics in the middle of Reykjavík (at least if you close one eye and squint a little).
• Perlan – On the forest-clad hill by the beach (another rarity in Iceland) is the Perlan building. The name means the pearl, which makes perfect sense for the glass dome atop six giant hot water reserve tanks. The view from the 360 degrees deck at the top is one of the best in Reykjavík.
• Hallgrimskirkja – Finally, ride from one Reykjavík landmark to another, from Perlan to Hallgrimskirkja church. At 74.5 m. Hallgrimskirkja is the tallest building in Reykjavík proper and the view from the top, over the colourful little houses of the city centre is quite charming.