Discover why international bikepacking is the top adventure travel trend for 2026. Explore the "Witch of the Westfjords" route in Iceland—a rugged, supported expedition that blends cycling, sorcery, and hot springs.

For decades, if you wanted to see the world intimately, you put on a backpack. You walked the Camino de Santiago or trekked through Patagonia.

But in 2025, the pace of adventure has changed.

Travelers are trading hiking boots for gravel tires. International Bikepacking has exploded in popularity, becoming the preferred mode of travel for those who want to cover more ground than a hiker but stay more connected to the landscape than a driver.

It is the perfect "Goldilocks" speed: fast enough to see a changing landscape every hour, but slow enough to smell the wildflowers (and the sheep).

If you have been looking for the ultimate way to experience the "raw" side of the world, here is why you should be on a bike—and why the remote Westfjords of Iceland should be your destination.

1. The "Type 2 Fun" Revolution

Modern adventure isn't about sitting on a tour bus; it's about earning your views. Bikepacking sits squarely in the realm of "Type 2 Fun"—it’s challenging in the moment, but it creates the most powerful memories of your life.

When you grind up a gravel pass in the Arctic Circle, battling the wind and the elements, you aren't just a tourist. You are a participant in the landscape. The beer tastes better, the food tastes richer, and the hot spring feels hotter because you earned it.

2. The Ultimate "Cool-Cation"

As summer temperatures soar across Southern Europe and the US, smart travelers are looking North.

Iceland has become the capital of the "Cool-Cation." The Westfjords region offers crisp air, 24-hour daylight (the Midnight Sun), and a landscape that looks more like a fantasy novel than reality. There is no sweating in a crowded piazza here—just cool ocean breezes and endless green valleys.

3. Why the "Westfjords Way" is the World's Best New Route

While the "Ring Road" of Iceland is filled with campervans, the Westfjords remain the wild frontier.

This region recently unveiled the Westfjords Way, a route that hugs the dramatic coastline of the northwest. It features:

• Abandoned Roads: Sections of the route traverse mountain passes that haven't seen car traffic in decades.

• Hot Pots: Iceland’s secret weapon. The route is dotted with geothermal pools, meaning your post-ride recovery is a soak in 100°F natural water overlooking the ocean.

• Zero Traffic: In the Westfjords, sheep outnumber humans 20 to 1. You can ride for hours without seeing a car.

The "Witch of the Westfjords": A Lost Goat Expedition

The only downside to bikepacking? The logistics. Carrying 40lbs of camping gear, navigating remote passes, and finding food in the wilderness can be daunting.

That is where we come in.

Our Witch of the Westfjords expedition is a fully supported, 5-day gravel adventure that gives you the "grit" of bikepacking with the "glory" of a guided tour.

The Route: We tackle a specific 200km loop known as the "Witch of the Westfjords." It is steeped in folklore, magic, and rugged beauty.

• Start: The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery & Witchcraft (yes, really).

• The Crux: We cross the Trékyllisheiði plateau—an abandoned "ghost road" that feels like riding on the moon.

• The Reward: We end our days at remote lodges and natural hot springs like Krossneslaug, an infinity pool located at the literal end of the world.

Why Do It With Us?

• We Haul the Gear: You ride light. We transport your heavy bags to the next lodge.

• Mechanical Support: If you flat out or break a chain in the middle of nowhere, our guides are there to fix it.

• Local Culture: We don't just ride; we stop. We explore the sorcery history, eat the local waffles, and soak in the culture.

Two Wheels, One Unforgettable Week

If you can ride a bike, you can adventure. You don't need to be a Tour de France pro; you just need a sense of curiosity and a willingness to pedal.

Leave the campervan behind. The best way to see Iceland is from the saddle.

Ready to ride the edge of the Arctic? [Book Your "Witch of the Westfjords" Expedition]