Video: Epic Landscapes in The Rise of Iceland’s MTB Scene

May 24, 2023 at 10:24
by Mark Matthews  

The passion and enthusiasm of the Icelandic mountain biking community is truly contagious. Despite facing significant challenges such as limited resources and environmental restrictions, these riders and trail builders continue to work tirelessly to create more mountain biking opportunities.

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After visiting Iceland in 2018, I personally faced some controversy for riding in ecologically sensitive zones. I returned four years later to create a project that brings light to Iceland's mountain bike community. Icelandic mountain bikers face a lot of challenges that limit their access to purpose-built trails, and most of us outsiders visit the country without an understanding of this. As a result our actions can negatively impact their ability to trail ride in their own country.

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In many parts of Iceland, the availability of mountain bike-specific trails is limited. However, utilizing sheep trails provides access to stunning backcountry zones. Sheep farming has long been a crucial aspect of Iceland's agricultural heritage, with freely roaming sheep shaping the trails across the country. These already established tracks are an accepted way for riders to access some of the pristine areas of the country but often result in trails with limited flow and features for mountain bikers.

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Shortly after our visit to the Icebike Trail Center, we had a super fun crew from Icebike Adventures come out to show us around!

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Antoine, Dagur, Andri, and Kati gave us a tour of their typical ride in Landmannalaugar.

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The colorful rhyolite mountains, geothermal activity, and dramatic peaks everywhere make you feel like you’ve teleported into another world.

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As soon as you enter the backcountry in the Icelandic highlands you will quickly realize that mountain bike specific trails are non-existent. It became clear that several factors contributed to this issue, including Iceland's strict environmental protection, small population, and limited resources, making the development of new trails a challenging endeavor.

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The most significant hurdle in creating more mountain bike trails in Iceland lies in the country's delicate ecosystem. With its unique and fragile environment, Iceland is highly susceptible to damage from human activities, and mountain biking is especially intimidating to The Environment Agency of Iceland. Groups like 640 MTB in Húsavík are doing great work with sustainable trail development. These groups are proving how mountain biking can symbiotically co-exist in Iceland's environment.

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Building up bigger and steeper berms in Husavik.

Consequently, advocating for additional mountain bike trails in Iceland proves to be no easy task. Local mountain bikers like myself face a multitude of challenges in obtaining land access and securing permission to build new trails. Navigating the intricate and sometimes bureaucratic processes involving government agencies and landowners can be a daunting endeavor.

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Northern towns like Húsavík and Akureyri have the strongest mountain bike communities in the entire country. It’s here you will find mountain bike specific trails.

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This epic trail dog lent us a hand at Hlíðarfjall Bike Park.

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Adding to the difficulties, Iceland's tourism industry places greater emphasis on hiking and other outdoor activities, often overshadowing mountain biking. This makes it harder for their mountain bike community to gain recognition and support for their cause, as the value placed on the sport is not as high.

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Upon my return to Iceland to delve deeper into the local riding scene, I discovered a small yet passionate mountain biking community.

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Antoine Daures - Guide and Photographer
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Katarína - Guide
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Magne Kvam - Icebike Adventures Founder and Trailbuilder
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Aðalgeir Óskarsson - Trailbuilder
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Gunnólfur Sveinsson - Trailbuilder
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Gunnar Jarl - Trailbuilder

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Despite the obstacles they face, they are dedicated to overcoming those challenges and developing more trails that respect and sustain Iceland's unique environment. I want to give a thank you to all the Icelanders who opened up to us and gave us a look into their world.

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Thanks to PEARL iZUMi for supporting this project.

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Just stay on the trails.

Photos by Bruno Long
Film by Scott Bell
Words by Mark Matthews

Author Info:
mmatthews avatar

Member since Jan 15, 2000
33 articles

35 Comments
  • 36 3
 Trails that lacked “limited flow and features” are the origins of mountain biking. Not every trail needs berms and jumps.
  • 7 0
 No trails “need” features, and in a place like Iceland where hiking is king, a trail with features is probably the least likely to be seen in a positive light.

A purpose built bike park in an area that’s already been disturbed (a mine) and that’s near an urban area, this would be more realistic.

Nothing wrong with riding dirt roads and sheep track, just saying …
  • 1 0
 Whilst I kinda agree/understand, It's any easy comment to make when we in Europe and NA have easy access to incredible, purpose built MTB trails and parks that cater to all interests.

The origins of mtb are also 26inch, single speed, cluncker bikes. Even if it would still be fun to rip one down a fire road doesn't mean people shouldn't aspire to more capable bikes and different trails.

Berms and jumps are fun too
  • 24 0
 That was amazing cinematography and storytelling, nice work fellas! Now I wanna visit Iceland.
  • 14 2
 Sounds like good ol fashion true mountain biking..none of this machine flow jumpy jump ebike toten do as many lame laps as possible bullshit..haha
  • 12 0
 I will print out some of these pictures and hang then above my sheep in my torfhús
  • 7 0
 Iceland is green and Greenland is ice. I've always remembered that from hearing it as a kid. Good work Icelandic riders, great video, awesome terrain and not a lot of trees to hit.
  • 9 0
 Even if you don't ride a bike at all, Iceland is an unbelievable place. Absolutely one of the coolest places I've travelled.
  • 2 0
 I second this motion. Can't wait to go back and see more. Did the circle road but should have had 3 weeks instead of one.
  • 1 0
 Agreed, I’ve been there three times (without my bike) and I can’t wait to go back again.
  • 4 0
 Mountain biking in Iceland is not that easy like on this movie. Weather is big challenge. I am riding there last five years and know something about it. Trials are amazing, views spectacular, lots of carrying your bike. If someone wants just come and try riding in Iceland, can find outstanding trails near to capital Reykjavik.
  • 4 0
 I did a 10-day mountain bike trip with Icebike last summer. I highly recommend it to everyone, it was a trip of a lifetime. We had riders in our group from Australia, Germany, Austria, Canada, Israel, and a few of us from the US. We stayed 2 nights in those red-roofed bunk houses in the one picture, they were 3 hours from the closest paved road and completely off-grid, the guides made lamb steaks and slalom those 2 nights and they were some of the best meals of my life.
  • 1 0
 I did this trail and then spent a few weeks driving around Iceland looking for places to ride.
While the scenery is fantastic, the trails do not provide continuously nice riding. I am not a trail snob. I don't like/need berms or purpose built trails. I am okay biking on hiking trails, and I love uphills, but the volcanic rock, mud, and lack of switchbacks were unmanageable at times. I have some of these exact same photos and videos on my phone. They are sandwiched between tons of hike-a-biking. I would say this video and photo montage is the equivalent of a junior high girl using instagram filters. The scenery and people truly are amazing though.
  • 4 0
 Watched this last night, the scenery is jaw dropping,
  • 2 0
 A cool thing about summer there is it essentially doesn't get dark so the mtb days last forever Smile
  • 1 0
 I got to ride there once. Iceland was great and I’m itching to go back. I didn’t even scratch the surface of all the trails. Seemed like it would be amazing to spend a year there riding and exploring the island.
  • 1 0
 My daughter and I managed to get a day in with Icebike, wish it was more. Super unique riding and the style of trails was something totally different from what we get in the PNW.
  • 2 0
 I have been there twice. Can‘t wait to go again. Such a good/magic place:-)
  • 1 0
 Wonderful sceneries, super well filmed, Iceland is unique and so attractive... but I hope this frenzy will not go too far so as to preserve this wilderness (...)
  • 2 0
 Simply amazing shots. Why do I suddenly want a drone?
  • 2 0
 Awesome photos and writing. Iceland is on my bucket list.
  • 2 0
 My type of riding..if you ain't hiking or not biking..
  • 1 0
 I was just there a few months ago but unfortunately couldn’t fit in a ride. Maybe next time
  • 1 0
 How the hell did he go up the hill so fast in that last shot what is this sorcery?
  • 1 0
 Awesome work by the crerw on this one. Amazing visuals from Scott Bell here!
  • 1 0
 Iceland is amazing. I've been there kayaking waterfalls tather than riding, but couldn't believe the landscapes. Everywhere!
  • 1 0
 I would love to visit Iceland and getting in a little mountainbjörking would be amazing
  • 2 0
 That was a great film, nice work Mark and Scott!
  • 1 0
 It looks so beautiful! I have been wanting to go to Iceland for a while. But now I want to take my bike too.
  • 1 0
 Nico Vink , get out there Smile
  • 1 0
 Really interesting take on a country's MTB scene.
  • 1 0
 Simply amazing
  • 2 3
 Looks perfect for a ebike
  • 1 2
 By 2024 they also stop whaling...
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