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The mountain roads across the interior highlands are closed until
late June. They are rough, with lots of steep hills and unbridged
rivers. In the interior there are no shops so you must bring enough
food. The Iceland Touring Association
(Ferðafélag Íslands) is the biggest travel-association in Iceland and
it runs shelters in 34 places in the Icelandic interior. They are often
full, need to be booked at least a month in advance and accommodation
is not guaranteed so you must bring a tent. Often you will have to put
up your tent on hard rocky ground - this is the largest desert in
Europe. Some areas are protected areas where your must camp at
designated campsites. Elsewhere you can rough camp almost anywhere
except on private land, provided you don't leave any marks or litter.
Ask permission if you think the spot is privately owned.
Most rivers are unbridged
and at over 40 fords, notices have been put up with instructions on how
to ford rivers. Be sure to assess the current, depth and the nature of
the riverbed before fording a river. The water will wash away the
grease in the pedals, bottom brackets and hubs so you should always
carry your bike across if the water levels are high enough to reach
those sensitive parts. Glacial water is also loaded with mud and sand
that can ruin your bearings in minutes. "Sealed bearings" does not mean
waterproof. The water is ice cold and will numb your feet in seconds.
We recommend using neoprene shoes, such as those used on surfboards,
that will keep you warm and makes it easier to navigate on sharp or
slippery stones. Alternatively you can use old tennis shoes, etc. If
the river looks dangerous to cross, it probably is and if you are
traveling by yourself you should wait for someone who could keep an eye
out and help you or get help if you run into trouble. Glacial rivers
swell as the day goes on.
Check the weather forecast
before heading into the interior highlands and every day while there.
The weather can change very suddenly. You should also ask the wardens
in the huts, and others, about conditions ahead. Sometimes rivers flood
and bridges and roads are closed. In most areas you will find small
rivers with fresh spring water every few hours but in certain areas you
may have to load up on water for two days.
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