Rules of the Trail & Nature Conservation

Shape the Future of Mountain Biking in Iceland

Mountain biking in Iceland is a young and fast-growing sport. Trail access will be limited if riders do not ride responsibly. Off-trail riding is illegal in Iceland and can result in heavy fines.

The Icelandic highlands have been kept unspoiled and should remain intact for future generations. The extremely short highland summer of just 6 weeks gives vegetation very limited time to grow and recover from damage.

These are guidelines that the Association of Icelandic Mountain Bikers agrees on and asks all riders to follow.

Stay on the Trail

Respect trail and road closures - ask if in doubt. Trails may be closed for environmental reasons or conflicts with other users. Respect nature and stay on the trail at all times. Cutting corners ruins the trail and can start water erosion. Freeriding off-trail in Iceland is not tolerated and can result in heavy fines.

Leave No Trace

Ride respectfully and don't race through aggressively. Be attentive to the dirt beneath you. Even on open trails, avoid riding under conditions where you leave the trail in worse shape than you found it. Be especially careful during spring thaws or any time the weather makes for sensitive trail conditions. Practice low-impact cycling - this means staying on the trail and never creating new ones.

Ride Under Control

Know your ability to control the bike under all circumstances. Excessive speed is dangerous, not only for you but for everyone else on the trail. There is no excuse for it.

Always Yield the Trail

Use a bell or a friendly greeting to make your approach known well in advance. Startling someone can and has caused loss of trail access in Iceland. Show your respect when passing others by slowing to a walk or stopping. Be extra careful on blind turns.

Plan Ahead

Iceland's weather is very unpredictable and can change from sunshine to a snowstorm in a very short time. Monitor weather forecasts. Know your equipment, your ability, and the area you are riding in. If you intend to ride in the Icelandic highlands, we strongly recommend doing so with a local tour operator who knows the highlands, the weather, and the logistics of travelling away from civilisation.

Share, Be Nice

The opportunity to ride on shared trails comes with a real responsibility to maintain them. Pick up trash when you see it and be kind to all other trail users, including hikers and equestrians. If you encounter a horseback rider, stop immediately, dismount, move to the edge of the trail, and wait until they have passed and gained some distance before riding on. Icelandic horses may be small, but they are spirited, and a startled horse can bolt. Failing to yield to riders can result in serious accidents.

Every rider has the power to shape the future of the sport. The way we ride today shapes trail access in the future.

Keep trails open by riding responsibly. Treat nature with respect - be a role model for other mountain bike riders. Pass the knowledge of responsible riding on to your fellow riders.

Enjoy your ride!