Chasing Iceland’s Wild Interior on the KTM 390 Adventure R
Words and Photos: Simon Cudby
Some places challenge you the moment you leave the pavement. Iceland is one of them. Our four-day adventure began in Reykjavík aboard a fleet of KTM 390 Adventure R motorcycles from Ice Bike Rentals, each fitted with Giant Loop Coyote bags carrying everything we’d need for the journey ahead. Compact, lightweight, and surprisingly capable, the bikes immediately proved they were perfectly matched to Iceland’s unpredictable mix of pavement, gravel, and rugged highland tracks.
Leaving the city behind, the landscape transformed almost instantly. Civilization faded into an endless wilderness of volcanic rock, moss-covered hills, and distant glaciers. The weather wasted no time reminding us who was in charge. Heavy rain rolled across the mountains while powerful crosswinds pushed at both riders and bikes, demanding constant attention. Fortunately, waterproof Alpinestars riding gear kept us dry despite the relentless conditions, and Cardo communicators made it easy to warn each other about deep puddles, changing road surfaces, and the occasional blast of wind that could move a motorcycle across the lane.
Soon we reached the legendary F35, one of Iceland’s famous highland routes. The wide gravel road stretched toward the horizon, inviting us deeper into the country’s remote interior. Fast volcanic gravel gave way to black sand sections, shallow river crossings, and terrain that seemed to change every few miles. Around every corner was another waterfall spilling down ancient cliffs or another sweeping valley with no sign of human life. As the hours passed, the storm clouds finally began to break apart, revealing blue skies that transformed the dramatic landscape into something even more spectacular.
By evening we rolled into Hveravellir, an isolated geothermal oasis in the middle of the highlands. After a long day battling the elements, soaking in the naturally heated hot springs felt almost surreal. Even late into the evening, Iceland’s endless summer daylight lingered across the mountains, allowing us to relax in warm water while surrounded by steam, lava fields, and complete silence.
The following morning we pointed the KTMs north toward Akureyri. The route wound past crystal-clear lakes, rolling green valleys, and snow-capped peaks before descending toward Iceland’s northern coast. Akureyri’s colorful harbor and welcoming atmosphere provided a striking contrast to the raw isolation of the highlands. We spent the night at a friend’s summer house overlooking the valley and port, enjoying panoramic views that stretched across the fjord as the evening light seemed to last forever.
Day three was all about exploring the incredible riding surrounding Akureyri. We headed east toward the Mývatn region, where Iceland’s volcanic past is on full display. Endless lava fields, steaming geothermal features, and winding gravel tracks created a landscape unlike anywhere else on earth. The riding slowed considerably as the terrain became more technical, with rocky sections and tighter trails demanding precision rather than speed. It was the kind of riding that rewarded patience, allowing plenty of time to stop, take photographs, and appreciate the surreal scenery that surrounded us.
Our final day took us north through the spectacular mountain valleys toward Grenivík. The roads hugged the coastline before climbing into quiet valleys framed by towering peaks, where sheep outnumbered people and every bend revealed another unforgettable view. It was a fitting finale to the trip—less about covering miles and more about soaking in Iceland’s remarkable beauty. Riding through these remote landscapes on lightweight adventure motorcycles gave us the freedom to stop whenever something caught our eye, whether it was a hidden waterfall, a dramatic overlook, or simply a stretch of road disappearing into the distance.
What made the journey especially enjoyable was how easy Ice Bike Rentals made the entire experience. Beyond providing exceptionally prepared KTM 390 Adventure R motorcycles, the team shared GPS tracks, route advice, and lodging recommendations that took the guesswork out of exploring a country as vast and unpredictable as Iceland. Their local knowledge helped us discover roads and destinations we might never have found on our own.
Four days was enough to experience Iceland’s constantly changing personality—from driving rain and fierce winds to clear skies, volcanic deserts, lush valleys, geothermal hot springs, and quiet fishing villages. The KTM 390 Adventure R proved to be the perfect partner for the trip, equally at home on pavement, fast gravel roads, and technical mountain tracks. If there’s a better way to experience Iceland than exploring it on two wheels at your own pace, surrounded by some of the world’s most dramatic scenery, we haven’t found it yet.
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