3 Day Adventure
ABOUT
North Bound GRVL is an off-road adventure race that celebrates the beauty and nature of the Blönduós Area of North Iceland. The event spans four days, from July 29 to August 1, 2026, with riding from Blönduós up to Hveravellir, down into Vatnsdalur, up onto Grímstunguheiði over to Eyvindarstaðaheiði, and finally down into Svartárdalur. The final sprint goes out through Svartárdalur to Húnaver, where a closing celebration will be held on the Saturday of Merchants’ Weekend.
RACE or RIDE
Two options : RACE or RIDE, so you can enjoy the event at your speed.
440 K RACE brings the challenges of a multi-day bike packing, without all the gear. You will ride between 100 – 175 K each day, portions will be challenging , with rougher roads and unpredictable weather. Racers can choose to compete solo or in a team of 2.
330 K RACE brings the challenges of a multi-day bike packing, at a casual pace. You will ride between 80 – 130 K each day, giving you more time to enjoy the animals and nature. Each day will include a bus ride to get you past the extra miles.
Day 1
110 K – 1030 M or 87 K – 829 M
The day starts with a Bus Ride from Blönduós to the start of Skagavegur ( the Arctic Way), where you will start your journey around the peninsula. The route is rolling terrain along the waters edge, with stops at two light houses. If you are lucky, you might encounter seals, or even a whale, along with numerous sea bids.
The 330 Riders will stop in Skagastrong, a quaint fishing village, where they will catch a shuttle back to there hotel.
440 Racers will continue on a mix of pavement and gravel back to the Old Town Blönduós. This route has 83% gravel, with the most pavement of the 3 days , at 18 K.
Day 2
166 K – 2358 M or 129 K – 1908 M
The day starts in the Old Town of Blönduós, taking a lap around the back of Svinavatn (Pig Lake) before heading into the highlands -wild horse country. You will then drop into the Vatsdular Valley, home to The Vatnsdæla Saga.
Vatnsdæla saga tells the story of the family who owned the estate of Hof . After crossing vatnsdalsá (river) , you will enjoy a hearty aid station stop at Hof.
Climbing out of the valley up onto Grímstunguheiði is your biggest climb of the day. Make sure to turn around and check out the stunning views. Once in the Highlands, anything can happen. Weather can change instantly, even in summer. Soak up the views of Langjökul (Glacier) in the backdrop.
330 Riders will stop at Alfungi, a modest lodging hut for horse round-ups. Bikes will be stored here, and you will grab a shuttle to Hveraviller to soak in the hot spring and enjoy your night in the rustic lodge.
440 Races, this is where the buddy system will really come in handy. The 36K between Alfungi and Hveraviller can be unpredictable. The roads can get rough and the winds strong. Snow flurries can be encountered, even in summer. But the food and warmth of the springs and geysers will be worth the suffering.
Day 3
157 K – 2028 M or 119 K – 1800 M
440 Racers start their day at Hveraviller. 330 Riders will be shuttled to their bikes to start the day at Alfungi. Your first Aid Station for the day will be near the Hydropower plant at 56 K (20K) before heading over to Eyvindarstaðaheiði, and down into Svartárdalur.
At 75 K (36K) you will drop into the Svartárdalur (Black River Valley), passing by some waterfalls ( fossa´) . At the Junction of the Foss River and Black River you will take turn and climb over the Highland to Varmahilð Valley ( there is an options Hot Spring dip here if you are feeling adventurous ) and back.
You return to the Black River Valley at 136 K ( 100 K) for a fun, fast, and beautiful finish to Hunaver where your after Celebration awaits.
- Note – if you want to shorten this day, just stay in the valley for an easy finish