Cuckoo ICELAND by The Traka | 27 JUNE 2026

TOURIST INFO

Overview
Árnes is located in South Iceland, in the municipality of Skeiða- og Gnúpverjahreppur, close to the Þjórsárdalur valley.

By Air
Most international participants will arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) – Iceland’s main hub, approximately 160 km from Árnes (~2h10 by car).
Car rental is the most practical option.

By Car
Self-driving is the easiest way to reach Árnes, via Reykjavík, Selfoss and Flúðir.

Premium Car Rental Partner – Hertz Iceland
Hertz is the Premium Car Rental Partner for Cuckoo Iceland – by The Traka, offering vehicles suitable for Icelandic conditions. Pick-up available at KEF Airport and Reykjavík.
Website: hertz.is

Approximate driving times to Árnes:

  • From Keflavík Airport – 2h10 (160 km)
  • From Reykjavík – 1h35 (115 km)
  • From Hella – 45–50 min (55 km)
  • From Flúðir – 15–20 min (18 km)

There is no direct public bus service to Árnes. The nearest major bus connections are in Selfoss and Flúðir, from where taxis or private transfers can be arranged.

For navigation, use:
Árnes, Skeiða- og Gnúpverjahreppur, South Iceland – 64.1536° N, –20.2504° W

The start area is surrounded by valleys, rivers and volcanic scenery, with a wide range of accommodation options.

Official Partner Hotel

  • The Hill Hotel – Flúðir (Official Race Hotel)
    Stylish rooms, great food and a relaxed atmosphere — the ideal base for riders and guests.
    Drive from Árnes: ~15–20 min
    hillhotel.is

Closest Options (0–20 minutes)

  • Árnes Campsite – right next to the start, with showers, kitchen and café (tjalda.is/en/arnes)
  • Þjórsárdalur Campsite – natural setting with mountain and forest views (tjalda.is/en/thjorsardalur)
  • Guesthouse Flúðir – friendly guesthouse with breakfast (gistingfludir.is)
  • Sæluvellir Cottage – private self-catering cottage near Þjórsárdalur (viatis.is/…)
  • Hoofprints & Highlands Farm Stay – rustic countryside stay near Árnes (booking.com)
  • Klettar Tower Iceland – Flúðir – unique tower-style guesthouse with panoramic views (booking.com)

Regional Options (25–60 minutes)

  • Landhótel – Hella (landhotel.is)
  • Stracta Hotel – Hella (stractahotel.is)
  • Hotel Rangá – Hella (hotelranga.is)
  • Hotel Selfoss – Selfoss (hotelselfoss.is)
  • South Central Guesthouse – Selfoss area (southcentral.is)
  • Gaukshof Guesthouse – Selfoss (booking.com)
  • Hotel Örk – Hveragerði (hotelork.is)
  • The Greenhouse Hotel – Hveragerði (thegreenhousehotel.is)
  • Hotel Gullfoss – near Geysir (hotelgullfoss.is)
  • Highland Center Hrauneyjar – on the edge of the Highlands (hrauneyjar.is)

Rider Tips

  • Many hotels offer secure bike storage — ask in advance.
  • Self-catering cabins and farm stays in the Árnes–Flúðir area are ideal for teams and groups.
  • Flúðir, Selfoss and Hella have supermarkets, restaurants and fuel stations.
  • Book early: accommodation in South Iceland fills quickly during summer.

The Árnes Campsite is the main base for campervans and motorhomes:

  • Walking distance to the start
  • Grass and gravel pitches
  • Showers, kitchen, toilets and café nearby

Overnight parking for campervans is only allowed in designated areas, primarily at Árnes Campsite.

The closest bike shops and repair services are located in nearby towns (e.g. Selfoss, Hella, Reykjavík).

A list of recommended shops and mechanics will be published closer to the event.