2026 Arna Westfjords Way Challenge & Midnight Special
2026-06-22 08:00 - 2026-06-28 17:00 UTC
The Arna Westfjords Way Challenge is the first ultra-endurance stage bike race of its kind. A race where people and place are connected through Cultural Connections, points of interest where your race time is paused and you are able to soak in the local culture of the Westfjords of Iceland. 1,000 kilometers over 4 stages makes this race a Challenge and the last stage starts at midnight to celebrate the 24-hour arctic sun.
June 22—27 2026
Race Schedule
June 22 – Race Expo
June 23 – Stage 1. Ísafjörður to Hotel Laugarhóll
June 24 – Stage 2. Hotel Laugarhóllto Vogur Country Lodge
June 25 – Stage 3. Vogur Country Lodge to Patreksfjörður
June 26 – Adventure Day. Explore at your own pace before the midnight start
June 27 – Midnight Special + Finish party. Patreksfjörður to Ísafjörður – Edinborg Bistro
June 28 – Ceremonial Pier Jump
Race Overview
The Westfjords Way Challenge ultra-endurance stage race is the first ofits kind. It’s more than a
race to the finish – it’s about a meaningful interaction with people and place. You’ll be pushing your
limits, but not withouttaking in some ofthe endless opportunities to learn about and interact with
Icelandic culture.Between your long days in the saddle, you will visit museums, meetlocals who
run traditional sheep farms and take partin Icelandic traditions like hot pot soaking.
The full route is 951 km [591 miles] and each stage ranges from 211 to 259 km [130 to 161 miles].
The winner will be decided based on the fastest overalltime excluding time spent at Cultural
Connections. Each stage will have a group rollout, butit’s up to you how long you spend at each
stop, as long as you’re ready to ride the next stage.
Cultural Connections
Cultural Connections are what setthe Westfjords Way Challenge apartfrom all other races. In order
to successfully finish each stage, riders will be required to stop at aminimumof two Cultural
Connections per stage.
Cultural Connections range from museums to hot pots and are predetermined by the race. They
are intended to encourage you to stop and take in the culture ofthe Westfjords. These are
checkpoints where ride time is paused – your time spent atthe stop will be deducted from your
overall stage time. There are atleastfour Cultural Connection options per stage and all ofthem can
be viewed on the stage breakdown pages below. Riders may visit more than two Cultural
Connections per stage ifthey desire and this time will also be deducted from the race time.
The Cultural Connections are intended for you to enjoy the location. While itis possible to use
Cultural Connections for necessary activities like bike repairs, we strongly encourage you to
experience the destination as itis intended. Opening and closing times will be communicated closer
to race week through a race week guide.
