Iceland’s Arctic Coast Way

Iceland’s Arctic Coast Way

Iceland’s Arctic Coast Way

Akureyri in North Iceland

Iceland’s Arctic Coast Way

Iceland’s Arctic Coast Way

Siglufjörður Fjord

Iceland’s Arctic Coast Way

Iceland’s Arctic Coast Way

Lake Mývatn

Iceland’s Arctic Coast Way

Iceland’s Arctic Coast Way

Hvitserkur

Iceland’s Arctic Coast Way

The Arctic Coast Way (Norðurstrandarleið) runs 800 km from Hvammstangi in the west to Bakkafjörður in the east, winding between 21 villages and four islands along Iceland’s north coast. The Arctic Coast Way is the first official touring route in Iceland for those who want to discover unspoiled landscapes and off-the-beaten-track adventure along the northern perimeter of the country. You will discover some of the best bird watching places in Iceland and boat tours will take you to unforgettable encounters with friendly whales and charming seals.

On this tour, you will combine a short stay in Iceland’s capital and then drive to Havammstangi where the Arctic Coast Way starts. You will then follow the coastline, stopping off at several points along the way and giving plenty of opportunities for exploring and wildlife watching, before flying back from Akureyri to the UK via Reykjavik.

DAY 1 - UK – Reykjavik

Fly from the UK to Keflavik and transfer by shuttle bus to Reykjavik.  Stay at a central hotel for two nights.

DAY 2 – Reykjavik

Explore the city or choose from a variety of optional excursions such as a tour of the Golden Circle.  In the evening there are number of restaurants where you can try out locally sourced products.

DAY 3 – Reykjavik to Sauðárkróku (292 km)

Collect your car and drive to Hyammstangi at the beginning of the Arctic Coast Way. Here you can arrange seal watching and sea angling trips from the harbour.  Continue to follow the coast road heading to Skagaströnd and then on to Sauðárkróku which lies on the south west shore of the inner reaches of Skagafjörður fiord. 

DAY 4 – Explore the Spákonufellshöfði promontory (known as the Cape)

The Cape is a popular outdoor recreational area. There is a choice of marked walking trails, and information boards which give details on the flora and bird life of the area. Spákonufell (Soothsayer's Mountain) is a dignified mountain rising above the town, with staked out walking trails.

DAY 5 – Sauðárkróku to Akureyri via Sauðárkróku (173 km)

The coastal way takes you to Siglufjörður, a scenic and historic fishing village, situated on the majestic Trollaskagi peninsula with its magnificent high mountains and deep fjords.   Continue to follow the coast road until you reach Akureyri, capital of the north which bustles with rich cultural life. Check in to your hotel  for the night and then stroll around the old town and try out one of the many restaurants.

DAY 6 – Akureyri to Husavik (75 km)

Drive the short distance to the fishing village of Husavik where multi-hued houses hug the mountainside.  The village is best known for its whale spotting trips.  Stay overnight.

DAY 7 - Husavik – Bakkafjörður- Mývatn (187km)

To explore the last part of the Arctic Coast Way, head to Bakkafjörður, one of the smallest and most remote villages in Iceland with a population of less than 80 people.  Alternatively head just as far as Raufarhöfn, the most Northern village in Iceland and formerly one of the country’s largest export harbours.  Head back west to Mývatn where you will be staying for two nights.

DAY 8 – Mývatn and Dettifoss

Today you will have time to explore the extraordinary scenery and wildlife of this area. Dettifoss is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe. The falls are 100 meters wide and have a drop of 45 meters to advance its flow down the mighty Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. Mývatn is one of the largest lakes in the country renowned for its beautiful small islands, exceptional shore, flora, and abundant birdlife. The area has a dreamlike and mysterious quality and was created by a large basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago

DAY 9 – Myvatn to Akureyri Airport

Head back to Akureyri to take your flight to Reykjavik and connect with a flight back to the UK.