8 Day Self Drive Arctic Coast Way
The Arctic Coast Way was officially opened on June 8th 2019 and offers the chance of going off the beaten path and discovering some of the most remote places in north Iceland. This is a unique adventure following 900 KM (559 Mi) of coastal roads close to the Arctic Circle!
Highlights
- Off the beaten path
- Six peninsulas
- 21 fishing villages along the coast
- Excellent locations for whale, seal and bird watching
- Stunning coastal hikes
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival – Keflavik – Reykjavik
Upon arrival at Keflavik International Airport, you will pick up your rental car and head to your accommodation in Reykjavik, with the rest of the day free to explore – or rest!
Day 2: Reykjavik – Sauðárkrókur (ca. 290 KM)
Drive to Hvammstangi 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 continue to Sauðárkrókur which lies on the south west shore of the inner reaches of Skagafjörður fiord.
Day 3: 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 4: Sauðárkrókur – Siglufjörður – Akureyri (ca. 170 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.
Day 5: Akureyri – Husavik (ca. 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 watching tours.
Day 6: Husavik – Bakkafjörður – Mývatn (187-374km)
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.
Day 7: Mývatn – Dettifoss – Goðafoss – Akureyri
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 8: Akureyri – Reykjavik – Keflavik
Drop off your rental car at Akureyri Airport and then take the morning flight to Reykjavik Domestic Airport.
You will then have a coach transfer from Reykjavik Airport to Keflavik Airport.
Dates & prices
Daily departures from 8. June – 30. September
Price per person: ISK 258.000
Supplement for single room: ISK 133.000
Included in the package price:
- 7 days car rental with unlimited mileage, Mazda 3CX 4WD (or similar), pick up at Keflavik Airport, drop off at Akureyri Airport
- Insurance: GP, TP, CDW, SCDW
- All taxes (rental car and domestic flight)
- 7 nights accommodation in standard double/twin rooms with private facilities, breakfast included
- Domestic flight Akureyri – Reykjavik (incl. taxes)
- Coach transfer from Reykjavik Airport to Keflavik Airport
- Detailed itinerary with multiple daily options
- Service and VAT
