The Arctic Coast Way 9 days

The Arctic Coast Way 9 days

This tour goes off the beaten track and discovers the most remote places in North Iceland along with all the main sights. Read more about what the Arctic Coast Way is in our blog.

BP37 Map

BP37 Map

AVAILABLE:
June 1 to September 20

DURATION:
9 days / 8 nights

CAR RENTAL DAYS:
7 Days

DEPARTURES:
Daily

TOUR ID:
BP37

Included

Not Included

Itinerary

Day 1. Arrival


Upon your arrival at Keflavik airport, a meet and greet service is provided by a TOURIS representative who will take you to your accommodation in Reykjavik. You will be free for the rest of the day to explore Reykjavik, visit museums, landmarks etc. You may want to join an optional daytour if you arrive early.

Overnight:
Reykjavík

Optional activity:
Reykjavik City Card

Day 2. West Iceland and Borgarfjörður District


Pick up a car in the morning and leave Reykjavík and drive to the beautiful Hvalfjörður fjord and enjoy the tranquil environment. From there head to the Borgarfjörður district and Borgarnes town. In Borgarnes town you will find the interesting Saga Centre. The prime objective of the Icelandic Settlement Centre at Borgarnes is to recreate the fascinating sagas surrounding the birth of this island nation. Multi-media and theatrical techniques are employed to help the visitor experience firsthand the trepidation and excitement of setting off over the open ocean for lands unknown. Head for Borgarfjörður district and visit Deildartunguhver, Icelands largest hot spring. Continue further inland to the historic Reykholt, home of 13th century chieftain, writer, poet and a scholar Snorri Sturluson. Continue to Hraunfossar and Barnafossar, some of Icelands most scenic waterfalls. Continue to Hrútafjörður and Miðfjörður Fjords and further to Hvammstangi. The Icelandic Seal Center at Hvammstangi town is an interesting place to visit. It is a research and exhibition center investigating the lives of seals found in and around Iceland. The Icelandic Seal Center at Hvammstangi gives more information about these locations and how to approach the seals with care. It is usually best to see the seals at low tide since seals usually rest ashore during low tide but feed during high tide.

Overnight:
North West Iceland

Day 3. Arctic Coast Way: Vatnsnes Peninsula and Skagafjörður Fjord


Start the Arctic Coast Way by exploring Vatnsnes Peninsula. The route today is one of the best in Iceland for seal watching. Stop and see the beautiful sea stack Ánaðastapi. At Hamarsá you can see a wheel-shaped sheep round-up pen, right on the seacoast, a striking image and a great photo stop. Every fall, farmers in the area join together on horseback to herd free ranging sheep down from the mountains and into the pen. Illaugastaðir beach is a place that offers great opportunities to watch seals in their natural habitat. See the Hvítserkur rock formation, otherwise known as the Troll of Northwest Iceland. The 15m tall basaslt rock is a nesting ground for seagulls, shag and fulmar, making it appear constantly in motion. Finish up the circle around Vatnsnes Peninsula and head to Blönduós. Continue to Skagaströnd village. At Skagaströnd you will find the museum of Prophecies. The exhibition focuses on Þórdís the fortune-teller, the first named inhabitant of Skagaströnd, who lived there in the late 10th century. A beautiful costal walk of about 2 km from the harbor at Skagaströnd is available. If you want a longer hike you can hike up Mt. Spákonufell. The entire walking distance is 7 km and goes up to 640 meters. The summit offers magnificent views over Skagi peninsula and the ocean. Continue towards the tip of the peninsula and stop at Kálfshamarsvík, a small peninsula built up by spectacular basalt columns. An interesting short walk takes you through the ruins of the once flourishing settlement of Kálfshamarsvík and to the lighthouse. Continue over the tip of the peninsula and drive along the west coast of Skagafjörður Fjord heading towards Sauðárkrókur and stop at Grettislaug pool. The hot pool offers great views Drangey island. Continue to Sauðárkrókur.

Overnight:
Sauðárkrókur

Day 4. Arctic Coast Way: Tröllaskagi Peninsula and Whale Watching Capital.


Continue towards Tröllaskagi Peninsula. Explore Hólar, an interesting historical place to visit. Hólar is the site of historical buildings, Hólar cathedral, the turf house Nýibær, the site of the main campus of Hólar University Collega and the home of the Center for the history of the Icelandic horse. Popular horse riding tours for beginners and experienced riders are available in Skagafjörður area. Continue to Hofsós which is one of the oldest trading centers in Iceland. Many of the old buildings have been renovated. Interesting place to visit is the Emigration Center (Vesturfarasetrið). We recommend a visit to the outdoor swimming pool which is built on a vertical cliff over the sea. From here you have a beautiful view of Skagafjörður and its islands. Continue to Siglufjörður, a remotely located fishing town that during the herring boom in early 20th century used to be the most prosperous fishing town in Iceland. Visit the award-winning Siglufjörður Herring Era Museum. It charts the rise and decline of the former "Herring Capital of the World" and the great Herring Adventure that lasted until 1968. Head to Ólafsfjörður. Continue along the shores of Eyjafjörður to Dalvík. Drive along the coastline through Akureyri town and to Húsavík, sometimes called “The Whale Watching Capital of The World”. Húsavík was the first place in the country to offer very successful Whale Watching cruises. The Whale Museum in Húsavík is an educational centre on marine wildlife. Visit the Húsavík Natural and Maritime Museum, one of the best museums of its kind in the country.

Overnight:
Húsavík

Day 5. Arctic Coast Way: Húsavík, Ásbyrgi Canyon and Kópasker


Leave Húsavík and drive to the north towards the Öxarfjörður Bay. Make a detour to Vesturdalur and Hljóðaklettar, the Echo rocks, an extremely beautiful canyon carved by the river Jökulsá á Fjöllum. This area offers many interesting hiking trails to explore the many wonders of the Jökulsárgljúfur National Park. Ásbyrgi canyon is a strange and spectacular horseshoe shaped canyon by the main road, - not to be missed. Continue to the fishing village of Kópasker. There you will find an interesting Earthquake Center. The center focuses on the area’s big earthquake in 1976, as well as providing general information about earthquakes. You can take a beautiful walk to the unusually shaped lighthouse at Kópasker. If you are interested in history or handcrafts, the Snartarstaðir Heritage Museum near the town displays area handcrafts from the 19th and 20th century. Continue further to explore Melrakkaslétta Peninsula. This area is one of the best places in Iceland to see the midnight sun in summer and the famous Northern Lights in winter. This area offers shelter and is a temporary stopping place for thousands and thousands of birds that come here for the summer or rest here for their further migration to the north or to the south. Seals can also be seen resting on skerries and whales are spotted off the coast as well as foxes and mink on the heaths close to rivers and lakes. Rauðinúpur or Red Cape is very rich in birdlife. Continue to the small village Raufarhöfn.

Overnight:
Raufarhöfn/Þórshöfn

Day 6. Arctic Coast Way: Þórshöfn, Bakkafjörður and Vopnafjörður


Continue to the small fishing village Þórshöfn. Explore Langanes Peninsula which is known for its rich birdlife and a very good birdwatching spots where it is possible to watch the Gannet and Brünnichs Guillermot from land. Continue to Bakkfjörður. Langanes Municipality is one of Iceland’s hidden gems, where the beauty and soul of the small fishing villages lives on. Head towards the village Vopnafjörður. Make a stop at the geothermal swimming pool Selárdalslaug which is located on the banks on the river Selá. From Vopnafjörður head to the ring road and continue to Lake Mývatn. Make a detour to Dettifoss waterfall, the largest waterfall in Europe

Overnight:
Lake Mývatn

Day 7. The Natural Wonders of Lake Mývatn and Akureyri


Explore the phenomenal natural beauty of the Lake Mývatn area. The lake area is known worldwide for its exceptionally many breeding duck species and the abundance of other birdlife. Stop at Námaskarð pass where boiling mud pools and flashing colors of the pass merge with ash and lava from nearby volcanoes. Visit its highlights Dimmuborgir, Mt. Hverfjall, the pseudocraters of Skútustaðir and Krafla volcanic system where the most recent eruptions were 1975 - 1984. The explosion crater Víti is near Krafla and the Mývatn Nature Baths offer a nice place to relax in warm waters after a long day of sightseeing and not to be missed. Head towards Akureyri, the capital of the North and stop at the beautiful waterfall Goðafoss. Akureyri town, situated at the Eyjafjörður Fjord is the northern centre of education, culture, trade and industry. One of the most extraordinary aspects of Akureyri is its warm climate. Although its sits only 60 miles from the Arctic Circle, it has some of the best weather in the country. See some of the many museums and art galleries. Drive through the majestic mountains and narrow passes of Öxnadalur Valley and Öxnadalsheiði Pass, which leads to the district of Skagafjordur, renowned for horse breeding.

Overnight:
North West Iceland

Day 8. Back to Reykjavik


Drive back to Reykjavik. You can either make a detour on your way to Reykjavik and explore Snæfellsnes Peninsula or drive to the Reykjanes Peninsula and relax in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Drop off the car in Reykjavik

Overnight:
Reykjavík

Day 9. Departure


Private transfer from the hotel to Keflavik International Airport.

ACCOMMODATION

Cat 1

Cat 1

Rooms in guesthouses with shared facilities but sometimes with washbasins in the rooms. Breakfast is included.

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Cat 2

Cat 2

Rooms in Hotels or quality guesthouses with private shower or bath and WC. Breakfast is included.

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CARS

01.A - Hyundai I10 or similar - Manual - manual

01.A - Hyundai I10 or similar - Manual - manual

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 4
Suitcases: 1
Doors: 5

02.D - Hyundai I10 or similar - Automatic -

02.D - Hyundai I10 or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 4
Suitcases: 1
Doors: 5

03.N - VW Polo or similar - Manual -

03.N - VW Polo or similar - Manual -

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 2
Doors: 5

04.O - VW Polo or similar - Automatic -

04.O - VW Polo or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 2
Doors: 5

05.B - VW Golf or similar - Manual -

05.B - VW Golf or similar - Manual -

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 2
Doors: 5

06.L - VW Golf or similar - Automatic -

06.L - VW Golf or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 2
Doors: 5

07.E - Hyundai I30 station or similar - Manual -

07.E - Hyundai I30 station or similar - Manual -

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 5

08.C - Hyundai I30 station or similar - Automatic -

08.C - Hyundai I30 station or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 5

09.M - Skoda Octavia Station AWD or similar - Automatic -

09.M - Skoda Octavia Station AWD or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 5

10.P - Suzuki Vitara 4WD or similar - Manual -

10.P - Suzuki Vitara 4WD or similar - Manual -

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5

11.H - Kia Sportage 4WD or similar - Automatic -

11.H - Kia Sportage 4WD or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5

12.J - Kia Sorento 4WD or similar - Automatic -

12.J - Kia Sorento 4WD or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5

13.K - Toyota Landcruiser 4WD or similar - Automatic -

13.K - Toyota Landcruiser 4WD or similar - Automatic -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 5

14.C - Land Rover Discovery 4WD - Automatic - Limited Availability -

14.C - Land Rover Discovery 4WD - Automatic - Limited Availability -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 5

15.I - Land Rover Defender 4WD - Automatic - Limited Availability -

15.I - Land Rover Defender 4WD - Automatic - Limited Availability -

Transmission: Automatic
Seats: 5
Suitcases: 3
Doors: 5

17.XE - VW Transporter 2WD or similar - Manual - Limited Availability

17.XE - VW Transporter 2WD or similar - Manual - Limited Availability

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 9
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 4

18.XG - VW Transporter 4WD or similar - Manual - Limited Availability

18.XG - VW Transporter 4WD or similar - Manual - Limited Availability

Transmission: Manual
Seats: 9
Suitcases: 4
Doors: 3

Optional Extra: Would you like to do some extra activities? Below activities can be added to this tour.

Horse Riding Tour North - 1 hour

Horse Riding Tour North - 1 hour

Season: May 15 to October 15

Click For More Info

Price: 11500 ISK

The Settlement Exhibition and The Egils Saga Exhibition

Season: All year

Click For More Info

Price: 3000 ISK

Into the Glacier on Langjökull glacier

Into the Glacier on Langjökull glacier

Season: All year

Click For More Info

Price: 24899 ISK

Cancellation Insurance
 

Cancellation Insurance<br/> 

Season: All year

Click For More Info

Price: 6000 ISK

Krauma Baths
 

Krauma Baths<br/> 

Season: All year

Click For More Info

Price: 5900 ISK

Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík

Whale Watching Tour from Húsavík

Season: March 1 to November 30

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Price: 11300 ISK

Myvatn Nature Baths (Jarðböðin)

Myvatn Nature Baths (Jarðböðin)

Season: All year

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Price: 6199 ISK

Reykjavik City Card
 

Reykjavik City Card<br/> 

Season: All year

Click For More Info

Price: 4651 ISK

Reykjavik Food Tour
 

Reykjavik Food Tour<br/> 

Season: All year

Click For More Info

Price: 15500 ISK

Reykjavik City Sightseeing by Minibus

Reykjavik City Sightseeing by Minibus

Season: All year

Click For More Info

Price: 7800 ISK

Forest Lagoon
 

Forest Lagoon<br/> 

Season: All year

Click For More Info

Price: 5990 ISK

Useful Information: Here you will find other information for this tour.

Why book your Self Drive Tour with Tour.is?
  • Highly competitive prices
  • We include more
  • Outstanding response time and customer care
  • Knowledgeable and motivated team of travel agents
  • Great reviews from visitors
  • We offer cancellation insurance


    • Pick up of rental car is the morning of day 2.

    Drop off is in Reykjavík the day prior to your departure – day 8.

    An extra day will be charged if the car is returned later.

    Due to road conditions routes may have to be altered without prior notice.
    Types of car recommended: Any. During winter, usually September through May, snow and ice can be expected. Although the route of this tour is usually passable by any car type, driving conditions can occasionally become difficult and we strongly recommend 4x4 during winter.
     

    Accommodation is according to your choice in farmhouses, guesthouses or hotels, cat. 1, 2 or 3. including breakfast. Due to limited availability of accommodation in the Icelandic countryside and a great demand for summer, we are only able to confirm specific category but not a specific hotel in each locality until booking has been made and confirmed.


    Early morning arrival: Check in time at hotels is usually between 14:00 - 16:00. If you arrive early morning, you may not be able to check in immediately on arrival.
    A credit card imprint will be taken at the start of all rentals for security reasons, even when a voucher covers the cost of the rental. Cash and debit card deposits will not be accepted. This credit card imprint may be used to pay all extra charges, including extra driven kilometres if applicable, extra insurance, parking fines, damages or any costs due to the car rental company as a result of the hirer's use of the car.

    Self Drive tours can often be modified according to the client’s wishes. If you want to change or extend the tour, add days etc, please contact our office.

    Map displayed is only for quick reference and is not to scale.

    Travel Insurance: To avoid dispute in case of cancellation, we strongly recommend that our clients purchase a comprehensive travel insurance in their home country, that covers your cost should you have to cancel your tour. This kind of travel insurance is usually not expensive and it frequently covers other risks too.

    Price Calculator: There are several factors that determine the price of self drive packages:

    1. Time of the year.

    2. Number of people traveling together

    3. Type of car (we offer more than 15 different types of cars)

    4. Type of accommodation (we offer 3 different categories of accommodation)

    There is a special Price Calculator button at our website with every self drive tour package where you can enter your choice of type of accommodation and car, number of people and when you want to begin the tour (arrival date) and the Price Calculator will calculate and display the price of different options.

    Note: Day(s) can be added before and / or after if your arrival and departure does not fit the itinerary of this tour. Additional day tours can be added for the additional day/s. If you have any questions please don´t hesitate to contact us by email to tour@tour.is and we will be more than happy to advice.

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