The Arctic Coast Way veers from the traditional Route 1 ring road and hugs the dramatic coastline, passing through lesser-seen villages in the lands of sagas and mythology.
You can visit historical fishing villages (the herring used to be king here), go whale watching by an electric carbon-free boat and see the dramatic effect that nature has had on this remote part of the country.
Fly from the UK to Reykjavik and pick-up your hire car from the airport. Drive into the city for the night and check-in to your hotel. Here you can explore the variety of cafes, restaurants and bars and depending on what time you arrive you may be able to go whale-watching, visit the museums or experience the new 'Fly Over Iceland' experience. (50Km)
From Reykjavik travel north to Hvammstangi, where en route you could choose to visit the Snaefellsness peninsula with its stunning coastline, volcano and national park as well as the Bjarnhofn shark museum where they make the Icelandic delicacy of "hakarl" - very much an acquired taste. Alternatively head inland to Husafell where you can join an excursion "Into the Glacier" - a man-made ice tunnel on the Langjokull glacier. Head north to the Hvammstangi area and check-in to your accommodation for the night. (B) (200Km)
In Hvammstangi you can visit the Seal Centre and take a boat trip to try and see the seals themselves. From here travel north around the coastline keeping an eye out for the birdlife and perhaps stop at Skagastrond, known for its vibrant arts scene. Continue around the coast to Saudarkrokur for the night, a town with a folk museum and in the heart of Iceland's Skagafjordur "horse country" - a great place to experience riding the unique Icelandic horse. (B) (105Km)
Leaving Skagafjordur you could choose to take an early morning swim at the local swimming pool in Hofsos before continuing north to Iceland's former herring capital, Siglufjordur where you can visit the fascinating Herring Era Museum. From here travel south to Akureyri, the capital of the north, then on to Lake Myvatn and from there to the fishing village of Husavik - one of the best places in the country to go whale watching. (B) (255Km)
In the morning, embark on a silent and eco-friendly whale watching tour by electric boat 'Andvari' - a great opportunity to go whale watching while reducing your carbon footprint down to zero. Heading out of Husavik into the remote north-eastern corner of Iceland you can stop at the Asbyrgi national park with its canyon and many walking trails and head to Raufarhofn which is home to the gradually evolving "Arctic Henge" - a new installation paying homage to Stonehenge. Continue around the coast to the small village of Porshofn. (B) (160Km)
Travel down the remote Eastfjords where the road often hugs the coastline stopping at the villages of Bakkafjordur, Vopnafjordur and visit Seydisfjordur before dropping the hire car at the airport in Egilsstadir and fly back to Reykjavik. On arrival make your way to your hotel for a final night in Iceland. (B) (200Km)
Check out of your hotel and take the coach transfer back to the airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)
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* Please call us on 020 7666 1290 for full details and conditions of car hire
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Price Notes
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