This winter self-drive itinerary follows a section of north Iceland’s scenic touring route, the Arctic Coast Way. Highlighting the dramatic landscapes of the north, you’ll explore coastal roads and geo-thermal oddities, take a winter whale watching trip and relax in natural spas. Meet the locals as you visit tiny villages along the route and watch out for the northern lights each evening.
Arctic Coast Way – Coast of Fishing Towns and Heritage
Cultural riches flourish in the heart of this section of the Arctic Coast Way. Expect some great hospitality and excellent opportunities to taste ‘the catch of the day’.
Husavik
Quirky museums are also on the agenda including the fascinating Whale Museum at Husavik. From here, Europe’s whale watching capital, head out into Skjalfandi Bay and spot minke and humpback, possibly even a blue whale. Dolphins, porpoises and enchanting puffins also compete for camera space.
Siglufjordur
The small fishing town of Siglufjordur sits on a narrow fjord of the same name. Its heritage lies in the herring industry, but it has achieved more modern fame as the location for Iceland’s acclaimed TV series ‘Trapped’.
Akureryi
With the first and last nights spent in the gateway to the north, you’ll have time to discover some of Akureyri’s many facets: its local museums, botanic gardens and bustling harbour, as well as time to relax in the new Forest Lagoon.
Itinerary
Fly to Akureyri and collect your rental vehicle, before making your way to your hotel for an overnight stay. Spend the rest of the day exploring this interesting town, which has a good range of shops and restaurants, a busy fishing port and a selection of museums.
Drive to Husavik for time to explore this beautiful fjord town or visit the Geo Spa for a relaxing bathe (payable locally). Spend three nights in the fishing town of Husavik.
Optional Experiences
GeoSea
Explore the curious volcanic features around Lake Myvatn, pseudocraters at Skutustadir, boiling mud pools at Namaskard, Krafla volcano and the Viti crater. Hike amongst the strange lava formations at Dimmuborgir or hike up Hverfjall and walk around the rim for amazing 360° views of the area. After a long day, relax in the warm, milky waters of the Nature Baths, the north’s answer to the Blue Lagoon (entrance payable locally).
Optional Experiences
Myvatn Nature Baths
Lake Myvatn Snowmobile Safari
Perhaps take a morning whale watching trip and visit the Husavik Whale Museum. Drive to Asbyrgi for walk in the horseshoe canyon or return to Lake Myvatn for another visit.
Optional Experiences
Husavik Whale Watching Boat Trip
Silent Whale Watching, Husavik
Retrace your route via Akureyri and then enjoy a leisurely drive along the shores of Eyjafjordur, perhaps stopping to visit the unusual baths at Beer Spa (payable locally). Continue to Siglufjordur where you will spend the next two nights.
Optional Experiences
Bjorbodin Beer Spa
Visit the Herring Museum and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this picture-postcard village. Visit the outdoor hot tub and a wonderful restaurant overlooking the marina at Hotel Siglo. Find some excellent cafes dotted amongst Siglufjordur’s historic and colourful harbourside buildings and take time to watch the world go by.
Follow the coast road back to Akureyri for a final night stay. You may wish to visit the new Forest Lagoon geothermal baths (payable locally).
Optional Experiences
Forest Lagoon
Make your way to the airport for your flight home today.
Prices & departures
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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Daily breakfast
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4WD Car rental throughout with unlimited mileage
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No charge for second driver
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £923 Excluding Flights
7 Nights
Jan-Apr & Oct-Dec
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Eric
Countries visited
Sea turtles snorkelled with
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.