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north iceland coastline near husavik winter istk

Arctic Coast Way – Winter Highlights

From £923

Excluding Flights

7 Nights

Jan-Apr & Oct-Dec

Overview

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

iceland north east husavik geosea salt baths daytime swimming

GeoSea

Reconnect, decompress, and enjoy Icelandic nature in a rare union of mineral-rich seawater and heat from the Earth's core.

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

Soak in milky-blue geothermal waters whilst taking in the magical views of the area around Lake Myvatn in north east Iceland.
north iceland lake myvatn snowmobiling geotrav

Lake Myvatn Snowmobile Safari

Enjoy a one-hour snowmobile tour from Lake Myvatn, with stops along the way to admire the landscape. Driving a snowmobile through a vast landscape of volcanoes, with contrasting scenery of black lava and white snow is an experience of a lifetime.

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

iceland north east husavik whale watching rth

Husavik Whale Watching Boat Trip 

Husavik, in North East Iceland, is recognised as 'Europe’s Whale Watching Capital' and is also home to the fascinating Whale Museum.
iceland whale watching aboard electric schooner opal ns

Silent Whale Watching, Husavik

Sail around Skjálfandi Bay on a completely silent boat and observe whales in their natural habitat causing them minimum disturbance.

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

north iceland bjorbodin beer baths nitb

Bjorbodin Beer Spa

Soak away the stress of modern life by relaxing in a bath of warm beer.

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

north iceland forest lagoon bathing render

Forest Lagoon

Relax in the sheltered waters of Iceland's newest geothermal pools

Make your way to the airport for your flight home today.

Prices & departures

What's Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom

  • Daily breakfast

  • 4WD Car rental throughout with unlimited mileage

  • No charge for second driver

  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday

  • No surcharge guarantee

  • 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 in Norway
Eric
34

Countries visited

8

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. 

Experts with real experience