24 minute read
THINGS TO DO IN AKUREYRI
THINGS TO DO
The foodie, the outdoorsman, the thrill-seeker, the bird lover, the music fan, the historian: no matter who you are, Akureyri has a wide range of activities and day tours to suit any visitor.
THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
The northern lights are one of the most spectacular shows on earth and can be seen from September through April on clear nights. While you don’t need to come to the north of Iceland to see the northern lights, Akureyri is especially good for northern lights viewing, due to the high mountains on both sides of the fjord. They keep the clouds away – essential for seeing the elusive lights!
WHAT CAUSES THE NORTHERN LIGHTS? It’s electricity that does it – and the sun. Tiny particles from electronic storms on the sun (solar wind) get trapped in the earth’s magnetic field. While rushing around in their magnetic trap, some particles escape into the earth’s atmosphere. When they hit molecules in the atmosphere, these impacts cause the molecules to glow, thus creating the auroras.
WHAT ARE THEY LIKE? The northern lights are best described as translucent sheets or ribbons of lights, dancing across the sky. They’re most often a shade of bluish-green but sometimes tinged with pink or purple. While it’s easy to describe what they look like, the experience of witnessing the northern lights is much harder to put into words. Standing in the arctic darkness underneath the twinkling stars while the northern lights flutter above is something everyone should get to do, at least once in their life. HOW CAN I SEE THEM? As the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, they’re not a reliable attraction. Sometimes they appear, sometimes they don’t. Still, there are some things you can do to increase the likelihood of seeing the lights. You need to get out of the lights of Akureyri, which overshadow the Aurora. Also, for the lights to be visible, the night needs to be clear and cloudless since the lights originate above cloud level. Finally, be prepared, check out the northern lights forecast at en.vedur.is.
Taking a guided tour to see the lights is a popular option.
Knowledgeable guides bring you to the best viewing spots in the beautiful landscapes surrounding Akureyri, tell you everything they know about the magical lights, and if you don’t see any lights, you usually get to go again for free.
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
WHAT TO DO You could go ice skating! Take a spin on the skating rink Skautahöllin at Naustavegur 1 is a perfect way to spend the day with your family. If you didn’t bring your skates, you could always rent a pair. If you’re looking for more action, check out Akureyri’s indoor skatepark Braggaparkið. Bring a board of your own or rent one there. For even bigger thrills, check out The Akureyri zipline and take a thrilling flight over some beautiful natural areas.
Speaking of winter sports, Akureyri is also one of the best places in Iceland for cross-country and downhill skiing, most notably at Mt. Hlíðarfjall. In summer, the ski lifts still operate, allowing hikers a chance to enjoy the views despite the lack of snow. For other seasons, the Akureyri festival calendar is another thing to keep an eye out for. Firm favourites include The First Day of Summer (end of April), National Day (June 17), and the Motorbike Days (June 18-20). pool or take several trips on the waterslide! Having the kids along for your vacation should be a source of pleasure, not stress. Luckily, Akureyri is a family-friendly destination and finding tours, activities, and restaurants that cater to families of all ages is easy. Going horseback riding is bound to be thrilling for
The Christmas Garden Toy Museum
Mt. Hlíðarfjall ski resort
any kid old enough to ride, and there are plenty of options around Akureyri, ranging from short tours for beginners to longer ones for people with some experience. If the kids are more interested in other kinds of animals, go on a whale-watching cruise!
WHERE TO GO How do you feel about Christmas in July? Despite the name, The Christmas Garden is open all year round and only a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Akureyri. The Scandinavian lifestyle boutique Tante Grethe’s Backyard is right next door, and Eplakofinn (The Apple Hut) sells coffee and food on sunny days.
Iceland doesn’t have a lot of wooded areas, but the Kjarnaskógur forest, just outside Akureyri, is the exception that proves the rule. It’s 800ha of forest – complete with two playgrounds, a volleyball field, and plenty of hiking paths ranging from leisurely walks to advanced hikes. The perfect venue for a day out with the family.
If the forest sounds a bit too wild for you, there’s also the Akureyri Botanical Garden, the perfect spot for a picnic. The garden contains nearly all plants that grow wild in Iceland, along with a host of others, including some that only grow in Greenland. Have a coffee at Café Laut, a cosy coffeehouse located inside the Botanical Garden.
For a day of adventure, why not take the ferry to Hrísey island and spend the day exploring? Visit an exhibition dedicated to shark fishing or take a swim in the island’s great pool. The island has lovely hiking trails and plenty of birdlife. Siglufjörður, a town about an hour’s drive north of Akureyri is another fun outing. The Herring Era Museum has exhibitions set up to look like scenes from a time gone by. One of these tableaux is a pier, complete with boats from the era. A walk on the pier is encouraged, and you even get to climb aboard the boats themselves!
WHEN IT RAINS Rainy days don’t have to be a damper on your trip. Akureyri has a multitude of museums, of which most will appeal to a younger audience as well. Akureyri Museum is a great place to start, with its visual history of the evolution of Akureyri. Close by is the Toy Museum at Friðbjarnarhús, featuring vintage toys from the 20th century.
Another great museum is Nonni’s House, the childhood home of Nonni, or Jón Sveinsson. He is the author of several autobiographical children’s books about his childhood in Akureyri, and the stories of his escapades with his brother Manni in 19th-century Akureyri have been translated into over thirty languages.
For parents of budding engineers, there’s also the Aviation Museum, filled with aeroplanes of all shapes and sizes, and another one dedicated to motorcycles.
Whale watching © Saga Travel
Iceland is a world-class destination for skiing, and some of the best ski slopes can be found in the Tröllaskagi area in northern Iceland. With vertical descents of up to 1,500m (4,900ft), thousands of peaks and slopes for all beginners, as well as experienced skiers, Akureyri and the surrounding area are a paradise for skiers and mountaineers.
SKIING IN AKUREYRI
Hlíðarfjall, the ski area of Akureyri, is situated just 5km (3mi) outside of town. With 23 alpine slopes, it’s Iceland’s most popular and most advanced ski resort. The ski area has a vertical drop of 537m (1,762ft), and the longest trail is more than 2.5km (1.6mi) long. It is equipped with seven ski lifts, and a brand-new lift is expected to be operational in the coming winter. “Snow cannons” ensure an early opening of the season, which extends from the end of November until early May. For those who want to go skiing during the shortest days of the year, there are floodlights that make night skiing possible.
If the crowds at Hlíðarfjall are too much for you, you’ll find some smaller ski resorts in the villages of Dalvík and Siglufjörður. Check out www.skiiceland.is for more information. Iceland is a world-class destination for skiing and some of the best ski slopes can be found in the Tröllaskagi area in northern Iceland. With vertical descents of up to 1,500m (4,900ft), thousands of peaks and slopes for all beginners as well as experienced skiers, Akureyri and the surrounding area are a paradise for skiers and mountaineers. By the village of Grenivík, snowcat tours are offered to the top of Mt. Kaldbakur (1,173m). Aside from the wonderful view from the top, you also get the chance to skip the ride back down and put your skis on instead.
Heli-skiing is also a growing sport in the area with a season running from around mid-March until the beginning of June, with generally excellent corn skiing and the occasional powder dump. Take a helicopter to the top of a mountain and ski down practically untouched mountain slopes.
From July until early September, chairlift Fjarkinn is operated for hikers and bikers, opening Mt. Hlíðarfjall for recreational activities in summer, too. The ski lift will be open Thursdays & Fridays from 5 pm to 9 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. A ticket costs 1,100 ISK, a day pass 4,400 ISK, and a weekend pass 10,800.
IF TAKING THE SKI LIFT IS JUST TOO MUCH WORK
IN THE SUMMER
HIKING AROUND AKUREYRI
One of the best ways to get in touch with nature is to go hiking, and you do not have to go far outside of Akureyri for a great hike. Hiking trails range from family-friendly to challenging and unique, offering options for those looking for a leisurely stroll as well as avid hikers. Always check the weather forecast before you set off, as Icelandic weather can change in a heartbeat, and it is good to be prepared. Ensure you have the right equipment and leave your travel plans on www.safetravel.is if you are going far.
GLÉRARDALUR Glerárdalur is an uninhabited valley southwest of Akureyri, named after the river Glerá. There is an 11km hiking trail with a gentle slope leading down the valley to mountain hut Lambi, which needs to be booked beforehand if you want to use it. Newly developed trails connect the valley to the recreational area Kjarnaskógur and Mt. Hlíðarfjall. Take the ski lift up mt. Hlíðarfjall for easy access to the Glerárdalur hiking trails.
KROSSANESBORGIR Krossanesborgir is a nature reserve north of Akureyri with beautiful coastal trails and lots of bird watching opportunities in summer. No less than 27 bird species nest there, including the arctic tern, black-headed gull, herring gull, and the black-tailed godwit. With 190 plant species, vegetation is also diverse. In autumn, locals like to pick berries in the area.
NAUSTABORGIR Naustaborgir is a nature reserve southwest of Akureyri with lots of family-friendly tracks. During the summer months, Naustaborgir offers a fun and easy walk to a bird-watching shelter overlooking a low-lying wetland with grassy vegetation. Often sighted bird species include the whimbrel, godwit, common snipe, several species of gulls, the white wagtail, and the meadow pipit. SKÓLAVARÐA Skólavarða (School cairns) is a cairn in the Vaðlaheiði mountain range on the eastern side of Eyjafjörður fjord, opposite Akureyri. A popular round trip to the cairn takes two+ hours on a straight but steep path, starting from the parking lot. From the cairn, you can see Akureyri, Eyjafjörður fjord, and Fnjóskadalur valley if you walk east up on the mountain.
HRÍSEY Hrísey is a small island of 11,5 square kilometres close to Akureyri, with high cliffs on the east coast and sand beaches on the west and south coast. Access to the island’s northern side is limited as it is privately owned and protected because eider ducks breed there, but the south side, where the village is, has plenty of good hiking options. You can read more about Hrísey on page 12.
MT. SÚLUR Mt. Súlur is Akureyri’s much-loved “town mountain”. The hike up Mt. Súlur takes about 4.5 hours from the parking lot and has an elevation of 800m. From the top, you get beautiful views of Akureyri and Eyjafjörður fjord. It is also possible to start this hike from downtown Akureyri, adding two hours one way to the hiking time.
Golf court Akureyrar SEE THE LARGER MAP JAÐARSTÚN KJARNAGATAGOLFVALLAVEGUR ON PAGES 94-95 HEIÐART. HJALLAT. HÓLAT. BAUGAT. FOSSAT. GEISALT. HAMRATÚN ÁSATÚN HOLTAT.
KLETTAT.
SKÁLATÚN
STEKKJARTÚN HÓLAT.
MELAT. MIÐT.
HÖFÐAGATA LÆKJARGATA
AÐALSTRÆTI DUGGUFJ. BJARKARL. REYNILUNDUR
MIÐHÚSABRAUTDAGGARLUNDUREIKARLUNDUR BRÁL. HJALLAL. BEYKILUNDUR LERKILUNDUR GRENILUNDUR SKÓGARLUNDUR HEIÐARL. HLÍÐARL. DALSBRAUT
MÝRARVEGUR HINDARL. HÖRPULUNDUR HÖRPUL. HJARLARL. HRINGTEIGUR MÍMISBRAUTJÖRVABYGGÐ HÁLUL. SUÐURB. MOSAT.
SUNNUTRÖÐ SKÓGARL. ESPILUNDUR BIRKILUNDUR EINL.
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ÞÓRUNNARSTRÆTI
LÆKJARGATA SPÍTALAVEGURTÓNATRÖÐ HAFNARSTRÆTIAÐALSTRÆTI BÚÐARFJ.
LEIRUVEGUR VÍÐIL. ÞINGVALLASTRÆTIDALSGERÐI
KLEIFARG.KVISTAG.HRAUNG. KLETTAG. HÓLSG. DALSG. AKURGERÐI HAMRAGERÐI KOTÁRGERÐI STEKKJAGERÐI
HRAFNAGILSST. VANAB. NORÐURB. BYGGÐAVEGUR RAUÐAM.
HRAFNAGILSST. BARÐSTÚNEYRARLANDSVEGUR
SKÓLASTÍGUR EYRARLANDSV. ÞINGVALLASTRÆTI
HAFNARSTRÆTI
DROTTNINGARBRAUT KLETTABORG
MÝRARVEGUR GRÆNAM.
HAMRAST. ENGIM. VÍÐIM.
LANGAMÝRI KAMBSMÝRI KRINGLUMÝRI
BYGGÐAVEGUR ÁSVEGUR KLETTABORGHRAFNABJÖRG
ÞÓRUNNARSTRÆTI GLERÁREYRAR BORGARBRAUT
HOLTAG. HLÍÐARG.
HJALTEYRARGATA
SÓLVELLIR STRANDGATA EYRARVEGURFJÓLUGATAGRÆNAGATA HRÍSEYJARG. ÆGISGATA RÁNARGATA NORÐURGATA REYNIVELLIR VÍÐIVELLIR GRENIVELLIR
GLERÁRGATAKLAPPARST.BREKKUGATAMUNKAÞVERÁRSTRÆTIBJARKARST.HELGAMAGRASTR. KAUPVANGSSTRÆTI RÁÐHÚS TORG GRÁNUFÉLAGSG.NORÐURG LUNDARG. EIÐSVALLAGATASKIPAG. HOFSBÓT TÚNGATAGRÁNUFÉ. SMÁRAG. ODDEYRARGATAODDAG.BJARMAST.GILSBAKKAV. HVANNAVELLIR
WALKING IN AKUREYRI
GRÁNUFÉLAGSGATALAUFÁSGATAKALDBAKSGATASTRANDGATA SILFURTANGI
HISTORICAL PATH (BLUE) 4,1km/2,5mi
The blue path takes you through the historic old town of Akureyri, with its colourful and historic buildings. The birthplace of Akureyri, this area is characterised by the steep slopes and stunning views it offers.
Start your walk at Ráðhústorg square. The name translates to Town Hall Square, although the planned town hall was never actually built! Walk south, through the centre of town, into the oldest part of Akureyri, with its vividly coloured houses. Walking along Hafnarstræti street, you’ll pass historic buildings, such as the 1906 Akureyri theatre and Sigurhæðir, the former home of poet Matthías Jochumsson (who wrote the national anthem).
You will also come across Akureyri’s most famous ice cream shop, Brynja. When you get to Akureyri Museum, stop to admire the childhood home of Nonni, a popular author of children’s books and a 19th-century church. When you pass the museum, turn right and head up the hill. As you walk towards the centre on your way back towards the Ráðhústorg square, you’ll walk past the Akureyri park and school. Alternatively, walk towards the sea and take the coastal route back. You’ll cross the new Rendezvous Bridge, perfect for a selfie with a view. THE FIRST SETTLERS & TOWN ARCHITECTURE (GREEN) 2,9km/1,2mi
The first settlers of Akureyri in the 10th century were Helgi magri (Helgi the thin) and his wife, Þórunn Hyrna. Taking this path past their statues and following the streets named in their honour will give you a feel for modernday Akureyri.
Starting once again from the Town Hall Square sans town hall, walk up the slope past the Municipal Library to a hill where statues of the first settlers of Akureyri, Helgi Magri and Þórunn Hyrna, look over Eyjafjörður. Fittingly, you walk back towards the town along Helgamagrastræti. The Akureyri geothermal swimming pool is at the end of the street, perfect for a refreshing swim.
Continue along Þórunnarstræti till you get to the Botanical Garden. This beautiful park is the northernmost botanic garden in the world and contains several thousand plant species. When you leave the garden, pass the Akureyri school and walk atop the edge of the hill towards Akureyri church. On your way, you’ll pass the Akureyri Catholic church.
SKARÐSHLÍÐHÖRGÁRBRAUT HRAUNH.
KROSSANESBRAUT EINHOLT ÞVERHOLT MIÐHOLTSTAFHOLTLANGHOLT UNDIRHLÍÐSTÓRHOLT
HJALTEYRARGATA SKIPATANGI FURUVELLIR TRYGGVABRAUTÞÓRSSTÍGUR ÁRSTÍGUR ÓSEYRI NORÐURTANGI NAUSTATANGI
KROSSANESBRAUT ÓSVÖR HLÍÐARBRAUT FREYJUNES SJAFNARNESKROSSANESBRAUTKROSSANES THINGS TO DO
THE SEA & ODDEYRIN (PINK) 1,9 km/0,6mi
If you don’t have a lot of time but would still like to get a feel for the town of Akureyri, take this short walk through the old neighbourhood of Oddeyri by the sea. With its charming old houses, outdoor artwork and stunning view of Eyjafjörðurfjord and the mountains on the other side, this route will give you a taste of what Akureyri is all about.
Starting at the town square, Ráðhústorg, you walk east, towards the sea. You will pass Hof, the cultural centre, on your right. The circular concert hall is undoubtedly impressive, but it has nothing on the view over the Eyjafjörðurfjord.
Take a turn to the left and enter the residential neighbourhood. This is one of the oldest parts of town, and the delightful old houses are painted in every colour of the rainbow. Many homes here feature the classic stone tins that cover many of Akureyri’s oldest houses. Walking back through the neighbourhood will get you back to Ráðhústorg square.
If you have time to spare, you can continue walking south along the coastal path. Not only can you admire the view of Eyjafjörðurfjord and the surrounding mountains, but the path also features plenty of outdoor artwork. RIVER AND GARDENS (ORANGE) 5,1 km/3,1mi
One of the best things about cities and towns in Iceland is that you never feel too far from nature. Even walking through the town of Akureyri, the second-biggest settlement in Iceland, you can still find plenty of peaceful green areas, rivers and gardens.
Walking up Brekkugata street, you’ll find statues of the first settlers of Eyjafjörðurperched atop a wild-looking cliff. As you continue over the hill, you get to the Glerá river that crosses through Akureyri. Follow the walking path along the river and take in the incredible scenery. In the summer, Akureyri often gets the best weather in all of Iceland, making a stroll along the river an absolute delight. Cross the river and pass Akureyri University.
As you walk back towards the town centre, you’ll pass through green areas and playgrounds in the residential areas of Akureyri, getting a look at the peaceful Akureyri life. As you get closer to the centre, you pass the Akureyri swimming pool, which is highly recommended for freshening up after a long walk through nature before ending your walk back at the Ráðhústorg square.
Thanks to copious amounts of geothermal heat, Iceland’s swimming pools, especially the hot tubs, keep us feeling warm, toasty, and relaxed all through the cold and dark winter, as well as the bright summers. Akureyri is no exception, and there are no less than two public swimming pools to be found in town and many more in the surrounding area and towns.
THERMAL POOLS IN AKUREYRI
AKUREYRI THERMAL POOL The Akureyri Thermal Pool is a watery paradise for the whole family. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Akureyri and stays open all year round. The area contains two 25m outdoor pools as well as a 12.5m indoor pool.
Three new waterslides were added to the pool area recently and are already popular with the local children. Inside the building is a hot tub, and the outdoor area has three hot tubs with varying temperatures, up to 42 C. There’s also a refreshing cold tub, a wading pool for the kids and a steam bath. You will also find a hot tub with hydromassage, as well as a new wading pool and sunbathing area. In addition, there’s a play area for children in the surrounding park.
GLERÁRLAUG When Akureyri Thermal Pool is crowded on a sunny day, or when the weather is looking rainy or otherwise unappetising, Glerárlaug Thermal Pool is a great option. Glerárlaug Thermal Pool is perfect for those seeking an indoor pool or a smaller crowd than that of the bigger thermal pool in Akureyri. Its outdoor area features two hot tubs, a children’s wading pool, as well as outdoor dressing rooms.
THERMAL POOLS IN AND AROUND AKUREYRI
Akureyri Thermal Pool Þingvallastræti 21, Akureyri / +354 461 4455 Open:SummerMon-Fri 6:45am-9pm, Sat 8am-9pm, Sun 8am-7:30pm WinterMon-Fri 6:45am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-7pm
Glerárlaug Thermal Pool Höfðahlíð, Akureyri / +354 462 1539 Open: Summer Mon-Fri 6:45am-9pm, Sat 9am-2:30pm, Sun closed Winter Mon-Fri 6:45am-8am & 6pm-9pm, Sat 9am-2:30pm, Sun 9am-12pm
Hrísey Thermal Pool Austurvegi 5, Hrísey / +354 461 2255 Open: Summer Mon-Fri 10:30am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10:30am-5pm Winter Mon closed, Tue, Wed, Thu 3pm-7pm, Fri 3pm-6pm, Sat-Sun 1pm-4pm Grímsey Pool Grímsey / +354 461 3155 Open:Mon-Fri 5pm-6.15pm, Sat-Sun closed.
Hrafnagil Thermal Pool Hrafnagilskóli, Akureyri / +354 464 8140 Open: Summer Mon-Fri 6:30am-10pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm Winter Mon-Thu 6:30am-8am & 2pm-10pm, Fri 6:30am-8am & 2pm-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-7pm
Þelamörk Thermal Pool Þelamörk, Laugalandi / +354 460 1780 Open: Summer Sun-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-6pm Winter Mon-Thu 5pm-10.30pm, Fri closed, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-10.30pm
AKUREYRI’S LARGEST SHOPPING CENTER
SPAS AND RESORTS AROUND AKUREYRI
THE FOREST LAGOON What do you do when the discovery of a hot spring derails road construction? You move the road and open a geothermal resort instead, of course! The Forest Lagoon is just a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Akureyri, but it feels like you’re in a different world. With hot water spewing straight out of the rocky walls and surrounded by the trees and hills of north Iceland, the Forest Lagoon is a magical experience.
Vaðlaskógur, Akureyri +354 585 0090 www.skogarbad.is / www.forestlagoon.is
THE BEER SPA The Kaldi brewery in Árskógssandur is a short drive from Akureyri and offers the chance to try fresh brews right at the source. And you can bathe in it too! The hoppy liquid has properties that soothe the skin and relax the mind, and the beer tubs are perfect for couples looking for a relaxing getaway from the everyday hubbub of life. Dinner at the restaurant overlooking the water is the perfect end to a day willed only with peace of mind.
Árskógssandur +354 414 2828 www.bjorbodin.is THE MÝVATN NATURE BATHS North Iceland’s answer to the famous Blue Lagoon, the milky waters and surrounding lava will look familiar from postcards and enticing holiday photos. But it’s real! The geothermal water is great for your skin, but a dip in the Mývatn nature baths is even better for your soul. Surrounded by Iceland’s geological wonders, black lava as far as the eye can see, the Nature baths are more than a spa: they’re a chance to witness Iceland’s nature at its finest. Close by are geothermal areas with bubbling cauldrons of mud and steam rising from the ground.
Jarðbaðshólar, Mývatn +354 464 4411 www.jardbodin.is
GEOSEA Húsavík is a charming town in northeast Iceland (the one from the Eurovision film), popular for whale watching. The deep water of Skjálfandi bay and the mountains on the other side of it make up the stunning view from the Geothermal Sea Baths. The modern baths are an architectural marvel, but the highlight of the whole experience is enjoying the view while letting the mineral-rich seawater nurture and soothe your skin.
ARCTIC COAST WAY
The Arctic Coast Way is a unique journey following 900km (560mi) of coastal roads close to the Arctic Circle. The perfect route for going off the beaten path, exploring wild nature, and discovering some of the most remote places in Iceland, The Arctic Coast Way covers the fjords and valleys of North Iceland from Hvammstangi in the west to Bakkafjörður in the east.
Driving the Arctic Coast Way means travelling slowly and taking in the beauty. Narrow gravel roads make up one-third of the route, and it’s best to have plenty of time to explore the fishing villages, natural wonders and hiking trails along the way. Drive slowly and look out for birdlife around you and the occasional sheep on the road! Stopping at the designated rest areas to admire the view is a must!
Experiencing the entire route and the islands along the way will take about nine days, but take more time if you want to explore more, or skip some stops if you have less time. The route includes six peninsulas, taking you from black sandy beaches to spectacular cliffs, along glacial river deltas and fjords to high mountains. Just off the coast are tiny islands, some of them inhabited, such as Hrísey or Grímsey, and small towns along the way tell unique stories about life on the edge of the arctic. The route includes 13 beaches, five whale watching spots, ten lighthouses, eight impressive rock formations, and some of Iceland’s best places to watch seals.
Along the Arctic Coast Way is a Birding Trail consisting of 38 bird watching locations, and there are excellent spots for whale watching and seal spotting en route. The route encompasses more than 20 towns with a unique character and 24 cultural sites and museums. In addition, the area offers many outdoor activities, from hiking, biking, and paddling to mountain climbing, skiing, and swimming in one of the many geothermal pools.
Excellent accommodation options are located all along the Arctic Coast way. There are hotels and guesthouses, but also apartments and youth hostels. Wild camping is not allowed in Iceland, but campsites with facilities are in all villages and dotted along the route. Perfect for those camping with a tent as well as for those travelling with a camper van. For a map of the Arctic Coast Way go to page 92-93.
TEN MUST-SEE STOPS ALONG THE ARCTIC COAST WAY
THE NEW COASTAL TOURING ROUTE OF NORTH ICELAND
Arctic Henge Hofsós
1. ARCTIC HENGE
Just outside the little town of Raufarhöfn is Iceland’s answer to the ancient
Stonehenge. The Arctic Henge is a much more recent construction; in fact, it’s still being built! This massive monument to the tales of the Norse gods and nature’s forces is the perfect spot for watching the northern lights or the midnight sun!
2. GLAUMBÆR
Glaumbær is the site of a traditional turf farmhouse and two 19th-century timber houses, which have been inhabited since
Iceland’s settlement.
3. GRÍMSEY
Grímsey is an island 40km off the coast of
North Iceland, touching the Arctic Circle at its northern point. The island is home to many birds, including vast numbers of puffins!
You can take a ferry from Dalvík or fly from
Akureyri to Grímsey in about 30 minutes. 4. WHALE WATCHING
North Iceland has some of the best access to whale watching spots in the entire country. These are some of the most massive creatures on earth, and nothing beats seeing them in their natural habitat.
5. HOFSÓS
In Hofsós, on the east side of Skagafjörður fjord, is a swimming pool that blends in with the landscape and offers fantastic views of the fjord, mountains, and
Drangey island. If you’re lucky, you can see whales playing in the ocean while you are soaking in the warm water.
6. HRÍSEY
Hrísey is an island just off the coast of
Dalvík in North Iceland. You can reach the island by ferry, and on the island, you will find a swimming pool, a guesthouse, a restaurant, a campsite, a café, and a shop.
Other attractions include hiking trails and exhibitions presenting life on the island in years gone by.
7. THE ICELANDIC HERRING ERA MUSEUM
The Herring Era Museum is the largest maritime museum in Iceland. Focused on the history of the rise and fall of the local herring industry, this lively museum reanimates harbour life in the early part of the 20th century.
8. GEOSEA
GeoSea is a modern spa in the charming fishing town of Húsavík. The baths are filled with geothermal seawater, and the minerals in the water revitalise your skin. 9. HVÍTSERKUR
Hvítserkur is a 15m tall natural wonder.
Folklore goes that Hvítserkur once used to be a troll living in Strandir in the Westfjords. One night, Hvítserkur wanted to destroy the church bells of
Þingeyraklaustur monastery because the ringing bothered him. Overly preoccupied with his task, the troll was caught in the sunlight and instantly petrified.
10. HOT TUBS IN HAUGANES
On the beautiful black beach of Hauganes are hot tubs heated with geothermal water from the village. Enjoy the warm water and stunning views.
