TEN MUST-SEE STOPS ALONG THE ARCTIC COAST WAY

The New Coastal Touring Route Of North Iceland

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 under construction! 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 farm was one of the original estates settled during the first decades of Iceland’s settlement before the year 1,000 AD. Today, it is the site of a traditional turf farmhouse and two 19th-century timber houses, open to the public.

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 home to the Emigration Centre, dedicated to the people who left Iceland around the turn of the 20th century in search of a better life in North-America, as well as a swimming pool that blends in with the landscape and offers fantastic views of the fjord, mountains, and Drangey island.

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.

GeoSea is a modern spa in the charming fishing town of Húsavík, with incomparable views. 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.