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north iceland coastline near husavik winter istk

Arctic Coast Way – Winter Highlights

From £1098

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’.

Akureyri

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 Earth Lagoon, the north’s answer to the Blue Lagoon (entrance payable locally).

Optional Experiences

Earth Lagoon Myvatn

Formerly known as Myvatn Nature Baths, Earth Lagoon draws geothermal water from depths of 2,500m to create a stunning outdoor lagoon rich in minerals. You’ll also find a swim-up bar, steam baths and a café – all with far-reaching views.
north iceland lake myvatn snowmobiling geotrav

Lake Myvatn Snowmobile Safari

During winter, when Lake Myvatn freezes over, this one-hour snowmobile safari is a thrilling way to admire the snow-covered scenery. The snowmobiles are easy to drive, and overalls, helmets and gloves are provided.

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

north iceland husavik humpback whale breaching ns

Husavik Whale Watching Boat Trip 

Having pioneered whale watching tours in Iceland back in 1988, we’re big fans of these three-hour trips aboard a traditional oak-hulled trawler in search of minke, humpback and even blue whales. There’s a 97% success rate – and hot chocolate and cinnamon buns are served onboard.
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

  • Full financial protection

From £1098 Excluding Flights

7 Nights

Jan-Apr & Oct-Dec

Your Holiday Pricing
Prices are per person based on two people sharing and are subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will provide a final price tailored to your specific dates and requirements.

 

What’s Included:
Items listed and all known compulsory taxes and charges.

 

What’s Not Included:
Variable local costs like tolls, parking or hotel taxes that cannot be calculated in advance. We will provide guidance on these expected costs within your personalised quote.

Our holiday prices also exclude flights. Flight prices and offers change daily, so we’ll provide a bespoke quote based on your preferred airport at the best price available.

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.

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Eric
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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.

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