Iceland’s Arctic Coast Way

Day by day itinerary

• Day 1 » UK to Reykjavik

  Flying out to Keflavík Airport, pick up your hire car and make your way to your hotel in downtown Reykjavik. You'll be staying within easy walking distance of many of the Icelandic capital's top attractions, including the 74-metre high Hallgrimskirkja church, the bustling shopping street of Laugavegur, and Harpa concert hall. Besides sightseeing, you could also enjoy a soothing bathe in the Sky Lagoon or take to the water on a whale watching excursion from the Old Harbour. Later on, there's an abundance of choice when it comes to eating out, ranging from traditional Icelandic restaurants to trendy food halls serving a wide range of international cuisines. 

  Stay: Hotel Reykjavík Centrum, Iceland

• Day 2 » Laugarbakki

  After breakfast, you’ll set off towards Iceland’s northern shores, with a chance to stop at the stunning Hvammsvik Hot Springs for a delightfully scenic dip before continuing on to the start of the Arctic Coast Way at Hvammstangi. Here, the superb Trade Museum brings to life the region’s centuries-old merchant past, while seal-watching trips depart from the quiet harbour. You’ll stay at the welcoming Hotel Laugarbakki, whose understated façade belies a Scandi-chic interior. Here, you’ll be treated to an included dinner of fresh, local food from the region, along with complimentary use of the hot tubs – perfect for enjoying under the Midnight Sun.

  Stay: Hotel Laugarbakki
  

  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 3 » Saudarkrokur

  With the coastal road hugging the shore, you’ll continue around the peninsula today, discovering island hikes and quiet seaside towns home to historic textile traditions. Hvítserkur Beach is a special highlight for its black sand, seal watching and spectacular rock formations, which rank as some of Iceland’s most impressive. There’s also the gorgeously positioned geothermal pool at Grettislaug Beach, which gazes out to sea. Come the evening, you’ll stay at Iceland’s oldest hotel, whose 19th-century colourful-timber charm is joined by a hot-spring pool. Don’t also miss out on the excellent pastries at the nearby Saudarkroks Bakery.

  Stay: Hotel Tindastoll
  

  Meals: Breakfast

• Days 4-5 » Siglufjordur

  Today’s drive will see you continue to map the coast, enjoying views of the Arctic sea to your left and the rolling Icelandic greenery to your right, dotted with farms. Unsurprisingly, the horse-riding here is excellent. Other highlights include Hofsós’s basalt-column giants' causeway and exhibitions on the 13th-century Battle of Iceland – the most important of the Icelandic Sagas. The day ends at the superb Siglo Hotel, set right on this former fishing town’s idyllic harbour, taking in the views from timber-accented rooms. You’ll have two nights here, exploring the town’s microbreweries and quaint galleries, including the superb Herring Museum and Folk Music Center. There’s also fantastic hiking on the wild Troll Peninsula.
  

  Stay: Siglo Hotel, Siglufjordur

  Meals: Breakfast

• Days 6-7 » Lake Mvatn

  Continuing west, you’ll follow a mighty fjord before dipping inland. Along the way, there’s everything from Dalvik’s whale watching and the cute island settlement of Hrísey to the iconic Goðafoss waterfall and a craft brewery with its own beer spa. There’s also Akureyri, whose small-town charm plays out across church spires, botanical gardens and idyllic harbour. Then, with two nights in a delightfully contemporary hotel on Lake Myvatn’s glorious shores, all of the region’s geothermal treasures are perfectly accessible. And, alongside the lava formations, mud pools and steam vents where locals bake bread, be sure to relax in Myvatn Nature Baths – a superb, quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon.

  Stay: Icelandair Hotel Lake Myvatn

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 8 » Húsavík

  Today, you’ll explore the far east of the Arctic Coast Way, taking in its wild extreme. It’s the route’s most remote section, taking you between gorgeous hikes among alien rock formations and the gannet colonies of Skoruvikurbjarg. You’ll end in Húsavík, a colourful fishing town billed as Iceland’s “Whale Watching Capital”. After an optional wildlife-watching cruise or soak in the town’s geothermal pool, bed down in your minimalist-chic accommodation, just moments from the harbour.

  Stay: Fosshotel Húsavík

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 9 » Reykjavik

  With a variety of flight timings, you’ll have the option to spend more time in Húsavík before dropping off your car at the airport and flying back to Reykjavik for the final night of your Icelandic adventure. If you fancy picking up a souvenir or two, head to Laugavegur or Skólavörðustígur, where you'll find a plethora of shops selling all kinds of Icelandic trinkets and memorabilia. 
  

  Stay: Hotel Reykjavík Centrum, Iceland

  Meals: Breakfast

• Day 10 » Depart for UK

  After some time at leisure, take your included transfer back to the airport for your flight home.
  

  Meals: Breakfast