DAY 1

DRIVING TOWARDS THE GREAT NORTH

Approx. km driven:

Driving from Reykjavík to your hotel in Dalvík, northern Iceland, takes approx. five hours. You will be making several stops along the way so we recommend an early start. That way you will squeeze the most value from your time today.

Make for the National Route 1, the Ring Road, and set the course for a small town up north called Blönduós. During your drive along the West of Iceland, remember that you’re the boss and if you see something interesting, have a look – provided that the subject of your interest is accessible by car.

When you have about 40 kilometers left towards Blönduós, you will see a sign by the side of the road, signaling aright turn off the National Route 1 and to National Route 715. This road leads to a deep, rugged gorge called Kolugljúfur where Víðidalsá river goes cascading over many waterfalls which bear the name Kolufossar Falls in honor of a fabled giantess called Kola.

Once back up on the Ring Road look out for another detour, this time towards left via National Route 716, the road the leads to Hvítserkur. This imposing 15-meter high sea stack, just offshore on the eastern side of Vatnsnes, looks like a dragon to some, a petrified troll to others. You decide what you think it looks like, as you watch the birds and the seals around the spectacular rock.

Back on the Ring Road, you will soon pass the otherworldly Vatnsdalshólar to your right, a gathering of hills of various sizes strewn across the landscape. While there just might be a legend about a troll who scattered the hills randomly, they were allegedly made in a massive landslide. The hills of Vatnsdalshólar are considered to be one of the three “innumerable” things in Iceland, along with the lakes in Arnarvatnsheiði and the islands in Breiðarfjörður Bay in the west.

Finally, check in at the hotel, for the first of two nights.

Attractions on the way: Mount Esja, Borgarnes, Kolugljúfur, Vatnsdalshólar

DAY 2

FOUR PRETTY VILLAGES IN THE NORTH

Approx. km driven:

Dalvík is just one of the friendly little fishing villages in the vicinity, and today you will get to know them all, quirks and characteristics included. Apart from Dalvík itself, where you are staying, a drive counterclockwise around the peninsula takes you to Ólafsfjörður, Siglufjörður and finally Hofsós. Each has a bit of local magic of their own, but a special mention has to go to the final stop, Hofsós.

The town of Hofsós is lovely, and a major part of that town is the local swimming pool. Not to take away from other pools in Iceland, but the Hofsós swimming pool is, in a word: magnificent. Arguably the most beautiful swimming pool in Iceland, it is designed by the same architect that brought us the one and only Blue Lagoon facilities. The pool has been built into the hillside above the sea with breathtaking views over Skagafjörður bay, all the way to Drangey island. The views from the pool are a combination of striking shades of blue; the crisp clear blue color of the swimming pool itself, the dark green-blue sea, the indigo blue of the islands and mountains in the distance, and finally whichever blue shade the sky will sport on the day you visit.

Once relaxed and refreshed, head back for Dalvík for the second night at the hotel.

Attractions on the way: Siglufjörður, Hofsós, Hólar í Hjaltadal

DAY 3

WALK IN THE WOODS AND THE BIGGEST TOWN OF THE NORTH

Approx. km driven:

A 35-minute drive will get you to Akureyri, the capital of the North. Along the way is Bruggsmiðjan, Iceland’s first ever craft brewery, at Árskógssandur. The brewery welcomes visitors but book your visit in advance and remember – no beer for the driver.

A busy, bustling town of Akureyri, home to about 20.000 people. Here you will find galleries, museums (the Icelandic Aviation Museum among them), numerous restaurants and shops. The Botanical Gardens are a major attraction, as are the northernmost 18-hole golf course in the world and excellent skiing slopes in Hlíðarfjall mountain.

It is sometimes said that Iceland has no trees. Well, Akureyri begs to differ. South of Akureyri is Kjarnaskógur forest, one of the biggest in the country and a wonderful place to visit. The area has 7 kilometers of lit trail in addition to a vast network of backcountry trails. Kjarnaskógur also features 10 kilometers of designated mountain bike trail. Additionally, there are two playgrounds, picnic areas, barbeque facilities, restrooms and a volleyball field as well.

Finish the day by driving towards Húsavík and checking into the hotel.

Attractions on the way: Árskógsandur and Bruggsmiðjan Brewery, Akureyri, Kjarnaskógur, Aldeyjarfoss

DAY 4

HÚSAVÍK, THE WHALE WATCHING CAPITAL OF THE NORTH

Approx. km driven:

Rise and shine, time to meet Húsavík. Húsavík is a town on the north coast of Iceland on the shores of Skjálfandi bay with around 2,185 inhabitants. The most famous landmark of the town and one you will notice immediately is the wooden church Húsavíkurkirkja, built in 1907. The shape of the building is unusual for churches in Iceland and the building plan takes the form of a cross. Built using wood imported from Norway, the church is open most days over the tourist season, and admission is free. Just open the door and take a look.

Among the various activities on offer are birdwatching, golf and horseback riding, but Húsavík really is the country’s capital when it comes to whale watching. If you want to see the gentle giants swim, roll around and splash in the water, look no further. The town of Húsavík is widely recognized as one of the best locations in the world from which to watch whales. In fact, there is a higher chance of seeing whales in Húsavík than any other place in Iceland.  Retire for the night at the hotel.

Attractions on the way: Whale Watching boat trip, Húsavík Whale Museum, Húsavík Museum House, Mánarbakki Folk Museum, Húsavíkurkirkja church.

DAY 5

THE MAJESTY OF LAKE MÝVATN AND THE QUEEN OF ICELANDIC MOUNTAINS

Approx. km driven:

It only takes approx. 40 minutes to drive from Húsavík to Lake Mývatn and it’s spectacular surroundings, but you will still believe you have entered another world, if not another dimension. Lake Mývatn is truly one of the highlights of the north and therefore this tour.

In a country of spectacular nature, a place that never ceases to amaze is Lake Mývatn. Mývatn is a shallow lake situated in an area of active volcanism in the north of Iceland, not far from Krafla volcano. The lake and its surrounding wetlands have an exceptionally rich fauna of waterbirds, especially ducks, in a strange landscape of rock formations where volcanic eruptions have played a crucial role. Some fantastic hiking trails can be found around the lake and among the more popular is to climb up to the crater of Hverfjall. Walk the whole circle around the rim of this beautiful tephra ring which is one of the largest in the world. You can also rent a bike and cycle around the lake.

After your activities of choice, you will visit the Mývatn Nature Baths for a wonderful relaxation.

The Nature Baths, a man-made construction which uses water from the National Power Company´s borehole in Bjarnarflag, contains a large amount of minerals, is alkaline and well suited for bathing. Due to its chemical composition, undesired bacteria and vegetation do not thrive in the lagoon making chloride or any other disinfectant completely redundant.

All major services are provided in the village of Reykjahlid, next to Lake Mývatn, such as a mini supermarket, bank, post office, health care center, school and swimming pool. At Lake Myvatn, different types of accommodation are available as well as good restaurants and cafés.

A two-hour drive further South gets you to Herðubreið, often called the Queen of Icelandic mountains. This is fitting enough as the mountain looks crown-like in shape. Herðubreið is a circular table-mountain, or tuya, and rises over 3500 feet above the surrounding area, 5518 feet above sea level.

Drive back to the hotel for the night.

Attractions on the way: Lake Mývatn, Hverfjall, Mývatn Nature Baths, Bjarnarflag, Dimmuborgir, Herðubreið

DAY 6

THE HOOFPRINT OF ODIN’S HORSE AND EUROPE’S MOST POWERFUL WATERFALL

Approx. km driven:

You don’t have to adhere to the ancient Norse religion of Odin, Thor, Loki et al. but it wouldn’t hurt when you visit Ábyrgi. According to myth, this horse-shoe shaped canyon is exactly that; the hoofprint of Sleipnir, Odin’s octapod horse. This gigantic rock formation, with a thick forest covering its floor, is a geological wonder in a class of its own, in a country rich in geological wonders. Sleipnir must have been a sizeable creature, considering Ásbyrgi is about 3.5km in length and 1.1km wide. But then, Odin was the chief of the Norse gods.

An hours drive delivers you in the clutches of Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. This booming cascade may be in the middle of nowhere but don’t expect any peace and quiet as the crushing noise from the waterfall is deafening. Cinema enthusiasts will likely remember Dettifoss as the star of the opening scene of Ridley Scott’s sci-fi epic Prometheus.

You also have the option of driving to Raufarhöfn, a town literally on the edge of the country. Raufarhöfn is on the northeastern tip of the Melrakkaslétta peninsula in Iceland, and there you will find the Arctic Henge (Heimskautsgerðið) which is under construction. Similar to its ancient predecessor, Stonehenge, the Arctic Henge is like a huge sundial, aiming to capture the sun rays, cast shadows in precise locations and capture the light between aligned gateways.  Head back again to the hotel for the night.

Attractions on the way: Ásbyrgi, Dettifoss waterfall, Arctic Henge.  

DAY 7

DRIVE BACK AND BEST BITS REVISITED

Approx. km driven:

You have at least a 5-hour drive back to Reykjavík on your hands, and if you take the day early, you can make a fantastic trip out of it, by either checking off locations you didn’t get to see on the way North, or revisit those that you found really captivating. However you decide to spend the drive back, do drive carefully and enjoy the ride.

Attractions on the way: Akureyri, Varmahlíð, Blönduós, Vatnsdalshólar, Laugarbakki, Hvalfjörður bay, Mount Esja.

Have a safe trip back home and until we meet again – bless!

All rooms are with a private bathroom at three-star hotels or similar at quality guesthouses. Located in the city center or in close vicinity. Breakfast is included.

Luxury Rooms

This category features rooms at a design hotel in the city center with a private bathroom at the absolute best locations downtown or seaside locations such as the Fosshótel Reykjavík. Breakfast is included.

Luxury Extra

For those who are in for the very best and prefer to stay at high-end luxury accommodation, please email us to info@goicelandic.com directly after booking. We will suggest a specially customized upgrade for your stay. Please note that special requests are subject to additional cost.

GO ICELANDIC EXCLUSIVE –  VEHICLES

Go Icelandic offer just the right selection of vehicles to suit your wishes. Just book the one that fits your needs and travel plans. Our rental partners offer only highest quality vehicles and service to our guests and customers with care.

Our self-drive packages include only newest models of cars in each category or maximum 2 years old. Most of the fleet is equipped with a GPS for your safety and comfort. Please see the categories of available vehicles and select the car you need for a magical vacation in Iceland. Based on weather conditions we do recommend a comfortable 4X4 as a minimal standard for winter traveling due to the high probability of snow, and subsequently the possibility of icy and challenging road conditions.

Budget Option – 5 Persons Max

Great 2WD vehicle for your comfort. Great for regular road conditions and traveling enjoyment. We offer a selection of cars like KIA, VW, and Toyota or similar in all our tours. Does not fit for offroad driving.

Comfort 4X4 Option – 5 Persons Max

A medium sized SUV with 4 Wheel Drive (4×4), fit for most travel, and capable of snow and off-asphalt travel, such as Toyota, KIA or similar. This vehicle has basic highland capabilities.

Luxury 4×4 Option – 5 Persons Max

A large sized SUV with 4 Wheel Drive (4×4) such as Toyota Land Cruiser 150 or similar, capable of nearly all traveling routes. This vehicle has full highland capabilities to drive on accessible mountain roads.