The Burial Rites Road Trips is inspired by the novel, Burial Rites, which is set in the final days of Agnes Magnusdottir, a young woman who was the last person executed in Iceland on January 12, 1830.  Kent’s retelling of Agnes’s powerful story has received international acclaim for its historical detail and ability to draw readers into the setting of 19th-century rural Iceland.  A film adaptation starring Oscar-winning Jennifer Lawrence as Agnes is currently in production.

On your trip, you will be able to explore Vatnsnes Peninsula in northern Iceland, where most of the events that inspired the novel took place.  Vatnsnes is a hauntingly-beautiful area where the land, sea and sky seem to merge.  In addition to historical locations that inspired Burial Rites, Vatnsnes is home to spectacular natural wonders, a large colony of seals, and historical events from the Viking era. Each location you visit will be detailed in your Iceland Travel Companion app, further enhancing your experience.

You will also have the chance to explore the less-travelled Troll Peninsula, Akureyri and Lake Myvatn area, plus Iceland’s lively capital, Reykjavik.

Highlights

  • Visit the hauntingly beautiful Vatnsnes Peninsula
  • Immerse yourself in the historical locations that inspired Hannah Kent’s award-winning novel Burial Rites
  • Visit a natural fortress used during Viking times
  • Learn about how north Icelandic farmers lived during the early 19th century
  • Visit the less-travelled Troll Peninsula and explore the charming town of Siglufjordur
  • Visit Akureyri and the Lake Myvatn region
  • Visit Reykjavik, where you can explore local cuisine and culture and learn about Iceland’s unique history.

Places you will get to explore

Reykjavik. Cool, quirky, and cutting-edge, Reykjavik will captivate you. The city’s enticing combination of jaw-dropping nature just outside its doorstep and cosmopolitan delights is mesmerizing. The greater Reykjavik area has about a total of 60% of Iceland’s population.

North Iceland. Dancing along the edge of the Arctic Circle, North Iceland probably sounds pretty cold! Surprisingly, this area experiences some of the mildest temperatures in the country and offers a huge spectrum of scenery to explore, from the soft and gentle to the awesomely spectacular. Rich in history and wildlife, with amazing volcanic landscapes, unusual museums, a wealth of antique farms, fjords and saga sites, it’s no wonder the region was recently named a top European destination by Lonely Planet!

Vatnsnes Peninsula. The Vatnsnes peninsula gives you the best view of Hunafloi Bay’s seal population. Vatnsnes is a peninsula jutting into Hunafloi in northern Iceland. It is surrounded by waters of Midfjordur on the west and Hunafjordur on the east. It is home to one of the largest seal colonies in Iceland, among others at Hindisvik and Osar. Seals have been protected for many years in Hindisvik.

Troll peninsula.  One of most hidden Icelandic gems is Trollaskagi peninsula, a truly astonishing and fascinating kingdom a bit separated from the rest of the country because of the high and dense mountains which cover it all.

Siglufjodur. On a coastal fjord less than 40 kilometres (25 mi ) from the Arctic Circle, the humble town of Siglufjordur was from 1905-1965 the booming fishing capital of Iceland and for a time, the herring capital of the world. Over the years, marine resources dwindled and the once thriving ‘Siglo’ declined in quiet isolation.

Akureyri. Akureyri, 45 minutes by air or a five-hour drive from Reykjavik, is a natural base for travellers with a whole world of nature right on its doorstep. Akureyri makes an ideal choice for winter breaks, with some of the finest ski slopes in Iceland as well as opportunities for snowmobiling, horse rentals, ice fishing and Northern Lights hunting.

What to bring:

Learn more about what to pack for you Iceland adventure here.

**Please note that the package price is based on 6×24 hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 7, an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik and use our Flybus departure transfer.

Included

  • Accommodation for 6 nights including breakfast (except arrival day)
  • Rental car for 6 days with CDW, theft protection, unlimited mileage, VAT (Types of Car recommended: car cat 2.0 or higher)
  • FREE GPS system and no charges for an additional driver
  • Car pick up/drop off at Keflavik International Airport
  • Emergency phone line available 24/7
  • Service fee and taxes
  • Tablet with our exclusive Iceland Travel Companion. The app includes:
    • Points of interest specific to Agnes’s story as well as thousands of  points for nature sites, other historic places, and road side services
    • Safety guidelines and the apps of the Icelandic Meteorological Office and The Icelandic Road Administration
    •  Useful information about your booking, including detailed descriptions of confirmed hotels,  and  a GPS road guide to each hotel
    • A map view of the Iceland road trip
    • Detailed pdf travel book about Iceland in English, Spanish, Italian, Dutch and French

Not Included

  • Breakfast on arrival day
  • International airfare
  • Petrol/gasoline
  • Admissions and activities
  • Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Beverages, snacks, lunches, dinners unless otherwise noted in itinerary
  • Guaranteed early check-in (check-in time for most hotels in Iceland is 14:00 (2:00 pm)
  • Guaranteed late check-out
  • Any service not specifically listed under “included”

Important

  • Must be 21 years of age to rent a car, 23 years of age to rent car category 5.0 or higher.
  • Car rental types 2.0 and higher recommended for this tour
  • Learn about packing essentials for your trip to Iceland here.
  • Please note that this package can only be booked online.
  • Our road trip packages are designed by our team of travel experts. They are created for people like you who want to experience the very best of what Iceland has to offer. To get the best value Iceland Travel has to offer, book our road trips online. Please note that changes to the packages will incur a service fee.
  • With our exclusive road trip app you don´t have to worry about missing out and you will always find your way to your hotel after a full day of traveling. It is easy to book day tours and activities in the app when you are on the road.
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Day 1

Highlights: Reykjavik The Blue Lagoon National Museum Parliament House Harpa Concert Hall Hallgrimskirkja

Optional Tours: Reykjavik Food Walk Perlan – Glaciers and Ice Cave Exhibition Chocolate Factory Tour

Arrival

Keflavik international airport- Blue lagoon- Reykjavik

Once you have landed at Keflavik Airport in Iceland, please pick up your luggage and head through customs, your car rental will be available for pick-up just beyond customs. Once you have your car, head onward towards Reykjavik and check-in at your hotel in Reykjavik city.  The day is yours to rest and use at your own leisure. You might consider a visit to the National Museum, which focuses on the cultural history of Iceland. The axe and the block used at Agnes Magnusdottir’s execution is on display here as well as the jaw bones of Agnes and Fridrik.

If your flight arrives early in the day, you might stop at the Blue Lagoon (a short distance from the airport) for a chance to relax in the soothing geothermal mineral waters.

Overnight in Reykjavik.

Please note that admission to the Blue Lagoon must be booked in advance.

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Day 2

Highlights: Glanni Waterfall Paradisarlaut Borgarnes

Optional Tours: Krauma Nature Baths Seal and Nature Watching (from Hvammstangi)

Travel from Reykjavik to Laugarbakki

Glanni Waterfall – Laugarbakki

Breakfast at your hotel.  Drive towards Laugarbakki in northwest Iceland.

On your way, visit the Glanni Waterfall, said to be the dwelling place of elves and trolls. Nearby is the Paradise Hollow, a beautiful oasis in the middle of a lava field. Park your car by the golf course and from there is a walking path that will lead to the waterfall and the hollow. The viewing deck offers a great view of Glanni. You can buy provisions at the coffee shop by the car park and enjoy a wonderful picnic by the waterfall or in Paradise Hollow.

Afterwards, drive onwards to your hotel in Laugarbakki.

Overnight in Laugarbakki.

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Day 3

Highlights: Vatnsnes Peninsula Hvítserkur

Burial Rites and Vatnsnes Peninsula

Vatnsnes Peninsula – Burial Rites Historical locations – North Iceland nature and history

Breakfast at your hotel.  Today you will explore Vatnsnes Peninsula in the Hunavatnssysla district, the home and execution place of Agnes Magnusdottir. Give yourself plenty of time to explore the sites connected with Agnes Magnusdottir‘s deeply moving story.

Visit Illugastadir, where the murders took place.  The ruined remains of Natan‘s workshop can still be seen here.  Visit the cemetery of Efra-Nupi in Nupsdalur in Midfjordur and see the burial site of the Icelandic poetess Rosa Gudmundsdottir who was Natan’s lover and wrote the moving lyrics to the traditional lullaby Visur Vatnsenda Rosu. Also visit Thristapar, the site of the executions, and Tjorn church, where Agnes Magnusdottir and Fridrik Sigurdsson are buried. You can find the details of each location in your Iceland Travel Companion app.

Other highlights include a Viking-era rock fortress and the magnificent Hvítserkur sea stacks.  Alternatively, picnic in Blönduós or try seal watching while sipping on hot cocoa and nibbling on cinnamon buns from the nearby town of Hvammstangi.

Overnight in Laugarbakki.

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Day 4

Highlights: Siglufjordur Dalvik Trollaskagi – Troll Peninsula The Herring Era Museum Hofsos

The Gems of the Troll Peninsula

Siglufjordur – Dalvik – Herring Era Museum – Troll Peninsula

One of most hidden Icelandic gems is Tröllaskagi peninsula, a truly astonishing and fascinating kingdom a bit separated from the rest of the country because of the high and dense mountains which cover it all. The highest point is mount Kerling, Kerlingarfjöll, with its 1538mt, and two fjords flank the peninsula.

Driving the Troll Peninsula is an epic fairy tale route, along with the spectacular coastline, through small fishing communities like Dalvik, Olafsfjordur and Siglufjordur where you will stay overnight.  On your way to Siglufjordur, we recommend making a stop at the old turf farm Glaumbær. There you can see two 19th century timber houses and the historical church called Vidimyri.

Visit the historically significant bishopric of Hólar with religious artefacts dating back to the middle ages, or take a dip on Hofsós’s famous infinity pool, and explore Siglufjordur’s award-winning Herring Era Museum. Siglufjordur is also home to several cosy cafes, art galleries, and an artfully curated folk music museum where you can hear and try traditional Icelandic instruments.

Overnight in Siglufjordur.

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Day 5

Highlights: Akureyri Myvatn Dimmuborgir Krafla Hverfjall Myvatn Nature Baths Godafoss

Optional Tours: Arctic Whale Watching (from Dalvik) Soaking in the Beer Bath Spa Game of Thrones Air tour

Akureyri

Akureyri – Myvatn – Dimmuborgir

Breakfast at your hotel. Drive onwards to Akureyri, the “capital of the north.”  Explore the charming town of Akureyri or explore the diverse landscapes of northern Iceland. Stop at the lovely Godafoss waterfall before driving to the intriguing Lake Myvatn area. The natural wonders of Lake Myvatn area include the unique lava formations of Dimmuborgir, Krafla volcanic area and geothermal center, and the pseudo craters at Skutustadir. Myvatn is also home to Myvatn Nature Baths.  Horseback riding and whale watching is also available.

Overnight in Akureyri.

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Day 6

Highlights: Reykjavik Perlan Hallgrimskirkja Harpa Concert Hall Tjornin Reykjavik City Hall

Optional Tours: The Reykjavik Beer Tour Icelandic Sagas: The Greatest Hits

Return to Reykjavik

Akureyri – Reykjavik

Breakfast at your hotel. Drive back to Reykjavik. The drive is around 4.5 hours without stops, so plan your day accordingly and stop for great photo opportunities along the way!

Once in Reykjavik, explore the great bars, restaurants, and theatres downtown or if travelling in winter, try a northern lights cruise.

Overnight in Reykjavik.

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Day 7

Departure

Reykjavik- Keflavik international airport

Approximate distance: 52 km / 32 miles

Drive back to Keflavik International Airport and even stop at Blue Lagoon, as it is on your way to the airport, if you did not have time to do it on your arrival day. *

**Please note that the package price is based on 6×24 hour rental days starting at the time of rental. If your flight arrives early on day 1 and departs late on day 7, an additional supplement will be necessary unless you choose to return the car in Reykjavik and use our Flybus departure transfer.

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