North Iceland Coastal Charm

Cultural Capital of Northern Iceland – Eyjafjordur – Year-Round Outdoor Fun

Pick up your car from the Akureyri airport and drive to your hotel in Akureyri.

The rest of the day is open to enjoy Akureyri and surroundings. This town has gained an international reputation for its combination of small-town charm and a great cultural scene. Take a stroll down the art gallery street and drink in the atmosphere of a local coffee shop. Enjoy outdoor fun just on the city‘s door step. The surrounding Eyjafjordur area also has a nice focus on local food culture with microbreweries, family-run bakeries, ice cream shops and a cafe located on a dairy farm. A great selection of restaurants and pubs makes Akureyri a great town for friendly nightlife.  After enjoying a day of fun, you can relax in the Akureyri Geothermal Swimming Pool with its lap pool, varied hot tubs and steam room.

Winter Activity Recommendations:

• Hlidarfjall (Akureyri Ski area) is a favourite ski area of Icelanders located just a short drive from the town centre. You can also take a local bus from the town to the ski area. Enjoy high-quality snow, great cross country ski tracks and exciting ski slopes with breath-taking views over Eyjafjordur Fjord.  Snow blowers and well-lighted slopes ensure fine skiing conditions through the winter.  Expert ski and snowboard trainers are on hand to assist skiers from all experience levels.  Ski rentals are available.  Hlidarfjall admission is included in  the Ski Iceland Pass add-on
• Horseback Riding – A winter ride on friendly Icelandic horses in the beautiful area around Eyjafjordur is a memorable and fun experience for people of all riding abilities.  All necessary riding equipment is provided.
• The Akureyri Skating Hall, operated by the Akureyri Skate Association, is a first-class skating rink within walking distance of the old city centre. The rink is open for general skating on weekends.  Skate rental available
• Dogsledding – Experience a fun ride in a sled pulled by friendly huskies.   You can even try your own hand at dog mushing.
• Snowmobiling – Take a thrilling one-hour snowmobile through areas with spectacular views over the Eyjafjordur Fjord and the mountains of Troll Peninsula.
• Take a northern lights excursion by bus or jeep. The area makes a stunning backdrop if the conditions are right for the elusive northern lights to make an appearance.
• Buggy Rides- Hurtle along coastal paths and roads in a special all-terrain Buggy vehicle.  Guided tours are available near Akureyri

Summer Activity Recommendations

• Whale Watching- The deep waters of Eyjafjordur make this area ideal for whale watching, especially for glimpsing humpbacked whales (whale sightings are very likely but not guaranteed): Try classic whale watching in a boat or board an adrenaline –pumping high speed RIB boat
• Golf- Play golf in a spectacular natural setting at the Jadar Golf Course in Akureyri.  The course is open May – October, and it has the distinction of being the world’s northernmost 18-hole golf course.
• Hiking- There are great hiking paths in and around Akureyri.  Kjarnaskogur forest reserve is a local favourite with a vast network of backcountry trails winding through the forest, and even a bird watching shelter. You can also hike up Sulur mountain to get an astonishing view over the town and the fjord.
• Trout Fishing– several local operators offer guided fly fishing tours for Brown Trout or Arctic Char on rivers and lakes in North Iceland
• Horseback Riding – A summer ride on friendly Icelandic horses in the lush green nature around Eyjafjordur is a memorable and fun experience for people of all riding abilities.  All necessary riding equipment is provided.
• Biking- If you have brought your own bike to Iceland, enjoy the specially-designed mountain bike trail in Kjarnaskogur forest.
• Buggy Rides- Hurtle along coastal paths and roads in a special all-terrain Buggy vehicle.  Guided tours are available near Akureyri
• Boat trips- Take a guided boat tour to Grimsey island (population 80), located only 25 nautical miles from the Arctic Circle.  Learn about the area’s whale and bird life and enjoy the scenery.  You’ll also meet some of the locals and try a delicious island fish dish.
• Bird Watching- There are11 sites in and around Akureyri that are ideal for bird watching. 
• Rafting- North Iceland’s glacier fed rivers offer an ideal blend of adventure and scenery.  Rafting trips are available from scenic floats to action-packed adrenaline day tours.

Breakfast at your hotel.  Today is yours to enjoy more of the Akureyri area and its great outdoor recreation. If you didn’t manage to yesterday, why not try river rafting (in summer), a dip in the warm waters of Lake Myvatn’s Nature Baths, whale watching or skiing (in winter)?

Overnight in Akureyri

Scenic Coastal Roads- Charming Villages- Troll Peninsula – Historical Siglufjordur

Breakfast at your hotel. You will be following scenic and winding coastal roads. Remember to listen to the weather and forecast and take the driving at a slow pace, both to enjoy the view and to be safe.  Drive along Eyjafjordur Fjord and to the area of Trollaskagi, the Troll Peninsula and Siglufjordur Fjord.  The opening of new road tunnels in 2010 has made this region of mountains and sea accessible to visitors year-round.  Pass through charming fishing villages en route to Siglufjordur.  This town is considered one of Iceland‘s most beautiful, with carefully-preserved old houses and a new hotel (Siglo) cleverly constructed to blend in with the historical atmosphere. Recently the town has been attracting a reputation as a cosy winter resort due to the excellent skiing in the peninsula.

On the way, you might consider a visit to the new Beer Bath Spa with a skin-soothing geothermal bath made from a mixture of beer, water, hops and yeast.  Though the bathwater is not drinkable, you can enjoy a glass of local craft beer while you bathe.  (Must be booked in advance).

The Troll Peninsula was been moulded by glaciers during the ages, leaving behind powerful mountains, beautiful valleys and gorgeous mountain lakes. There is a feeling of magic and tranquillity here.  The area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy outdoor sports far away from tourist crowds.

In addition to outdoor fun, Siglufjordur is an excellent base to explore the area‘s history and culture. The town‘s award-winning Herring Era Maritime Museum offers insights into a fascinating 20th-century event that changed both Siglufjordur and Iceland.  The town also offers a new microbrewery, Segull 66 and dining at several restaurants with a home-like ambience.

Overnight in Siglufjordur.  If conditions are right, you might see northern lights this evening.

Winter Activity Recommendations: 

• Siglufjordur Ski Area – Located about 15 minutes drive from Siglufjordur, the ski slopes of Skardsdalur Valley are considered among the best in Iceland for their varying terrain and breathtaking views. Three lifts carry skiers up to the slopes. There are also areas for cross country skiing and a ski lodge. Siglufjordur Ski Area admission is included in the optional 5 X 5 Ski Iceland Pass.
• The  Olafsfjordur area offers ideal conditions for winter sports. The neighbouring mountains and valleys have ideal terrain for snowmobiling and the environment is particulary well-situated to skiing. In Olafsfjordur there is one lift suited for both beginners and professionals. The Tindaoxl ski area is equipped with ski lifts and excellent slalom tracks. Snowboarding enthusiasts have large pristine areas at their disposal. Admission to this area is included in the Ski Iceland Pass.
• Dalvik Ski area is about midway between Akureyri and Siglufjordur and and has one of the best skiing areas in the country with beautiful views overlooking black sand beaches and the sea. There is a wide variety of runs suitable for all members of the family. One of the slopes is floodlit for night skiing. The area is equipped with a new snow making machine system which ensures ideal skiing conditions.  Dalvik admission is included in the Ski Iceland Pass.
• Whale Watching is possible from Dalvik in November, March and April.  This unique boat tour has a high success rate in spotting whales and dolphins, though sightings are not guaranteed.   You’ll also have a chance to try some sea angling and have a taste of freshly-caught fish.
• Swimming pools in Dalvik and Olafsfjordur are great places to relax and offer fantastic views of the area scenery.

Summer Activity Recommendations

• Whale Watching is offered from Dalvik.  This unique boat tour has a high success rate in spotting whales and dolphins, though sightings are not guaranteed.  You’ll also have a chance to try some sea angling and have a taste of freshly-caught fish.
• Swimming pools in Dalvik and Olafsfjordur are great places to relax and offer fantastic views of the area scenery
• Hiking-  With such spectacular scenery,  the Troll Peninsula is home to numerous hiking routes. You should be able to find all levels of difficulties, from an easy stroll in Svarfadardalur Nature Reserve to hiking up challenging  mountain tops.
• Boat Tours – enjoy sailing in an oak boat under the Arctic midnight sun.  It is a magical and romantic experience to see the sun go down to meet the horizon and immediately rise again.
• Golf– Three 9-hole golf courses are located on the Troll Peninsula, each offering beautiful scenery and some challenging holes.
• Fishing– Freshwater fishing is possible on two area rivers. It is necessary to purchase a fishing license beforehand.
• Canoeing –  Guided canoe tours are available at Svarfadardalur River near Dalvik
• Horseback Riding– Guided horseback riding tours are possible in such interesting places as a bird-filled nature reserve, along the seacoast and on historic mountain trails.

Peninsulas and Fjords – Skiing and Winter Fun – Local Heritage

Breakfast at your hotel. You will be following scenic and winding coastal roads. Remember to listen to the weather and forecast and take the driving at a slow pace, both to enjoy the view and to be safe. Today is open for you to explore the areas of Troll Peninsula, Eyjafjordur and Skagafjordur. You can enjoy skiing, snowmobiling or other winter sports. The area offers many cultural points of interest. Holar has interesting buildings of religious and historical significance reflecting 900 years of Icelandic history, including a beautiful church. The Emigration Centre in Hofsos focuses on the experiences of 19th-century Icelanders who sought a new life in the North and South America (Both places open during the winter by appointment).  Dalvik‘s wonderfully-eclectic Hvoll Museum focuses on local history, including Iceland‘s famous giant. Icelandic handicrafts enthusiasts might enjoy visiting Suturann, a unique Icelandic tannery in Saudarkrokur that includes fish skin among its quality products (Open on weekdays).

Overnight in Siglufjordur.

Area Activity Recommendations: 

• In the winter, the Tindastoll ski area near Saudarkrokur is particularly well-suited for families. The slopes are equipped with a new snow making machine. The area offers well laid-out tracks for cross country skiing as well as a special zone reserved for snowboarding. Ski rental and refreshments available on site. Tindastoll admission is included in the Ski Iceland Pass.
• Skagafjordur is famous as a centre for Icelandic horse farms. Several companies in this area offer year-round horseback riding tours suited to all skill levels. Experience the peace of winter on paths that show you great views over the region‘s plains and mountains.
• Relax at the Hofsos Swimming Pool (nicknamed by locals as the “Infinity Pool.”). Created and given to the village by an artist and an architect, this public swimming pool has beautifully-designed facilities. The geothermal pool seems to extend into the ocean with fantastic views of Drangey Island (Opening hours: Weekdays:  07:05 – 13:05 (7:05 am – 1:05pm) and 17:15 – 20:15 (5:15pm – 8:15pm) ; Saturday and Sunday:  11:00 – 15:00 (11:00am – 3:00pm).
• Boat Tours-  Between mid-May and August you can take a guided boat tour out to the famous “Saga Island” Drangey.  Hike with the guide to the top of the island on a trail bringing you into good viewing of seabirds, including puffins (Puffins best seen mid-May to early August)

Farewell to the Fjords

Breakfast at your hotel. Today drive back to Akureyri, visiting towns and enjoying a last outdoor adventure en route. Drop off your car at Akureyri airport.

Please note: The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings, therefore, cannot be guaranteed.

Extend Your Time in Iceland!-  Add some more of the north to your package with extra nights. Iceland Travel can add in extra nights in Akureyri so you can enjoy the Lake Myvatn area, Husavik and the Diamond Circle. We can also help with building a complete winter experience with booking hotel nights in the Reykjavik area and round-trip flights between Reykjavik and Akureyri.