The Arctic Coast Way is a designated touring route along the north coast of Iceland, running from Hvammstangi in the west to Bakkafjordur in the east. The route is 900 km long and goes around six peninsulas of North Iceland. It was Iceland's first official touring route, taking in 21 villages along the way.
What the Arctic Coast Way is and where it runs
The Arctic Coast Way was formally opened in June 2019, on 8 June, World Ocean Day. The route was placed third on Lonely Planet's Best in Europe 2019 list. The route includes six islands reached by boat crossings and thirteen beaches.
The six peninsulas and coastal highlights along the way
The six peninsulas along the route are Vatnsnes, Skagi, Trollaskagi, Tjornes, Melrakkasletta and Langanes. The Vatnsnes peninsula is known for seal watching. Hvitserkur is a basalt sea stack on the Vatnsnes peninsula and stands about 15 m tall. Kalfshamarsvik on the Skagi peninsula has hexagonal basalt columns. The Trollaskagi peninsula lies between Skagafjordur and Eyjafjordur and has snow-capped mountains. The Tjornes peninsula has fossil-bearing cliffs. Melrakkasletta is a flat arctic-desert peninsula and is home to the Arctic Henge at Raufarhofn. Langanes is one of the most remote inhabited peninsulas in Iceland.
Planning your drive, distances and how many days to allow
Experiencing the entire route and its islands takes about 9 days. The Arctic Coast Way branches off Iceland's main Ring Road, Route 1, onto coastal side roads. The roads around the six peninsulas are narrow and often gravel. Use the Driving Distance Calculator to help plan your trip.
When to go and how to prepare for the northern coastal weather
Snow can fall along the route from September through May. Travellers should be prepared for challenging weather and road conditions in autumn, winter and spring. The north coast experiences the midnight sun in summer and northern lights in the darker months.
Villages, culture and wildlife you will meet on the route
Akureyri is the largest town in North Iceland. Siglufjordur is home to the Herring Era Museum. Husavik is a well-known whale-watching town in North Iceland. Grimsey island straddles the Arctic Circle and is the northernmost inhabited part of Iceland. Grettislaug is a natural geothermal bathing pool near the route in Skagafjordur. Godafoss is a well-known waterfall near the route in North Iceland. The route offers opportunities for whale, seal and bird watching.
Comparing guided and self-drive North Iceland tours for the Arctic Coast Way
You can compare North Iceland tours to see the current options.
