Iceland's Arctic Coast Way

Fly to Keflavik and pick up your hire car before heading to your hotel in downtown Reykjavik. You'll have the rest of the day free to explore the sights of Iceland's compact capital city, such as the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church, Harpa concert hall and the Sun Voyager monument. Take a stroll along Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur, where you'll find a plethora of souvenir stores, cafes and restaurants, and check out the colourful buildings that adorn Njálsgata and Grettisgata. A stop at Brauð & Co bakery for a cinnamon roll is also a must. You may also be tempted to take a trip to the Sky Lagoon, a sleek geothermal spa complex just 10 minutes outside the city centre. In the evening, why not try some authentic Icelandic cuisine for dinner or head to one of Reykjavik's buzzing food halls? 

After breakfast, begin your drive north to the official start of the Arctic Coast Way at Hvammstangi, perhaps making a stop at the Hvammsvik Hot Springs en route. At Hvammstangi, we recommend pausing for some seal watching before checking in to Hotel Laugarbakki, a Scandi-modern gem with complimentary use of its outdoor hot tubs – ideal for enjoying under the Midnight Sun.

Stay: Hotel Laugarbakki

Day three will see you start your road trip at the official beginning of the Arctic Coast Way. As you traverse along the windswept coast, be sure to stop at the beautiful Hvítserkur rock formation on a black-sand beach that offers great seal-watching opportunities, as well as Grettislaug, one of the country's most famous geothermal pools with wonderful views. If you'd rather break up the journey here, Saudarkrokur has several traditional hotels we highly recommend – simply ask us for further information. Otherwise, carry on to Siglufjord, that offers excellent beach horse riding and a geothermal pool at Hofsós' Giants Causeway. You'll have two nights in Siglufjordur at the Siglo Hotel, a contemporary-chic offering in the centre of the town that vaunts both a fine-dining restaurant and more casual bistro. Two days gives you plenty of time to explore the town’s microbreweries and quaint galleries, including the Herring Museum and Folk Music Centre, as well as fantastic hiking on the wild Troll Peninsula. 

After breakfast today it's time to continue your drive to Siglufjordur and the famed Lake Myvatn. It's a leisurely two-hour drive, so you've got plenty of time to stop at Dalvik for excellent whale watching and enjoy lunch at the famous 'beer spa'. Finish the day at the mighty spray of the Godafoss waterfall before checking in to the ecelctic Icelandair Hotel Lake Myvatn, sampling a delicious local meal at its cosy restaurant.

Stay: Icelandair Hotel Lake Myvatn 

The next two days will see you discover the region's highlights, such as the Dimmuborgir lava foundations, Mount Krafla and Dettifoss waterfall. This area – the final section of the way – is all about 'elemental nature', so be sure to visit Hverir's mud pools and steam vents as well as spending an evening relaxing at the Myvatn Nature Baths. We also recommend a road trip to Husavik, home to world-class whale watching and the famous GEO spa, a collection of geothermal pools with spectacular coastal views. You could even head further along the coast to the most remote section of the way, home to stunning gannet-dotted rock formations.

Stay: Icelandair Hotel Lake Myvatn

Drop off your hire car at the airport this morning and board your short flight to Reykjavik. On arrival, self-transfer to your hotel in the city centre, ready to enjoy your final night in the Icelandic capital. 

After breakfast, take the opportunity to explore the city for a couple of hours before your flight home.