Arctic Coast Way - Norðurstrandarleið

Maps

Summer and Winter Route

Measured by Moments

What to See and Do

Popular destinations

Grímsey Island

Grímsey is a green, grassy and particularly agreeable island, probably best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island. Many visitors go there solely to step across that line, south to north.

Arctic Henge

Outside of the little village Raufarhöfn, the "Arctic Circle Village", is the Arctic Henge. Similar to its ancient predecessor, Stonehenge, this newly built monument is like a huge sundial, aiming to capture the sun´s rays, cast shadows in precise locations and capture the light between aligned gateways.

Hrísey Island

The island of Hrísey is rightly known as Eyjafjörður's pearl of nature, and is renowned for its abundant birdlife. It lies out in the middle of the fiord and can be reached by the ferry, Sævar - a journey of about 15 minutes.

Kálfshamarsvík

An interesting short walk takes visitors through the ruins of the once flourishing settlement of Kálfhamarsvík and to the lighthouse. The cliffs display spectacular basalt columns.

Hraunhafnartangi

This easy walk follows a 4WD track along a coastline characterized by rich birdlife to the lighthouse of Hraunhafnartangi, the northernmost point of Iceland

Hvítserkur Sea Stack

This is probably one of the most famous sea stacks in Iceland. A sign on the gravel road No. 711 indicates to the parking area and a visitor platform.

Stórikarl Sea Stack

It´s quite a drive along the gravel road No.869 on the peninsula Langanes. But worth to take the time especially for bird lovers as a huge colony of Gannets bread on this steep rock.

Drangey Island

Drangey rises up with almost vertical cliffs all around and there is just one steep path to enter the island. Even it is small it is rich in birdlife, vegetation and full of stories connected to the Saga of Grettir the Strong.

Responsibility

Travelling the Arctic Coast Way

Listen to local stories

Skagi - Of monsters, ghosts and even polar bears

Do you think there are ghosts, monsters or even polar bears roaming around the area? Listen to a story from Sigrún Lárusdóttir that is born and raised in Skagi peninsula.

Grenivík - Born in a snowstorm

The weather in Iceland is constantly changing and the winters can be very tough with snowstorms and impassable roads. Listen to a story from Ingólfur Kristinn Ásgeirsson. He tells us about a day his mother will never forget – the day he was born.

Kópasker - The Kópasker earthquake

Have you experienced an earthquake? Listen to a story from Hólmfríður Halldórsdóttir who lived in Kópasker when the major earthquake hit, in 1976.

Ánastaðir - How a whale beaching saved the people

Did you know that the whale beaching at Ánastaðir in 1882, saved many people from starvation? Listen to a story from Sólveig Benjamínsdóttir, the director of museums in the municipality Húnaþing vestra.

Drangey - Trapped on Drangey island

Can you imagine being trapped on island like Drangey for a couple of days? Maybe even with very little food. Listen to a story from Viggó Jónsson who loves spending his time on the island.

Grímsey - Childhood in Grímsey

How is childhood in Grímsey? Listen to a story from Hulda Signý Gylfadóttir who is born and raised on the island.

Akureyri - Danish on Sundays

Did people in Akureyri speak Danish on Sundays? Listen to a story from Tryggvi Gíslason, the former headmaster of Akureyri Junior College. He has lived in Akureyri for many years and knows plenty of interesting stories.

Ytra Lón - The heartbeat of Mother Earth

Have you experienced the energy so pure and so strong, felt the heartbeat of Mother Earth? Listen to a story from Mirjam Blekkenhorst and how fate brought her to Iceland in her early twenties.

Dalvík - The war between Iceland and Britain

Have you heard about the Cod war between Iceland and Britain? Listen to a story from Jóhann Antonsson.

Þrístapar - The last execution in Iceland

Have you heard about the last execution in Iceland? Listen to a story from Magnús Ólafsson where he talks about when his father and grandfather dug up the bones of Agnes and Friðrik.

Hrísey - The medicine of Angelica

Did you know, Angelica has been used for medicinal purposes since early times? Listen to a story from Linda María Ásgeirsdóttir who lives on the island. Linda owns a restaurant and uses the Angelica in many of her dishes.

Siglufjörður - The herring girl

Can you imagine working as a herring girl? Listen to a story from Birna Björnsdóttir who started working as a herring girl on her 7th birthday.

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Arctic Coast Way - Norðurstrandarleið

Summer and Winter Route

What to See and Do

Experience the Arctic Coast Way

Places to Stay

Towns and Villages

Eat, Drink & Enjoy

Popular destinations

Travelling the Arctic Coast Way

Driving & Camping

Nature & Wildlife

The Icelandic Pledge

Listen to local stories

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