About
Arctic Coast Way - Norðurstrandarleið
Traveling the Arctic Coast Way means leaving the common routes behind you and going off the beaten track to discover some of the most remote places in North Iceland; a unique adventure following 900 km of coastal roads close to the Arctic Circle. The Arctic Coast Way covers the entire coastline of North Iceland from Hvammstangi in the West to Bakkafjörður in the East.
It was officially opened on the 8th of June, 2019 on World Ocean Day.
Here, where volcanic land meets the icy ocean, nature´s force has carved a coastline of wild and pure beauty. The route includes six peninsulas reaching far out in the ocean, taking you from black sandy beaches to spectacular cliffs, along glacial river deltas and fjords to high mountains. Going one step further into remoteness, five beautiful islands offer unforgettable experiences and you might even want to straddle the Arctic Circle. Each of the little towns along the way tells unique stories about life on the edge of the Arctic.
You could drive the whole route in one go – but there is no need to do so. You are free to slow down and indulge yourself, as you discover the wonders of the Arctic Coast Way. Moving to the rhythm of waves and wind, feel a surge of energy on stunning hikes and meet friendly people who will make you want to return again and again. The dramatic shifts of light from the Midnight Sun to Northern Lights and the seasonal palette of colors from winter´s pristine white to autumn´s fiery tones offer you a different perspective each time, with new adventures awaiting you.
