Self Drive Route
Arctic Coast Way
900 km along Iceland’s remote northern coast
A multi-day coastal road trip from Hvammstangi to Bakkafjörður, connecting remote peninsulas, fishing villages, wildlife areas and landscapes close to the Arctic Circle.
Along the Route
Stops & Highlights
7 must-see locations
Hvammstangi & Icelandic Seal Centre
Small North Iceland town with Iceland's only dedicated seal research centre, on the Vatnsnes peninsula.
Start with fuel, supplies and the seal-centre area.
Sauðárkrókur Town
North Iceland's second-largest town, a fishing and agricultural hub in Skagafjörður.
Useful service hub and overnight option.
Siglufjörður — Herring Capital
Dramatic remote fjord town that was once Iceland's most valuable fishing port during the great herring boom of the 20th century.
Allow enough time for the harbour, museum and town rather than treating it as a photo stop.
Dalvík
A vibrant fishing town beneath Tröllaskagi, your gateway to Grímsey and thrilling whale watching.
Good whale-watching and service stop on Eyjafjörður.
Húsavík
Húsavík, Iceland's charming whale-watching capital, boasts a vibrant harbor and a distinctive church against verdant hills.
Allow several hours if whale watching is part of the plan; otherwise use the town for harbour, food and services.
Raufarhöfn — Iceland's Northernmost Village
Iceland's northernmost mainland village with Arctic Circle monument and midnight sun views.
Remote far-north stop; refuel before or after long rural sections when services are available.
Bakkafjörður
Bakkafjörður offers a tranquil escape with vibrant green landscapes, a charming fishing village, and abundant birdlife along its sapphire waters.
Eastern endpoint area of the route; use it as a slow coastal finish rather than a quick turnaround.
Day Plan
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Hvammstangi → Sauðárkrókur
Begin with wildlife and supplies, then ease into the coastal route without overloading the first day.
Day 2
Tröllaskagi: Siglufjörður & Dalvík
Give the mountain-and-fjord section a full day with time in the towns.
Day 3
Eyjafjörður → Húsavík
Use Húsavík as a major service and activity stop.
Day 4
Northeast coast → Raufarhöfn
Expect slower rural driving and fewer services.
Day 5
Raufarhöfn → Bakkafjörður
Finish the eastern coastal section with plenty of weather and fuel margin.
Guided Experiences
Tours & Day Trips in Iceland
Golden Circle, Northern Lights hunts, whale watching, glacier hikes, lava cave tours and more. Explore Iceland your way.
Accommodation
Hotels Along the Route
Find Hotels in Iceland
From cozy Reykjavík guesthouses to remote Highland lodges — thousands of properties with free cancellation and best price guarantee.
Insider Knowledge
Travel Tips
Do not try to rush the full 900 km route.
Expect gravel sections and longer driving times than the map suggests.
Refuel regularly before remote peninsula sections.
Carry food and water for long rural stretches where opening hours are limited.
Use five to seven days if wildlife, museums or whale watching are priorities.
Check road and weather conditions before each day rather than relying on a week-old forecast.
Common Questions
FAQ
How long should I allow for the Arctic Coast Way?+
Allow at least four days; five to seven days gives a much better experience with time for villages, wildlife and detours.
Do I need a 4x4?+
Not necessarily for the standard route in good summer conditions, but a higher-clearance vehicle can be more comfortable on rougher gravel sections.
Is the Arctic Coast Way paved?+
No. The route includes both paved roads and gravel sections, so allow more time than the distance alone suggests.
Can I drive the full route in winter?+
A full winter touring itinerary is not the recommended default. Weather, snow, ice and reduced services can make remote sections difficult or impractical.
Where should I refuel?+
Refuel whenever you pass a larger service town and before remote peninsula sections. Do not assume every small community has fuel available at all hours.
Can I combine this route with the Diamond Circle?+
Yes. Húsavík and northeast Iceland make a natural connection, but add time rather than trying to compress both routes into the same day.
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