Travel in Iceland

Below are some ideas for your pre or post travel in Iceland. We have included hotels that we have personally visited, however please note that there are new accommodation options every year so this list is in no way comprehensive and there are many more options available. If you do plan to rent a car we recommend 4WD vehicles or vehicles with winter tires for the months of March and April.  This page focuses on the drive between Reykjavik and Akureyri. If you plan to travel around the entire island there are a number of online resources available for that but of course please let us know if you are looking for additional ideas or suggestions and we will assist you in any way that we can.

ACCOMMODATION 

REYKJAVIK
KEFLAVIK AIRPORT HOTELS
 AKUREYRI
MIDWAY BETWEEN REYKJAVIK AND AKUREYRI ALONG ROAD 1 IN THE WEST

DINING

REYKJAVIK (in no particular order)
 AKUREYRI


THE DRIVE FROM REYKJAVIK TO AKUREYRI IN THE NORTH OF ICELAND

It is possible to get a one way rental car (surcharge applied) at the Keflavik airport or in Reykjavik and drive up to Akureyri returning your vehicle there. Driving directly to the Akureyri takes 5.5-6.5 hours depending on conditions. You can download this pdf for driving directions. 
 
Some possible detours along the way include Snaefellsjokull Peninsula and Stykkishólmur (approximately 2 hours from Reykjavik).  
 

From Reykjavik follow signs to Akureyri. You will have the option to go through a 7km long tunnel under the fjord or you can add 40 minutes to your driving time and drive around Hvalfjordur (whale fjord). Either way works and Hvalfjordur is nice- it really just depends on if you want to add 40 minutes to your drive. After a town called Borganes (if you have time for a 2 hour detour) you can continue onto road #54 to Snaefellsness Peninsula. There is a cave trip that is a nice side trip if you have the time (http://www.summitguides.is/vatnshellir-cave-op1r6). After the town of Varmahlið you have the option of continuing on Road #1 over the highland towards Akureyri or taking Road #76 around the fjord. If you have time we recommend the fjord route and it is not too much longer (adds roughly 45 minutes and is very scenic if the weather is good). There is a tiny island Drangey that you can take a boat out to (only available after May 20th Drangey Island ). The same ferry that takes you to the island stops at Grettislaug (http://www.drangey.net/grettislaug-english, or http://www.visitskagafjordur.is/en/pictures-videos/pictures/nature/grettislaug02_1200x900px). There is also the tiny town of Hofsós that has a very nice pool: Hofsos Pool. You will come into Siglufjörður which has a very interesting Herring museum that is definitely worth a visit. From Siglufjörður to the heli lodge (Klaengsholl) it is just about an hours drive. If you do drive directly to our lodge instead of Akureyri we can assist you in returning your rental car to Akureyri.

ACCOMMODATION ALONG THE WAY:
On the Snæfellsness Peninsula we recommend Hotel Buðir if you plan to stay the night.

Midway between Reykjavik and Akureyri is the new Hotel Laugarbakki
 

You can also make your way to the charming town of Akureyri and stay there for the night (see Akureyri accommodation options above).

DOWNLOAD PDF DRIVING DIRECTIONS

 

AROUND REYKJAVIK

A great resource for ideas of things to do around Reykjavik Grapevine (resource for things happening around Reykjavik)
 
Daytrips around Reykjavik  (glacier walks, snowmobiling, cave visits etc.):
 
Heli Sightseeing: Norðuflug
 
Some things to do in the Reykjavik area:

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO DO IN THE NORTH AROUND AKUREYRI

GEOSEA Nature Baths
Lofthellir Cave
Myvatn Nature Baths
Detifoss Waterfall
Beer Spa
Forest Lagoon

Visit the North
https://www.northiceland.is/

TOUR OPERATORS

CUSTOM MULTI DAY TOURS  

Offering tailor made luxury tours around Iceland
 
 

DAY TOURS:

Private luxury day tours
 
ASGARD BEYOND (south Iceland)
We highly recommend the team at Asgard Beyond if you are looking for an active day trip on the south coast (ice climbing, rock climbing, glacier hiking and mountaineering). They offer small group experiences and have very qualified and knowledgeable guides. 

ARCTIC ADVENTURES (south Iceland)
Arctic Adventures offer a wide variety of tours including glacier walks, snorkeling, cave tours and horseback riding (to mention just a few)
 
SAGA TRAVEL (north Iceland)
We have been working with Saga Travel for a number of years and they are the leading operator of fun and interesting day tours in the north.
 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Visit Iceland
 
Interactive Map of Iceland
 
Visit the South
 
Visit Akureyri
 
Visit the North
 
Reykjavik Grapevine (resource for things happening around Reykjavik)