Route 1 and Beyond - A Self-Drive Guide to Iceland

The North East

De: John Lloyd

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

If you want to escape Iceland’s busier tourist trails, the North East of Iceland is the place to come.

It's the perfect place for unhurried travel, rich in fabulous places to visit, and home to some of the country’s best whale and bird watching spots.

Discover the beautiful basalt columns at Stuðlagil, the roaring waterfalls of Goðafoss, Dettifoss and Selfoss, the magical vistas of Mývatn, and the remarkable volcanic features of Ásbyrgi, Dimmuborgir and Hverir.

Experience an adventure like no other, exploring the stunning multi-hued landscapes of North East Iceland.

Immerse yourself in unfiltered Icelandic nature, roaming between broad glacial valleys, bright-blue lakes, and steep-sided fjords.

As well as those magnificent sights, you can explore fizzing geothermal areas, dark moon-like panoramas, ancient volcanic cones, and craggy craters.

Two official routes will lead you through the spectacular sights and experiences in North East Iceland.

The first is the Arctic Coast Way (Norðurstrandarleið), a 900-kilometre stretch of gorgeous coastal roads that takes you deep into some of the remotest parts of Iceland.

Norðurstrandarleið is the perfect route to get off the beaten track and explore tranquil peninsulas, tiny fishing villages and stunning fjords. The path skirts close to the Arctic Circle from Bakkafjörður in the east to Hvammstangi in the west.

Enjoy endless summer days in the Land of the Midnight Sun, watching as it skips along the horizon, offering you the gift of limitless exploration!

Recently listed by Lonely Planet as a Top 30 Destination in Europe, the Arctic Coast Way offers you:

• a chance to get close to the Arctic Circle
• plenty of places to see the Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights
• countless whale, seal and bird watching locations
• 19 geothermal pools where you can soak up incredible views
• a gorgeous parade of twenty picturesque towns and fishing villages to explore
• more than a dozen beautiful beaches
• lots of unique cultural sites and museums

The second is the Diamond Circle, a sensational circuit of some of Iceland's most magnificent natural wonders.

It matches the Golden Circle for splendour and spectacle, and you’ll enjoy the delightful drive between each location on well-paved roads.

This 155-mile (250km) route dates back to 1994 when locals from Húsavík thought it was time to encourage more visitors to explore North Iceland. The route circuits between Goðafoss, Mývatn, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi and Húsavík.

Take your time to savour special moments at these five magical places.