Walking
Iceland remains one of the most visually stunning countries in the world. Whether you come for the scenery, the culture or both, a journey in the north will surpass your expectations.
North Iceland is an expansive, enchanting region where you can find all of Iceland's attractive aspects. Its long valleys and peninsulas are interspersed with mountains, lava fields and smooth hills carved out by rivers. As one nears the Arctic Circle in the northern latitudes, the midnight sun is invariably awe-inspiring, and even more so if you experience the Summer solstice.
Connection
This is your exclusive private journey including many sights that the average tourist will never see! This trip has been carefully developed combining the Walking Connection's 30 years of experience with the partnership of local Icelanders that are proud to show you their homeland. We have included some of the must see attractions, but in our style, we will show you what really lies around that next corner. We encourage you to meet and interact with some of the locals because we believe that if you don't meet the people you can really never know the place...
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Itinerary
Please note that the details of this itinerary are subject to change. Many of the planned activities are organized according to availability, events or seasonal dates, appropriate weather conditions or the discretion of our guides. We make every effort to provide the experience described in the itinerary with the understanding that some things may change.
Day 1
Akureyri
Arrival early morning from US. Pick up at Keflavík airport by a private driver guide (for the program). Start the day with a breakfast snack. From Keflavík enjoy an overview of the Reykjanes peninsula and Reykjavík area, to get your first connection with the country.
Transfer to Reykjavík domestic airport and prepare for flight to Akureyri in the north which departs early afternoon. Flight is approximately 40 minutes.
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After landing in Akureyri we will have some time to get to know the town before check-in at hotel, for two nightsr
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Meals Included: Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Icelandair Hotel Akureyri - 1st of 2 nights
Day 2
Eyjafjörður, Siglufjörður
We explore the area along this long fjord to get a feel for the local life by visiting the fishing villages and towns with rich coastal and farming culture.
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One of these villages is Hjalteyri, a small village on the shore of Eyjafjördur. Until the early 20th century, this was one of the main hubs of the herring fishing industry and is today an aquaculture center where research is conducted into the feasibility of halibut culture. The buildings of the old factory are often used as a venue for art exhibitions during the summer months.
In Siglufjörður get a feel for the coastal culture through the interesting Síldarminjasafnið Herring Era Museum. As the largest marine and industrial museum in Europe, it will bring you back in time.
We continue along the fjord, through farmland surrounded by high mountains on our way to Siglufjördur. During the summer it is these mountains, the lake and the black sandy shores which will call for your attention and give you the chance to savor the peace and tranquility which emanates from the natural elements.
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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Icelandair Hotel Akureyri - 2nd of 2 nights
Day 3
Waterfall of the Gods
We will start the day with a casual stroll through Old Town walking through the history of early Akureyri. The Botanical Garden is another highlight for tourists and locals alike. Your guide Elisabet is an expert and will share with you the beauty of this place.
In the afternoon, we travel east and make a stop at Godafoss (Waterfall of Gods), one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland flowing from the glacier river Skjálfandafljót. Continue through the valley Adaldalur with a visit to the interesting Grenjadarstadur turfhouse.
In this area there will be insight about energy and usage, such as sustainable ways of electricity production. The river Laxá has for a long time energy for the area. See how Iceland uses geothermal energy to produce vegetables, as well as learn more about their use of hot ground water.
We continue to Húsavík, which locals consider the oldest settlement in Iceland, besides being the largest town in Þingeyjarsýsla district and the service center for the surrounding area. Overnight Húsavík for two nights.
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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Fosshotel Húsavík - 1st of 2 nights
Day 4
Húsavík
We spend the day learning about the story of the region including the marine life. This area is known for the whales that pass by. It is also recognized as being a training ground for the Apollo Astronauts in 1965 and 1967. We will explore the farm area around and see the famous Icelandic horses.
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An Optional Tour: Húsavík is considered the whale capital of Iceland. During summer season, there are many daily departures on the bay of Skjálfandi. Sometimes in June, there is a good chance to spot blue whales and humpbacks mingling.
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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Fosshotel Húsavík - 2nd of 2 nights
Day 5
Arctic Circle Village
Follow the coast, first around Tjörnes peninsula with layers of remarkable fossils tracing back to a few million years. We continue to Kelduhverfi area and explore the great Ásbyrgi -- a wonder of nature that is a well forested horse-shoe shaped canyon.
You are entering an area that is a “school book example” of Iceland´s geology. It is all here: plate boundaries, volcanism, biospheres and habitats, the power of glacial floods, the formation of Ásbyrgi canyon and the interaction of humans with the might of nature.
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We will go to Melrakkaslétta, the northern most point of Iceland (on land) and visit Raufarhöfn – The Arctic Circle Village, with its interesting Arctic Henge (under construction), which partly inspired the stories of dwarfs from the eddic poem Völuspá.
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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Fosshotel Mývatn - 1st of 2 nights
Day 6
Kake Myvatn
This is one of the highlights of the north and includes some of Iceland´s best-known places to visit. Around the lake are several “must see” areas to explore, and we will also share less visited areas.
Birdlife by the lake is abundant with many viewpoints and hiking routes. Landscape and nature is variable so a day here gives many different experiences. Places with names such as Skútustadagigar (pseudocraters), Dimmuborgir, Námafjall and Krafla/Víti.
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End the day at Myvatn Nature Bath. Drawing on a centuries-old tradition the tastefully designed complex offers bathers a completely natural experience that begins with a relaxing dip in clouds of steam, rising up from a fissure deep in the earth's surface, and ends with a luxurious swim in a pool of geothermal water drawn from depths of up to 2,500 meters. Containing a unique blend of minerals, silicates and geothermal micro-organisms, the warm soothing water of Myvatn Nature Bath benefit both skin and spirit alike.​
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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Fosshotel Mývatn - 2nd of 2 nights
Day 7
Backland of Mývatn by Jeep!
We start the day by going “off the beaten track” on a super jeep/truck tour, exploring a bit of the backland of Mývatn area.
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We will pass the crater Hverfjall and explore part of 10 km long craters called Lúdentarborgir and Threngslaborgir.
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We will continue exploring the area´s wonders before heading to Húsavík airport for a late afternoon flight to Reykjavík. Approx. 45 minutes.
After landing in Reykjavík, private shuttle to the hotel.
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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Reykjavík Marina
Day 8
Departure
Free morning. The hotel is by the harbor, next to the center of the capital so a great area to explore on your own.
Transfer to Keflavík airport for departure of flight
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Meals Included: Breakfast
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