Fly towards the Arctic Circle

Breathtaking NatureDay 1: The Mývatn area and Húsavík town

• The tumbling waterfall, Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods) and the Mývatn area with its rich bird life and evidences of volcanic activity, such as the crater Krafla, the Hverarönd geothermal area and boiling mudpits, Dimmuborgir lava formations and Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters.

• Geothermal Spa and Nature Baths.

• Húsavík town offering whale watching, puffin sighting and horse-back riding.

Day 2: The towns of Kópasker and Þórshöfn and the surrounding district

• Melrakkaslétta plain which boasts abundant sea bird life and a rugged arctic coast. Hraunhafnartangi, the most northerly point of the Icelandic mainland, only 3 km south of the Arctic Circle.

• Langanes and Skoruvíkurbjarg, home to the largest gannet colony in the north of Iceland.

• The midnight sun in summer with a view towards the Arctic Circle, or, during dark winter days, the splendour of the northern lights.

Day 3: Vatnajökull National Park and the Highlands

• The impressive Ásbyrgi canyon and Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss.

• Mt. Herðubreið, often referred to as “The Queen of Icelandic Moutains”, Askja caldera and Öskjuvatn, the deepest lake in Iceland. Also a chance to bathe in Víti (Hell), a geothermal tephra crater.

Day 4: Akureyri town and Eyjafjörður fjord

• A Botanical garden containing a diverse collection of arctic flora, an 18 hole golf course, excellent restaurants, geothermal outdoor swimming pools, museums, hiking tracks to suit most ages and abilities and much, much more.

Culture and SagasDay 1: Historic Húnavatnssýsla • Bjarg in Miðfjörður fjord, which was home to Grettir the Strong, a bellicose outlaw. • Vatnsnes peninsula, the Seal Museum and seals in their natural habitat. Hvítserkur sea cliff, Borgarvirki volcanic plug and historic fortress. • Þingeyrarkirkja church built of stone in 1877, historic home of chieftains and the elite. • Vatnsdalshólar, a cluster of drumlin-like hills where the last execution in Iceland took place in 1830.

Day 2: Blönduós and Skagafjörður • The textile museum in Blönduós exhibiting wool, national costumes and intricate embroidery. • Skagaströnd, a historic fishing village, the town of country music and home of Þórdís the Fortune-Teller, who lived in the late 10th century. • Sauðárkrókur town and Skagafjörður, the cradle of Icelandic horse- manship. The Tannery Visitor Centre and the old turf farm, Glaumbær. • Horseback riding through pleasant countryside or river rafting on Jökulsá glacial river. • The historic geothermal nature bath, Grettislaug, with views of Drangey Island.

Day 3: Tröllaskagi Peninsula • Hólar in Hjaltadalur, for many centuries an Episcopal See, is one of the most famous historical sites in Iceland and features the oldest stone-built church in the country. • Geothermal swimming pool in Hofsós, one of the oldest trading centres in Iceland. • Siglufjörður, Ólafsfjörður and Dalvík fishing towns and their surrounding fjords.

Day 4: Akureyri and Eyjafjörður fjord • Sail to Hrísey Island, to enjoy its tranquillity and experience the traditions of an Icelandic fisherman’s way of life, or step over the Arctic Circle on Grímsey Island. • A Botanical Garden with its diverse collection of arctic flora. Visit the beautiful old churches and fascinating museums. Dine in a restaurant or taste Icelandic delicacies on farm visits or from local food producers.

Winter MagicDay 1: Extreme Winter Sport

• Kaldbakur, the longest ski run in Iceland. A snowcat takes you up to the top, then you can ski, snowboard, walk, sled back down, or just board the snowcat once more for the return journey.

• Tröllaskagi peninsula for catskiing or heliskiing where you can ski all the way down to the Arctic Ocean.

• Soak in a deliciously hot outdoor geothermal tub on a cold winter’s day.

Day 2: Nature’s Adventures

• A trip to Goðafoss waterfall and the Mývatn area with its volcanic pearls of nature; Krafla crater, Hverarönd geothermal area and boiling mudpits, Dimmuborgir lava formations and Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters. Activities on snow and ice such as horseback riding, bowling, snowmobile trips and cross country skiing.

• A superjeep tour to Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss.

• The Geothermal Spa and nature baths; relax in the deliciously hot water and view a star-filled sky and the breathtaking swathes of northern lights. Day 3: Ski Resorts in Eyjafjörður Fjord

• Hlíðarfjall Ski Centre is the most popular skiing area in Iceland and there are four other well-equipped and flood-lit ski resorts in Eyjafjörður.

• Northern lights tours, scuba diving, superjeep tours and boat trips.

• A variety of restaurants, pubs and authentic Icelandic nightlife.

www.northiceland.is

North Iceland Marketing Office - Skipagata 9 - 600 Akureyri - ICELAND Tel. +354 462 3300 - info@northiceland.is