
Arctic Coast Way Day 3 Grettislaug Siglufjordur

This route was brought to you by:
RouteXpert René Plücken (MRA Master)
Last edit: 16-03-2021
The Arctic Coast Way starts in Hvammstangi in the North West and ends in Bakkafjörður in the North East. This approximately 900 kilometer long “Off the Beaten track” route passes through rugged North Iceland and follows the beautiful Fjord coast.
Driving the Arctic Coast Way is different from what you might be used to. It is a true off the beaten track route that takes you through beautiful remote landscapes. This means leaving civilization behind in the spirit of adventure and exploration.
We drive large parts on unpaved roads (about 1/3 part), sometimes with large holes, so this route is only suitable for Adventure or Off Road motorcycles or for cars with 4x4 drive. Drive slowly to enjoy the magical surroundings but because of the sheep and birds that can walk on the road.
The route runs close to the Arctic Circle and many stops are planned along the way to visit Iceland's many highlights. A number of examples are the many waterfalls, glaciers, fishing villages and fjords. In some cases you have to take a walk (hike), these can influence the planning of the rides, so keep that in mind. Due to the slower speed on the unpaved roads and the sights en route, the routes have been kept short.
Enjoy the freedom along the way, but respect nature and keep in mind that wild camping is prohibited, you are only allowed to camp on campsites or with the permission of the owner on his private property. All villages along the route have camping options. All campsites have rubbish bins and sanitary facilities. Do not drive off-road, but stay on the designated roads. Off-road driving is prohibited, with heavy fines.
This is the third day of the six day Arctic Coast Way Roadtrip which I rate with 5 ***** Stars for its beautiful nature, beautiful places to visit and the adventurous aspect.
Enjoy!
Animation
Verdict
Duration
7h 30m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
115.28 km
Countries


RP8 Hofsós
RP6 The Transport Museum in Stóragerði is a car and machine museum with exhibits from the turn of the century from 1900 to the present day. The official opening of the museum is from June 1 to September 30, but groups are welcome all year round, weather permitting.
The Transport Museum in Stóragerði was officially opened on June 26, 2004. The museum was a 600 m² room with a small reception. In a few years, the size of the museum had grown to such an extent that the hall, together with the reception, had to be expanded by 800 m2, which started in the autumn of 2010 and was fully completed by the summer of 2013. There are 100 vehicles on display in the hall, including cars, buses, motorcycles, snowmobiles, farm equipment, jet skis and all sorts of little things related to the history of Icelandic transportation.
Outside and around the museum, about 200-250 cars in bad condition are waiting for restoration. The museum workshop is located south of the museum.
Grafarkirkja turfkerk I (RP7) - Gröf's chapel in Höfðaströnd is Iceland's oldest peat church. Parts of the current peat church date from the 17th century. Icelanders used to live in peat houses and the churches were made of peat. Now there are only a handful of peat churches in Iceland.
The oldest account of Grafarkirkja dates back to around 1240 and can be found in Sturlunga Saga, a collection of Icelandic sagas from the 12th and 13th centuries. On top of the church is a weather vane with the letters 167_ of which the last symbol is missing. Grafarkirkja Church is now closed to the public for its preservation.
The village of Hofsós (RP8), one of the oldest trading centers in Iceland, was, like the rest of the country, affected by the "terrible years" of the late 19th century. By the end of the 20th century, the village had fallen into disrepair and was almost deserted. Years of neglect caused the buildings in the old part of the village around the estuary and harbor to collapse.
In 1990 Valgeir Thorvaldsson started work on the restoration of the old village center with the aim of preserving these treasures of traditional architecture and developing Hofsós into a cultural attraction.
The first step towards rebuilding the village was taken when one of the oldest buildings in Iceland, the late 18th-century Hofsós Warehouse (Pakkhúsið), was restored and its former dignified appearance returned. The building is owned by the National Museum of Iceland.
Phase two in reclaiming the old village center was the reconstruction of the hotel built at the end of the 19th century. The renovated hotel, now called Sólvík, houses a seasonal full-service restaurant overlooking the harbor. In addition, a number of homes in the port have been renovated and sold privately.
A walk along the coast is recommended, the view is beautiful and here too there are the well-known basalt blocks. There is also a public swimming pool with an infinity pool.
In the village there is also a good Restaurant “Veitingastofan Sólvík” where you can have a delicious lunch.
We drive further to our final destination in Siglufjörður, along the way we pass some beautiful places to stop briefly for a photo, such as at RP9, where you can see the course of a waterfall to the fjord from the road, about 10 meters further is a parking where you can safely stop to walk back for photos.
Another beautiful point is Viewpoint Útsýnispallur (RP10), here you have a really beautiful view of the cliffs.
The end of the ride is in Siglufjörður. A small fishing village with 1,190 inhabitants on the fjord of the same name. From 1900 to 1970, Siglufjörður was the herring capital of the North Atlantic area. Hundreds of fishing boats enter the small fjord every day to land their captured goods. In its heyday, up to 10,000 people were involved in the herring processing industry. You can visit the herring museum within walking distance of the campsite. This is located in the Síldarminjasafnið, a red wooden building on the wharf.

Grafarkirkja Church (RP7)

Transportmuseum in Stóragerði (RP6)
Want to download this route?
You can download the route for free without MyRoute-app account. To do so, open the route and click 'save as'. Want to edit this route?
No problem, start by opening the route. Follow the tutorial and create your personal MyRoute-app account. After registration, your trial starts automatically.
Use of this GPS route is at your own expense and risk. The route has been carefully composed and checked by a MyRoute-app accredited RouteXpert for use on TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.

Iceland
About this region
Iceland (Icelandic: Ísland; [ˈistlant] (listen)) is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic Ocean and the most sparsely populated country in Europe. The capital and largest city is Reykjavík. Reykjavík and the surrounding areas in the southwest of the country are home to over two-thirds of the population. Iceland is the only part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge that rises above sea-level, and its central volcanic plateau is erupting almost constantly. The interior consists of a plateau characterised by sand and lava fields, mountains, and glaciers, and many glacial rivers flow to the sea through the lowlands. Iceland is warmed by the Gulf Stream and has a temperate climate, despite a high latitude just outside the Arctic Circle. Its high latitude and marine influence keep summers chilly, and most of its islands have a polar climate.
According to the ancient manuscript Landnámabók, the settlement of Iceland began in 874 AD when the Norwegian chieftain Ingólfr Arnarson became the first permanent settler on the island. In the following centuries, Norwegians, and to a lesser extent other Scandinavians, emigrated to Iceland, bringing with them thralls (i.e., slaves or serfs) of Gaelic origin.
The island was governed as an independent commonwealth under the Althing, one of the world's oldest functioning legislative assemblies. Following a period of civil strife, Iceland acceded to Norwegian rule in the 13th century. The establishment of the Kalmar Union in 1397 united the kingdoms of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Iceland thus followed Norway's integration into that union, coming under Danish rule after Sweden's secession from the union in 1523. Although the Danish kingdom introduced Lutheranism forcefully in 1550, Iceland remained a distant semi-colonial territory in which Danish institutions and infrastructures were conspicuous by their absence.In the wake of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, Iceland's struggle for independence took form and culminated in independence in 1918 and the founding of a republic in 1944. Although its parliament (Althing) was suspended from 1799 to 1845, the island republic has been credited with sustaining the world's oldest and longest-running parliament.
Until the 20th century, Iceland relied largely on subsistence fishing and agriculture. Industrialization of the fisheries and Marshall Plan aid following World War II brought prosperity, and Iceland became one of the wealthiest and most developed nations in the world. It became a part of the European Economic Area in 1994; this further diversified the economy into sectors such as finance, biotechnology, and manufacturing.
Iceland has a market economy with relatively low taxes, compared to other OECD countries, as well as the highest trade union membership in the world. It maintains a Nordic social welfare system that provides universal health care and tertiary education for its citizens. Iceland ranks high in economic, democratic, and social stability, as well as equality, ranking third in the world by median wealth per adult. In 2020, it was ranked as the fourth-most developed country in the world by the United Nations' Human Development Index, and it ranks first on the Global Peace Index. Iceland runs almost completely on renewable energy.
Icelandic culture is founded upon the nation's Scandinavian heritage. Most Icelanders are descendants of Norse and Gaelic settlers. Icelandic, a North Germanic language, is descended from Old West Norse and is closely related to Faroese. The country's cultural heritage includes traditional Icelandic cuisine, Icelandic literature, and medieval sagas. Iceland has the smallest population of any NATO member and is the only one with no standing army, with a lightly armed coast guard.
Read more on Wikipedia
According to the ancient manuscript Landnámabók, the settlement of Iceland began in 874 AD when the Norwegian chieftain Ingólfr Arnarson became the first permanent settler on the island. In the following centuries, Norwegians, and to a lesser extent other Scandinavians, emigrated to Iceland, bringing with them thralls (i.e., slaves or serfs) of Gaelic origin.
The island was governed as an independent commonwealth under the Althing, one of the world's oldest functioning legislative assemblies. Following a period of civil strife, Iceland acceded to Norwegian rule in the 13th century. The establishment of the Kalmar Union in 1397 united the kingdoms of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Iceland thus followed Norway's integration into that union, coming under Danish rule after Sweden's secession from the union in 1523. Although the Danish kingdom introduced Lutheranism forcefully in 1550, Iceland remained a distant semi-colonial territory in which Danish institutions and infrastructures were conspicuous by their absence.In the wake of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, Iceland's struggle for independence took form and culminated in independence in 1918 and the founding of a republic in 1944. Although its parliament (Althing) was suspended from 1799 to 1845, the island republic has been credited with sustaining the world's oldest and longest-running parliament.
Until the 20th century, Iceland relied largely on subsistence fishing and agriculture. Industrialization of the fisheries and Marshall Plan aid following World War II brought prosperity, and Iceland became one of the wealthiest and most developed nations in the world. It became a part of the European Economic Area in 1994; this further diversified the economy into sectors such as finance, biotechnology, and manufacturing.
Iceland has a market economy with relatively low taxes, compared to other OECD countries, as well as the highest trade union membership in the world. It maintains a Nordic social welfare system that provides universal health care and tertiary education for its citizens. Iceland ranks high in economic, democratic, and social stability, as well as equality, ranking third in the world by median wealth per adult. In 2020, it was ranked as the fourth-most developed country in the world by the United Nations' Human Development Index, and it ranks first on the Global Peace Index. Iceland runs almost completely on renewable energy.
Icelandic culture is founded upon the nation's Scandinavian heritage. Most Icelanders are descendants of Norse and Gaelic settlers. Icelandic, a North Germanic language, is descended from Old West Norse and is closely related to Faroese. The country's cultural heritage includes traditional Icelandic cuisine, Icelandic literature, and medieval sagas. Iceland has the smallest population of any NATO member and is the only one with no standing army, with a lightly armed coast guard.
View region
Amount of RX reviews (Iceland)
Amount of visitors (Iceland)
Amount of downloads (Iceland)
On an adventure in Iceland
12 Day Iceland Road Trip
Driving in Iceland is a great experience whether you travel by car or as described in this review by motorcycle.
This route collection is based on information about Iceland that you can find on the Internet, especially from the Guide to Iceland, where you can find a wealth of information to prepare you well for your trip.
You drive through landscapes that are varied and beautiful, you see glacier tongues, volcanic mountains, geothermal areas with active geysers, lava fields, craters, forests, waterfalls and incredibly rugged stretches of coast. You will also see many animals such as seals, killer whales, humpback whales, puffins, gulls, olives and petrels
The main roads are of good quality but you also drive a lot on gravel roads, so not suitable for road motorcycles. Some of these roads are sometimes closed due to the weather.
It is therefore important that you check the weather forecasts and the situation of the roads every day before you leave, this information can be found on the website of "Icelandic Meteorological Office" and for the roads on the website of "The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration" "
Due to the Icelandic climate this trip can only be made in the summer and is suitable for car and motorcycle. Renting cars (also 4x4) and motorbikes is possible in Reykjavik.
If you want your own car or motorcycle, you can make a ferry crossing from the Netherlands or Denmark via the Faroe Islands. Then take another week off for the crossings, or longer because you can also make beautiful rides on Faroe Islands.
This route collection consists of the following routes
Day 1 from Reykjavik to Vik (350km)
Day 2 from Vik to Kirkjubaejarklaustur (215km)
Day 3 from Kirkjubaejarklaustur to Hoefn (225km)
Day 4 from Hoefn to Seydisfjoerdur (295km)
Day 5 from Seydisfjoerdur to Husavik (300km)
Day 6 from Husavik to Siglufjordur (260km)
Day 7 from Siglufjordur to Blonduos (220km)
Day 8 from Blonduos to Reykholar (325km)
Day 9 from Reykholar to Patreksfjordur (455km)
Day 10 from Patreksfjordur to Grundarfjordur (280km)
Day 11 from Grundarfjordur to Borgarnes (210km)
Day 12 from Borgarnes to Reykjavik (270km)
Driving in Iceland is a great experience whether you travel by car or as described in this review by motorcycle.
This route collection is based on information about Iceland that you can find on the Internet, especially from the Guide to Iceland, where you can find a wealth of information to prepare you well for your trip.
You drive through landscapes that are varied and beautiful, you see glacier tongues, volcanic mountains, geothermal areas with active geysers, lava fields, craters, forests, waterfalls and incredibly rugged stretches of coast. You will also see many animals such as seals, killer whales, humpback whales, puffins, gulls, olives and petrels
The main roads are of good quality but you also drive a lot on gravel roads, so not suitable for road motorcycles. Some of these roads are sometimes closed due to the weather.
It is therefore important that you check the weather forecasts and the situation of the roads every day before you leave, this information can be found on the website of "Icelandic Meteorological Office" and for the roads on the website of "The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration" "
Due to the Icelandic climate this trip can only be made in the summer and is suitable for car and motorcycle. Renting cars (also 4x4) and motorbikes is possible in Reykjavik.
If you want your own car or motorcycle, you can make a ferry crossing from the Netherlands or Denmark via the Faroe Islands. Then take another week off for the crossings, or longer because you can also make beautiful rides on Faroe Islands.
This route collection consists of the following routes
Day 1 from Reykjavik to Vik (350km)
Day 2 from Vik to Kirkjubaejarklaustur (215km)
Day 3 from Kirkjubaejarklaustur to Hoefn (225km)
Day 4 from Hoefn to Seydisfjoerdur (295km)
Day 5 from Seydisfjoerdur to Husavik (300km)
Day 6 from Husavik to Siglufjordur (260km)
Day 7 from Siglufjordur to Blonduos (220km)
Day 8 from Blonduos to Reykholar (325km)
Day 9 from Reykholar to Patreksfjordur (455km)
Day 10 from Patreksfjordur to Grundarfjordur (280km)
Day 11 from Grundarfjordur to Borgarnes (210km)
Day 12 from Borgarnes to Reykjavik (270km)
View Route Collection
12 Routes
3406.93 km
63h 38m
Adventure Tour along the Arctic Coast Way in Iceland
Iceland is a pearl on the earth with many natural beauties. In 2019, the Arctic Coast Way was opened to allow travelers to enjoy untouched nature. The Arctic Coast Way is a great opportunity to see wildlife, dive geothermal pools and take part in adventure activities such as hiking, boating and horseback riding, surrounded by sea and mountain views.
The Arctic Coast Way starts in Hvammstangi in the north-west and ends in Bakkafjörður in the north-east. This approximately 900 kilometer long “Off the Beaten track” route passes through rugged North Iceland and follows the beautiful Fjord coast.
Driving the Arctic Coast Way is different from what you might be used to. It is a true off the beaten track route that takes you through beautiful remote landscapes. This means leaving civilization behind in the spirit of adventure and exploration.
We drive large parts on unpaved roads (about 1/3 part), sometimes with large holes, so this route is only suitable for Adventure or Off Road motorcycles or cars with 4x4 drive. Drive slowly to enjoy the magical surroundings but because of the sheep and birds that can walk on the road.
The route runs close to the Arctic Circle and many stops are planned along the way to visit Iceland's many highlights. A number of examples are the many waterfalls, glaciers, fishing villages and fjords. In some cases you have to take a walk (hike), these can influence the planning of the rides, so keep that in mind. Due to the slower speed on the unpaved roads and the sights along the way, the routes have been kept short.
Enjoy the freedom along the way, but respect nature and keep in mind that wild camping is prohibited, you are only allowed to camp on campsites or with the permission of the owner on his private property. All villages along the route have camping options. All campsites have rubbish bins and sanitary facilities. Do not drive off-road, but stay on the designated roads. Off-road driving is prohibited, with heavy fines.
The routes are;
Day 1 from Hvammstangi to Blönduós
Day 2 from Blönduós to Grettislaug
Day 3 from Grettislaug to Siglufjörður
Day 4 from Siglufjörður to Húsavik
Day 5 from Húsavik to Raufarhöfn
Day 6 from Raufarhöfn to Bakkafjörður
The Arctic Coast Way starts in Hvammstangi in the north-west and ends in Bakkafjörður in the north-east. This approximately 900 kilometer long “Off the Beaten track” route passes through rugged North Iceland and follows the beautiful Fjord coast.
Driving the Arctic Coast Way is different from what you might be used to. It is a true off the beaten track route that takes you through beautiful remote landscapes. This means leaving civilization behind in the spirit of adventure and exploration.
We drive large parts on unpaved roads (about 1/3 part), sometimes with large holes, so this route is only suitable for Adventure or Off Road motorcycles or cars with 4x4 drive. Drive slowly to enjoy the magical surroundings but because of the sheep and birds that can walk on the road.
The route runs close to the Arctic Circle and many stops are planned along the way to visit Iceland's many highlights. A number of examples are the many waterfalls, glaciers, fishing villages and fjords. In some cases you have to take a walk (hike), these can influence the planning of the rides, so keep that in mind. Due to the slower speed on the unpaved roads and the sights along the way, the routes have been kept short.
Enjoy the freedom along the way, but respect nature and keep in mind that wild camping is prohibited, you are only allowed to camp on campsites or with the permission of the owner on his private property. All villages along the route have camping options. All campsites have rubbish bins and sanitary facilities. Do not drive off-road, but stay on the designated roads. Off-road driving is prohibited, with heavy fines.
The routes are;
Day 1 from Hvammstangi to Blönduós
Day 2 from Blönduós to Grettislaug
Day 3 from Grettislaug to Siglufjörður
Day 4 from Siglufjörður to Húsavik
Day 5 from Húsavik to Raufarhöfn
Day 6 from Raufarhöfn to Bakkafjörður
View Route Collection
6 Routes
999.35 km
63h 8m