Iceland Arctic Crossing - Volcanoes, whales, puffins
In this 2 part series, we share an itinerary for an adventure in Iceland where volcanoes erupt, sheep cross the road, whales wave hello in the fjord, and we cross the Arctic Circle with adorable puffins everywhere! Bonus - I also find a new delicious sparkling wine. Both Part 1 and Part 2 will provide our full itinerary which moves slowly to include buffer time to manage jet lag. Feel free to use our itinerary.
You can only access the Arctic region through 8 countries, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the USA.
Part 2: Akureyri to the Arctic (Grimsey Island)
Part 1 covered sites of Reykjavik, Fagradsfjall volcano eruption, Dimmuborgir and the route to Akureyri.
In part 2, we check-in to our hotel in Akureyri and have an amazing meal with a SPARKLING SAUVIGNON BLANC. Next, we explore the community while heading to our whale watching excursion. Did we see whales? Absolutely! Then, we soak in the natural hot springs at the Akureyri Swimming Pool, right next to the hotel. Finally, we embark on a journey to Grimsey Island where we cross the Arctic Circle.
Summary - our Itinerary
- Days 1 - 3
- Reykjavik (2 days)
- Hotel - Alda Hotel (3 nights lodging)
- City view
- Street art….inclding literal street art
- Find the humorous signs
- Hallsgrimskirkja church
- Fagradsfjall Volcano hike (VOLCANO ERUPTED!!!) (1 day)
- Day 4 AM
- Drive up North (5-6 hours)
- Dimmuborgir (home of the Yule Lads) (2-4 hours)
- Day 4 PM - Day 6
- Akureyri
- Hotel - Icelandair Hotel (top of the hill and next to public hot springs; 3 nights lodging)
- Dinner at Rub23
- Check out the elf houses and the church (with street art!)
- Public thermal pool
- Whale watching
- Destination Arctic - Grimsey Island
- Day 7 - drive back to Reykjavik and catch your flight home
Akureyri
The second largest populated city in Iceland, Akureyri sits adjacent to a stunning fjord and offers whale watching, amazing food, and of course, elf houses. Akureyri must be a city of love since it’s a city of hearts. Tons to do on our journey to the Arctic.
Hotel - 3 nights
In Akureyri, we stayed at the Icelandair Hotel Akureyri which offered a massive room with a separate living room area. I did upgrade given the reasonable rates when we went. The hotel is located on the top of the hill next to the Akureyri Swimming Pool (aka hot springs). Our view was the fjord.
Icelandair Hotel (might be Berjaya now) website shows King size bed rooms, not the suite, for summer 2023 on a Friday night run about ISK46,800 - ISK52,000 (at an exchange rate of 0.007 that equals $328 - $364) per night (Feb 14, 2023). Interestingly, this is the same rate as Reykjavik. There are less and more expensive hotels in the area, this is simply where we stayed.
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| Living room with a view |
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| Comfy beds (push apart if needed) with a view |
Dinner at Rub23
I feel compelled to write about this restaurant not only because the food, service, and ambiance were fantastic but also because I discovered an impeccable New Zealand sparkling Sauvignon Blanc - Saint Clair Family Estate, Vicar’s Choice, 2018 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Bubbles - on the menu. Make a reservation.
Red building is Rub23
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| Saint Clair Family Estate - Vicar’s Choice - 2018 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Bubbles |
Elf Houses and the Church (with street art)
Iceland loves the elven population. From big city to countryside, you can find elf houses to ensure they are comfy, cozy, and stay out of mischief. In the video, we show a more hidden display of an elf house. And similar to Reykavik, the church design resembles the rugged landscapes of Iceland. Of course, even the smaller city offers colorful street art.
Thermal Pool! (AKA Akureyri Swimming pool)
The public thermal pool offers a variety of pools ranging from lap pools to waterslides and temperatures. Thermal pools exist throughout Iceland as a result of the numerous volcanoes. While some are extremely expensive, the Akureyri pool offers all the same benefits at a low rate. As of today, the single entry rate for a child is ISK290, an adult is ISK1,200, and senior is ISK300 - or $2, $8, and $2, respectively (Feb 14, 2023).
While I found soaking in the pools glorious, as an American the one thing that caught me off guard was the requirement to shower off fully nude in the locker room shared showers before taking a dip. First, it felt like high school all over again. Yes - whatever - I’m prudish and sensitive. But hey, I’m GenX and a woman so grew up always feeling ‘fat’ compare to movie stars (I’m not but if you’re GenX and female, you understand). Second, there were men’s and women's lockers. If you’re reading this and are trans, heads up that there is a situation to navigate.
Clearly, I took no photos in the pool area. I only have the view from my hotel room.
Whale Watching
After whale watching in Hawaii (RIB and catamaran, multiple islands and times), Alaska (motorized cruiser), Antarctica (cruise ship), and Akureyri (RIB), I put this in my top 3 experience given (safe and legal) proximity, number, and activity of the whales. We journeyed on a RIB boat and were well equipped for the cold. We used Whale Watching Akureyri and their current published rate for the “Express” tour (the RIB boat) is ISK19,990 (currently about $140/adult). The other tours on larger boats are less expensive. However, if you are capable of riding in the RIB - it’s worth it.
Check out the footage!
Destination Arctic! (Grimsey Island)
The journey to the Arctic requires driving (or alternate transport) to Dalvik, riding a ferry, and taking a hike (bring the proper footwear!). Plan your ferry route in advance as the Samskip Sæfari schedule varies.
Getting to Dalvik
Dalvik, specifically the marina, is about 35 minutes north of Akureyri. Arrive early.
Sæfari to Grimsey Island
Buy your tickets online in advance. Great news for you! The site is now available in English. When I purchased my tickets I had to figure out Icelandic; both challenging and rewarding. Call your credit card company in advance to alert them or you will likely wind up filling out the information twice. The ship is nice, snacks and drinks for sale, seats inside, and access to enjoy the views from the outside deck.
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| On a ferry! |
Hike to the Arctic Circle
People always ask if the hike was difficult. Unfortunately, difficulty is a relative term. We felt most of the trail was pretty easy (1 on a scale of 1 - 5) and well-labeled - we were able to reach our destination - except for getting back up a hill after crossing the magical boundary. The uphill part is a 2!
The boat docks near the landing strip (see the airplane icon on the map). Ultimately, you walk the trail (red line) to the northern part of the island.
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| Map of Grimsey |
Destination Arctic!
Should you choose to embark on this adventure, you not only have bragging rights with all your friends, you will see some breathtaking landscapes, roaming sheep and goats, and of course, PUFFINS!
Watching Tim cross into the Arctic was truly a homage to Monty Python….
Video
While we only hung out on the small island for a day, there are options to stay overnight, snorkel, boat and fish https://www.arctictrip.is/
Day 7 - Drive
Drive back to Keflavik airport and don’t miss your flight!
(Or if you have extra time maybe finish the Ring Road!)
In closing, I really hope you enjoyed this 2 part series bringing you along on our Arctic adventure. Feel free to use our itinerary and save some time and money. Less for you to look up….less for you to pay a travel agent.
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