What you'll do
Day 1
🚗 Take Road 82
♨️ Morning soak in tubs by the ocean in Hauganes
Hauganes Hot Tubs
Hot Spring
Seaside geothermal hot tub relaxation
Hot pools right by the ocean. They also have one in shape of the boat. One of my favourite hot pools in Iceland.
Access : From the parking follow the sign. It takes 1min walk to get there.
Amenities : Changing rooms, WC
In the village, you will also find whale watching, campsite and restaurant. More information can be found here : https://fjorubodin.is/en/hauganes-beach-and-camping-north-iceland/
Entrance : 2.000 ISK
🥾 10-15 minute hike to þverárfoss (waterfall in a gorge)
Þverárfoss
Waterfall
Hidden gorge waterfall
Access : Short 10 min hike on the ride side of the gorge. You first have to walk through the fenced field with some (friendly) horses
Parking : At the grass next to the road/Steinðyr farm (there is a Parking sign). Do not park in front of the fence gate by the road
No drone flying here. It’s a nesting location for icelandic Merlin and they will attack your drone!
🍽️ Stop for a quick lunch in rustic Gísli Eirikur Helgi : Amazing atmosphere and staff + they have the best fish soup in Iceland, delicious bread, coffee and home baked cakes
Gisli Eirikur Helgi Kaffihûs Bakkabrædra
restaurant
Charming cafe with best fish soup
Gisli, Eirikur, Helgi is a charming cafe in Dalvik, known for serving the best fish soup in the country. The cozy atmosphere, friendly owners, and delicious homemade bread make it a must-visit spot for a hearty and soul-warming meal. Make sure to also taste some of the home baked cakes they have there!
📸 Next photo spot is Mígandifoss - a small roadside waterfall falling off the cliffs to the ocean
- Then there's also a pull-off on the right side right before you enter the tunnel - good place for some bonus views and photos
Mígandifoss Viewpoint
Waterfall
Where waterfall meets ocean
Waterfall located on the coast Eyjafjörður, 10 min drive from Dalvík. Even though rarely mentioned in any guides, waterfall’s unique location always makes everyone passing by to stop and admire its beauty.
Even though you can’t get closer to the waterfall than the view point, you can still get some great views and footage if you have a zoom lens or a drone.
tip : On the opposite side the road, you will find blueberry fields. This is a very popular blueberry picking location in August/September
📸 Before you enter Olafsfjörður there's a small pull-off where you can get some nice photos of the fjord
- then you can also visit the black beach where you can strech your legs and take a short walk and see fjord form a little different angle (perhaps only worth it if the mountains are not all in clouds)
Ólafsfjörður Beach
beach
Scenic black sand beach
Beautiful beach right next to the town with some scenic views. Great place for a walk or picnic in any time of the year.
⛪️ Next stop Siglufjörður : charming old fishing town.
Park your car in the harbour : https://maps.app.goo.gl/7aNduerS7YEdBUcK8
Take a walk along the shore towards Herring Museum (Cool place to visit if you want to learn something about how this used to be the herring capital of Iceland). If not, then it's still nice place to take some photo of form outside and there're other photo opportunities along the way.
🥐 Before you leave the town you can visit cozy Herring Caffé located in Herring Museum or grab some fresh pastries to go in local bakery.
Siglufjörður
Sightseeing
Cozy fishing town with rich history
Siglufjörður is a cozy fishing town with rich herring fishing history. By many, Siglufjörður is considered the most beautiful town in Iceland. There are many shops and restaurant, bakery and you can also visit herring museum, local brewery or go sea kayaking.
Aðalbakarí
bakery
Best local Bakery
Great place to stop for a coffee and grab some fresh pastries for the road.
Aðalbakarí is a cozy bakery nestled in the heart of Siglufjörður, Iceland, known for its freshly baked bread and delicious pastries. It's not just a bakery but a social hub where locals and visitors gather to enjoy a variety of tasty treats in a welcoming atmosphere. With a focus on quality, diversity, and environmental sustainability, Aðalbakarí has become a favorite spot for those exploring the charming town. Whether you're looking for a place to savor a morning coffee, have lunch, or indulge in sweets with friends, Aðalbakarí is the place to be.
📸 There'll be two viewpoints : one before you enter the tunnel and another one with bigger pull-off soon after you exit the tunnel
Útsýnispallur
Sightseeing
Scenic panoramic view behind Siglufjörður
As soon as you leave the tunnel when driving from Siglufjörður, there's a beautiful viewpoint at the sea, lighthouse and steep cliffs towering behind you.
📸 Quick photo spot : Sauðanesvíti - you can either snap some shots from the road/view point or drive down to it for some bonus angles.
🚗 Then continue a scenic drive along the coast
Sauðanesviti
Sightseeing
Scenic lighthouse
You can see this bright lighthouse from the road and it is possible to drive down to it. This is a private road, so make sure you're respectful and do not block the road with your car.
You can also get a good angle from the view point next to the tunnel (as seen on the photo)
View point
photospot
Bay views
Nice scenic road stop with a picnic table. The photo is taken from a hill above.
🏔️ If you have time, take detour to Stifluvatn, hidden lake deep in the Fljót valley. There's a nice viewpoint right before you drive down towards the lake. Park your car on the right side of the road and walk to the small viewpoint on the left side for the best view.
Stífluvatn
Sightseeing
Tranquil lake
Stífluvatn is a picturesque lake located in North Iceland. There're some great views as the lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains. the best view is from the north side of the lake as the road will take you on a little hill. You can also drive across Lágheiði pass to/from Ólafsfjörður, which is really nice but bumpy drive (check road.is first for road conditions)
Grafarkirkja (The oldest church in Iceland)
historic
Oldest turf church in Iceland
Grafarkirkja, the oldest turf church in Iceland, is definitely worth a quick stop. You will find it near town Hofsós very close to the road. A lot of people overlook this little gem but it is a great photo location. The church sits in the circular stone fence which makes it a fantastic place for drone photographers. Unfortunately you can't enter inside.
🚗 Parking: Small free parking near the church.
❄️ Winter : The parking spot might not be cleared, see if you can park near the farm's gate. Do not block the road!
📸 After you visit the church, if you're up for an adventure you can visit my favourite place Kotárfoss. A hidden waterfall in a deep gorge. It's a short hike but requires a little bit of agility as a few sections of the trail car be a little steep, plus you will have to cross the stream (ankle to knee deep) two times.
- An easier alternative would be visit Reykjafoss waterfall nearby (paid parkking) which also has a little hot spring you can bath in right above the waterfall
Kotárfoss
Waterfall
Hidden waterfall in deep gorge
Another waterfall that rarely gets visited by tourists. You can find it hidden in a breathtaking deep gorge right by the main road.
Access : From the parking lot, cross under the old bridge and continue walking on the right side of gorge untill you reach the waterfall.
Parking : Right by the main road.
Keep in mind that even though this is a very short hike, it will require you to cross the stream few times and climb over some rocks. You don’t need any climbing equipment, but it can be too difficult if you are not an agile person.
Do not enter the gorge if the water level seems high