Thursday, May 23, 2019
ARCTIC COAST WAY VOTED 3RD BEST PLACE TO VISIT IN EUROPE

Recently the large travel guide book publisher, Lonely Planet just published an article naming the top 10 places in Europe to visit. You can see the article here: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-europe?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid%20social&utm_campaign=best%20in%20europe%202019&fbclid=IwAR2S44MaxkH7wn6luTrrxP2ybWDP9IyDWqxD8HepAYWGEZLtP-mVunt_g8g

They voted The Arctic Coast way here in Iceland as the third best place to visit in Europe! Which includes the heart of North-East Iceland, our romantic town Húsavík. We could not agree more. Driving from South-East Iceland to the most northern tip of Iceland is special. There are countless wonders to see on the way. And one should not forget to make a visit in Húsavík to experience the wild nature in Skjálfandi Bay.

The Arctic Coast Way will be launched on 8th June 2019 and is the first official touring route in Iceland. On the opening day, locals invite you to join in on hikes, coastal cleanup, BBQ at the coast, concerts and much more. For those who want to discover unspoiled landscapes in the spirit of pioneers, this day marks the start of an exciting ongoing development process of this touring route which already offers an extraordinary off-the-beaten-track adventure along the northern perimeter of Iceland.

Travelling the Arctic Coast Way means leaving the common routes behind you and going off the beaten track to discover some of the most remote places in Iceland; a unique adventure following 900 km of coastal roads close to the Arctic Circle.

Here, where volcanic land meets icy ocean, nature´s force has carved a coastline of wild and pure beauty. The route includes six peninsulas reaching far out in the ocean, taking you from black sandy beaches to spectacular cliffs, along glacial river deltas and fjords to high mountains. Going one step further into remoteness, five beautiful islands offer unforgettable experiences and you might even want to straddle the Arctic Circle. Each of the little towns along the way tells unique stories about life on the edge of the Arctic.

In springtime, the migrating birds arrive and ring in the summer with their vibrating calls. You will discover some of the best bird watching places in Iceland and boat tours take you to unforgettable encounters with friendly whales and charming seals.

Narrow roads, very often gravelled, follow the shoreline where the ocean meets the endless horizon or you can switch to roads carved up into steep mountains. You will feel the elemental power of the ocean, and its influence on the ever-changing weather. In a storm roaring rollers crash onto the shore, while you enjoy the cosiness of a café or relaxing in your accommodation. In sunshine, however, the ocean turns a Caribbean blue and walking barefoot on the beach will be a tempting idea.

You could drive the whole route in one go – but you are free to slow down and indulge yourself, as you discover the wonders of the Arctic Coast Way. Moving to the rhythm of waves and wind, feel a surge of energy on stunning hikes and meet friendly people who will make you want to return again and again. The dramatic shifts of light from midnight sun to Northern Lights and the seasonal palette of colors from winter´s pristine white to autumn´s fiery tones offer you a different perspective each time, with new adventures awaiting you.

21 fishing villages from Hvammstangi to Bakkafjörður
the northernmost points of Iceland and the only place to cross the Arctic Circle
perfect places to see the midnight sun and northern lights
boat transfer to 6 islands
excellent places for whale watching, seal watching and birding
stunning coastal hikes and wide selection for outdoor activities
8 geothermal pools
many music and culture festivals
and much much more!

This is an exciting project! Hopefully it will be eye opening and these beautiful places will receive more attention.

Below you can see some pictures from this past week here at Gentle Giants in Húsavík.