The sprawling coastlines of Iceland
are unique with their crashing waves, seabird-dotted shores, and lounging
seals. Apart from that, you will come across rugged and snow-topped peaks with
colourful fishing hamlets nearby. You must get off the regular and overtly
beaten tourist trails. Only then you will be face-to-face with real and
unbridled adventure. You should head to the Arctic Coast Way, better known as
Nordurstrandarleid, for that purpose. Iceland will launch this extraordinary
pathway this year in June. It is going to be Iceland’s first official touring
route. The nine hundred-kilometre long remote and untouched coastline will
captivate your mind and soul. Your heart will pound incessantly as you escape
from modern life into the welcoming embrace of tranquil surroundings.
Skagafjordur
The lushness of Skagafjordur includes
plenty of surprises for the unsuspecting tourist. The place is famous for
horse-breeding, historical remains, wild landscapes, and adrenaline-infused
activities, like snowboarding and white-water rafting. These features make
Skagafjordur one of Iceland’s most mesmerizing yet under-the-radar tourist
spots. You can explore this location on Iceland Private Tours. Skagafjordur is to
the north of Saudarkrokur, with a gorgeous yet eerily silent stretch of scenic
mountains. Among the peaks, Tindastoll is the most prominent, and it has a
geothermal area to the northern end. There is a famous waterfront bathing pool
known as the Grettislaug. Two uninhabited islands guard the mouth of
Skagafjordur, which are known as Malmey and Drangey.
Vatnsnes Peninsula
The Iceland Private Tours may begin
languidly at Hvammstangi as you set out on a boat to witness seal colonies.
After that, the thrill seeps in as you travel along the serene seafront
gravelled road. It continues for about eighty-two kilometers around the surging
hills of the Vatnsnes Peninsula. The peacefulness of the area can be deceptive
because the Vatnsnes Peninsula used to be a den of criminals. You shouldn’t
worry as the criminalities are a part of a famous novel. Once you cross the tip
of the peninsula and head south again, stop to explore the sea stack,
Hvitserkur. According to stories, Hvitserkur used to be a troll who tried to
destroy a monastery.
Tjornes Peninsula
If you are into whale-watching, then
you will hear about Husavik, and probably visit it too. It earned popularity as
it is Iceland’s most favourite whale-watching site. If you take the Route 85
north of Husavik, then you will reach the geologically abundant Tjornes
Peninsula. The fossil-infested cliffs there provide shelter to numerous
seabirds. Depressions between geological faults pock the land at Kelduhverfi.
Fissures tore up those depressions. There is also a rift point where the The Mid-Atlantic Ridge cuts through the Arctic Ocean. You should check out the
excellent vantage point at the Manarbakki Museum. The panels there will inform
you about the tectonic activity taking place in the area.
Trollaskagi
A new route is about to open in
Iceland, and you know if you have been reading this write-up from the top.
Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to include a description of all that you will
witness this pathway. The last location about which you will learn here is
Trollaskagi. Better recognized as the Troll Peninsula, it stretches between
Skagafjordur and Eyjafjordur. The site features a large section of snow-capped
hills. There are deep valleys between the crags which are home to some of the
best fishing rivers. You should begin at the tranquil fishing hamlet of Hofsos.
It has a mind-boggling swimming pool which faces a fjord. It will be hard for you to depart from here.
The moment you manage to do so, you should head to Siglufjordur. It perches on
a sparkly waterfront with one of those steep mountains backing it. There was a
time when ten thousand workers lived here. They used to unload the fishing boats
and gut and salt the fishes.
