Arctic Coastline and Tröllaskagi Peninsula Tour from Akureyri
Fjords, fishing villages, geothermal hot tubs, and the historic herring capital of the world in one scenic drive.
The Tröllaskagi Peninsula tour takes you through one of Iceland's most geologically dramatic and culturally layered regions, tracing the coastline of Eyjafjörður before turning north toward the Greenland Sea. In six hours, this easy-rated excursion covers glacier-carved valleys, black sand beaches, and centuries-old fishing communities. It is an ideal introduction to northern Iceland for travellers based in Akureyri.
Departing from Akureyri, the route follows the western shore of Eyjafjörður, passing through Dalvík and Ólafsfjörður before arriving in Siglufjörður. This remote town, once the engine of Iceland's herring industry, sits compressed between steep mountains and a narrow fjord, and it is also recognisable as the filming location for the Nordic noir television series Trapped.
The Tröllaskagi Peninsula itself was shaped by repeated glaciation during the last Ice Age. Deep valleys were cut by ice and later occupied by rivers, and several small glacier ice caps still persist in the interior highlands. The highest peak, Kerling, rises above 1,000 metres, giving the landscape a commanding scale that is visible from the road throughout the journey.
On the return leg, the tour stops in Hauganes, a village of roughly 90 residents on the eastern shore of Eyjafjörður. Here, geothermal hot tubs sit directly on the black beach, and guests have the option to swim in the Atlantic before finishing the day at the Baccalá bar restaurant before heading back to Akureyri.
Tour Highlights
Drive along the shores of Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland's longest fjords, with sweeping views across the water throughout the journey.
Explore Siglufjörður, the former herring capital of the world, and walk through the award-winning Herring Era Museum spread across three restored historic buildings.
See the atmospheric harbour town that served as the filming location for the internationally acclaimed Icelandic television series Trapped.
Soak in geothermal hot tubs on the black beach in Hauganes with views over Eyjafjörður and the option to take a cold plunge in the Atlantic Ocean.
Pass through glacier-carved valleys beneath peaks exceeding 1,000 metres, with small remnant ice caps visible in the central peninsula highlands.
Stop at black sand beaches along the route to Siglufjörður, where the raw Arctic coastline meets dramatic mountain backdrops.
End the day at Baccalá bar restaurant in Hauganes before returning to Akureyri, rounding off the tour with local flavour.
Itinerary
The tour departs from Akureyri, the capital of northern Iceland, situated at the head of Eyjafjörður. The drive out along the fjord offers immediate views of the mountain ranges that define this part of the country.
The route passes through Dalvík and Ólafsfjörður, two fishing communities on the western side of the peninsula. These villages give a sense of how coastal Icelanders have organised their livelihoods around the sea for generations.
A stop at one of the black sand beaches en route provides a chance to take in the stark contrast between the dark volcanic shoreline and the surrounding mountains. The setting reflects the raw geological character of this part of Iceland.
The main destination of the outward journey, Siglufjörður is a compact town wedged between mountains and the sea. Visitors can explore the Herring Era Museum, which spans three restored buildings including a 1916 Norwegian salting station, a 1907 fishmeal factory, and a boathouse with restored herring vessels.
On the return, the group stops in Hauganes, where geothermal hot tubs on the beach offer relaxation beside the fjord. Those who wish can swim in the ocean before warming up again in the mineral-rich water.
The tour concludes with a stop at the Baccalá bar restaurant in Hauganes before the group returns to Akureyri. The full round trip takes approximately six hours.
What Is Included
Included
- Guided tour from Akureyri
- Transport throughout the route
- Stop at the Herring Era Museum in Siglufjörður
- Access to geothermal hot tubs in Hauganes
- Stop at Baccalá restaurant in Hauganes
- Black sand beach stop
Not Included
- Museum entrance fees
- Food and beverages
- Swimwear or towel for hot tubs
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula Tour
Spaces on this small-group tour are limited. Secure your seat and explore the fjords, fishing villages, and volcanic coastline of northern Iceland.
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