Second trip to Iceland- this time to see the north and maybe the east also. Saves time to fly to Akureyi rather than spending 6 hours driving from Keflavik but will we be missing a lot of pretty scenery? Alternatively could spend the night about halfway in Hymmstangi. Will be there 5 days in early September. Still in process of planning if anyone has suggestions- favorite places? Can handle easy hikes but won’t be doing anything too strenuous.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7738 posts
Will you need to change to the Domestic airport? More time and security screening.
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2468 posts
With just 5 days I would probably fly. The drive between the two is nice, but if you are wanting to concentrate on the north, this will give you more time. Another option would to fly up there and then return the car back at KEF, if whatever car rental company you are using will do that. If you are flying from the US, driving up there on the day of arrival would not be smart, so flying again would be a good idea. Otherwise if you stayed say no further than Borgarnes that day, then sure you could drive up there. But whatever driving you do on arrival day make sure it is minimal.
We loved GeoSea in Husavik as well as Hvammsvik closer to Reykjavik. There are some great roadside hot springs as well along the way, if these interest you.
Posted by
Freedonia
15991 posts
No security screening at Reykjavic City Airport for domestic flights. Nor at Aukreyri for the return flight. It surprised me but there was none. Check in doesn't start until 45 minutes before flight time.
Akureyri airport is only a couple of miles from the town but the taxi prices are high and you will have to call for one. Everything is expensive in Akureyri.
Just walking in town is a hike as the town is built on a hillside.
Posted by
Big Island of Hawaii
743 posts
Your whole trip is five days? Are you planning on driving from Keflavik to somewhere north on your arrival day? If you are flying from the US, driving very far on your arrival day is not advised due to jet lag. So, yes, if you want to see the north part of Iceland, it makes more sense to fly from to Akureyri. But, like Tim said, you would still need to get to the domestic airport in Reykjavik. So you've basically lost your first day in Iceland.
Posted by
OP
So cal
4 posts
Yes-5 days. Stopover on way to Norway. After checking flights the option to fly to Akureyi won’t work. I agree it’s not ideal to drive a long distance after the flight from Boston but both my friend and I have driven in Iceland previously. We are going to spend the first night halfway between Keflavik and Akureyi.
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
2468 posts
Please, do not go further than say Borgarnes and share that 2 hours of driving. Your drive is a minimum of 5.5 hours, without stops and if weather is good. Driving while tired is impaired driving. I am so cautious about this because my aunt became a paraplegic due to falling asleep at the wheel. It affects you as well as others on the road with you.
https://www.ruv.is/english/2024-07-05-fell-asleep-and-caused-a-fatal-accident-417130
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/drowsy-driving/drowsy-driving-vs-drunk-driving
Posted by
Colorado
388 posts
We went in June and really wanted to see North and East too. We went the Ring Road route and I regret not doing as you are thinking - flying into Akureyi (I had other complications to address). Though we did stay in Hvammstangi and I really enjoyed it. For us the scenery from Golden Circle to Akureyi was lovely, but it was our first time! It would have been lovely from Akureyi too! ;)
I'm working on my trip report, but I'm happy to answer any questions about where we stayed/what we did in the North. We stayed 5 nights - 1 in Hvammstangi, 1 in Siglufjörður (wished for 2!), 1 in Myvatn and 2 in Husavik.