Akureyri, the "capital of the North," is Iceland's second-largest urban area at roughly 20,000 people. The drive from Reykjavík covers ~388 km along Route 1, which takes ~5 hours non-stop. With proper stops it's closer to 7–8, and the stops are the good part.
The route at a glance
Route 1 north from Reykjavík hugs the coast until Borgarnes, climbs over Holtavörðuheiði (which can close in winter), drops into Skagafjörður, and finally crosses the Öxnadalsheiði pass into Eyjafjörður, Akureyri's fjord. It's paved and well maintained the whole way.
Where to stop
- Borgarnes (75 km in): coffee at the Settlement Centre, somewhere for lunch, and the first fuel or charging stop for most people.
- Glanni waterfall and Grábrók crater (~140 km): both 5 minutes off Route 1. Grábrók is a 10-minute climb up a 3,400-year-old volcanic cone, with views all round from the top.
- Staðarskáli (~165 km): Iceland's best-known truck stop and the traditional halfway break. There's a Tesla Supercharger and N1 fuel.
- Blönduós (~245 km): a small town on an estuary. Fuel up and stretch your legs.
- Skagafjörður valley (~290 km): Iceland's horse country. If you have time, detour to the Glaumbær turf-house museum.
- Goðafoss (~340 km, 50 km past Akureyri turn): strictly a detour, but only a 30-minute one. The "waterfall of the gods" sits right beside Route 1.
Fuel and charging
This route has Iceland's best charging density outside Reykjavík. ON Power and N1 both cover the corridor, and there's a Tesla Supercharger at Staðarskáli. A realistic EV plan: top up at Borgarnes (75 km), Staðarskáli (165 km halfway), and Blönduós if needed (245 km). For petrol, you'll never be more than 70 km from a station.
For the station lists, see the West region and North region pages.
How long should it take?
- No stops: 5 hours.
- Sensible: 7 hours with one meal stop and one viewpoint detour.
- What I'd do: 9–10 hours, with stops at Borgarnes, Staðarskáli, a viewpoint, and dinner in Akureyri.
Winter caveats
Holtavörðuheiði (~120 km in) and Öxnadalsheiði (~330 km) are the two passes that close most often. In winter, pick your day by the weather: if either pass is red on road.is, wait. Leaving at first light gives you the best chance of clear roads over the passes.
What to do in Akureyri
Akureyri is worth a full day on its own: the botanical gardens, the waterfront, Akureyrarkirkja church, and a long soak in the hot tubs at one of the city pools. It's also the base for Mývatn, Húsavík (whale watching) and the Diamond Circle. Most of North Iceland's highlights are within 90 minutes.