Akureyri, the "capital of the North," is Iceland's second-largest urban area at a generous 19,000 people. The drive from Reykjavík covers 388 km along Route 1, taking ~5 hours non-stop. With proper stops it's closer to 7–8 — and it's worth every extra minute.
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. The whole route is paved and well-maintained.
Where to stop
- Borgarnes (75 km in) — coffee at the Settlement Centre, lunch options, the first fuel/charging stop most people make.
- Glanni waterfall and Grábrók crater (~140 km) — both are 5 minutes off Route 1. Grábrók is a 10-minute climb up a 3,400-year-old volcanic cone with panoramic views.
- Staðarskáli (~165 km) — Iceland's most famous truck stop. A Tesla Supercharger sits here, plus N1 fuel. Halfway-point ritual.
- Blönduós (~245 km) — a small town on a dramatic estuary. Fuel up, stretch your legs.
- Skagafjörður valley (~290 km) — Iceland's horse country. Detour to Glaumbær turf-house museum if you have time.
- Goðafoss (~340 km, 50 km past Akureyri turn) — strictly a detour, but 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. The corridor is well-served by ON Power, N1, and a Tesla Supercharger at Staðarskáli. 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 charging detail, see the West region and North region pages.
How long should it take?
- Race-mode (no stops): 5 hours.
- Sane: 7 hours with one meal stop and one viewpoint detour.
- Recommended: 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, treat the drive as a "weather window" decision: if either pass is red on road.is, postpone. Travelling at first light maximizes your chance of clear roads through the passes.
What to do in Akureyri
Akureyri itself rewards a full day: the botanical gardens, the waterfront, Akureyrarkirkja church, and a hot-tub session at one of the city pools. Strategically, it's also the gateway to Mývatn, Húsavík (whale watching), and the Diamond Circle — most North-Iceland highlights are within 90 minutes.