Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ROADS IN THE NORTHEAST
A sealed inland Rte 85 has recently been built to link Kópasker with the east, reaching the
coast not far from Rauðanes. From the new Rte 85, Rte 874 branches north to Raufar-
höfn.
The new road still carries little traffic, but it means that the unsealed but scenic old
coastal route 85 (now labelled Rte 870) around the bleak and little-visited
Melrakkaslétta
(Arctic Fox Plain) is no longer maintained, so it's rough going but pos-
sible in a 2WD.
For 55km between Kópasker and Raufarhöfn, Rte 870 passes through the low-lying
flatlands, ponds and marshes of this bird-rich area. There are trails and turn-offs to lonely
lighthouses on remote headlands. For a long time Hraunhafnartangi was thought to be
the northernmost point of the Icelandic mainland, but recent measurements have pinned
that prize on its neighbour, Rifstangi, which falls just 2.5km shy of the Arctic Circle.
AIR
with Þórshöfn and Vopnafjörður.
BUS
Bus 79 from Akureyri to Húsavík and on to Þórshöfn along Rte 85 (and in reverse; daily
except Saturday summer, three weekly winter). Note: this service only operates beyond
Húsavík (calling at Ásbyrgi, Kópasker, Raufarhöfn and Þórshöfn) if prebooked. Call
Strætó at least four hours before departure.
There's no bus to/from Vopnafjörður.
Kópasker
Pop 120
Tiny Kópasker, on the eastern shore of Öxarfjörður 35km north of Ásbyrgi, is the first
place you'll pass through before disappearing into the wilds of Iceland's far northeast.
