Iceland Tour – Part 2 – North

Isafjordur to the Strandir Region

The journey commences at Isafjordur (BIIS) and heads north and east toward Reykjanes Airport (BIRS). From there, the route continues to Gjögur (BIGJ), which lies in the remote and rugged Strandir region.

Along the Coast to Holmavik

Following the coastline south, the next stop is Holmavik (BIHK), a town recognized for its Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft. The segment concludes with a landing at the grass airstrip Krókstaðarmelar (BIHV).

Sigríðarstaðavatn and Hvítserkur

Continuing northward, the tour passes Sigríðarstaðavatn, a shallow lake stretching 6 kilometers, connected to the ocean and influenced by the tides. Near the first waypoint lies the distinctive rock formation Hvítserkur, a notable point of interest that is best appreciated at a low altitude and is worth circling to experience its unique form.

Folklore of Hvítserkur

It should come as no surprise that Hvítserkur is often referred to as a troll—most distinctive Icelandic rocks are. Folklore says that Hvítserkur was originally a troll from the peninsula, determined to rip the bells down from Þingeyraklaustur convent; trolls, unlike elves, are said to be terrified of Christianity.  The beast was so enraged and persistent that it did not notice the rising sun, and was instantly petrified for eternity in its rays.

In hindsight, like most of Iceland’s folktales, it seems this one had a Christian message not so subtly weaved into it. It is likely that the story was an allusion to the people’s stoic resistance to the Christianisation of Iceland, implying those who held onto the view were as stubborn, stupid, violent and wicked as trolls, and perhaps on their way to a similar fate.

Iceland converted to Christianity in 1000 AD under the threat of invasion from Norway, and the transition was not easy; those who practised the religion of the Old Norse Gods were ostracised and punished for the millennium that followed.

Blonduos and the Skagi Peninsula

The journey proceeds with a landing at Blonduos (BIBL), a natural waypoint before crossing the windswept Skagi Peninsula. This leg offers expansive views of the rugged northern landscape and leads to the town of Sauðárkrókur. As the largest settlement in Northwest Iceland and the second-largest town on the north coast, Sauðárkrókur serves as a significant regional center before reaching the airstrip at Alexander (BIKR).

Skagafjörður and Hofsos

Departing Alexander, the route turns northward, tracing the shoreline of Skagafjörður and passing the historic village and trading post of Hofsos. This stretch is marked by dramatic vistas of the mountainous Tröllaskagi Peninsula, whose peaks rise steeply from the coast and frame the journey north.

Approach to Siglufjordur

Rounding the tip of Tröllaskagi, the tour arrives at the remote Sauðanes lighthouse, a prominent marker guiding the final approach. The segment concludes with a landing at Siglufjordur (BISI), a town renowned for its scenic harbor and cultural heritage.

Siglufjordur to Húsavík and Krafla

Departing from Siglufjordur, the route traces past the coastal landmarks of Selvíkurnef and Siglunes lighthouses, guiding the journey eastward to the entrance of Eyjafjörður. The flight continues by skirting the Flateyjarskagi peninsula and crossing the broad expanse of Skjálfandi Bay, arriving at Húsavík—renowned as Iceland's whale-watching capital. According to the Landnámabók (the “Book of Settlement”), Húsavík holds the distinction of being the first site in Iceland permanently settled by a Norseman, as the Swedish Viking Garðar Svavarsson spent a winter there around 870 A.D. After a scenic overflight of the town and its harbor, the next landing is at Husavik (BIHU).

The journey resumes eastward, setting course towards the volcanic landscapes of Krafla.

With 29 eruptions under its belt since settlement, Krafla has long had a reputation as an unpredictable and dangerous feature. Two, however, were more significant then the rest. The Mývatn Fires were the first of these. Continuing for five years from 1724 to 1729, the fissure erupted across much of its length, and sent lava fountains so high in the air that they could be seen all the way across the Highlands, on the South Coast.  No one was killed directly by this eruption, although considering the ash and toxic fumes, it is difficult to be certain of how many indirectly died. It did, however, destroy three farms.  The second major eruptive episode at Krafla occurred between 1975 and 1984. Nine separate eruptions occurred, limiting services, industry and tourism in the area, and dramatically changing it.

Since 1977, surprisingly established during an eruptive episode, a power station has existed at Krafla, helping the north with its green energy needs. Since then, there have been further attempts to harness its incredible power potential.  The most notable of these was a survey taken in 2006 that revealed a vast amount of lava just below the surface of the earth. This led to the creation of the Icelandic Deep Drilling Project’s first well, which discovered liquid rock a mere two kilometres (just over a mile) beneath the earth’s surface.

Final Leg: Mývatn to Akureyri

Reykjahlid and Mývatn Lake

After landing at Reykjahlid (BIRL), perched on the shores of the striking Mývatn Lake, the journey continues with a scenic overflight of the landscape’s natural highlights.

Mývatn Nature Baths

The route offers a bird’s-eye view of the Mývatn Nature Baths, a series of lagoon-like outdoor pools filled with mineral-rich, milky blue water. Heated by geothermal springs, these baths are a unique feature of the region.

Hverfjall and Surroundings

Next, the flight passes Hverfjall, an imposing tuff ring volcano that dominates the area, before heading westward over the shimmering expanse of Mývatn.

Vindbelgjarfjall and Godafoss

Continuing past Vindbelgjarfjall, the route leads to the celebrated Godafoss waterfall, a dramatic cascade situated along Iceland’s main ring road.

Descent into Eyjafjörður

The final stages of the journey trace southward along Eyjafjörður, with a sweeping descent over Akureyri harbor, culminating in a landing at Akureyri (BIAR).

 

 

FlightPlan)  Here

Some airstrips are short, so select your aircraft accordingly. I’ll be flying the MSFS2024 Twin Otter in the Air Borealis livery.

Optional Freeware Downloads

•        Definitive Iceland Lighthouse Megapack (103 unique models!)
•        BIHK Holmavik for Microsoft Flight Simulator | MSFS

 

Recommend Departure time of 5:00 PM

Particulars:

•        Date and time: Saturday Aug 23, 19:00 UTC    
•        RTWR Multiplayer Discord Channel
•        MFS Multiplayer: US Eastcoast Server

If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks!

 

Just released this week at FS.TO is (BIRL) Mývatn Airport & Reykjahlid by nassault for FS2024. Nicely done and worth a look.