1. Eligibility

To become a member of Arctic Coast Way, businesses must meet the following criteria:

• The business must be licensed.
• The business must be a partner of Visit North Iceland / Markaðsstofa Norðurlands.
• The business must have a clear connection to the North Coast of Iceland.
• The business must provide year-round communication by email and phone.
• The business should aim to offer year-round opening hours.
• The business must work towards sustainability in its operations.
• Members must attend the annual Arctic Coast Way workshop for knowledge sharing, networking and cooperation.

The geographical criteria are intended to ensure that visitors experience a clear coastal connection and coastal atmosphere.

Businesses and organisations may become members if they are:

• Located on the defined Arctic Coast Way route
• Located on the seaside of the defined roads
• Located within a short distance of the route, up to 4 km, preferably with a view towards the ocean

Participating villages must be located on the route.

Products and experiences must focus on the coast, the ocean or coastal culture and nature.

Operators located within the Arctic Coast Way area cannot become members if they do not offer activities, tours or experiences connected to the coast.

[IMAGE: Ocean view, coastal road or business located by the sea]
Image text suggestion: Members must have a clear connection to the North Icelandic coast and the Arctic Coast Way route.

Products and experiences connected to Arctic Coast Way should highlight nature and culture along the coast.

Products

Products include all types of offers that highlight coastal nature and culture.

Arctic Coast Way Experiences

Arctic Coast Way Experiences are coastal experiences that provide an authentic and memorable connection to the place, its environment, nature, culture and people.

These experiences should help bring the Arctic Coast Way promise to life.

Members are encouraged to use the Arctic Coast Way toolkit to develop individual experiences that connect strongly with the brand and help strengthen Arctic Coast Way as a destination.

[IMAGE: Guest experience, guided activity, food experience, coastal walk or cultural visit]
Image text suggestion: Arctic Coast Way experiences should create an authentic connection to the coast, local culture and people.

Day Tours and Multi-Day Tours

Day tours and multi-day tours using the Arctic Coast Way name must follow the operation rules listed further below on this page.

Members support the long-term marketing of Arctic Coast Way and help build a strong and recognisable brand.

Members are expected to:

• Contribute to the marketing costs of Arctic Coast Way through an annual participation fee.
• Support the Arctic Coast Way brand by using the name and logo in their own marketing.
• Include Arctic Coast Way in relevant marketing channels, such as websites, booking platforms and travel platforms.
• Use the Arctic Coast Way name in context, for example: “Guesthouse X on the Arctic Coast Way.”
• Use the Arctic Coast Way logo only in connection with products or tours that fulfil the membership criteria.
• Not use the Arctic Coast Way logo on self-painted road signs.

All registered members are entitled to use the Arctic Coast Way logo in their marketing.

[IMAGE: Arctic Coast Way logo / partner example / website listing]
Image text suggestion: Registered members may use the Arctic Coast Way logo in accordance with the membership criteria and brand rules.

Members of Arctic Coast Way contribute to the shared marketing of the project through an annual fee.

The fee supports long-term marketing and development of Arctic Coast Way for the benefit of all members that trade under the brand.

The costs are calculated based on the minimum needs of the project and are not intended to generate profit. The costs may change as the project develops, for example due to changes in the number of members or increased marketing material needs. Members will be informed about any changes.

Payment for 2026 is split into four payments during the year. Payment for 2026 starts in May.

Annual Participation Fees 2026

What the Fee Supports

All members contribute to shared marketing and development activities connected to Arctic Coast Way.

This includes:

Application Process

Membership is confirmed through an application process and application form.

Businesses must be able to demonstrate:

• Their Visit North Iceland / Markaðsstofa Norðurlands partnership and required licence
• Their geographical position and connection to the Arctic Coast Way route
• How their products or services support the Arctic Coast Way brand values
• How sustainability is included in their business and operations

A cooperation agreement will be signed with approved members.

[IMAGE: Business owner / local operator / meeting or handshake / coastal tourism experience]
Image text suggestion: Approved members become part of a shared destination brand for the North Icelandic coast.

Changes to the Membership Criteria

Arctic Coast Way is a growing project with a long-term development focus. The membership criteria may change as the project develops.

Members will be informed about any changes to the criteria.

Operation Rules

The operation rules apply to Icelandic operators that are not located along the Arctic Coast Way and are not members of Visit North Iceland / Markaðsstofa Norðurlands, as well as incoming agencies and overseas operators.

Tours that are marketed under the Arctic Coast Way name must:

• Include a substantial part of the Arctic Coast Way route
• Include a substantial part of Arctic Coast Way services, products and experiences
• Reflect the brand values and promise of Arctic Coast Way
• Respect nature, wildlife and culture
• Support sustainable operations
• Include a qualified guide who can communicate the coastal landscape and explain how nature and the ocean have influenced life and culture close to the Arctic Circle

Day Tours

Day tours must include at least 75% of the road distance or travel time on the Arctic Coast Way.

Multi-Day Tours

Multi-day tours must include at least 50% of the travel days on the Arctic Coast Way route.

They must also include a substantial number of accommodations and restaurants listed on the Arctic Coast Way website and in the operation manual.

Questions?

If you have any questions about Arctic Coast Way membership, the criteria or the application process, please contact Visit North Iceland.

Phone: +354 462 3300
Email: [insert email address]

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