North Iceland

The North is rich in history as well as wildlife, with amazing volcanic landscapes, unusual museums, a antique farms, fabulous fjords, and legendary Saga Sites. It is no wonder the region was recently named a top European destination by Lonely Planet!

It is hard to resist the North’s appeal and only a few places can compare with its local charm, staggering remoteness and natural contrasts all melted together in one place. Let’s see what the North of Iceland is all about!

Attractions in North Iceland

• Dettifoss Waterfall
• Lake Mývatn 
• Hverfjall Crater
• Askja 
• Dimmuborgir Lava Park
• Ásbyrgi Canyon
• Goðafoss Waterfall
• The Town of Siglufjörður
• Hvítserkur “Rhino Rock”

North Iceland is home to the unexpectedly lush Jökulsárgljúfur area, the northern section of Vatnajökull National Park. This section includes Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. The name, Dettifoss, roughly translates as the ‘falling waterfalls’  likely from its incredible force. If you are looking to reconnect with nature, coming up close and personal with its exhilarating power then this is the spot!

Let’s start with the Northeast of Iceland

In the northeastern corner, you will also find the enchanting Lake Myvatn with all its many gems. The lake itself is a beautiful sight but surrounding it are the pseudocraters Skútustaðagigar, the pitch-black crater mountain Hverfjall,  Hverarönd hot spring area, the turquoise blue water in the volcanic crater Askja, Mývatn Nature Baths, Dimmuborgir, and the infamous Krafla caldera which has erupted 29 times in recorded history. (Many of the eruptions took place in the 1970’s and 1980’s!

Another “must-stop” is, of course, the dazzling, heavenly Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods. The renowed Viking-age chieftain Þorgeir Ljósvetningargoði (yes, that was his name) is said to have thrown his pagan statues into the falls upon taking up Christianity.

On Skjálfandi Bay, Húsavík has established itself as Europe’s main whale watching mecca with the superb harbour-side Whale Museum and sightings of rare species like the blue whale. Húsavík is also home to the extraordinary GeoSea baths, offering a splendid infinity pool style bathing in geothermal ocean water. 

Now, let’s move to Northwest Iceland

Another charmer worth a mention is the colourful fishing village of Siglufjörður. It is rich in history, as the town once housed thousands of people from many lands who came to work during the early 20th-century herring “gold rush.” Recently, the local people have placed great effort and funds into restoring the town’s heritage. Old houses have been rebuilt and lovingly renovated, new restaurants and museums have opened up and the town is once again lively and exciting. The town has recently become known downhill and heli skiing, so this spot is great any season! 

Next on our countdown is Skagafjörður bay, with its green valleys and ancient mountain ranges. It is the traditional heart of horse breeding in Iceland and boasts many historical sites from the classic Sagas. It is a place of great geothermal activity, so hot spring bathing is a given at almost every turn.

Húnvatnssýsla is another “must-mention”.  The region offers fantastic opportunities for horseback riding, seal spotting tours and a visit to the magical Hvitserkur rhino/dinosaur cliff. This is one of those places in Iceland where you almost can’t believe it is not man-made. But fear not, there is a perfectly logical geological explanation behind the whole thing. However, eerie folklore tales do surround the place.

Things to do in North Iceland

• Go Whale Watching
• Drive the Arctic Coast Way scenic by-way
• Take a ferry to the remote Grímsey Island
• Taste smoked arctic trout on steam baked rye bread
• Try a full-throttle white water rafting tour
• Go bathing in a beer bath
• Drive the Diamond Circle
• Bathe in natural hot springs and spas

The Midnight Sun is an extraordinary spectacle in these northern latitudes in summer. However, during the northern lights season, the magnificent vistas are made even more theatrical by the glow of Aurora Borealis. They say the farther north you go the better the lights are, so going to the northern parts of a North Atlantic island must be close to perfect!

One of the more popular road trips to do around Iceland is the Arctic Coast Way. This scenic byway gives you a carefully chosen map to the most scenic and special spots in North Iceland. The trip can be done as an add-on to the Ring Road or on its own, as you can fly to Akureyri and Egilsstaðir and pick up a rental from there!

Things to do in Northwest Iceland

Seasonal delights include golf under the Midnight Sun at the world’s northernmost 18-hole course in Akureyri, taking to the slopes at one of eight skiing areas, snowmobiling, horse trekking, SuperJeep excursions, white-water rafting and hiking on along the rugged coastline.

Akureyri has often nicknamed the capital of the North and is a busy little haven, with an amazing blend of culture, local charm and stunning sights. The local dish is a hot dog loaded with fries and melted cheese. Try if you dare, it is hard to stop!

From Akureyri, you can also take the ferry out to the beautiful Grímsey island, located right on the Arctic Circle. The island is famous for its small population, which is many times over outnumbered by puffins and other cute wildlife.

In June 2017, the first beer spa in Iceland was opened in the nearby village of Dalvík, where people can cleanse their skin by lying in a tub filled with beer, water, hops and yeast. Dalvík is yet another great spot for whale watching. Dalvík, Húsavík and Akureyri make three absolute whale watching winners. Additionally, Dalvík holds the Icelandic record for sightings with over nine different whale species seen in one trip! 

Things to do in Northeast Iceland

The Diamond Circle is the northern version of the Golden Circle and includes some of the most stellar sights in the North. Its key destinations are Ásbyrgi, Goðafoss waterfall, Mývatn and Húsavík. So, for anyone looking to get the best of the Northeast in one day, this is surely the way to go! 

Ásbyrgi is a grand horseshoe-shaped canyon filled with small springs and birch trees. It seems like a scene from Lord of the Rings. Once you walk around it, you will know what we mean.

Goðafoss is yet another delight, falling beautifully in almost the same shape as Ásbyrgi. Mývatn is, of course, a “given” with its many attractions and incredible sights. And we must mention Húsavík with its homey feel, great restaurants, swimming pools, hot springs and whale watching adventures! 

A visit to the hot springs at Mývatn Nature Baths are without a doubt a memory you will cherish. It has all the perks of the world-renowned Blue Lagoon but with smaller crowds and wilderness surroundings. Another delightful stop to make in the northeast is at Grjótagjá; this place became quite the hot spot after the steamy scene between Game of Thrones’ Jon Snow and Ygritte which was filmed in this fairytale-like place! 

For more detailed information about attractions, villages and activities in north Iceland be sure to go through our destination guide.