The north is where Iceland's volcanic interior meets its coastline — a region of powerful waterfalls, geothermal lakes, horseshoe canyons, and whale-filled bays. It is less visited than the south, but no less dramatic.
What Is North Iceland
North Iceland covers the top third of the country, bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north and the Highland plateau to the south. The region's main town is Akureyri, which sits at the head of Eyjafjörður — Iceland's longest fjord at 70 kilometres — and serves as the gateway to the entire region.
The main driving route through the north is the Ring Road (Route 1), which connects Akureyri to the Lake Mývatn area, the northeast coast, and the canyon country of Jökulsárgljúfur. A separate scenic route called the Diamond Circle — roughly 250 kilometres — links the region's four biggest draws: Goðafoss waterfall, Lake Mývatn, Húsavík, and Ásbyrgi canyon.
North Iceland is one of the best places in the country to see the Northern Lights from September to April, and one of the best for whale watching from May to October. Summer temperatures here can reach 20°C — warmer than Reykjavík on clear days.
Akureyri — Capital of the North
Akureyri is Iceland's second-largest urban area with a population of around 19,000. It sits at the head of Eyjafjörður fjord, surrounded by mountains that rise steeply on three sides. The town lies just 100 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle.
Despite its size, Akureyri has a concentrated centre with good restaurants, museums, a botanical garden, and a distinctive church — Akureyrarkirkja — perched on a hill above the main street. The botanical garden, Lystigarðurinn, is the world's northernmost botanical garden and is free to enter. It holds around 7,000 plant species and is worth visiting in summer when it is in full bloom.
Akureyri is also known for its heart-shaped red traffic lights — a feature introduced during the 2008 financial crisis to lift spirits, and kept ever since. The town has a ski resort, Hlíðarfjall, just above the city, with runs operating from December to April. It is one of Iceland’s largest ski areas.
Forest Lagoon
Forest Lagoon is a geothermal spa opened in 2022, set into a hillside of pine trees above Akureyri with views over Eyjafjörður. It has two outdoor infinity pools and a steam room built over a natural geothermal vent.
The pools sit at 38 to 40 degrees Celsius. Entry costs around 5,490 ISK (approximately €37). It is a quieter and more scenic alternative to the Blue Lagoon in the south.
Whale Watching from Akureyri and Dalvík
Whale watching tours run from both Akureyri and the nearby town of Dalvík into Eyjafjörður fjord. Humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises are all regularly spotted.
Dalvík holds the Icelandic record for whale species seen on a single trip — nine different species in one outing. Tours from both towns run from May through October and last around 3 hours.
Goðafoss — Waterfall of the Gods
Goðafoss sits directly on the Ring Road, about 36 kilometres east of Akureyri. It is one of the most historically significant waterfalls in Iceland. The name means "Waterfall of the Gods" and refers to an event in the year 1000 AD when the Viking chieftain Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði was appointed to decide whether Iceland should adopt Christianity.
After two days of deliberation, he ruled in favour of Christianity. On his way home, he threw his statues of the Norse gods into this waterfall as a symbolic act of renunciation. The waterfall was designated a protected natural monument in 2020.
Goðafoss drops 12 metres over a width of about 30 metres across a horseshoe-shaped cliff on the Skjálfandafljót river. It is not Iceland's tallest or most powerful waterfall, but the shape and setting — curved basalt rock, clear water, easy access — make it one of the most photographed. Walking paths run along both sides of the river. Entry is free. A car park sits directly beside the falls off the Ring Road.
Húsavík — Whale Watching Capital of Europe
Húsavík is a small fishing town on the north coast of Iceland, about 90 kilometres northeast of Akureyri. It is considered the whale watching capital of Europe — and by some, of the world. Whale sightings from the harbour are so frequent in summer that operators often spot humpback whales within minutes of leaving the pier into Skjálfandi Bay.
Humpback whales are the most commonly seen species here. Blue whales — the largest animals on earth — are also spotted regularly in Skjálfandi Bay, making Húsavík one of the very few places in the world where blue whale sightings are relatively consistent.
Tours run from April to October and last around 3 hours. Several operators work from the harbour, including North Sailing, which uses traditional oak schooners, and Gentle Giants, which uses larger boats.
The Húsavík Whale Museum
The GeoSea Baths in Húsavík are geothermal ocean baths set on a cliff above the bay. The water is heated geothermal seawater at around 38 to 42 degrees Celsius, and you look directly out over Skjálfandi Bay toward the mountains on the opposite shore. Entry costs around 5,500 ISK (approximately €37).
The Húsavík Whale Museum on the harbour documents the biology and conservation of whales found in Icelandic waters, with full-sized skeletons on display.
Húsavík also gained international attention as the filming location for the Will Ferrell Netflix film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020).
Dettifoss — Europe's Most Powerful Waterfall
Dettifoss is a waterfall on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river in northeast Iceland, inside Vatnajökull National Park. It drops 44 metres over a width of 100 metres, with an average water flow of 193 cubic metres per second. In peak summer melt, the flow can surge to 400 to 500 cubic metres per second.
By volume and drop combined, Dettifoss is widely accepted as the most powerful waterfall in Europe. The river runs grey-brown from glacial sediment carried from the Vatnajökull glacier, 110 kilometres to the south. The force of the water creates a vibration you can feel through the ground when standing near the edge.
The waterfall is nicknamed "The Beast" — in contrast to Goðafoss, which is sometimes called "The Beauty." It featured in the opening scene of the 2012 sci-fi film Prometheus.
Getting to Dettifoss
Dettifoss is accessible from two sides of the river. The west bank is reached via Route 862, a paved road open year-round. This side has more parking, a viewing platform, and easy walking paths.
The east bank is reached via Route 864, an unpaved gravel road open only in summer. The east side gives a different angle on the falls and easier access to the nearby Selfoss waterfall, located 1 kilometre upstream.
From Akureyri, Dettifoss is about 150 kilometres east — roughly 2 hours by car. From Lake Mývatn it is about 50 kilometres, around 45 minutes. There is a car park at both approaches, with toilets at the west bank. No entry fee.
Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss
Selfoss is 1 kilometre upstream from Dettifoss and reachable by a short walk from the east bank car park. It is wider and shallower than Dettifoss — more like a series of cascades across the full width of the river — and much quieter in terms of visitor numbers.
Hafragilsfoss sits 2 kilometres downstream from Dettifoss and drops 27 metres into the narrowest section of the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. Most visitors skip it, which means it is often empty.
Ásbyrgi Canyon
Ásbyrgi is a horseshoe-shaped canyon about 28 kilometres north of Dettifoss inside Vatnajökull National Park. The canyon is 3.5 kilometres long, 1.1 kilometres wide, and has cliff walls rising up to 100 metres on three sides.
The floor of the canyon is filled with birch forest, small ponds, and meadows — an unusually lush and sheltered landscape compared to the exposed volcanic terrain surrounding it.
Geologists believe Ásbyrgi was formed by catastrophic glacial flooding events thousands of years ago, when enormous volumes of meltwater from beneath the Vatnajökull ice cap burst through the landscape and carved the canyon in a matter of days.
Norse mythology offers a different explanation — the canyon is said to be the hoofprint of Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse of the god Odin.
Walking in Ásbyrgi
The canyon has several marked walking trails. The most popular is a short loop from the car park to a viewpoint above the canyon floor — about 30 minutes return. A longer trail climbs to the rim of the canyon walls for panoramic views over the surrounding lava plateau. The canyon is also a good spot for birdwatching — fulmars and kittiwakes nest on the cliff faces, and the birch forest holds various small songbirds.
There is a campsite inside the canyon with shower and toilet facilities. Entry to the park is free. A visitor centre at the car park has maps and information about the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon system.
Lake Mývatn — Iceland's Volcanic Lake
Lake Mývatn is a shallow volcanic lake in north Iceland, about 90 kilometres east of Akureyri. It covers an area of 37 square kilometres and is on average only 2.5 metres deep, with a maximum depth of 4.5 metres. The lake was created roughly 2,300 years ago by a large basaltic lava eruption that dammed the Laxá river. Its name means "Lake of Midges" — the midge swarms in June and July are dense enough to require a head net.
The surrounding landscape is one of the most geologically varied in Iceland. Within a short drive of the lake you can walk through lava formations, hike a volcanic crater, observe boiling mud pools, and soak in geothermal pools — all in the same afternoon.
Dimmuborgir — The Dark Castles
Dimmuborgir (meaning "Dark Castles") is a lava field east of the lake with extraordinary pillar and arch formations. The structures formed around 2,300 years ago when a lava lake drained away, leaving behind a landscape of towers, caves, and twisted columns — some reaching several metres tall. Marked walking trails run through the area and take around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Dimmuborgir appeared in season 3 of Game of Thrones as the wildling camp beyond the Wall. In Icelandic folklore, it is said to be the home of the Yule Lads — Iceland's 13 mischievous Christmas figures.
Hverfjall Crater
Hverfjall is a tephra crater on the eastern shore of Lake Mývatn. It erupted around 2,500 years ago and left behind a nearly perfect circle 1 kilometre in diameter and about 140 metres deep.
Two trails lead to the rim — a short route from the northwest taking about 20 to 30 minutes, and a longer loop starting from Dimmuborgir. The views from the rim cover the entire lake, the surrounding lava fields, and the mountains to the north. The trail surface is loose volcanic gravel — sturdy footwear is needed.
Skútustaðagígar — Pseudocraters
Skútustaðagígar is a cluster of pseudocraters on the southern shore of the lake. These are not true volcanic craters — they formed when hot lava flowed over wetland and caused steam explosions beneath the surface, creating crater-like mounds.
The largest pseudocraters in the field are several metres tall. A 1.5-kilometre wheelchair-accessible trail and a longer 3-kilometre loop both run through the crater field. The area is a protected natural monument and a popular birdwatching spot — up to 15 species of duck breed around the lake in summer.
Námaskarð Geothermal Field
Námaskarð (also called Hverir) is a high-temperature geothermal area on a mountain pass, a short drive east of the lake. The field is packed with boiling mud pots, hissing steam vents, and sulphur deposits that stain the ground in vivid yellows, oranges, and greens.
The smell of sulphur is strong. The ground outside the marked paths can be unstable and extremely hot — stay on the boardwalks and marked routes.
Krafla Volcanic System
About 7 kilometres northeast of Mývatn is the Krafla volcanic system. The central caldera is 10 kilometres in diameter and contains the Víti crater — a 300-metre-wide explosion crater with a vivid blue-green lake at the bottom.
Krafla has had 29 recorded eruptions and erupted nine times between 1975 and 1984. The most recent lava flows from those eruptions are still clearly visible around the area — black, jagged, and barely colonised by vegetation.
Grjótagjá Cave
Grjótagjá is a small lava cave near the lake containing a narrow geothermal spring with clear blue water. The cave is best known for appearing in Game of Thrones as the scene between Jon Snow and Ygritte.
Bathing in the cave is no longer permitted — the water temperature became dangerously unpredictable after the Krafla eruptions in the 1970s and 80s raised it to over 50°C.
It has since cooled to around 43 to 46°C — too hot for safe bathing. Visiting and viewing the cave is still allowed and takes about 10 minutes.
Mývatn Nature Baths
The Mývatn Nature Baths (also called Earth Lagoon) opened in 2004 and are often called the "Blue Lagoon of the North." The outdoor lagoon holds 3.5 million litres of geothermal water at 36 to 40 degrees Celsius, rich in silica, sulphur, and other minerals.
Two steam rooms operate at close to 50 degrees Celsius. Entry costs around 5,500 ISK (approximately €37). The baths sit on a lava field with views over the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Additional Stops Worth Adding
Siglufjörður — The Herring Town
Siglufjörður is a small fishing village about 70 kilometres northwest of Akureyri, set at the end of a narrow fjord below steep cliffs. In the early 20th century, it was Iceland's busiest port — a herring fishing hub that attracted workers from across Europe and beyond.
At its peak in the 1940s, the town held thousands of people. When the herring stocks collapsed in the 1960s, the population dropped sharply. Today around 1,200 people live here.
The Herring Era Museum (Síldarminjasafnið) documents this history across three renovated harbour buildings, with original equipment, photographs, and reconstructed scenes. It is the only Icelandic museum to win an international museum award. Entry costs around 2,200 ISK (approximately €15).
Grímsey Island — The Arctic Circle
Grímsey is a small island 40 kilometres off the north coast of Iceland, straddling the Arctic Circle. It is the northernmost inhabited territory of Iceland, with a population of around 60 people. A certificate is issued to visitors who cross the Arctic Circle line on the island.
The island has large puffin colonies and is a good spot for birdwatching in summer. A ferry runs from Dalvík to Grímsey three times a week (journey: 3 hours each way). Flights run from Akureyri Airport with Air Iceland Connect (about 20 minutes). Day trips are possible by ferry but require an early departure.
Hvítserkur — The Basalt Stack
Hvítserkur is a 15-metre basalt rock formation rising from the sea on the Vatnsnes Peninsula in northwest North Iceland. Its shape — with two arched holes near the base — is often compared to a rhinoceros or a dinosaur drinking from the water.
It is a popular photography stop, particularly at low tide when you can approach across the beach. A short path leads down from a car park to the beach viewpoint.
Glaumbær Turf Farm
Glaumbær is a historic turf farmstead in the Skagafjörður region, operated as an open-air museum. The farm buildings date from the 18th century and show how Icelanders lived in traditional turf houses — insulated by thick walls of layered earth and grass.
The complex includes 13 interconnected turf structures, a wooden church, and a café. Entry costs around 2,000 ISK (approximately €14). It is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Icelandic farm architecture in the country.
Best Time to Visit North Iceland
Summer — June to August
The most accessible and popular time. All roads are open, whale watching success rates are highest, and the midnight sun provides near-continuous daylight. In June, daylight lasts up to 23 hours in Akureyri. Average temperatures run between 9 and 15°C, occasionally reaching 20°C on calm sunny days.
The midge swarms at Lake Mývatn peak in late June and July — dense enough to be annoying without a head net. Bring one if you plan to spend time around the lake.
Autumn — September to October
Crowds drop significantly after August. Days shorten to around 12 hours in September and 10 hours by October. The Northern Lights become visible from September onward on clear nights. Temperatures average 4 to 9°C. Whale watching runs until October. Roads are generally clear, though early snowfall on mountain passes is possible by mid-October.
Winter — November to February
Daylight is very limited — as low as 4 to 5 hours in December. Road conditions can be serious in mountain areas. The Ring Road through the main attractions stays open but secondary roads may close temporarily. Winter is the best season for Northern Lights viewing and for skiing at Hlíðarfjall above Akureyri.
The Mývatn Nature Baths, Goðafoss, and Dettifoss (west bank only) remain accessible in winter. Dettifoss on the east bank via Route 864 closes due to snow. Check road.is before any drive in winter or spring.
Spring — March to May
Daylight increases quickly through spring. Temperatures average 0 to 7°C. Some mountain roads remain closed until late May. Whale watching typically begins in April. The Mývatn area is quieter in spring than summer and still largely accessible. The Northern Lights are possible through March and early April on clear nights.
How to Get to North Iceland
By Car from Reykjavík
Driving from Reykjavík to Akureyri takes about 4.5 to 5 hours — approximately 390 kilometres via the Ring Road (Route 1). The route passes through the Hvalfjörður tunnel, the Borgarfjörður valley, and over the Holtavörðuheið and Vaðlaheiðargöng mountain passes. Both mountain passes have tunnels available as alternatives in poor weather.
From Akureyri, the main attractions are reachable in under 2 hours: Goðafoss is 36 km east, Lake Mývatn is 90 km east, Húsavík is 75 km northeast, and Dettifoss is about 150 km east.
By Plane
Domestic flights from Reykjavík Domestic Airport to Akureyri Airport take about 45 minutes. Icelandair / Air Iceland Connect operates the route multiple times daily. Akureyri Airport is 3 kilometres from the town centre. A rental car from Akureyri is needed to reach most of the region's attractions.
By Bus
The Strætó bus service runs between Reykjavík and Akureyri but the journey takes around 6 to 7 hours with connections. Within North Iceland, public transport is very limited. Most attractions — Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, Lake Mývatn — are not reachable by public bus. A rental car or guided tour is necessary to see them.
Where to Stay
Akureyri is the most practical base, with the widest range of accommodation — hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. It is well positioned for day trips to Goðafoss, Húsavík, and Lake Mývatn. For the Mývatn area specifically, staying in the village of Reykjahlíð on the lake shore puts you directly among the attractions.
Accommodation around Mývatn is limited — book well in advance in July and August. For the Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi area, the nearest accommodation options are guesthouses near Grímsstaðir on Route 1.
Practical Travel Information
How Long to Spend
Three days covers the main sites at a reasonable pace: one day around Lake Mývatn, one day for Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi, and one day for Húsavík whale watching and Goðafoss. Four to five days allows a slower pace, time in Akureyri, and a day trip to Siglufjörður or Grímsey.
Currency and Costs
Iceland uses the Icelandic Króna (ISK). Card payment is accepted everywhere. Most of the natural sites — Goðafoss, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, Hverfjall, Dimmuborgir, and Skútustaðagígar — are free to enter. The main paid attractions are the Mývatn Nature Baths (5,500 ISK), Forest Lagoon (5,490 ISK), GeoSea Baths in Húsavík (5,500 ISK), and whale watching tours (around 10,000 to 12,000 ISK per person).
What to Pack
Weather in North Iceland is variable year-round. Bring a waterproof outer layer, warm mid-layers, and waterproof boots in all seasons. At Dettifoss, the spray from the west bank viewing platform is heavy — rain gear is essential.
In summer at Lake Mývatn, a midge head net is strongly recommended from late June through July. In winter, add thermal base layers and insulated waterproof gloves.
Road Conditions and Safety
The Ring Road through North Iceland is paved and maintained year-round. Secondary roads — including Route 864 to Dettifoss east bank — are gravel and may close in winter or early spring. Check road.is before driving any secondary routes.
At the geothermal sites around Lake Mývatn, stay on marked paths — the ground outside them can be extremely hot and unstable. At Dettifoss, the rock near the falls is permanently wet and slippery — take care near the edge.