Stunning 7-Day Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive Tour of North Iceland by Lake Myvatn

On day two of your self-drive tour in Iceland, you'll begin the scenic journey to North Iceland. Your main destination is Akureyri, the region's capital town, which is located along Iceland's longest fjord.

Leaving Reykjavik behind, the beautiful countryside of Iceland welcomes you with its stunning landscapes and vistas. You may choose to stop and visit some of these destinations to enhance your trip.

For example, in West Iceland, there are towns, waterfalls, valleys, fjords, and hot springs to see. This includes the Deildartunguhver hot spring and the Hraunfossar waterfall. Deildartunguhver is Europe's highest-flowing hot spring, while Hraunfossar boasts numerous cascades over a vast lava field.

Alternatively, if you skip these attractions and arrive early in Akureyri, you can dedicate the rest of the day to exploring the town. There's a wealth of attractions and things to do, including shopping streets lined with boutiques, bars, and restaurants, plus plenty of museums and galleries.

Akureyri is a fabulous place to spend your first day in North Iceland. Beautiful mountains surround the town, and you can enjoy excellent views over the plunging Eyjafjordur fjord. 

You'll spend the next three days enjoying the landscapes surrounding the city, so spend today relaxing and sightseeing in the city. Head to the Christmas House to get in the festive spirit, or go to the botanical gardens to enjoy nature.

Alternatively, you could hit the nearby ski slopes of Hlidarfjall for some outdoor fun. These pistes are considered the best in the country, so the area is worth a visit if you like winter sports.

As the evening draws in, we recommend you drive out of Akureyri into the countryside to avoid the town's light pollution. This is the best way to increase your chances of seeing the northern lights on your first night.

If you're too tired or the sky is cloudy and overcast, don't worry - you'll have three more nights to try and spot them.

You'll spend the first night in comfortable accommodation in North Iceland.

Spend the third day of your self-drive tour visiting one of the best-loved areas of North Iceland, Lake Myvatn.

After breakfast in Akureyri, you'll drive east along the Ring Road to reach the geothermal area of Myvatn lake. The lake itself is a large expanse of water. It's stunning in winter, often frozen and surrounded by spectacular snowscapes.

The area is also known for its incredible geology. You'll see pillars of basalt towering over the icy lava fields, bizarre yet beautiful pseudocraters lining the lake's banks, and the magnificent lava fortress of Dimmuborgir.

Aside from its scale and formations, Dimmuborgir is a great place to visit in winter due to its cultural significance. It's said that the 13 Yule Lads (the Icelandic interpretation of Santa Claus) live here throughout the year. The site was also used as a shooting location in the hit TV show Game of Thrones.

On the way to Lake Myvatn, you'll pass the Godafoss waterfall, whose name in English means "waterfall of the gods." This spectacular natural attraction is hugely powerful and has a fascinating history. More than 1,000 years ago, Iceland's Lawspeaker threw his idols of the old Norse gods into the waterfall, symbolically converting the nation to Christianity.

Another nearby destination worth a detour is Namaskard Pass, a lifeless mountain plateau seething with fumaroles and hot springs.

Aside from sightseeing, you can add something extra to your day by booking admission to the Myvatn Nature Baths. This geothermal spa is in an incredible location, with the lakes and surrounding landscapes in clear view.

The waters are naturally heated and full of healing minerals. Though great for families and solo travelers, they have particular appeal to couples due to the romantic ambiance that the site boasts.

If you plan to reach the baths late in the day, you may even see the northern lights dancing in the sky above you as you unwind. There are few experiences more typically Icelandic than marveling over the auroras from a beautiful hot pool.

After a full day of exploring, an evening of relaxation, and hopefully a magnificent show, you'll retire in your comfortable North Iceland accommodation.

Enjoy another day in the Lake Myvatn geothermal area and explore the winter wonderland of North Iceland at your own pace.

After a tasty breakfast at your accommodation, you're free to explore the natural attractions of North Iceland at your leisure. There are plenty of fascinating sights to discover around the lake, and you can head further afield if you choose.

You'll return to the same accommodation tonight, so you don't need to pack your belongings before you leave in the morning. Just take a day pack to ensure you have what you need close at hand.

One potential stop today is at the Grjotagja lava cave. The cave contains a natural hot spring and is a fantastic place to learn more about volcanic and geothermal energy in Iceland. The spring water temperature is too unpredictable to bathe in, but it's a fascinating place.

If you haven't visited Husavik yet, today could be an excellent day to do so. It's a picturesque settlement on Iceland's northern coast, with whale-watching opportunities and cozy cafes. 

Alternatively, you could venture further off the Ring Road with a trip to the Dettifoss waterfall, one of the most powerful in Europe. This mighty waterfall is over 131 feet (about 40 meters) tall and over 330 feet (roughly 100 meters) wide. It's a breathtaking sight. 

The waterfall perfectly demonstrates the force of Iceland's nature and the marriage of ice and fire. The water comes from the country's largest glacier, and the cliffs surrounding it are formed of ancient lava.

Driving to Dettifoss in the winter can be challenging, as you'll need to follow an unpaved road to reach it. If the weather is bad, it can be very hazardous, so check road conditions before you set off. Your car will be a four-wheel drive to help you navigate the icy roads, but always be careful and drive slowly.

After a busy day of sightseeing, you can return to your accommodation or stay up late looking for the northern lights.