North Iceland rewards those who venture beyond the south with some of the island's most dramatic and varied landscapes. From the volcanic shores of Lake Myvatn and the thundering Dettifoss Waterfall to the whale-filled waters of Husavik and the Arctic island of Grimsey, the region has something to surprise even seasoned Iceland travelers.
Home to the Lake Myvatn region, the town of Akureyri (otherwise known as the 'Capital of the North'), the whale-watching hot-spot of Husavik and the northern parts of Vatnajokull National Park, the North attracts visitors throughout the year.
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It is divided by fjords and mountain ranges into many beautiful regions. If you want to stay in this part of the country, there is a wide range of accommodations in North Iceland to choose from.
Explore North Iceland on one of these Akureyri tours or trips in the Myvatn area. You can also see some of the region's most famous attractions on Diamond Circle tours.
Eyjafjordur
Within the bay of Eyjafjordur is Akureyri, a town of 17,000 inhabitants. It is the largest settlement outside of the Greater Reykjavík Area.
It is easy to reach via the Ring Road, and many cruise ships land in the port of the town.
The older part of Akureyri is particularly worth a stroll, as it contains many historic buildings. The town is also home to many interesting museums, galleries, and the world’s northernmost botanical gardens.
If you like skiing or snowboarding, one of the best skiing sites in the country is located nearby.
Siglufjordur
Siglufjordur straddles the border of Eyjafjordur and Skagafjordur and is most famously home to a charming settlement of the same name.
Other than its natural beauty, with huge cliffs bordering the town, Siglufjordur is renowned for its fascinating museums.
There is a folk music museum, which comes alive during an annual festival, and the Herring Era Museum. The latter is the only Icelandic museum to win an international award and is much more interesting than it sounds; it explains how Iceland managed to survive a millennium in such harsh climes by relying on the seas.
The Vatnsnes Peninsula
The Vatnsnes Peninsula gets its fame for two reasons. Firstly, it is the best seal-watching location in the whole country, with colonies hauling out throughout the year. In the town of Hvammstangi, you can visit the Icelandic Seal Centre to learn more about these animals.
It is also famous for hosting the coastal rock formation of Hvitserkur. This bizarre feature is said to be a troll frozen by the light of the morning sun, but to most, it appears to be more like an elephant drinking from the ocean.
Thingeyjarsysla
Thingeyjarsysla county is home to many incredible sites, particularly due to the fact that the Lake Myvatn region is nestled within it. This beautiful area is renowned for its lava formations, pseudocraters and rich birdlife.
Near Myvatn is the impressive lava field Dimmuborgir, which was featured in the Game of Thrones series. There is also the incredible waterfall Godafoss, a beautiful feature between Lake Myvatn itself and Akureyri.
Husavik is a nearby town, considered the whale watching capital of Europe. In summer, many operators see Humpback Whales every time they leave the port.
The Jokulsargljufur Canyon is home to some of Iceland's most beloved natural attractions; the river Jokulsa a Fjollum runs through it and holds several waterfalls including Europe's most powerful, Dettifoss. Nearby to here is the spectacular, horseshoe-shaped Asbyrgi canyon.
Grimsey
Far north, straddling the Arctic Circle is Grimsey island, the northernmost inhabited territory of Iceland, with a population of about 100 people. It is renowned for its fishing, its rich vegetation and birdlife, particularly puffins.
Plan Your Visit to North Iceland
From the Diamond Circle to the shores of Lake Myvatn, North Iceland rewards those who venture beyond the south. These tours include it as part of a longer journey around the Ring Road.
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6-Day Guided Adventure Around Iceland's Full Ring Road — A small-group guided tour with an ice caving tour included, covering the Diamond Circle and Dettifoss Waterfall in the north.
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8-Day Guided Tour of the Complete Ring Road & Snaefellsnes Peninsula — A small-group guided tour with seven nights of accommodation, dedicated time around Lake Myvatn, and the Dimmuborgir Lava Formations.
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1-Week Summer Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road & Golden Circle — A summer self-drive package with a personal travel agent on call, exploring Lake Myvatn and Akureyri at your own pace.
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10-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of the Ring Road — A winter self-drive package with a 4x4 rental car included, with North Iceland's long dark nights offering prime conditions for catching the aurora.
