The northern region is a vast and enchanting area where you can find many of Iceland's attractions, all in one place. Everywhere you go, you will see a piece of Icelandic nature unfold before you – extraordinary landscapes, mountain ranges, hot springs, waterfalls, rivers, volcanic craters, and additional geological phenomena. The long fjords in the north are among the most beautiful fjords in Iceland and serve as a convenient starting point for fishing, whale watching, and other adventures.
To continue reading: Click here
East of Akureyri, on the way to Lake Myvatn, you will surely notice by the roadside the water spray splashing from Godafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. The waterfall cascades from the Skjalfandafljot river from a height of 12 meters, with a width of 30 meters. From the parking lot, there is an organized walking trail leading to a viewing point overlooking the waterfall.
To continue reading: Click here
About an hour's drive east of Akureyri lies Lake Myvatn – a shallow lake covering 37 square kilometers with a depth of only 2.5 meters. The lake contains many islands formed as a result of gas eruptions beneath the lava. The lake was created by a lava eruption that occurred about 2,000 years ago, leaving behind a unique volcanic landscape. Around the lake, there are many sites worth visiting, so it is recommended to stay in the Myvatn area for at least two days.
To continue reading: Click here
The first interesting point on a journey through the north is actually located in northwest Iceland: the Vatnsnes Peninsula, located one hour away from the capital of the north, Akureyri. To reach the area, turn onto Route 711 from Route 1, near the Osar hostel.
The peninsula is well known for the seal colonies found there, primarily at two locations: on the eastern shore at Osar and on the western shore at Illugastadir.
To continue reading: Click here
One of the most recommended sites to visit in North Iceland is Jokulsargljufur Park. The park is situated at the southern end of one of the largest rivers in Iceland and the most powerful in Europe, Jokulsa a fjollum, which flows northward from Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in the world outside of the polar regions. The park's present appearance was formed following volcanic eruptions in the area, which diverted the river's waters and carved out new canyons.
The park can also be reached from its southern side, though the approach from the northern side is more recommended: from the direction of Husavik.
To continue reading: Click here
A must-visit when traveling in North Iceland is, of course, the regional capital, Akureyri – a charming and peaceful European town of about 18,000 residents. If you have a single day in town, do not miss a stroll through the historic town center: the impressive Akureyrarkirkja church stands atop a hill, offering views over the northern fjords. Near the church lies a large botanical garden containing most of Iceland's plant species alongside thousands of foreign varieties. In addition, the city features a wide variety of cafes, shops, museums, walking paths, swimming pools, a golf course, and more.
To continue reading: Click here
The picturesque northern fishing village of Dalvik is nestled on the western shore of Iceland's longest fjord, Eyjafjordur, offering visitors serene and stunning views that show no trace of the devastating 1934 earthquake that nearly leveled the town.
Dalvik is located 42 km north of Akureyri, approximately a half-hour drive. The most popular activity in town is whale watching.
To continue reading: Click here
Another fascinating town to visit is Husavik, located 91 km northeast of Akureyri along Route 85. Husavik is a fishing town on the western coast of the Tjornes Peninsula, renowned for its whale watching tours. Husavik offers some of the highest chances in the world to encounter whales, giving travelers a broad selection of tour operators to choose from.
To continue reading: Click here
