23 best things to do in Northern Iceland (+ Map + Photos)

Since it is further from Reykjavik, North Iceland is less visited than the South. 
Yet, it has incredible landscapes and things to do.
In Summer, it is my favorite region with many incredible volcanic features, especially around Lake Myvatn.
Below is my Northern Iceland Travel Guide to help you plan your itinerary including map, tips, photos and my favorite places to see.

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North Iceland is a world of powerful landscapes:

• giant volcano craters,
• geothermal areas,
• impressive lava fields
• rushing waterfalls. 

When you travel to Northern Iceland, especially around Lake Myvatn, it feels like landing on another planet or waking up in a post-apocalyptic world, especially when you end up walking alone in a lava field still fuming!

Let me show you around...

Vidéo

Below is a short video showing you a snapshot of the many of the beautiful landscapes of North Iceland including waterfalls, geothermal areas, lava pillars and volcano craters:

Is North or South Iceland better?

Most visitors visit the South Region as it is easier to access.
However, both regions are very different and worth a visit. To summarize, I think that :

• South Iceland is more romantic with elegant waterfalls, lagoons, icebergs...
• North Iceland is more impressive with a post-apocalyptic feel: geothermal fields, craters, lava, canyons...

How to get to North Iceland?

The Northern Region is easily accessed by car via the Ring Road (Road 1). It leads you to Akureyri (the largest town) and to Lake Mytvan.

• Reykjavik to Akureyri - 4h30 drive
• Akureyri to Myvatn - 1h20 drive
• Myvatn to Husavik - 1h drive

Another option is to fly from Reykjavik to Akureyri. It is a short flight from the domestic airport (45min, operated by Icelandair)
And if you are lucky like I was, the sky will be clear, and you will be able to admire the landscapes from above. I even saw the fumes from an eruption in the distance.

It is a great region to discover on your Road trip around Iceland.

How long to plan to visit North Iceland?

It was my favorite region in Iceland, there is a lot to see.
But what is great is that you can settle in Lake Myvatn which is very central and see everything from there!
I would say you need at least 3 days but 5 days would be better to really explore it.

For the freedom of stopping wherever you want and spend more time in the places you really enjoy, renting a car is the best solution. Driving in this region is actually really easy. Many of the top attractions are along or not far from the Ring Road.
However, if you are hesitating, note that some of interesting places are only accessible by 4WD.
You can read my articles about

• planning an Iceland road trip,
• how to rent a car in Iceland 
• driving in Iceland

Option 2 - Northern Iceland Tours from Akureyri

If you don't want to drive, you can base yourself in Akureyri and book day trips such as:

• Lake Myvatn Classic Tour - See some of the best volcanic features around Myvatn including: Dimmuborgir, pseudo-craters, Grjotagja and the Myvatn bath. Plus a few other nice stops - Check out program and book
• The Diamond Circle with Dettifoss, Husavik, Godafoss... And in Summer, they make an extra stop to see puffins! - Check out program and book
• Northern light hunt from Akureyri (keep in mind that seeing northern light is not guaranteed since it is a natural phenomenon - Check out program and Book

North Iceland Map, Itinerary tips and Places to stay

Top 5 things to do in North Iceland - Map

Let's start with a map highlighting 5 of the most famous attractions in North Iceland to help you get oriented:

1. Hverir geothermal area
2. Godafoss waterfall
3. Dimmuborgir lava field
4. Dettifoss waterfall
5. Whale watching (from Akureyri or Husavik)

And maybe I should also include the Myvatn Nature Baths (the equivalent to the Blue Lagoon - located between 1 and 3)

Road trip in North Iceland - Itinerary Tips

• I recommend basing yourself at least for a couple of nights in Myvatn. There is so much to see around and it is quite a peaceful spot just to relax
• There are 2 roads to see Dettifoss from both sides of the canyon. If you have time, I recommend both because the view is quite different, but if you are limited in time, I recommend the West Bank
• Visit Dimmuborgir at opening time. It can become crowded during the day and you enjoy a lot less the crazy formations around you
• Enjoy the pseudocraters at dawn, the place is quite magical
• Visiting Northern Iceland requires a lot more walking than South Iceland. But most walks in the attractions are easy to moderate
• Don't climb Hverfjall when it is very windy

Note: If you don't want to book everything yourself, consider booking a Self-Drive Tour Package (see my article to help you choose)

5 days around North Iceland - itinerary example

Doing the Ring Road clockwise, I would:

• Day 1
  Visit Akureyri
  Enjoy Godafoss waterfall
  (head to Aldeyjarfoss if you have a 4WD)
  Sleep near Godafoss to see sunset - See photos and availability
• Day 2
  Head to Husavik - do a whale watching Tour
  Visit the Whale Museum
  Drive to Myvatn - 3 nights in Myvatn - Choose one of the lake Myvatn accommodations
• Day 3 & 4
  Enjoy the attractions around Lake Myvatn including Hverir geothermal area, Leirhnjukur fuming lava field, Dimmuborgir, the Skutustadir pseudocraters, Krafla Viti lake, Hverfjall crater...
  Relax at the Myvatn Nature Baths in the evening
• Day 5
  Drive to Iceland's grand canyon with the waterfalls of Dettifoss, Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss.
  Drive to Egilsstadir to spend the night and be ready for the East Fjords - See best rated accommodations
  For example I enjoyed the IcelandAir hotel - see photos and availability

Or you can do the opposite, of course, if you are traveling counterclockwise.

Check out my complete article with detailed suggestions and tips on what to wear and pack for Iceland

10 Best Things to do at Lake Myvatn

Lake Myvatn is for me the highlight of North Iceland.
There are so many places to see and natural attractions concentrated there:
lake, pseudo-craters, eruption craters, geothermal areas... 

9 best things things to do in North Iceland (attractions outside Myvatn)

And here comes my selection of the best things to do in the rest of Northern Iceland:

Want to take a break from all that driving? There are some great activities to have fun and see Iceland in another way. Have a look:

20 - Whale watching

North Iceland is the best places to see whales around Iceland.
Tours depart all year round.
You can book tours from Akureyri - see tour options and availabilities
But the most famous destinations for whale watching tours is Husavik - see tour options and availabilities

21 - Horseback riding

Just you, the Icelandic horses and the landscapes.
A majestic way of exploring North Iceland!
From March to September

See options

22 - Super Jeep to the Central Highlands

Enjoy the thrill of getting off road in a super jeep.
Head to the Central Highlands and the famous Aksja area.
(June to Oct only)
See program and availability

23 - Whitewater rafting

If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, check out whitewater rafting on the Jokulsa river.
See details and availability

OR opt for a family version of rafting
See details and availability