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Northern Iceland & Lake Myvatn (Iceland) – Map + Places to see + Photos

Last updated on September 22, 2019 By Claire, the Travel Planning Geek

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

Visit North Iceland Travel Guide
Quick Navigation
Northern Iceland Description
VIDEO - Visit North Iceland & Lake Myvatn Iceland
Hou to get to North Iceland and Lake Myvatn
North Iceland Map - Places to see
Things to do at Lake Myvatn
Top Places to see in the North of Iceland
Northern Iceland activities
North Iceland accommodations
What to wear in Northern Iceland
The flies around lake Myvatn

Navigate back to the complete Iceland Travel Guide

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Northern Iceland Description

North Iceland is a world of powerful landscapes: from giant volcano craters, to geothermal areas, to impressive lava fields and 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...

Landscapes of North Iceland

Landscapes of Northern Iceland


VIDEO - Visit North Iceland & Lake Myvatn Iceland

Let's start with a short video showing you many of the beautiful landscapes of North Iceland including waterfalls, geothermal areas, lava pillars and volcano craters. 


Hou to get to North Iceland and Lake Myvatn

How to get to North Iceland?

The Northern Region is easily accessed by car via the Ring Road (Road 1). It leads you the 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. 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 you Road trip around Iceland

Flight Reykjavik to Akureyri

Fly to Akureyri

How to 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 4 to 5 days would be better to really explore it 🙂

Option 1 - Self-drive

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.

I personally rented my cars with Route 1 from Reykjavik and Europcar from Akureyri, and its went very smoothly - but you can compare options here.
And you can read my articles about

  • planning an Iceland road trip, ​
  • how to rent a car in Iceland 
  • driving in Iceland
Around North Iceland - Akureyri tours

Driving in North Iceland

Option 2 - Akureyri Tours

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
  • Trollaskagi Peninsula - Enjoy the magnificent landscapes of the Trollaskagi peninsula including a visit to a micro-brewery  - Check out program and Book

North Iceland Map - Places to see

And below is a map to give you an idea of the location of the Northern region of Iceland and its main areas: Akureyri, the capital of the North, Lake Myvatn and Husavik.

Simplified North Iceland Map - Lake Myvatn

North Iceland Map

The complete Map, as well as the detailed Lake Myvatn map, is available in the eBook: THE ROAD TRIP GUIDE - ICELAND as well as double page features of the most amazing locations, GPS coordinates of all locations and practical info to make the most of your time

Some North Iceland locations are also part of the 30 stops and 10 détours around the Ring Road in the eBook: Iceland - the Ring Road Guide

Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!

ssmall Road trip Iceland Travel Guide cover

8 Maps, 100+ locations
110+ photos
LEARN MORE

Iceland Ring Road ebook cover S

2 Maps, 30 stops, 10 detours
70+ photos
LEARN MORE

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 side 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

Things to do at Lake Myvatn

Lake Myvatn was 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... Let me show you my top 10 things to do at Lake Myvatn:

View of Lake Myvatn

1. Lake Myvatn  itself

A large area with a lake and wetlands which has a rich fauna. It is a dream destination for those who love geology and bird watching.
The lake was created by a large eruption over 2000 years ago.

Great views from near the entrance of Dimmuborgir.

​

Things to do at Lake Myvatn Iceland - Peudocraters

2. Pseudo-craters

Skutustadagigar is a peninsula on lake Myvatn with a series of beautifully shaped pseudo-craters created when lava flowed over water.

More photos an Info on my article about the Pseudocraters

Attractions Lake Myvatn Iceland - Hofdi

3. Hofdi

Hofdi is a park with many trees in the middle of the bare landscape. One of the path leads you to the Lava pillars standing in lake Myvatn.

More photos an Info on my article about Hofdi

places to see at Lake Myvatn Iceland - Dimmuborgir

4. Dimmuborgir

Dimmuborgir is a special area around lake Myvatn where the lava created some spectacular shapes. Many paths lead you through the incredible landscape.

More photos an Info on my article about Dimmuborgir

Walk around Lake Myvatn Iceland - Hverfjall

5. Hverfjall Crater

Hverfjall is one of the largest symmetrical and circular eruption crater in the world. There are trails to climb it and tour its rim.

More photos an Info on my article about Hverfjall

Points of Interest at Lake Myvatn Iceland - Grjotagja

6. Grjotagja

Grjotagja is a small cave created by a fissure in the crust. It is filled with geothermally heated water in a pool.

More photos an Info on my article about Grjotagja

It may be closed as it is on private property.

 Iceland Lake Myvatn things to do - Myvatn Nature Baths

7. Myvatn nature Baths

The Nature Baths are the equivalent of the Blue Lagoon but it a more intimate experience. After all the walking in the are it is nice to relax in these hot waters.

More photos an Info on my article about the Myvatn Nature Baths

 Iceland Lake Myvatn Points of Interest - Hverir

8. Hverir

Hverir is a geothermal area with at the foothill of Namafjall. Features include colorful sulphurous mud springs, steam vents, cracked mud and fumaroles

More photos an Info on my article about Hverir

 Iceland Lake Myvatn Attraction - Leirhnjukur

9. Leirhnjukur

Leirhnjukur is a geothermal area where one of the trails allows you to walk through lava that is still fuming. 

More photos an Info on my article about Leirhnjukur

 Iceland Lake Myvatn walk - Krafla viti crater

10. Krafla Viti Crater

Krafla Viti is circular crater filled with deep blue water and surrounded by colorful mountains. A trail leads you alla round its rim.

More photos an Info on my article about Krafla Viti Crater

And also Neslandatangi, Vindbelgjarfjall, the visitor center...


Top Places to see in the North of Iceland

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

North Iceland Attractions - Godafoss

11. Godafoss

Godafoss is an elegant horse-shoe shaped waterfalls that you can easily admire from both side. It is just next to Road 1.

More photos an Info on my article about Godafoss

North Iceland things to do - Aldeyjarfoss

12. Aldeyjarfoss

Aldeyjarfoss is an off-the beaten track waterfall with a narrow flow but a large pool and interesting lava shapes. The surrounding landscapes feels like another planet.

More photos an Info on my article about Aldeyjarfoss

North Iceland places to see - Trollaskagi peninsula

13. Trollaskagi Peninsula

The Trollaskagi peninsula, located North of Akureyri, is full of stunning landscapes. I especially recommend driving trough the central road.

More photos an Info on my article about Troll peninsula

North Iceland points of Interest - Dettifoss waterfall

14. Dettifoss

Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Iceland with can be admired from both sides of the canyon. It is one of the most powerful in Europe.

More photos an Info on my article about Dettifoss & Selfoss

Things to do in North Iceland - Selfoss waterfall

15. Selfoss

A trail leads from Dettifoss to Selfoss, a horseshoe-shaped waterfall with a multitude of others, creating a veil.

More photos an Info on my article about Dettifoss & Selfoss

places to see in North Iceland - Hafragilsfoss waterfall

16. Hafragilsfoss

Hafragilsfoss can be admired from far away it is canyon. It is a classic curtain waterfall but the surroundings make the sight fascinating.

More photos an Info on my article about Hafragilsfoss

places to visit in North Iceland - Glaumbaer turf house

17. Glaumbaer

Driving west of Akureyri on Road 1 you can take a detour to admire the turf houses of the Glaumbaer farm. It is also a small museum where you can see old farm tools.

More photos an Info on my article about Glaumbaer

And also Akureyri, Grundakirkja, Husavik, Road 835, Oxnadalur...



Northern Iceland activities

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:

WHALE WATCHING

North Iceland is the best places to see whales around Iceland. Tours depart all year round.

Book your spot from Akureyri​
Book your spot from Husavik
best time to see whales in Iceland

HORSE BACK RIDING

Just you, the horse and the landscapes. A majestic way of exploring North Iceland

From Mars to September

Book your spot
Horse back riding North Iceland

OFF ROAD SUPER JEEP

Enjoy the thrill of getting off road in a super jeep.

Option 1 - stay around Myvatn

Book your spot

Option 2 - head to the Central Highlands and to Aksja (June to Oct only)

Book your spot
Super jeep tour off road North Iceland

SNOWMOBILE

Adrenaline and incredible views

From December to April.

Book your spot
North iceland activity - snowmobile

Other activity ideas:

  • Caving tour from Akureyri - check out photos and book

  • Beer spa tour from Akureyri - check out photos and book

  • Crazy rafting - check out photos and book


North Iceland accommodations

There are many accommodations along the Ring Road in North Iceland: hotels, campsites, Guesthouses... For more information, check out my Iceland Accommodations article.

I personally stayed at: 

Lake Myvatn Accommodation

Lake Myvatn Accommodation

The Dimmuborgir Guesthouse by Lake Myvatn. One of my favorite accommodations in Iceland. I love how close it is to the lake and all the lava rocks around. So peaceful!

Book your stay

North Iceland Godafoss Accommodation

The Fossholl Guesthouse, right on Route 1 near Godafoss. This way I was able to enjoy sunset at the waterfall and the stars at night with the rushing water.

Book your stay

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


What to wear in Northern Iceland

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


The flies around lake Myvatn

horse with flies lake Myvatn

Lake Myvatn is one of my favorite places in Iceland but it has one major issue: the flies. 

Myvatn is a thriving ecosystems with many fishes in the lake and plenty of birds. All that means flies. I was luck in September they were not that bad but still it was annoying. I can't imagine being there when they are aggressive. Only 2 recommendations to help you there:

  • Wear a head-net. Swallow your pride and forget how you look like!
  • Do not do a horse ride. They are very attracted to the horses

Another solution is to stop breathing as they are attracted to the CO2 but it is not sustainable 🙂


Want to see more of Iceland's beauty?

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WEST OF AKUREYRI

Tourism Iceland Travel Guide

Ready to explore North Iceland?

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Comments

  1. cheryl hamer says

    May 11, 2018 at 1:16 PM

    Great travel guide Claire, many thanks.

    Reply
    • Claire, the Travel Planning Geek says

      May 11, 2018 at 8:05 PM

      Great to read. Thanks
      Happy travels!

      Reply

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