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

Last updated on March 14, 2023 by Claire / this article contains affiliate links (Info)

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.

Before all my photos + tips, here are my favorites to plan your Summer Iceland trip:

car rental

My favorite platform to rent a car in Iceland: Discovercars

hotel

My favorite places to stay around Iceland:

  • Reykjavik, the capital, of course:  Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel 
  • Vik to explore the South Coast: Hotel Vik i Myrdal
  • Lake Myvatn, in the north: Hotel Laxa
  • Borgarnes, between Snaefellsnes and Silver Circle: Hotel Hamar
bus

My favorite bus tour from Reykjavik (Summer): Amazing Snaefellsnes Peninsula

boat

My favorite activity around Iceland (Summer): Whale watching from Husavik (best) or Reykjavik or Akureyri

tips key

My favorite platform to book travel-packages in Iceland: guidetoiceland

Visit North Iceland Travel Guide

Table Of Contents
Why visit Northern Iceland? 
Planning tips - How to get to North Iceland and Lake Myvatn
North Iceland Map, Itinerary tips and Places to stay
Where to stay in Northern Iceland
10 Best Things to do at Lake Myvatn
9 best things things to do in North Iceland (attractions outside Myvatn)
4 unforgettable Northern Iceland activities
The flies around lake Myvatn
North Iceland and Myvatn in Winter

// In this article, no ads, no sponsored posts. Just some affiliate links.
If you purchase through them, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (Disclosure).


Why visit Northern Iceland? 

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...

Landscapes of North Iceland

Landscapes of Northern Iceland

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...
North or South Iceland

More photos after the planning tips.


Planning tips - How 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 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.

Flight Reykjavik to Akureyri

Flying to Akureyri

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.

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.
You can read my articles about

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

Need to rent a car in Iceland?

directly see the best deals on my favorite platform

How to rent a car in Iceland 2

or see my 36 practical tips to choose the best car to rent for the roads in Iceland (Summer or Winter) and find the best deals

+ read tips
See available cars + Deals
Around North Iceland - Akureyri tours

Driving in North 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)

best things to do in North Iceland map

My favorite 5 places to see in Northern Iceland

My personal favorites are (and this is very difficult to select):

  • Hverir geothermal area
  • Skutustadir and its pseudocraters
  • Leirhnjukur
  • Dimmuborgir
  • The Trollaskagi peninsula

All my favorite locations (more than those) and detailed maps are included in my travel guide eBook that helps you plan your Iceland road trip:

Plan your dream road trip in Iceland

Iceland road trip travel guide cover small
  • 8 maps to plan your itinerary easily
  • 100+ pre-selected locations 
  • Tips to make the most of your time
  • 130+ original photos to get inspired
  • GPS coordinates for easy navigation

LEARN MORE

The towns of North Iceland

Some of the main touristic towns are :

  • Akureyri, the main town
  • Dalvik (on the coast of the Trollaskagi peninsula)
  • Varmahlid
  • Reykjahlid - on the shore of Lake Myvatn
  • Husavik, on the North coast
  • Egillstadir to make the jonction with the East Fjords
  • ...

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)

Sunset at Godafoss

Sunset at Godafoss

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.

For more itinerary including North Iceland, you can check out:

  • My suggested for 7 days in Iceland itineraries
  • My 4 itineraries to spend 10 days in Iceland
  • And my favorite itinerary for 14 days around Iceland
Skutustadir pseudocraters

Skutustadir pseudocraters

What to wear in Northern Iceland

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

And keep track of your own trip!

Iceland road trip Journal

Where to stay in Northern Iceland

  • Lake Myvatn
    This places is incredible. You should really not miss it. There is much to see and do within 1h drive of the lake.
    I recommend staying at least one night, but I think 2 or more is better.
    The Dimmuborgir Guesthouse is one of my favorite places to stay in Iceland (I booked myself and paid entirely for my stay).
    Right next to the lake and with the Hverfjall crater in the background... perfect! See more photos and check availability
    Or  Choose one of the lake Myvatn accommodations
Myvatn Accommodation - Dimmuborgir Guesthouse

Dimmuborgir Guesthouse

  • Akureyri
    It is the capital of the North. 
    From here you don't have to drive, you can explore by tours.
    There is a large choice or restaurants and great boat tours to see wildlife
    See best rated accommodations
  • Egilsstadir
    If you are traveling from the East Fjords or to them, the town of Eilgsstadir is a perfect mid-way point to stay for a night.
    See best rated accommodations
    For example I enjoyed the IcelandAir hotel with large room and Northern lights wake up call! - see photos and availability
  • Husavik
    Husavik is famous for its wildlife attractions.
    It is a small town but with wide open views, a place to breathe.
    See best rated accommodations
  • Godafoss
    If you want to enjoy Godafoss at sunset, sunrise and under the stars, you can stay one night right next to it.
    The Fossholl Guesthouse, right on Route 1 near Godafoss. See photos and availability

More tips in my article about Where to stay in North Iceland

Where to stay in Iceland?

Iceland Accommodations

See my selection of all the best areas to stay to enjoy the beautiful regions of Iceland...
+ fantastic accommodation options

+ read more

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... 

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 to 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 paths 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 craters 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 area 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 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 all around its rim.

More photos an Info on my article about Krafla Viti Crater


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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:

North Iceland Attractions - Godafoss

11. Godafoss

Godafoss is an elegant horse-shoe shaped waterfall that you can easily admire from both sides. 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 landscape 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 via 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 and 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

Hafragilsfoss

16. Hafragilsfoss

Hafragilsfoss can be admired from far away as 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

Glaumbaer

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

Akureyri

18. Akureyri

Akureyri is the capital of Northern Iceland.
It is a quaint town at the end of a fjords.
Great if you are looking for a break from Nature. LOL.

Husavik

19. Husavik

Charming fishing town with a long history around Whales.
Visit the museum, take a deep breath and enjoy a whale watching or puffin watching adventure!


Plan your trip to Iceland in Summer:

tips key
  • My itineraries : 5 days, 1 week, 10 days, 2 weeks
  • Where to stay in Iceland
  • Where to stay in Reykjavik: best hotels
  • 36 tips to rent a car in Iceland
  • Guide to driving in Iceland
  • How to plan a road trip in Iceland

4 unforgettable 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:

20 - Whale watching

best time to see whales in Iceland

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

Horse back riding North Iceland

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

Super jeep tour off road North Iceland

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


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.


North Iceland and Myvatn in Winter

The North of Iceland gets a lot of snow in Winter.
The experience is completely different in black and white. Some of the attractions are not accessible.
But it is still worth a visit.
Check out my article about Myvatn in Winter

Dimmuborgir Winter

Dimmuborgir in Winter


Want to see more of the best Iceland has to offer?

  • 45 Most beautiful landscapes in Iceland in pictures - read article
  • The best stops on the Ring Road - read article
  • The best locations off the beaten path around Iceland - read article
  • 21 Most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland - read article
  • Top 5 places to see around Myvatn - read article
  • 5 best Lava Fields in Iceland - read article
  • The 10 best lava caves in Iceland - read article
  • The 5 most beautiful black sand beaches in Iceland - read article
  • The Golden Circle - read article
  • The Snaefellsnes peninsula - read article

Planning a trip to Iceland?

Check out my travel guides to help you plan:

Plan your dream road trip around Iceland!

Iceland road trip travel guide cover small
  • 8 easy-to-plan maps
  • 100+ pre-selected locations
  • Useful planning tips
  • 130+ large photos 
  • GPS coordinates direct to carparks

LEARN MORE

Ring road Iceland road trip travel guide cover small
  • 2 easy-to-plan maps
  • 30 stops, 10 detours
  • Useful planning tips 
  • 70+ large photos 
  • GPS coordinates direct to carparks

LEARN MORE

And keep track of your own trip!

Iceland road trip Journal

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Vestrahorn Iceland

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Tourism Iceland Travel Guide

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Destination travel guide - Plan your time at lake Myvatn and the North of Iceland
Simplified North Iceland Map - Lake Myvatn

North Iceland Map

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. cheryl hamer says

    May 11, 2018 at 1:16 PM

    Great travel guide Claire, many thanks.

    • Claire, the Travel Planning Geek says

      May 11, 2018 at 8:05 PM

      Great to read. Thanks
      Happy travels!

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