North Iceland is a wonderful region with powerful waterfalls, impressive lava field, geothermal areas and much more!
It is a large area that deserves several days of exploring.
So, where to stay in North Iceland?
Below, I am sharing with you all my accommodation tips:
- Map and towns where you could stay
- Best hotels in North Iceland: in Akureyri, Myvatn, Egilsstadir and more.
- Alternative options
- …
Best hotels in North Iceland – quick answers
If you don’t want to read the entire article, with explanations of the various areas, here are my short answers.
This selection is completely independent, based on my experiences and research. I visited the region anonymously, making my own choices, and paying all my bills in full.
Best towns
- Myvatn for a more central stay and a high concentration of fascinating places to visit – see best-rated accommodations
- Akureyri, the capital of the North and largest town – see best-rated accommodations
- Eglisstadir when in transition along Route 1 to or from the East Fjords – see best-rated accommodations
But it can also be great to stay in between surrounded only by the impressive nature of Iceland.
Best North Iceland hotels
- Hotel Laxa
By lake Myvatn – Modern room with large windows to enjoy the views of the lake
– see photos and availability - Hotel 1001 Nott
Outside Egilsstadir with large windows overlooking only nature
– see photos and availability - Myvatn Berjaya Hotel
By the Myvatn lake with large windows and spacious rooms
– see photos and availability - Hafdals Hotel
Outside of the Akureyri, but not far. Spacious rooms with beautiful views.
– see photos and availability - Siglo Hotel
in a charming tiny town North of Akureyri
– see photos and availability
Some of the best guesthouses and other accommodations in the North
- Grandastadir Guesthouse
Between Godafoss and Husavik – Modern design surrounded by nature
– see photos and availability - Dimmuborgir Guesthouse
Small cabins facing the lake Myvatn, clos to the Dimmuborgir lava field.
I really enjoyed my stay here, especially the breakfast room.
– see photos and availability - Aska Modern Cabin
If you are looking for something modern with a feeling of isolation, in Myvatn.
– see photos and availability - Appart-hotel Akureyri Luxury Apartments
Large windows, beautiful views, spacious apartments in Akureyri.
– see photos and availability - Tungulending Guesthouse
Stunning sea views, north of Husavik.
– see photos and availability - Bjarnabud
Several studios and apartments in a very charming house and sea views, in Husavik.
– see photos and availability
Need to rent a car in Iceland?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a compact car for the narrow streets in villages
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Where to stay on Iceland South Coast – map + tips
Map of best areas to stay
There are 5 main options to stay in the North coast.
I will share the
- Around Lake Myvatn
The most central area to explore the famous attractions of the North.
I am a big fan of Lake Myvatn. It offers a post-apocalyptic feel that I really enjoy. Nature is raw and rough.
You can see volcanic craters, a lake, spedocraters, geothermal areas, giant lava formations… - Town of Akureyri
the main town in the region.
Surrounded by mountain and sea. Located along the Ring Road. The North can be explored from there - Town of Egilsstadir
If you have spent the day in the East fords, you may not want to drive to Myvatn yet.
Egilsstadir is the town right at the transition. You cna find a large choice of accommodations - The small town of Husavik
if you are looking for something small, by the sea and with lots of charm, Husavik is for you. It is known for its whale watching boat tours. - Away from the towns
And you can find many accommodations, hotels, farmstays in between. Those options are great if you want to feel closer to nature.
Accommodations tips in North Iceland
- You should not have any parking problems
- Note that many guesthouses offer rooms with share bathrooms. Be careful if this is critical for you
- If you are staying in a place between towns, make sure you have a way to find dinner (restaurant on site or in a hotel nearby). Pay attention to opening times!
- If traveling outside Summer, you could have the chance to see the northern lights. For more chances, choose accommodations away from any light pollution (so, not in towns).
Best place to stay in North Iceland – planning your itinerary
I think the best way to travel around Iceland is by road trip.
I recommend you stay at least 2 nights in North Iceland, either 2 nights in Myvatn or one night in Myvatn and one night in Akyreyri.
However, 5 days would be best to explore the entire region
For help defining your itinerary with the Northern region , check out my articles:
- best things to do in North Iceland in Summer
- Myvatn and the North in Winter
- Iceland itinerary 5 days (4 options)
- Iceland itinerary 7 days (5 options)
- 10-day Iceland itineraries (4 option)
- 14-day Iceland itinerary
Plan your dream trip to Iceland with my guides!
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Option 1 – Where to stay in Myvatn
Where is Lake Myvatn?
Reykjahlid is the main town around Lake Myvatn.
- Reykjavik to Reykjahlid = 6h
- Akureyri to Reykjahlid = 1h10
- Eglisstadir to Reykjahlid = 2h
Why stay around Lake Myvatn
This is my favorite area in Iceland overall. The mix of water with the lake and lava formations all around, creates a post-apocalyptic feel.
If you go for a walk early, you could stand on a fuming lava fileld with no one around wondering if you are the only human left!
There are many attractions around Lake Myvatn, some of the most famous are: Dimmuborgir giant lava formations, pseudocraters on the lake, Hverfjall giant black crater, Hverir geothermal area, Myvatn Baths…
This is also a good location to visit the powerful Dettifoss waterfall.
However…
I don’t see any drawbacks. I am in love with the area!
Hotels in Myvatn
- Myvatn Berjaya Hotel
By the lake with large windows and spacious rooms
– see photos and availability - Fosshotel Myvatn
Large hotel with good restaurant and view over the lake
– see photos and availability - Sel Hotel Myvatn
Hotel right by the pseudocraters area. Very practical.
– see photos and availability - Hotel Laxa
Modern room with large windows to enjoy the views of the lake
– see photos and availability
Other accommodations in Myvatn
And you can also consider:
- Dimmuborgir Guesthouse
Small cabins facing the lake, close to the Dimmuborgir lava field.
I really enjoyed my stay here, especially the breakfast room.
– see photos and availability - Vogafos Farm Resort
Wooden room surrounded by cracked lava.
– see photos and availability - Aska Modern Cabin
If you are looking for something modern with a feeling of isolation;
– see photos and availability - Myvo studio apartment
Beautiful design, large windows and a small kitchen
– see photos and availability
–> Otherwise check out the best rated accommodations around Myvatn
Option 2 – Where to stay in Akureyri
Where is Akureyri?
Akureyri is the main town, on the north coast, towards the est.
- Reykjavik to Akureyri = 5h
- Myvatn to Akureyri = 1h10
- Egillstadir to Akureyri = 3h10
Why stay in Akureyri
Akureyri is the capital of the North.
The town is surrounded by stunning mountains and situated at the end of a fjord. So, not bad for the scenery…
Akureyri is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. It has several museums, galleries, and theaters where you can experience the local culture and art.
Plus, it is not too much to the West, so you can easily explore the region with days trips.
It is the place to be in Winter if you want to go skiing or snowboarding.
However…
It is a larger town with more noise and busyness.
Hotels in Akureyri
- Akureyri Berjaya (before IcelandAir)
close to the city center avec de belles chambres modernes
– see photos and availability - Centrum Hotel
Very central to the town
– see photos and availability - Hafdals Hotel
Outside of the town, but not far. Spacious rooms with beautiful views.
– see photos and availability - Hotel Akureyri Dynheimar
a very central location and a unique design
– see photos and availability
Other accommodations in Akureyri
You can find lots of rentals in Akureyri.
- Appart-hotel Akureyri Luxury Apartments
Large windows, beautiful views, spacious apartments
– see photos and availability - K16 apartments
Central apartments, spacious and practical.
– see photos and availability - Saga Apartments Akureyri
very central rentals
– see photos and availability
–> Otherwise, check out the best rated accommodations in Akureyri
Option 3 – Where to stay in Egilsstadir
Where is Egilsstadir?
Egilssadir is the main town between the East fjords and North Iceland.
- Reykjavik to Egilssadir = 8h
- Myvatn to Egilssadir = 2h10
- Akureyri to Egilssadir = 3h10
Why stay in Egilsstadir
There are 2 main reasons for staying in this town.
This is the hotel hub for those doing a roda trip on the Rin road. It is the transition between the East Fjords and the Northern region.
Plus, it is close to some of the most beautiful fjords in iceland including the famous Seydisfjordur.
So you can stay one night as a transition or 2 nights if you want to go explore the stunning fjord.
However…
It is not central at all to the Nothern attractions. Lake Myvatn is over 2h drive away!
Hotels in Egilsstadir
- Herad Berjagya Hotel
Modern and very practical. Even though it was in the city, I was able to see the northern lights (picture above)
– see photos and availability - Hotel Eyvindara
A lot of charm, well located
– see photos and availability - Hotel 1001 Nott
Outside town with large windows overlooking only nature
– see photos and availability - Gistihusid – Lake Hotel Egilsstadir
Large hotel where rooms have lake or mountain views
– see photos and availability
Other accommodations in Egilsstadir
- Ormurin Cottages
Absolutely charming by the lake.
– see photos and availability - Lagarfell studios
Studio rentas, very practical
– see photos and availability - Skipalaekur Guesthouse
By the lake, with common kitchen, easy to access from road 1.
– see photos and availability
–> Otherwise, check out the best rated accommodations in Egilsstadir
Option 4 – Where to stay in Husavik
Where is Husavik
Husavik is a small town on the north coast, towards the East.
- Reykjavík to Husavik = 6h drive
- Akureyri to Husavik = 1h
- Myvatn to Husavik = 50min
- Egilsstadir to Husavik = 2h40
Why stay in Husavik
Husavik is known as the whale watching capital of Iceland, with a high chance of spotting various species of whales in their natural habitat. There are several whale watching tours available, which provide a unique and unforgettable experience.
Plus, it is home to several hot springs (sucha s Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths) and stunning scenery.
However…
It is a very small town out of the way.
Accommodations in Husavik
- Skjálfandi in Husavik
Several apartments and studios in the town center
– see photos and availability - Bjarnabud
Several studios and apartments in a very charming house and sea views
– see photos and availability - Fosshotel Husavik
Modern design, close to the harbourd
– see photos and availability - Svartaborg
Small villa surrounded by nature. Unique design with extra large windows.
– see photos and availability - Tungulending Guesthouse
Stunning sea views, north of Husavik
– see photos and availability
–> Otherwise, check out the best rated accommodations in Husavik
Where to stay in Iceland?
My favorites:
- Reykjavik, capital city: see best rated accommodations – or my article on where to stay
- Selfoss, between Golden Circle and South Coast: see best rated accommodations
- Vik, near waterfalls and glaciers: see best rated accommodations
- Höfn, gateway to the East fjords: see best rated accommodations
- Egilsstadir, between fjords and North Iceland: see best rated accommodations
- Reykjahlid, for the wonders of Lake Myvatn: see best rated accommodations
- Akureyri, capital of the North: see best rated accommodations
- Grundarfjordur, on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula: see best rated accommodations
Option 5 – in between
And you can also find plenty of accommodations between towns, on farm land or closer to other attractions, where you can connect more with nature: for example near Godafoss, or around the Trollaskagi peninsula.
Hotels more in Nature
- Fljotsbakki Hotel
Not far from Godafoss
– see photos and availability - Hotel Natur Akureyri
Opposite the town in the fjord. Stunning views, and calm!
– see photos and availability - Siglo Hotel
in a charming tiny town North of Akureyri
– see photos and availability - Grandastadir Guesthouse
Between Godafoss and Husavik – Modern design surrounded by nature
– see photos and availability - Guesthouse Brunahlid
Farmstay between Myvatn and Husavik
– see photos and availability
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But I also like other drinks and sweets!
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FAQs
Camping in North Iceland
Since 2013, the law has changed and conditions to wild camp are complicated. You must understand ownership of lands.
Iceland has many campsites around the country offering you cheaper accommodation (over 200) – if you stay quite a while, consider the Camping Card giving you access to a network of campsites.
For example in North Iceland:
- Husavik Camping Ground
- Camping Hamrar near Akureyri
- …
- See more on official tourism website here
Want to see more of the best Iceland has to offer?
- All my favorite things to do in North Iceland – read article
- Tips to plan your Iceland road trip – read article
- Tips to rent a car in Iceland – read article
- Tips to drive around Iceland – read article
- Itinerary suggestions – read article
- 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?
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