Where to stay in North Iceland (+ best hotels)

Best hotels in North Iceland - quick answers

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

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

1. 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...
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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

Option 1 - Where to stay in Myvatn

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!

Option 2 - Where to stay in Akureyri

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 cna easily explore the region with days trips.

It is the place toi be in Winter if you want to go skiing or snowboarding.

However...

It is a larger town with more noise and busyness.

Option 3 - Where to stay in Egilsstadir

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!

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.

Option 5 - in between

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

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?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

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