Northern Iceland is the more remote part of the island and is known for its breathtaking beauty, majestic waterfalls, picturesque villages, and fiery side of volcanoes and hot springs. There are a million reasons why you should visit this incredible region in Iceland.
In this article, we will help you compile the ultimate trip itinerary for your North Iceland travels and give you a list of the 13 best things to do in North Iceland.
We hope you experience all the mind-blowing natural wonders and exciting activities this part of the Land of Fire and Ice is known for. And when you finally leave the island, you will leave with a lifetime of unforgettable memories. So, without further ado, let the countdown of things to do in North Iceland begin!
Asbyrgi Canyon
In layman’s terms, Asbyrgi is Iceland’s Grand Canyon, just (much more lush and green). It is 3.5 kilometers long, over 1 kilometer wide, and in the shape of a horseshoe. Asbyrgi Canyon was created by glacial flooding of the Jökulsa a Fjöllum River, but legend has it that it was Odin’s 8-legged horse, Sleipner, that left the print in the earth’s surface on one of their outings. Whatever you believe, it’s worth marveling at this natural wonder found in Vatnajökull National Park.
Husavik
Husavik is one of the larger cities in North Iceland, even though it doesn’t even have 2500 permanent residents. It recently enjoyed its 5-minutes of international fame after being featured in the Hollywood movie Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. But to us, it’s always had something special to it. Husavik is called the whale capital of Iceland and should be your go-to for spotting these gentle giants of the ocean. It also has a beautiful wooden church that was built in 1907!
Skagafjördur Valley
The Skagafjördur Valley is known for its majestic landscapes. The valley sits by a fjord of the same name, and it is a well-known fact that this vast terrain, with its gorges and mountains, has a much larger number of animals than its human inhabitants. We highly recommend that you go on one of the horseriding tours of the area.
Akureyri
Akureyri is the so-called capital city of the north and boasts a staggering population of 18,000 permanent residents, making it almost as densely populated as the capital city. Akureyri is an eclectic mix between historical and modern eras.
In this city, you can see the almost space-like Culture Center and a wooden house dating back to 1795 – all within just a few kilometers of each other. Needless to say, you’ll find plenty to see and do in Akureyri, whether it’s going out for dinner and dancing the night away or visiting some of our museums and going on a boat tour.
Dettifoss Waterfall
Dettifoss Waterfall is an incredible sight. It holds the title of being the second most powerful waterfall in all of Europe, and it becomes clear when listening to the incredible roar of the water stretching over 100 meters wide and plunging down 44 meters of cliffs. Just be sure to wear a raincoat when going to the viewing deck because this powerful waterfall’s mist and spray will get you drenched.
Dimmuborgir Lava Field
The Dimmuborgir Lava Field is exactly what it sounds like; a landscape shaped by the flowing lava of a past volcanic eruption more than 2300 years ago. The landscape it has left behind is pretty incredible, with all sorts of interesting lava pillars and rock formations. It’s also these strange pillars and formations that inspired its name, meaning “Dark Castle.”
Godafoss Waterfall
Godafoss is one of the other must-visit waterfalls here in Iceland. This beautiful waterfall, over 30 meters wide, stands 12 meters tall and holds significant historical value. Godafoss is said to be the place that symbolizes the island’s conversion to Christianity as a chieftain threw his Norse pagan idols into the waterfall, hence the name Godafoss (“Waterfall of the Gods”).
Krafla Volcano
Krafla is an active volcano here in Iceland that stands at a height of roughly 525 meters with a diameter of about 10 kilometers. Its name translates to “Mud Peak”, which is very fitting once you’ve visited and seen all the fumaroles and boiling mud pots around it.
Myvatn Nature Baths
The Myvatn Nature Baths is a geothermal pool and the north’s answer to the Blue Lagoon in the south. Here, you can relax in pools of 38 to 40 degrees Celsius with incredible views. There are also plenty of other facilities and amenities, like steam baths, a bar, and a cafe.
Hvitserkur Rock Formation
Hvitserkur can be found on the eastern shore of the Vatsnes Peninsula. This incredible work of art created by Mother Nature is shrouded in all sorts of myths and legends. Although it’s accepted that this 15-meter-high, odd-looking rock is actually a volcanic dyke (a path-like sheet of hardened lava, for the laymen among us), that has simply been eroded by the weather, ocean and time, we also find the legends of petrified trolls and much more appealing.
Glaumbær Turf Houses
The Glaumbær Turf Houses are some of the must-see Northern Iceland attractions, form part of the Skagafjördur Heritage Museum, and give you a glimpse into what it was like living in the area hundreds of years ago. Not only are the turf houses an interesting sight, but they’re also full of various other intriguing things, such as toys made from animal bones, shoes made from fish skin, and bags made from horsehair.
Lake Myvatn
Lake Myvatn is a breathtakingly beautiful water scene with shallow water stretching over 37 square kilometers with all sorts of little islands. Today, the lake is a go-to spot for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and consider themselves avid birders.
The Arctic Henge
Move over Stonehenge because the Arctic Henge is where it’s at! The Arctic Henge is definitely one of North Iceland’s highlights and consists of rough arches that almost look like hands praying made from gigantic rock blocks like an old-school Lego project. The site located in Raufarhofn is a monument to the Old Norse beliefs. Although it looks incredibly old, construction only started in 2004 and is ongoing.
What to Do in Northern Iceland – Tick!
Now that you have an entire list of what to see in Northern Iceland, all that’s left to be done is start ticking them off. Rent a campervan in Reykjavik so you can do a Diamond Circle road trip, which will have many of the Northern Iceland highlights along the way with just a few detours to some of the other hidden gems of the north. Hope to see you in Northern Iceland soon!
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