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Iceland · North Iceland
North Iceland
Akureyri, Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss and the Diamond Circle
Iceland · North Iceland
Akureyri, Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss and the Diamond Circle
From Reykjavík
5 h drive / 45 min fly
Main town
Akureyri
Best time
Jun–Sep
Nearest airport
Akureyri (AEY)
Road conditions
Paved Ring Road
Top activity
Whale watching
Must See
Iceland's most iconic sights in North Iceland
attractionGrafarkirkja is one of Iceland's best-known surviving turf churches, standing in Skagafjörður in North Iceland. The smal
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attractionThe Ferryman statue near Sauðárkrókur honours the people who once operated ferry crossings across Skagafjörður before br
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attractionIcelandic Emigration Center is a museum in North Iceland, Iceland. This museum offers insight into Icelandic culture, hi
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attractionNestled in North Iceland's Hörgársveit, Bægisárkirkja is a historic Protestant timber church, instantly recognizable by
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attractionDimmuborgir, meaning "Dark Castles" or "Dark Cities" in Icelandic, is a striking area of unusually shaped lava formation
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attractionEyjafjörður, one of Iceland's longest and most beautiful fjords, stretches 60-70 kilometers through the dramatic landsca
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attractionThe Friðjón Jónsson Memorial stands in central Siglufjörður and commemorates one of Iceland’s early Prime Ministers. Bor
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attractionGlaumbæjarkirkja is a significant historical church located within the grounds of the Skagafjörður Folk Museum in North
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attractionExplore the Arctic Henge (Heimskautsgerðið), a unique monument near Raufarhöfn inspired by Norse mythology and astronomy
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attractionExplore Hljóðaklettar, where ancient volcanic forces sculpted remarkable basalt formations into a striking cave and arch
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attractionHvítserkur is a remarkable natural-wonder in Iceland. Hvítserkur — 'White Shirt' — is a 15-metre basalt sea stack on the
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attractionExperience the magic of Christmas all year long at Jólagarðurinn, or the Christmas Garden. This vibrant red house, adorn
View attractionattractionGrafarkirkja is one of Iceland's best-known surviving turf churches, standing in Skagafjörður in North Iceland. The smal
View attractionattractionThe Ferryman statue near Sauðárkrókur honours the people who once operated ferry crossings across Skagafjörður before br
View attractionattractionIcelandic Emigration Center is a museum in North Iceland, Iceland. This museum offers insight into Icelandic culture, hi
View attractionattractionNestled in North Iceland's Hörgársveit, Bægisárkirkja is a historic Protestant timber church, instantly recognizable by
View attractionattractionDimmuborgir, meaning "Dark Castles" or "Dark Cities" in Icelandic, is a striking area of unusually shaped lava formation
View attractionattractionEyjafjörður, one of Iceland's longest and most beautiful fjords, stretches 60-70 kilometers through the dramatic landsca
View attractionattractionThe Friðjón Jónsson Memorial stands in central Siglufjörður and commemorates one of Iceland’s early Prime Ministers. Bor
View attractionattractionGlaumbæjarkirkja is a significant historical church located within the grounds of the Skagafjörður Folk Museum in North
View attractionattractionExplore the Arctic Henge (Heimskautsgerðið), a unique monument near Raufarhöfn inspired by Norse mythology and astronomy
View attractionattractionExplore Hljóðaklettar, where ancient volcanic forces sculpted remarkable basalt formations into a striking cave and arch
View attractionattractionHvítserkur is a remarkable natural-wonder in Iceland. Hvítserkur — 'White Shirt' — is a 15-metre basalt sea stack on the
View attractionattractionExperience the magic of Christmas all year long at Jólagarðurinn, or the Christmas Garden. This vibrant red house, adorn
View attractionExplore
Showing the 120 best-documented of 351 mapped places — filter by category and tap a pin.
Self Drive
Plan your own drive — stop where you like, go at your own pace
Moderate900 km along Iceland’s remote northern coast
Where to Stay
Handpicked places to stay across the region
guest houseNorðurland
Bright, modern guesthouse in North Iceland, offering comfortable rooms with bunk beds and scenic views.
apartmentNorðurland
Stylish apartment in North Iceland, featuring a bright living area, a cozy bedroom, and a unique loft.
hostelNorðurland
Vibrant Akureyri hostel on Hafnarstræti, offering a modern base for exploring North Iceland.
hotelNorðurland
Discover modern comfort and Icelandic charm at Akureyri Skáld Hótel, nestled in the vibrant city center.
hotelNorðurland
Experience modern comfort at Berjaya Iceland Hotels Akureyri, blending sleek design with northern charm.
guest houseNorðurland
Discover cozy comfort at Albert Guesthouse, a welcoming retreat in scenic North Iceland with convenient parking.
Where to Eat
Featured places to eat and drink
€€akureyri
Bautinn welcomes travelers to Akureyri from its charming red building, distinguished by a prominent black-roofed tower and a bright glass conservatory. This inviting restaurant offers an international menu in a cozy setting, perfect for a relaxing meal in North Iceland. Located on Hafnarstræti, it's a prominent and beloved spot for both locals and visitors.
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€€akureyri
Ak-inn is a well-known quick-service restaurant located in Akureyri, North Iceland. The restaurant offers a variety of fast and affordable meals including burgers, sandwiches, fries, and soft drinks, making it a convenient stop for both locals and travellers exploring the region. Its location near the main road through Akureyri makes it especially popular for visitors continuing along the Ring Road or heading toward nearby attractions in Eyjafjörður. Ak-inn is valued for its quick service, casual atmosphere, and reliable menu options, making it an easy choice for families, road-trip travellers, and anyone looking for a fast meal stop in North Iceland.
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€€akureyri
Akureyri backpackers is a restaurant in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.
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€€akureyri
Axelsbakarí is a bakery in Akureyri, North Iceland, serving freshly baked bread, pastries, sandwiches and coffee.
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€€akureyri
Bakaríið við Brúna is a well-known artisan bakery located near the Glerá river and Glerártorg shopping area in Akureyri. The bakery offers a wide selection of freshly baked bread, Icelandic pastries, cakes, sandwiches, soups, and light meals prepared daily on site. It has been a favourite stop for locals and travellers for many years thanks to its convenient location along one of the town’s main access routes and its reputation for quality baked goods. Visitors often stop here for breakfast, takeaway coffee, or a relaxed lunch before continuing their journey around North Iceland.
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€€akureyri
Beer Lounge is a pub in North Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic bars are lively social hubs, especially on weekend nights when the famous Reykjavík pub crawl (rúntur) takes over the city. Good drinks, local beer, and friendly company make Icelandic bar culture a memorable experience.
View detailsComplete guide
Explore the full Akureyri food guide — from rooftop dining at Strikið to cosy cafés, local seafood and the best bars in North Iceland.
Whale-watching town
Fresh seafood, harbour views and cosy cafés in Iceland's whale-watching capital.
Self-Drive Iceland
Self-drive guides with key stops, distances and tips — explore North Iceland at your own pace.
Moderate900 km along Iceland’s remote northern coast
ChallengingRemote volcanic Highlands and the Askja caldera
EasyNorth Iceland's hidden gem circuit
EasyNorth Iceland's geothermal wonderland
ModerateIceland's legendary Route 1 — the full circle
ModerateMountain roads, fjords and historic fishing towns
Know Before You Go
Local know-how for exploring North Iceland
Húsavík is Europe's whale-watching capital. Book June–August for the best sightings and bring motion-sickness tablets.
Lake Mývatn literally means 'midge lake'. In summer bring a head-net for the calm days around the water.
The road to Dettifoss (862/864) and mountain passes can close in winter. Check road.is before setting out.
Skip crowds at the Blue Lagoon — the Mývatn Nature Baths and GeoSea in Húsavík are cheaper and just as blissful.
Akureyri and Húsavík have full services; fill up before the Mývatn–Dettifoss loop where stations are sparse.
The Diamond Circle is ~250 km. Give it a full day and start early in shoulder season for daylight.
Current Weather
overcast
2 m/s wind
Go Deeper
In-depth guides to plan your North Iceland trip
GuideAkureyri, Mývatn, Dettifoss and the Diamond Circle in full.
Read guide GuideThe north's answer to the Golden Circle, stop by stop.
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GuideEurope's whale-watching capital on Skjálfandi bay.
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GuideGeothermal baths, craters, lava fields and birdlife.
Read guideGood to Know
Everything you need to know about North Iceland
A ~250 km loop in North Iceland linking Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss (Europe's most powerful waterfall), Ásbyrgi canyon and the whale-watching town of Húsavík.
Húsavík in North Iceland — nicknamed the whale-watching capital of Europe — with high summer sighting rates for humpbacks, minke and even blue whales.
Drive the Ring Road (~5 hours to Akureyri) or fly Reykjavík–Akureyri in about 45 minutes.
Yes — Iceland's 'Capital of the North' has a charming centre, botanical gardens, good restaurants, a ski resort and is the gateway to the whole region.
Not the lake itself, but the Mývatn Nature Baths are a geothermal lagoon with milky-blue mineral water and mountain views — quieter than the Blue Lagoon.
The most powerful waterfall in Europe by volume, in Vatnajökull National Park. The west bank (Road 862) is paved and easier; the east bank offers closer views.
September to April on clear, dark nights. The north's long winter nights and inland dark-sky areas make it excellent for aurora hunting.
Two to three days to cover Akureyri, the Diamond Circle and Mývatn comfortably without rushing.
Yes, for Northern Lights, geothermal bathing and snowy landscapes — but check that the Dettifoss and mountain roads are open.
Hverir (Námaskarð) boiling mud pots, Krafla volcano and Leirhnjúkur lava fields, plus the Mývatn Nature Baths — all near Lake Mývatn.
Keep Exploring
Easy extensions from North Iceland
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Remote volcanic Highlands and the Askja caldera
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Archaeological Heritage
