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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
Overview
North Iceland is a broad region of volcanic plateaus, fertile valleys, fishing towns and long coastal roads anchored by Akureyri, the largest town outside the southwest. The classic visitor route centres on Lake Mývatn and the Diamond Circle, where geothermal areas, lava formations, waterfalls and the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon system create one of Iceland’s most varied landscapes.
Húsavík adds a strong marine dimension, while the Tröllaskagi peninsula and Siglufjörður bring steep mountains, old fishing communities and some of the country’s best road scenery. Farther west, Skagafjörður is horse and saga country; farther east, the Arctic coastline becomes quieter and more remote.
The north is especially rewarding for travellers who want more than a single day trip. Distances between major sights are reasonable, but the region is large enough that choosing two bases often works better than driving back to Akureyri every night. Summer brings very long daylight and strong hiking access, while winter transforms the area into a snow, geothermal-pool and Northern Lights destination.
Why Visit
Lava fields, geothermal areas, craters and lake scenery sit close together around one of Iceland’s most distinctive landscapes.
Goðafoss and Dettifoss anchor a region rich in powerful rivers, canyons and waterfall viewpoints.
Húsavík and the north coast offer some of Iceland’s best-known whale-watching departures.
Tröllaskagi combines steep valleys, avalanche-built mountains and historic fishing towns.
Snowy landscapes, geothermal bathing and dark skies give the region a very different character outside summer.
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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attractionHvítserkur is a remarkable natural-wonder in Iceland. Hvítserkur — 'White Shirt' — is a 15-metre basalt sea stack on the
View attraction
attractionNestled in North Iceland's Hörgársveit, Bægisárkirkja is a historic Protestant timber church, instantly recognizable by
View attraction
attractionDimmuborgir, meaning "Dark Castles" or "Dark Cities" in Icelandic, is a striking area of unusually shaped lava formation
View attraction
attractionEyjafjörður, one of Iceland's longest and most beautiful fjords, stretches 60-70 kilometers through the dramatic landsca
View attraction
attractionThe Friðjón Jónsson Memorial stands in central Siglufjörður and commemorates one of Iceland’s early Prime Ministers. Bor
View attraction
attractionGlaumbæjarkirkja is a significant historical church located within the grounds of the Skagafjörður Folk Museum in North
View attraction
attractionExplore the Arctic Henge (Heimskautsgerðið), a unique monument near Raufarhöfn inspired by Norse mythology and astronomy
View attraction
attractionExplore Hljóðaklettar, where ancient volcanic forces sculpted remarkable basalt formations into a striking cave and arch
View attraction
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 attractionattractionHvítserkur is a remarkable natural-wonder in Iceland. Hvítserkur — 'White Shirt' — is a 15-metre basalt sea stack on the
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 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
Self-drive gives you total flexibility. Browse vehicle categories for the roads ahead, then search real availability and prices on DiscoverCars.
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Lowest-cost option for city driving and paved main roads.
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Comfortable for longer Ring Road drives with luggage.
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Higher ground clearance and a confident ride.
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For highland F-roads and tougher winter conditions.
Find carsCategory pictures before searching are illustrative images sourced from DiscoverCars, not live availability. Real cards and prices come from your own dated search. GoIceTravel may earn a commission at no extra cost.
Geothermal
Geothermal pools are part of everyday life across North Iceland, from Akureyri to small coastal towns. They are especially valuable in winter, when a hot outdoor tub after a snowy driving day becomes part of the travel experience rather than just a backup plan.
Eat & Experience
Akureyri has the north’s broadest restaurant and café scene, making it the easiest place for varied dining over several nights. Around Mývatn and Húsavík, menus often lean toward lamb, fish and simple regional cooking, with stronger seasonal variation in opening hours.
The north’s fishing towns naturally favour seafood, while Skagafjörður and inland farming areas are strongly associated with lamb, dairy and horse-country traditions. Bakeries and cafés are important practical road-trip stops, especially outside the larger towns.
In summer, book popular dinner times in Akureyri, Mývatn and Húsavík if your schedule is tight. In winter, check opening hours early in the day because smaller kitchens may close sooner.
Season by Season
After Dark
North Iceland has dark rural skies, frequent snow cover and many open horizons, making it one of the country’s strongest winter aurora regions. The main challenge is cloud and road conditions, so staying flexible between Akureyri, Mývatn and the coast is useful.
Logistics
The major sights are spread across several valleys and loops; a car makes multi-day travel much easier.
Akureyri plus Mývatn or Húsavík often reduces unnecessary backtracking.
Snow, ice and drifting conditions can change quickly. Check conditions before each longer drive.
Road conditionsWhale-watching schedules depend on season and sea conditions, so book with some flexibility.
Buses connect towns, but most natural attractions are easier to reach by car or organised tour.
Beyond
From Akureyri, Goðafoss and Mývatn are the easiest classic day trips. The Diamond Circle is possible in one long day but is better with an overnight near Mývatn or Húsavík. Tröllaskagi also deserves its own day rather than being added onto Mývatn.
Know Before You Go
Snow and wind can make short map distances much slower than expected.
Whale-watching departures depend on sea conditions, not just rain or sunshine.
In parts of summer, dense midge activity around the lake can be uncomfortable. A head net can be useful.
Many top sights become far better with 30–90 minutes on foot rather than a five-minute photo stop.
Services are less frequent on the Arctic Coast Way and eastern loops.
Conditions in Tröllaskagi can be very different from Akureyri or Mývatn on the same day.
Long summer evenings make it easy to move major sights outside peak tour hours.
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.
Read guide
GuideEurope's whale-watching capital on Skjálfandi bay.
Read guide
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.
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A public pool or geothermal bath is ideal after cold, wet or snowy outdoor days.
Remote volcanic Highlands and the Askja caldera
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