Category: North of Iceland

Articles about the North of Iceland

North Iceland is the region that rewards travelers who go beyond the south. It’s quieter, the distances feel bigger, and the landscape shifts constantly — from broad fjords and lava fields to geothermal areas, waterfalls, and some of the best whale watching in the country. For many visitors, the north is the most memorable stretch of the trip.

Akureyri is the natural base. North Iceland’s largest town sits at the head of Eyjafjörður, the country’s longest fjord, and it’s small, walkable, and surprisingly good for food. From there, the region opens up. Goðafoss and the powerful Dettifoss are within reach, the Mývatn area offers geothermal landscapes, lava formations, and nature baths, and Húsavík has built a reputation as Iceland’s whale-watching capital.

The Diamond Circle ties many of the north’s highlights into one driving route, much as the Golden Circle does in the south — but with far fewer crowds. There’s plenty beyond it too: the Tröllaskagi peninsula with its mountain roads and old fishing villages, the seal-watching of Vatnsnes, and turf-house heritage sites that bring the past to life.

When planning a trip to North Iceland, practical considerations matter. Distances are longer than people expect, some mountain roads close in winter, and a rental car is essential. Summer brings open roads and long, bright daylight, while winter offers snow, skiing around Akureyri, and strong northern lights — at a slower pace.

In this section, you’ll find our guides to North Iceland: where to go, what to do, which towns to base yourself in, and the day trips worth making — the honest, practical advice we’d give a friend planning the same trip.