Why You Should Visit North Iceland

In a country often outshone by its colourful capital and breathtaking northern lights, the northern region of the Land of Fire and Ice is often overlooked. And it certainly shouldn’t be. From cascading waterfalls to geothermal wonders, North Iceland is a realm of awe-inspiring contrasts where each fjord, volcano, and hot spring tells a story of a land waiting to be explored.

Best Sights to See in North Iceland

Lake Myvatn

Regarded by many as Iceland's most stunning locale, Lake Mývatn has remained a perennial favourite among tourists for years. It offers a mesmerizing expedition through a realm of stark contrasts and rich natural diversity. Renowned as a backdrop for blockbuster films like Game of Thrones, Fast & Furious, and Star Wars, this cinematic landscape is a must-see if you’re venturing to North Iceland.

Godafoss Waterfall

Godafoss, "Waterfall of the Gods," in Iceland, is a breathtaking natural spectacle. Fed by the powerful Skjálfandafljót River, it spans 30 meters in width and plunges 12 meters into a mesmerizing semicircular basin.

Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, a luminous jewel in Iceland's landscape, stuns with its surreal beauty. Created by the melting Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, it's Europe's deepest lagoon, reaching depths of 248 meters. Glacial giants drift majestically, and icebergs, some centuries old, adorn the serene waters.

Dettifoss Waterfall

Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, commands awe in Iceland's Vatnajökull National Park. Cascading 45 meters into the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, its thunderous might stems from the glacier-fed Jökulsá á Fjöllum river. Carved by volcanic forces, the surrounding landscape echoes the sheer force of nature, making Dettifoss an iconic testament to Iceland's geological grandeur.

Myvatn Nature Baths

Nestled in the ethereal landscape of North Iceland, Myvatn Nature Baths offers a geothermal oasis. Fed by natural hot springs, its mineral-rich, milky-blue waters provide a serene escape. The baths boast temperatures around 36-40°C (96-104°F), with stunning views of the surrounding volcanic terrain.

Places to Stay in North Iceland

Husavik

Húsavík, perched on Iceland's north coast, is renowned as the whale-watching capital of Europe. Its picturesque harbor hosts diverse marine life, and the town itself exudes charm with colorful houses lining the waterfront. Húsavík's iconic wooden church, built in 1907, adds to the town's historic allure, making it a must-visit destination and a perfect base for exploring the rest of Iceland’s north.

Akureyri

Akureyri, Iceland's vibrant capital of the north, enchants with its botanical gardens, diverse culture, and stunning fjord views. It's the country's second-largest urban center, boasting Akureyri Church's iconic architecture. The town's thriving arts scene, geothermal pools, and proximity to natural wonders make it a captivating hub for both locals and visitors.

How to get to North Iceland

Direct Flights

We offer direct flights to Akureyri in North Iceland, from London Gatwick airport. This is a great option for those who have already visited Reykjavik and want to skip straight to a region of Iceland they’ve set to seen.

Internal Flights

Alternatively, make the most of your trip to Iceland and fly from UK to Keflavik airport to explore some of Iceland’s capital and south before taking an internal flight to north Iceland.

Car Hire

A fantastic way to explore Iceland’s north is by renting a car. On your arrival to Keflavik airport, we can arrange car hire so you have free reign to explore the country at your whim. We highly recommend taking a drive around Iceland’s famous Ring Road which takes you all the way around the country including up to North Iceland.

If you’re ready to explore North Iceland, head over to the Iceland Holidays website here where we have several fantastic package holidays tailored to exploring the region. Alternatively, get in touch with the team at info@icelandholidays.com and let us create a bespoke itinerary just for you.