Region north-iceland
Region
North Iceland
North Iceland mixes geothermal landscapes, waterfalls and whale watching — Akureyri, Mývatn, Goðafoss, Dettifoss and the Diamond Circle drive.
Key facts
- Anchor city
- Akureyri
- Iconic spot
- Mývatn geothermal area
- Whale watching
- Húsavík
- Core towns
- Akureyri, Húsavík, Sauðárkrókur, Mývatn
- From Reykjavík
- Akureyri ~390 km / 5 h
- Best months
- may, jun, jul, aug, sep
- Road note
- Route 1 plowed in winter. Side roads to Dettifoss east (Route 864) close in winter.
Highlights
- Mývatn — geothermal lake region with pseudo-craters and Nature Baths.
- Goðafoss — wide curved waterfall on the Ring Road.
- Dettifoss — Europe’s most powerful waterfall.
- Húsavík — whale watching from a working fishing town.
- Akureyri — base town, restaurants, botanical garden.
Frequently asked questions
Is Akureyri worth visiting?
As a base for the North, yes. Iceland's second-largest urban area but still small (~20 000). Good food and a botanical garden.
When is Dettifoss accessible?
The west side (Route 862) is paved and open year-round. The east side (Route 864) is gravel and closed in winter.