North Iceland is often considered Iceland’s best-kept secret. While the South gets most of the tourist spotlight, the North is wilder, quieter, and equally dramatic. This region is home to Europe’s most powerful waterfall, volcanic wonders, charming fishing villages, and some of the best whale watching in the world.
Whether you're self-driving the Ring Road or flying into Akureyri, this guide reveals the top things to do in North Iceland — from natural wonders to cultural gems.
Why Visit North Iceland?
North Iceland offers a diverse landscape shaped by glaciers, lava fields, geothermal activity, and Arctic proximity.
🌍 Highlights include:
- Far fewer tourists than South Iceland
- Top whale-watching destination (Húsavík)
- Magical Mývatn region with volcanoes and hot springs
- Northern Lights visibility in winter
- Peaceful villages and Arctic Circle access via Grímsey Island
Best Things To Do in North Iceland
💦 1. Bathe at Mývatn Nature Baths
Often called the “Blue Lagoon of the North,” this geothermal spa offers:
- Mineral-rich hot water
- Fewer crowds than the Blue Lagoon
- Views of volcanic craters and lava fields
💡 Open late into the evening — perfect for Northern Lights viewing in winter.
🐋 2. Go Whale Watching in Húsavík
This small town on Skjálfandi Bay is Iceland’s whale watching capital.
- Spot humpbacks, minkes, blue whales, and dolphins
- Choose from traditional wooden boats or RIB speedboats
- Combine with a visit to the Whale Museum
🕒 Best season: April to October
🌋 3. Explore the Mývatn Geothermal Area
The Lake Mývatn region is geologically active and visually stunning.
Top stops include:
- Hverir – bubbling mud pots and sulfur vents
- Dimmuborgir – “dark castles” of lava formations
- Skútustaðagígar – pseudo craters on the lake’s southern shore
- Grjótagjá Cave – a small lava cave with a thermal spring (was featured in Game of Thrones)
💧 4. Stand in Awe at Dettifoss
Known as Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss is an absolute force of nature.
- 100 meters wide, 45 meters high
- Accessible via gravel roads (Route 862 or 864)
- Combine with nearby Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss
🧊 In winter, visit with a guided tour due to ice and closures.
🧊 5. Visit Akureyri – The Capital of the North
Iceland’s second-largest city, Akureyri, offers a mix of urban comforts and nearby nature.
Things to do in Akureyri:
- Walk the beautiful botanical gardens
- Visit the Akureyri Church (designed by Guðjón Samúelsson)
- Try local coffee shops and restaurants
- Go skiing at Hlíðarfjall in winter
🏔️ 6. Drive Through the Arctic Desert of Möðrudalur
Iceland’s highest inhabited farm, Möðrudalur is a remote village on the edge of the highlands.
- Offers views of Vatnajökull glacier
- Great stop between East and North Iceland
- Quiet, surreal landscape with photo-worthy churches and cafes
🚢 7. Take a Ferry to Grímsey Island (Arctic Circle)
Grímsey is the only part of Iceland that sits north of the Arctic Circle.
- Accessible by ferry from Dalvík or by plane from Akureyri
- Unique wildlife, including puffins in summer
- Cross the Arctic Circle line on foot!
🦅 8. Admire Goðafoss – The Waterfall of the Gods
Located between Akureyri and Mývatn, Goðafoss is a 12-meter-high horseshoe-shaped waterfall.
- Named after Iceland’s conversion to Christianity
- Easily accessible from Route 1
- Great for photography at sunset
🌲 9. Explore the Forests and Valleys of Ásbyrgi
Part of Vatnajökull National Park, Ásbyrgi is a giant horseshoe-shaped canyon said to be formed by Odin’s horse.
- Scenic hiking trails
- Rare birch forests
- Tranquil picnic areas
Ideal for nature lovers looking for peace and unique geology.
🐎 10. Ride Icelandic Horses in the North
Several farms in the North offer horseback riding tours, especially near Húsavík and Skagafjörður — Iceland’s horse-breeding heartland.
- Great for beginners and families
- Ride through valleys, rivers, and open lava plains
- Experience the smooth tölt gait unique to Icelandic horses
Seasonal Activities in North Iceland
❄️ Winter (October–March)
- Northern Lights viewing (Akureyri, Mývatn, Húsavík)
- Ice-covered waterfalls
- Winter hiking & snowshoeing
- Skiing at Hlíðarfjall
☀️ Summer (May–September)
- Puffin spotting (Grímsey, Húsavík)
- 24-hour daylight in June
- Whale watching at peak
- Highland roads accessible with 4x4
Want to learn more? See Iceland temperture - Month by month weather guide.
Hidden Gems in North Iceland
🐑 Hvítserkur Sea Stack
- 15-meter basalt formation that resembles a dragon or elephant drinking from the sea
- Best seen at low tide
- Often surrounded by seals
🏞️ Kolugljúfur Canyon
- Deep canyon with a series of waterfalls near Víðidalur
- Off-the-beaten-path stop with minimal crowds
- No entrance fee
⛪ Siglufjörður – A Colorful Fishing Village
- Northernmost town on the mainland
- Former herring capital
- Lovely harbor, boutique hotels, and the Herring Era Museum
Tips for Traveling North Iceland
- 🚗 Rent a car or 4x4 if traveling off the Ring Road
- 🧭 Plan 2–5 days depending on pace and stops
- ❄️ In winter, always check road.is
- 🍽️ Dining is best in Akureyri and Húsavík; villages may have limited options
- 🛏️ Accommodations range from guesthouses to farm stays — book ahead in summer
North Iceland is just one part we recommend to visit but there is plenty more to do in Iceland. If you like to explore other parts feel free to also check out Things to Do in Reykjavík or Top Things To Do in South Iceland
IS ICELAND EXPENSIVE? A DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF COSTS FOR TRAVELERS
