Things To See in North Iceland – A Visual Journey Through Iceland’s Northern Beauty

North Iceland offers a different kind of drama — fewer tourists, untouched volcanic terrain, vibrant fishing villages, and open landscapes that stretch to the Arctic Circle. While many travelers only explore the south, those who venture north are rewarded with some of Iceland’s most surreal and photogenic locations.

In this guide, you'll discover the top things to see in North Iceland, from world-famous waterfalls and lava formations to lesser-known valleys, villages, and geologic phenomena.

Why North Iceland Is Worth Exploring

Unlike the south coast, North Iceland allows you to slow down and connect with nature in solitude. Many attractions are close to each other and accessible from the region’s hub, Akureyri.

What sets the North apart:

• ❄️ Less tourist traffic
• 🔭 Epic Northern Lights in winter
• 🌋 More visible volcanic landscapes
• 🐋 Whale activity, bird cliffs, and wildlife
• 🌌 Unique lighting for photographers in summer and winter

Top Scenic Places to See in North Iceland

💦 Dettifoss Waterfall – Raw Power

Located in Vatnajökull National Park, Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe.

• 100 meters wide, with a 45-meter drop
• Fed by the Jökulsá á Fjöllum glacial river
• Accessible from the east (Route 864) and west (Route 862)

🧊 Winter access may be limited — check road conditions in advance.

🌋 Hverir Geothermal Area – Iceland’s Mars

Just east of Lake Mývatn lies Hverir, a geothermal field filled with:

• Bubbling mud pots
• Steaming fumaroles
• Sulfur-stained rocks

💡 Stay on marked paths—ground may be unstable or dangerously hot.

🏞️ Dimmuborgir – The Lava Fortress

Also near Mývatn, Dimmuborgir is a massive lava field with bizarre rock formations.

• Looks like a crumbling medieval castle
• Filming location for Game of Thrones
• Offers multiple short, scenic walking paths

🐦 Húsavík Harbor and Puffin Cliffs

Known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, Húsavík is also great for:

• Colorful buildings with Arctic charm
• Oceanfront views
• Puffin sightings in nearby Lundey Island (in summer)

Don’t miss the Whale Museum and peaceful harbor walks.

⛪ Goðafoss – Waterfall of the Gods

This symmetrical, horseshoe-shaped waterfall near Akureyri is named after Iceland’s shift to Christianity in 1000 AD.

• Located right along the Ring Road
• Easily accessible viewpoints
• Illuminated in winter

🧖 Mývatn Nature Baths – Northern Spa Experience

With milky blue waters and panoramic views of volcanic plains, this is a less-crowded alternative to the Blue Lagoon.

• Rich in minerals, great for skin
• Amazing sunsets in summer
• Northern Lights backdrop in winter

🏔️ Ásbyrgi Canyon – The Horse's Hoofprint

Shaped like a giant horseshoe, Ásbyrgi Canyon is steeped in Norse mythology.

• Said to be the footprint of Odin’s horse, Sleipnir
• Peaceful hikes with birch forests
• Part of the Diamond Circle route

🧊 Lake Mývatn – Volcanic and Birdlife Paradise

This shallow, nutrient-rich lake is surrounded by:

• Pseudo-craters (Skútustaðagígar)
• Lava formations
• Migratory birds (especially in May–June)

Perfect for a picnic, photography, and gentle hiking.

🐎 Skagafjörður Valley – Icelandic Horse Central

Known for its scenic farms and equestrian culture:

• Visit traditional turf farms and horse centers
• Ride the tölt gait on local tours
• Photogenic valley views with river backdrops

🐚 Siglufjörður – Northern Fishing Town

One of Iceland’s most charming villages:

• Famous for its herring history
• Home to the award-winning Herring Era Museum
• Lovely harbor, art galleries, and boutique stays

Hidden Gems & Lesser-Known Sights in North Iceland

🦅 Hvítserkur – The Troll of the Sea

A 15-meter sea stack off the Vatnsnes Peninsula, resembling an elephant or dragon drinking from the sea.

• Great for photos at low tide
• Viewpoint and nearby seal colonies
• Local legend says it’s a petrified troll

🌄 Kolugljúfur Canyon – Waterfalls in the Wild

This little-visited canyon features a series of powerful cascades falling through a dramatic gorge.

• Accessible via a gravel turnoff
• Picnic areas and footbridge
• No entry fee and minimal tourism

🏝️ Grímsey Island – Cross the Arctic Circle

This remote island is the only part of Iceland located above the Arctic Circle.

• Take a ferry from Dalvík or fly from Akureyri
• Cross the Arctic Circle line on foot
• See puffins, basalt cliffs, and Arctic light

Scenic Drives in North Iceland

🔁 The Diamond Circle

A circular driving route in the northeast featuring:

• Dettifoss
• Ásbyrgi Canyon
• Húsavík
• Lake Mývatn

✅ Takes 1–2 days to complete
✅ Stunning and less crowded than the Golden Circle

🛣️ Eyjafjörður and Tröllaskagi Peninsula

Explore:

• Akureyri
• Dalvík (ferry to Grímsey)
• Ólafsfjörður and Siglufjörður (via tunnels)
• Remote fjords and epic cliffside views

Tips for Visiting North Iceland

• 🚗 Summer roads are accessible with a regular car
• ❄️ Winter requires 4x4 and weather monitoring
• 🛏️ Stay in Akureyri, Mývatn, Húsavík, or Siglufjörður
• 📸 Northern Lights in winter = epic photo ops
• 🗺️ Use offline maps — signal may drop in remote areas

If you like to explore more of Iceland here are our top things to see in Icleand and a guide to things you can see in Reykjavik.