North Iceland

1. Hvítserkur

On the eastern shore of the Vatnsnes peninsula an incredible 5-meter-long rock spectacularly rises above the surface of the sea. Its shape resembles a fantastic beast. The holes sculpted by the sea waves at its base make this formation particularly look like an elephant or dragon. According to legend though this basalt rock is a petrified Icelandic troll. The name, meaning “white collar”, is probably a reference to the color of bird’s poop which has accumulated there over the years.

2. Akureyri

The city of Akureyri was founded in 1787. Today it is the main shopping and service center in the north of the country. A popular base for tourists wishing to explore the most beautiful attractions in the region. Akureyri offers plenty of interesting places and ways to spend time. There are museums, art galleries and outdoor pools. The hiking trails nearby are not too difficult. From here you can also go on horse riding tours, sailing trips or just fishing. The city boasts an international airport, a wonderful ski resort and the world’s largest botanical garden with northern vegetation.

3. Siglufjörður

Siglufjordur is one of iceland’s most famous fishing villages. It is located on the slope of a steep fjord and surrounded by a chain of harsh high mountains. For more then a hundred years Siglufjörður was one of Iceland’s most important fishing and whaling centre. Especially in the first half of the 20th century. The town grew economically and had more than 3,000 inhabitants and was cited the herring capital of the world. But when the fish population decreased the Siglufjörður population also decreased. Fishing is still an important of daily life here but tourism also starts to be booming. Not only has Siglufjörður a nice ski-piste but is also known for the series Trapped (“Ófærð”). Most of the scenes of the series were filmed here!

4. Aldeyarfoss waterfall

Aldeyarfoss is a waterfall located on the edge of a depopulated mountainous area.  A powerful stream of water escapes spectacularly through a gap formed by two curved basalt walls. The glacial water from the Vatnajökull Glacier is led to the waterfall by the Skjálfandafljót River.  Especially in wintertime the water can look bright blue but do to snow and its hidden location the waterfall is not or poorly accessible during winter.

5. Godafoss Waterfall

Goðafoss is a spectacular waterfall located in the north and appreciated not only for its aesthetic qualities. Literally translated it is “Waterfall of the Gods”. Goðafoss has a pod shape and an interesting arrangement composed of rocky cyps which in a fairly symmetrical way divide a powerful stream of water into a series of smaller streams. The water comes from the Skjálfandafljót River which comes from the Vatnajökull Glacier.

6. Mývatn Natural Reserve

This extraordinary area full of natural wonders is bustling with life. The unique character of Mývatn and its unusual natural environment have made the lake one of the greatest attractions of the north. Especially due the presence of many species of birds, its natural values and geothermal activity. In summer the bird population thrives well on the lake. There is a huge number of different species that build nests, taking advantage of the richness of the local fauna and flora. The place is known as the best birdwatching area in Iceland. As the name Mývatn literally means Mosquito lake it is recommendable to take / use a mosquito-net. Although these mosquitos do not bite they can be very present.

7. Myvatn Nature Baths 

Myvatn Nature Bath is a geothermal bath and considered the counterpart of the famous Blue Lagoon in the south. In Mývatn Nature Baths the water is equally rich in minerals, silicates and geothermal microorganisms that give it a pearly blue color. The spa was opened in 2004 and a great place to relax. From the baths  from you can admire the picturesque lake in the distance and in summer the sunsets can be spectacular.

8. Grjótagjá Cave

Grjótagjá is a small lava cave located near Lake Mývatn. Inside there is a hot geothermal spring.

Bathing in the Grjótagjá cave was very popular until the 1970s. However, as the water temperature increased significantly (up to 70 degrees celsius) as a result of the numerous eruptions between 1975 and 1984 bathing became impossible. Currently the water temperature is definitely lower, but you should still be cautious taking a bath in the spring.

Grjótagjá is also known from the tv series Game of Thrones. In season 3 Jon Snow and the wildling Ygritte took a hot bath here together though the actual cave is not as big as you’d expect.

9. Hverfjall Volcanic Crater

Hverfjall is a crater with a height of 396 m and is about 1 km in diameter. It is located near the eastern shore of Lake Myvatn in northern Iceland and part of the Krafla volcanic system. The last eruption of this volcano is estimated about 2,500 years ago. Its appearance resembles a black cone of ash with gigantic proportions. I would definitely recommend a walk on the steep slopes around the edge of the crater. From the top of the crater you can enjoy an almost otherworldly and amazing view of the surrounding landscape and Lake Myvatn.

10. Geothermal area around Krafla volcano – Hverir and Viti crater

Close to Myvatn the Volcano Krafla is located. This volcano erupted for the last time from 1975 until 1984. It stretches 10km wide and has become a popular place for tourists to experience geothermal activity. For instance the bubbling mud and steam-blowing Hverir area, the leirhnjúkur lava-heated areas and the Víti crater (from Icelandic “hell”).

11. Dimmuborgir, an elf town

Dimmuborgir can be translated from Icelandic into “Black Castles”. It is an extraordinary lava field with in its labyrinth many caves, ridges and unusual lava creations. Natures most impressive formation is a huge arch called Kirkjan ( Icelandic for “church”). There are three marked trails through the field. It is better not to stray from them, because you can never return to civilization again. Dimmuborgir is also the home of the Icelandic santa clauses.

12. Askja Volcano – Highlands

Askja is a stratovolcano that last erupted in 1961. It was classified as a group of volcanoes due to layers of lava formed by successive eruptions that have occurred for more than a thousand years. The landscape surrounding the Askja caldera is considered to look very much like the lunar landscape. Because of this American astronauts in the past prepared their moon expeditions here. The interior of the The crater lake is still filled with warm milky water where you can take a swim in summertime. Askja is surrounded by a beautiful lake and countless lava fields.

13. Dettifoss Waterfall

Knowing Dettifoss is the second most powerful waterfall in Iceland seeing the enormous power of the flowing water is eye-opening. Over a width of 100m approx. 200m3 of water falls 44m down into the canyon. Every second! An amazing spectacle to see the power of nature. Clearly you can feel the earth tremble here!

14. Asbyrgi

According to legend, this unusual horseshoe-shaped gorge full of steep cliffs owes its existence to Sleipnir, odin’s mythical eight-legged horse. One night the great Norse god Odin roamed the starry sky on horseback. When Odin came to close to the land Sleipnir touched the surface and left a trail of hooves and created Ásbyrgi by accident. Another version for the creation of this gorge was the melting of glaciers. According to legends, Asbyrgi is also the kingdom of the Hidden People – Invisible People and Elves.

15. Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon

Jokulsargljúfur, although located in the north of Iceland is also a part of the Vatnajökull National Park. The name can be difficult to pronounce but dissected it hides the words “glacier”, “river” and “canyon” – which perfectly sums up its most important elements. Jökulsárgljúfur is a 100 m deep cliff canyon stretching 30 km from Ásbrygi, cut by a 35 km long strip of the mighty Jökulsá á Fjöllum glacier river.

16. The town of Húsavík

Húsavík is one of the charming towns of north Iceland.  Located near a picturesque fjord it is surrounded by majestic mountains. Most of the mountain peaks are snow-covered, even in summer! Originally it is a fishermen town but has become most famous for its Whale watching. Especially in summertime it is the best place to see whales near the coast of Iceland. On shore more can be learned about whales in the whale museum. Since 2018 it is possible to take a relaxing bath in the geothermal hot-spring GeoSea near the lighthouse. Húsavík is part of the Diamond Circle in North Iceland.

17. The Arctic Henge

On a hill just north of the town Raufarhöfn a 54 m diameter stone sundial can be admired. The Arctic Henge was erupted in 2004 and was inspired by the mythical world of the poem “Völuspá” (“Prophecy of the Hanger”) as part of the Song of Eddy. A huge crystal is to be placed on top of the 8-meter column, and the light of the Arctic sun is to fall on 72 columns representing dwarfs forming a stone circle. Thanks to which you will be able to read the date. On each of the poles the name of one the 72 dwarfs will be engraved with its characteristics. Each visitor will then be able to find a dwarf assigned to his birthday.