You can find almost all of Iceland’s attractions in the North: incredible waterfalls, geothermal wonders, volcanic craters and lava fields, caves, relaxing natural baths, great restaurants and nightlife, and the best whale watching tours. And all the main places are 1-2 hours away from each other.
Akureyri, the capital of the North and the second-largest city in the country, is 4,5 hours by car from Reykjavik. Traveling here is a great alternative to the more crowded South Coast with more concentrated attractions. If you’re short on time, consider a 45-minute domestic flight from Reykjavik over the majestic Central Highlands region and spend 1-2 days in the North before flying back.
The popular Diamond Circle route competes with the famous Golden Circle route. It is a 300 kilometers (188 miles) sightseeing trail that features a wealth of natural attractions, picturesque villages, and fantastic landscapes. Diamond Circle is available for those who wish to independently drive the route and those who would like to explore the route as part of a group or take a private tour. The four main attractions of the route are Lake Myvatn; the most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss; a horseshoe-shaped canyon, Asbyrgi; and the fishing town of Husavik, known for its best whale watching opportunities.
We also recommend that you set aside enough time to stop at Lake Myvatn, a beautiful lake with many small islands. Due to its serenity, birds, and volcanic origin, this lake, including its surroundings, is one of the most amazing natural attractions in the country. The high level of geothermal activity near Myvatn allows you to soak at natural baths of Myvatn, beautiful hot springs with blue water, incredible views, and reasonable entrance fees.
You can spend a few days hiking between Dettifoss waterfall and Asbyrgi canyon, wander along the beaten track, walk the cliffside, and explore northeastern Iceland.
Highlights:
- Lake Myvatn with otherworldly lava fields, rock formations, geothermal steam vents, ice caves, and volcanic craters.
- Whale Watching in Husavik, Iceland whale-watching capital
- Relax in the Myvatn Nature Baths
- Waterfalls of Godafoss, Selfoss, Dettifoss
- Akureyri, Iceland’s second city, the capital of the North
- Grimsey Island: Bird Watching above the Arctic Circle
- Hverfjall Crater
- Grjotagja cave
- Hverir geothermal area
- Leirhnjukur geothermal area
- Krafla Viti Crater
- Trollaskagi Peninsula
- Glaumbaer farm
How to get there: 4,5-hour drive from Reykjavik, or 45-min domestic flight.