Often described as the Land of Ice & Fire, Iceland is on everyone’s bucket list and north Iceland is one of the best places to visit in the world! Most people visit the South of Iceland especially the capital Reykjavik, be sure to check out our blog on our guide to Reykjavik.
Often North Iceland gets overlooked, but recently Iceland has opened up direct flights to the capital of the north, Akureyri, with direct flights from London it couldn’t be any easier exploring the North.
We lived in Iceland for two years and most of that time was spent living in the North, it’s an unreal place. In this Guide we will share with you all our tips, so you can have the trip of a lifetime exploring north Iceland!
Best time to Visit North Iceland
In our experience, both summer and winter are great times to visit, but it all depends on which phenomenon you want to experience?
Do you want to bask in the midnight sun and have endless daylight or would you like to try and catch the wonders of the northern lights?
Personally, we would always opt for the winter season as this brings endless fun in the snow, activities such as snow shoeing, cross country skiing, heli skiing, yes I said it, heli skiing!
Imagine being dropped off on an epic mountain by a helicopter and skiing all the way down?! Epic!
Weather and Climate
The weather is wildly unpredictable in north Iceland, even in the summer months, it can change so rapidly that you should always be prepared for the worst. Winters are pretty gnarly and should be approached with extreme caution, especially when driving.
Many roads are closed and inaccessible during these months, and heavy snowfall is a common occurrence in Iceland.
Make sure you check Umferdin.is before you drive and keep a close eye on the weather conditions at vedur.is
In the North of Iceland you’ll only really experience two seasons;
Summer
The summer season brings the glorious midnight sun, most Icelanders have been waiting months for this time of year to come around. It’s a much needed vitamin D boost, flowers are in bloom, you’ll notice the purple lupines everywhere.
Winter
The winter season provides some of the best fresh POW for skiing, there any many ski slopes in north Iceland. It’s also really magical to have the long nights and sometimes daily aurora displays. In fact some of the best we have seen have been in the north!
Northern Lights Tip
Be sure to download a Northern Lights Forecast App to track the activity of the Aurora. You can even set alarms so you never miss a chance to witness the magical dancing display of colours. We personally use the My Aurora App which has always been accurate.
How to get to North Iceland
Depending on your budget, you have a few options to choose from. Since a new flight path has opened up to north Iceland, it has made it more accessible to travellers. Its never been easier to reach the capital of the North Akureyri!
Alternatively if you fancy an epic road trip, you can fly to Icelands capital Reykavik, rent a car and self drive up to the North of Iceland, the drive is around 5-6 hours and it’s pretty damn scenic.
There’s also a local bus that you can get from downtown which also takes you up to North Iceland. Ride sharing is very popular in Iceland, you can join a Facebook group or through word of mouth.
Hitching a ride is a great way to save some money, you just have to chip in for a little gas!
Where to Stay
Where to stay really depends on what season you are travelling in and the budget you have. During the summer, staying at a remote, picturesque cabin would be ideal, Iceland is not certainly not short of these.
During the peak of winter, these cabin’s may be inaccessible due to heavy snow. It would be better to stay closer to a village so you have access to supermarkets and essential supplies.
Airbnb is the best platform to use, it’s certainly our go to. Having a place to cook is a great way to save money, eating out in Iceland everyday definitely adds up.
Check out our Money Saving Hacks when booking through Airbnb. Booking.com is another option to help you find great hotels in the area you’re seeking.
Another popular way to explore the country is by renting a camper van! This is a fantastic option and gives you the freedom to explore the country on your own terms. CampEasy or Gocamper are two popular companies to choose from.
Things to See and Do
Iceland is a playground for the whole family, the list of activities is endless, you’ll never be bored!
The whole of north Iceland runs along the rugged mountains surrounded by the Atlantic ocean. All the surroundings are literally breathtaking, dotted around are local quaint fishing villages, that are picturesque and charming.
So let’s jump in and look at some of the best places to explore in north Iceland!
Akureyri
Akureyri is also known as the Capital of the North and is the central hub for Icelands northern region. It’s a picture perfect city and it’s full of charm and character.
The small city has a population of around 20,000 people and it’s a great base to explore the surrounding areas. Most people come here for whale watching and to explore the surrounding scenic landscapes.
Let’s look at the top things to do in Akureyri:
- Christmas in Akureyri- During Christmas time it turns into a winter wonderland and you can truly feel the magic all around. The festive season is an important time of year for Icelanders. Learn about the Yule Lads, and catch the Christmas carols in the famous church, Akureyrarkirkja. It’s a truly special time of year!
- Whale Watching- From April- October you can hop on a whale watching tour from the harbour in Akureyri. There are many tours to choose from, a top rated company is Keli Sea Tours. You’ll likely see humpback whales, mink whales and perhaps white beaked dolphins.
- The Forest Lagoon- Across Eyjafjörður Fjord you’ll find The Forest Lagoon, a tranquil spa overlooking one of Iceland’s longest fjords. The spa is located in the enchanting Vaðlaskógur forest, surrounded by Birch and Pine tree’s. Picture yourself soaking in the geothermal waters, breathing in that fresh forest air, I’m feeling the power just thinking about it.
- Hauganes Hot Tubs- Just a 30 minute drive from Akureyri, the Hauganes Hot Tubs offer four different hot tubs to choose from. Placed on a beach overlooking the Atlantic ocean, It’s certainly a place to embrace the Icelandic elements. One of the hot tubs is even an old ship, ahoy get me there already!
- The Beer Spa- You’ll be soaking in a wooden bath tub filled with beer at a perfect temperature of 38 °C. Every tub has a beer draft besides it, perfect if you want to get boozy in the tub. The beer bath is said to be good for your skin, I don’t know about your head the next day though!
Húsavík
Husavik is labelled the whale watching capital of Iceland, found in the Skjálfandi Bay. It’s the place to be for adventuring out onto the waters and spotting a whale. There are many tour companies to choose from, Husavik Adventures are one of the top rated on Google.
Iceland is home to over 24 species of whales including Humpbacks, Orcas and even Blue whales! This charming harbour town is a must see whilst exploring Icelands Northern Region.
Husavik is also home to a geothermal spa, Geosea. With an infinity edge overlooking the Atlantic ocean, you can really feel the power of the Atlantic ocean and Iceland’s elements.
All the while soaking your body in the ever so relaxing water, which is heated from the earths core and mixed with natural minerals to soothe not only your skin but your soul.
Mývatn
Myvatn is known for its geothermal activity, you could be on mars or even the moon, it’s very other worldly. Head to Hverir to truly experience these active lands, with its bubbling pools of mud and steaming sulfuric fumaroles.
It’s a photogenic place so have your camera to hand. Also, it’s worth checking out Hverfjall Crater, the turquoise lake in the centre of a high tephra explosion crater, it’s worth a visit!
In Myvatn you can also find The Nature Baths, a geothermal heated spa. These hot springs are a similar colour to the blue lagoon, with the usual minerals and silicates it’s a great place to unwind and relax.
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan or you just love caves, be sure to visit Grjótagjá Cave! Featured in Season 3, Kissed by Fire episode of GOT, you know the one where Jon Snow lost his virginity “You know nothing Jon Snow!”, well you can visit that cosy love cave.
Inside the cave you’ll find, drum roll please, you guessed it a geothermal heated natural hot spring! Does Iceland get any better?
In the 18th century, the story goes that it was used for years by an outlander, then locals would gather here to relax. After the Krafla eruptions the pool got too hot to use, now they say only locals can enjoy the hot spring.
Although people are still using it, just dip a toe in first to get the vibe, whatever you do, don’t just jump in, you might not get out again….Wizard of Oz comes to mind “I’M MELTING!”
Tröllaskagi/ Troll Peninsula
This is hands down our favourite part of north Iceland, the dramatic rugged landscape got its name from Icelandic folklore and it’s nothing short of mystical and magical!
The scenic route will take you through some of Iceland’s most idyllic towns, let’s look at our two favourites;
Siglufjörður
The small picturesque fishing village, Siglufjörður is nestled in a narrow fjord, with powerful mountains all around. It’s a town not to be missed on your trip to north Iceland.
The Icelandic crime series Trapped was filmed here, but most people head there for its stunning scenery, hiking trails and ski slopes.
The drive out of Siglufjörður along the cliff edge is not for the faint hearted, especially during the winter. It’s without doubt one of the most scenic and stunning roads we’ve ever driven.
You’ll pass Sauðanesviti, a bright orange lighthouse, you can drive down and gaze out at the ocean, bring your binoculars because you might even spot a whale!
If you’re visiting when the road is open, then the drive from Siglo through Fljót valley into Ólafsfjörður is spectacular. The road condition is a bit patchy so keep an eye out for pot holes and sheep.
Ólafsfjörður
Ólafsfjörður an even smaller fishing village, and it’s certainly fishy, when the wind is blowing in the right direction, you get a good whiff of the town’s fish factory.
Regardless of it’s fishy business we love Ólafsfjörður, in fact we lived here for 6 months during a winter season, we cherish some of the fondest memories from this time.
The swimming pool in town is a great way to relax, we love Iceland’s public pools, this one offers the usual hot pools and cold plunge to really get that zen spa vibe.
Ólafsfjörður has a beautiful beach and scenic walks that take you deep into the surrounding valleys. During the months of August to September you can pick wild chanterelle mushrooms, blueberries and wild strawberries!