At Fjallsárlón, we are all about adventure, wild landscapes, and getting up close to Iceland’s raw nature. Our home turf is Southeast Iceland, and we have plenty of activities to offer, but we also believe everyone with extra time should explore Iceland to the fullest.
So, for those with a week to spare, North Iceland is a dreamland of geothermal marvels, epic coastlines, and storybook villages. These are best explored at a slow, savoring pace, so don’t plan to visit everything in a day or two. In other words, forget the “see-it-all-in-48-hours” mindset because it will not give you the genuine experience of this amazing country.
If you want some help creating a North Iceland itinerary without rushing, you have come to the right place. We have awesome recommendations and tips to make your trip easier.
Before we get into the details, it is important to understand why this area of Iceland is worth sparing some extra time for.
Namely, North Iceland is where wild magic really shines, and where you will find space to breathe. Vast lava fields, thunderous waterfalls, hot springs, and Arctic fjords set the scene for true adventure.
Moreover, the north is less crowded than the south, but every bit as spectacular. Plus, it is the best region for whale watching, Icelandic horse culture, and seeing the Northern Lights far from city glare.
Most travelers start their North Iceland road trip in Reykjavík. You can take the scenic Ring Road (Route 1) to Akureyri. It is about 5 hours without stops, but the scenery is magical. However, you can hop a 45-minute flight to Akureyri if you want to maximize time up north.
If you are road-tripping, you will want to stock up on supplies in Reykjavík and enjoy the journey – the drive north is a highlight in itself, with views of volcanic plains, mossy lava, and glimpses of the wild sea.
You can start your North Iceland itinerary in Akureyri, Iceland’s second city (with the heart of a small town). But take it easy so you can really enjoy everything.
Stroll the picturesque streets lined with colorful houses, visit Akureyrarkirkja church, and relax in the world’s northernmost botanical garden. You can also warm up at the Forest Lagoon or a local geothermal pool. And for foodies, the café scene is excellent.
If you are visiting in winter, you can try a night ski session at Hlidarfjall or catch the Northern Lights over Eyjafjörður fjord.
For the second day of your North Iceland itinerary, you can head east to Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods.” It is one of Iceland’s most beautiful, and not just for its looks. Legend says Iceland converted to Christianity right here when idols were tossed into the falls.
Next, head to Lake Mývatn. This region is a geothermal wonderland. You can explore bubbling mud pots at Hverir, hike the otherworldly lava fields of Dimmuborgir, and walk the rim of pseudocraters at Skútustaðir.
Lastly, you can cap off the day at Mývatn Nature Baths, soaking in mineral-rich water with sweeping volcanic views.
Drive northeast to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall (the ground literally shakes beneath your feet). Take the short walk to Selfoss for a more delicate cascade.
Then, head to Ásbyrgi Canyon, a horseshoe-shaped wonder said to have been formed by the hoofprint of Odin’s eight-legged horse. You might also hike the canyon’s trails, surrounded by birch forests and towering cliffs. It is one of Iceland’s most peaceful spots.
As your North Iceland road trip continues, head north to Húsavík, Iceland’s whale-watching capital. You may want to book a boat tour for a good chance to spot humpbacks, minkes, and even blue whales in Skjálfandi Bay. The town itself is charming, with colorful houses and a lively harbor, so you will surely enjoy yourself.
Afterward, you can soak in the GeoSea Baths. There are infinity pools of warm, mineral-rich seawater overlooking the Arctic Ocean. For the ultimate experience, you can stay overnight for a cozy small-town adventure.
Follow the Arctic Coast Way west to the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. The drive alone, along winding fjords and through mountain tunnels, is worth the journey.
Stop in Dalvík for a sea angling or whale-watching tour, then continue to Siglufjörður. This fishing village has a rich history, especially at the Herring Era Museum, and is surrounded by spectacular hiking trails.
Still, take time to enjoy the town’s cafés, art, and harbor views.
As you near the end of your stay, head south through Skagafjörður, a region famous for Icelandic horse breeding. You can go on a horseback ride through the valley’s open fields – the tölt gait is a must-try!
Stop in Hofsós to swim in the stunning infinity pool overlooking the fjord, and visit the Icelandic Emigration Center to learn about local history. Later, you can enjoy the tranquil pace of countryside life, with time for spontaneous stops at turf churches or riverside hot springs.
Finish your North Iceland itinerary on the Vatnsnes Peninsula, one of Iceland’s best places for spotting seals. You can also walk the wild beaches at Illugastaðir, snap photos of the Hvítserkur “Troll Rock” sea stack, and visit the Seal Center in Hvammstangi.
The coastal scenery is rugged, windswept, and blissfully uncrowded, making it the perfect finale to a slow-travel adventure.
As you can see, the north has a lot to offer. You deserve to enjoy Iceland to the fullest. However, if you are inspired by the north’s slow travel, why not combine it with the southeast’s glacier adventures?
At Fjallsárlón, we offer zodiac boat tours, glacier hikes, ice cave explorations, and even overnight stays on our floating hut right on the glacier lagoon. You can make your Icelandic road trip truly epic.
If you are ready to plan your adventure, check out our tours and make your travels unforgettable.
At Fjallsárlón, we know a thing or two about epic Icelandic adventures. While our home base is the breathtaking Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon in the southeast, we are also passionate about exploring every wild corner of this incredible country, including the untamed wonders of Northern Iceland.
FjallsárlónAs explorers and locals at Fjallsárlón, we spend our days surrounded by icebergs, glaciers, and the endless drama of Southeast Iceland’s wild landscapes. And, if there is one thing we see over and over, it is travelers zipping through the region on a rushed South Coast itinerary – snapping photos at Jökulsárlón and then dashing back to Reykjavík.
FjallsárlónAs Fjallsárlón local guides, we know that Icelandic winter is for true adventure seekers, and North Iceland is where the magic of winter really comes alive. While our home base is the glacial wonderland of Southeast Iceland, we are endlessly inspired by the wild, snow-dusted expanses of the north.
Fjallsárlón
