Nature reserves in North Iceland

The Dettifoss waterfall is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, 200 cubic meters of water per second plunge over the edge. Dettifoss is 45 m high and 100m wide. A nice hiking trail, 34km, goes along the canyon from Dettifoss to Asbyrgi. Camping is possible in Vesturdalur. Road 864 goes from road 85 past Dettifoss on the east side towards road 1. This is a gravel road and driving speed depends on road conditions each time. Road 864 is closed during wintertime due to snow or wet conditions (muddy road) and does not open until early summer (end of May). Road 862 is on the west side of the waterfall. This road is paved but is not in winter service from January until the beginning of April. Dettifoss Waterfall is part of the Diamond Circle. 

Vatnajökull National Park is vast in size and covers more than 13% of Iceland. Despite a large part of the national park being underneath the icecap of the glacier Vatnajökull its landscape is diverse, predominantly due to the interplay of volcanic activity and glaciers. Jökulsárgljúfur is an area that takes its name from a canyon carved out by river Jökulsá á Fjöllum. Within this area is Ásbyrgi; surrounded by horseshoe-shaped cliffs and also the location of Ásbyrgi visitor centre and a large camp site. Also within Jökulsárgljúfur are waterfall Dettifoss and crater plugs Hljóðaklettar, both a must see for every visitor in the north. Central volcano Askja and highland oasis Herðubreiðarlindir are further up in the highlands. To get there requires a 4x4 transport. They are best accessed by road 901 and then F905. Two small fords need to be crossed on this way. Alternative route is through road F88 but then two fords that need extreme caution need to be crossed. More information about the National park is at the webpage: www.vatnajokullnationalpark.is  

  Hrútey Island is the real feather in the cap of Blönduós town, which is almost encircled by the river Blanda. Hrútey is blessed with a wide variety of vegetation and birdlife is abundant, being the habitat of geese and many other species. It is easily accessible and lies just off Highway 1. There is a good parking area by the river bank and a trusty pedestrian bridge over to the island. Hrútey is an excellent place for outdoor exercise, or just to stop and take a break. There are good footpaths and a clearing with benches and picnic tables.

Hverfjall is a large circular explosion crater in the Mývatn region, approximately 140 metres deep and 1,000 metres in diameter. Formed during a volcanic eruption around 2,800–2,900 years ago, it is one of the largest explosion craters of its kind in the world and a prominent landmark in the surrounding landscape. A hiking trail leads to the crater rim, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Mývatn, the surrounding lava fields and the diverse volcanic features that characterise the area. The crater’s striking symmetry and distinctive shape have made Hverfjall one of the best-known natural landmarks in North Iceland. 

Krossanesborgir is a protected nature reserve just north of Akureyri, offering scenic walking trails, rich birdlife and beautiful views across Eyjafjörður. The area is characterised by rocky outcrops, ponds, wetlands and diverse vegetation, creating a varied landscape that is easily accessible from the town. Well-maintained paths and birdwatching platforms provide excellent opportunities to explore the reserve and observe its abundant wildlife. Krossanesborgir is particularly popular among birdwatchers during the nesting season, while autumn attracts visitors looking to enjoy the area's colourful vegetation and berry picking opportunities. The reserve is also of geological interest, with ancient basalt formations shaped by glacial activity thousands of years ago. Combining nature, wildlife and outdoor recreation, Krossanesborgir is a peaceful destination for visitors of all ages. 

Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters were formed by gas explosions, when boiling lava flowed over the wetlands. The craters are a popular site for birdwatchers and are protected as a natural wetland conservation area.

Spákonufellshöfði headland is popular among those interested in walking and other outdoor recreations, and is a short way from the harbour in Skagaströnd. Marked footpaths have been laid out and signboards erected telling the visitor about the area’s flora and fauna. On a bright, clear summer evening, one can witness the setting of the midnight sun as it dips to touch the horizon in the north. Indeed, the inhabitants of the area make use of the headland all year round and enjoy all that it has to offer.

A nice walk leads from the mouth of the valley Glerárdalur to the bottom of it and ends by the mountain cabin named Lambi, some 11 km into the valley. 

Dimmuborgir, often referred to as the “Dark Castles” or “Dark Cities”, is one of the most distinctive lava formations in Iceland. Located in the Mývatn region, the area is characterised by dramatic lava pillars, caves, arches and unusual rock formations created by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. A network of walking trails winds through this fascinating landscape, where visitors can explore natural lava structures of all shapes and sizes. Among the best-known formations is Kirkjan (“The Church”), a striking lava cave named for its high arching ceiling and cathedral-like appearance. Dimmuborgir has long been associated with Icelandic folklore and is said to be the home of the Icelandic Yule Lads.  The area can be explored year-round, with each season offering a different perspective on its remarkable lava formations and unique landscape. 

The “hub” of the Kjolur Route, is a geothermal area of fumaroles, and multicoloured hot pools. There are two mountain huts with kitchen facilities and a nice hot pool just outside the hut.

This dramatic canyon, Jökulsárgljúfur, was formed by the actions of water, fire and ice. Enormous, catastrophic glacial bursts are believed to have carved out the deep ravines and rocky basins, the most famous of which is Ásbyrgi.The Hljóðaklettar outcrops are the cores of ancient volcanoes, revealed when the river swept away all the loose volcanic material.The waterfalls on the River Jökulsá á Fjöllum, Selfoss, Dettifoss, Hafragilsfoss and Réttarfoss are powerful and impressive.The Hólmatungur district is an area of contrasts: crystal clear streams and bubbling brooks cross the land before emptying into the raging, chocolate-coloured torrent. A delicate balance of flora and fauna thrives under the protection of cliffs and scree slopes.

Lake Mývatn is a veritable paradise for birdwatchers and there is a highly diverse birdlife to be found both on the waters of the lake itself and on its shores. Many waders and marsh dwellers make their home there, but Mývatn is probably best known for its unique duck species composition. During the summer months there are more species of duck gathered in and around its waters than anywhere else on the planet. Mývatn and its wetlands are protected as a nature reserve (The Mývatn-Laxá Nature Conservation Area). It is registered as one of the internationally important wetlands, along with the Laxá river which flows out of the lake.