The Perfect North Iceland Itinerary

A North Iceland itinerary has everything: hot springs and canyons, whale watching tours, and even the Northern Lights in winter. Remote and unspoiled, the drama of nature extends as far as the eye can see.

How to Use This North Iceland Itinerary

This guide is a flexible two-part journey, allowing you to tailor the experience to your travel schedule:

• Diamond Circle: The essential two- to four-day loop showcasing North Iceland's most famous natural and historical wonders, including major waterfalls and geothermal areas.
• Arctic Coast Way: The ultimate extension along a 900-kilometre (559-mile) route. It allows you to immerse yourself in the region's remote coastal villages, saga history, and Arctic tranquillity.

How to Get to North Iceland

Before beginning a Northern Iceland itinerary, you’ll need to decide how you want to get there. Travellers can reach the region by air or by road, depending on their schedule, pace, or travel style.

Travellers from the UK can fly directly with easyJet to Akureyri in the winter season, from October through April.

For those dedicated to the full Icelandic road trip, the Ring Road (Route 1) provides access to North Iceland. The picturesque drive from Reykjavík to Akureyri is a 385-kilometre (240-mile) journey that takes roughly five hours without stops. It offers a slow, scenic transition from the south to the northern countryside.

Alternatively, skip the long drive with a short 45–60-minute domestic flight from Reykjavík (RKV) to Akureyri (AEY). This is the ideal option if you’re prioritizing regional exploration over cross-country travel.

Day 1 - Akureyri, North Iceland

Your North Iceland itinerary begins in Akureyri, often called the capital of the north and the region’s primary logistical hub. It’s a natural starting point for exploring the Diamond Circle and the wider landscapes of North Iceland.

Notably, it’s home to one of the world’s northernmost botanical gardens, Akureyri Botanical Garden. Other highlights for a relaxed first day include the iconic hilltop Akureyri Church and Arctic Art Museum.

Days 2–4: Diamond Circle Loop

While most tourists gravitate toward the South’s famous Golden Circle, the Diamond Circle is the essential core of any Northern Iceland itinerary. This 250-kilometer (155-mile) loop showcases the region’s natural power: massive waterfalls, geothermal landscapes, and the whale-watching capital of Húsavík.

Goðafoss

Beautiful Goðafoss is often the first spectacular stop on a North Iceland itinerary as you leave Akureyri. Its immense, curved cascade earns it the name "Waterfall of the Gods." Legend states that in the year 1000, the lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw his pagan idols into this powerful waterfall. The event symbolically marked Iceland’s conversion to Christianity.

Lake Mývatn

Lake Mývatn promises stunning and often surreal contrasts. At Skútustaðir, explore the alien-like pseudo craters formed when hot lava flowed over waterlogged ground. Nearby, the sulfurous, bubbling mud pots and fumaroles of the Hverir geothermal area hint at the intense heat underground. After a day of exploration, unwind at the Mývatn Nature Baths, a tranquil counterpart to the famous Blue Lagoon.

Dimmuborgir

A highlight on any Northern Iceland itinerary, Dimmuborgir is often translated as "Dark Castles." This lava field features towering rock pillars and natural arches, formed when lava flowed over wetlands thousands of years ago.

Local folklore adds a mythical layer to Dimmuborgir, saying it’s home to the Yule Lads and their fearsome mother, Grýla.

Dettifoss & Selfoss Waterfalls

The mighty Dettifoss Waterfall is often called Europe’s most powerful waterfall, thundering into the depths of the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. Its immense volume and raw force are overwhelming, a must-see spectacle on any Northern Iceland itinerary. Just upstream, the wider, terraced Selfoss Waterfall offers a striking and more delicate contrast.

Ásbyrgi Canyon

Shaped like a massive horseshoe, the stunning Ásbyrgi Canyon is a key stop at the northern end of the Diamond Circle. According to legend, the canyon was formed by the hoofprint of Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse of the Norse god Odin. Now part of Vatnajökull National Park, it features lush woodland and high cliffs, perfect for hiking and viewing geological formations.

Húsavík

Famous as the whale watching capital of Iceland, Húsavík is the perfect place to cap off your Diamond Circle adventure. This harbor town offers high-probability whale-watching tours in Skjálfandi Bay, where humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins are commonly sighted. Don't skip the Whale Museum before continuing your journey on the Arctic Coast Way.

Days 5–7: The Arctic Coast Way Extension

To transform a great trip into the perfect North Iceland itinerary, the Arctic Coast Way is the definitive expansion. This 900-kilometer (559-mile) journey steps purposefully off the Ring Road and into the region’s hidden fjords and secluded fishing villages. It’s an exercise in slow travel, rewarding travelers with unparalleled coastal beauty, saga culture, and Arctic serenity.

While the Arctic Coast Way can easily fill a week or more, this streamlined extension focuses on the route’s top highlights.

Tröllaskagi Peninsula

The Tröllaskagi Peninsula promises one of the most spectacular drives on any Northern Iceland itinerary. This rugged, mountainous region is defined by winding coastal roads, deep fjords, and atmospheric fishing villages.

Key stops include Dalvík, a lively port town with ferry connections to Grímsey Island, and Ólafsfjörður, known for scenic shoreline walks. The route often culminates in Siglufjörður, famed for its historic harbor and the award-winning Herring Era Museum.

Skagafjörður & Hofsós

Skagafjörður is a cultural heartland of North Iceland. It remains deeply rooted in saga history and widely regarded as the cradle of Icelandic horse culture. The region is defined by rolling farmlands, historic turf churches, and numerous horse farms.

A worthwhile coastal detour leads to the village of Hofsós, home to the striking Hofsós Infinity Pool. This geothermally heated pool offers an unforgettable swimming experience, with sweeping views over Skagafjörður and the sea beyond.

Both destinations can be comfortably explored together, before continuing north along Route 76 as part of your Northern Iceland itinerary. Here, quiet coastal scenery and small harbor towns create a gentle transition deeper into Iceland’s Arctic coastline.

Vatnsnes Peninsula & Seal Coast

The Vatnsnes Peninsula loop is one of North Iceland’s most rewarding wildlife detours, beloved for its seal-watching opportunities. Along the peninsula’s designated viewing areas, visitors have a wonderful chance of spotting seal colonies at locations such as Illugastaðir.

One of the region’s most iconic landmarks is the Hvítserkur sea stack, often called the “Troll of the North.” The village of Hvammstangi serves as the main hub for the area and a convenient base for exploring the peninsula.

As the road curves around Húnaflói Bay, the landscape opens into wide coastal views and scattered farms. Seabirds and open horizons underscore the sense of remoteness.

Optional: Grímsey Island

For the ultimate Arctic detour, consider the side trip to Grímsey Island as part of your North Iceland itinerary. Accessible by ferry or flight from Dalvík, this remote outpost is the only part of Iceland straddling the Arctic Circle. In summer, the island becomes a sanctuary for vast puffin colonies.

Driving Tips for Your Itinerary in North Iceland

Navigating the roads of the North requires preparation. Keep these important tips in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable North Iceland itinerary.

• Choose the Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to early September) offers the easiest driving conditions. During this period, most major roads (including the full Arctic Coast Way) are open and there’s near 24-hour daylight. Winter driving is more demanding; a 4x4 is strongly recommended, along with solid experience in cold-weather conditions.
• Fuel Up When Possible: Fuel stations are less frequent outside of major centers such as Akureyri, Húsavík, and Sauðárkrókur. It’s wise to refuel whenever your tank drops below half-full throughout your Northern Iceland itinerary.
• Check Weather and Road Conditions: Road conditions can change rapidly. Always check the official website road.is and the national weather forecast at vedur.is before heading out. The SafeTravel app is also recommended for emergencies
• Rent a 4x4: A 4x4 is legally mandatory for all F-roads (mountain roads). It is highly recommended for travel outside the summer months or on remote gravel routes.
• Prepare for Toll Tunnel: Be aware that the Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel, just east of Akureyri on the Ring Road, is a toll road. Payment must be made online before or shortly after passing through to avoid higher fees.