Visit North Iceland is responsible for marketing and promoting North Iceland, a friendly and tranquil area with a population of 36 thousand, including Akureyri, the largest town outside Reykjavík, and several historic coastal towns. The most visited attractions are Vatnajökull National Park, where you find Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, and Lake Mývatn geothermal region with hot springs, volcanic areas, craters, geothermal nature baths, and fantastic lava formations. Here you'll find magical winters, Iceland's most popular ski area, energizing off-piste skiing slopes, the 13 Yule Lads (Santas), and unique locations for Northern Lights observation.
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Swimming pools in North Iceland: a guide to the local pool experience
Swimming outdoors might not be the first thing you think of when planning a winter trip. But in North Iceland, a visit to the local pool belongs in your plans whatever the season. With pools in almost every town, it is easy to make time for a swim between exploring the region’s landscapes and getting to know its communities. You might arrive for a quick dip and end up staying longer than expected. Children make another trip to the waterslides, friends settle into the hot tubs for a chat, and nobody seems particularly worried about the cold air. Once you are in the warm water, it is easy to see the appeal. -
Let a North Iceland Knittaker take your next meeting
Visit Iceland’s new campaign introduces AI Knittakers — Authentic Icelandic Knittakers. These real Icelandic knitters are ready to attend your online meetings, giving you time to do something more inspiring. Like discovering North Iceland. -
Skiing in North Iceland: a guide to the ski areas
Ski season is on the horizon, and it’s time to start looking forward to days on the slopes, fresh mountain air and a warm soak afterwards. If you’re planning a winter trip to North Iceland, skiing could be part of the adventure. -
Drive the Arctic Coast Way: A North Iceland Road Trip Itinerary
Ready to slow down and follow the coastline to the edge of the Arctic? The Arctic Coast Way stretches around 900 km across North Iceland, from Hvammstangi in the west to Bakkafjörður in the east. The route winds around six peninsulas, through small fishing towns and past black-sand beaches, sea cliffs, fjords and wide-open landscapes. There is no need to rush as the road is part of the experience. Whether you travel beneath the midnight sun or through winter landscapes and northern lights, this guide will help you explore the route one day at a time.
Top destinations
Aldeyjarfoss
Aldeyjarfoss waterfall is considered the most beautiful one in the river Skjalfandafljot. The waterfall is framed with long, natural basaltic columns.
Arctic Henge
Similar to its ancient predecessor, Stonehenge, the Arctic Henge is like a huge sundial, aiming to capture the sunrays, cast shadows in precise locations and capture the light between aligned gateways.
Ásbyrgi
Ásbyrgi is one of the wonders of nature, a well-forested horse-shoe shaped canyon in Öxarfjörður. Ásbyrgi is a part of Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, within the Vatnajökull National Park.
Dettifoss
The Dettifoss waterfall is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, 500 cubic meters of water per second plunge over the edge
Goðafoss
The Goðafoss waterfall is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. The water of the river Skjálfandafljót falls from a height of 12 meters over a width of 30 meters.
Hvítserkur
Hvítserkur is a 15 m-high sea stack just off shore on the eastern side of Vatnsnes. Good seal spotting place at the estuary of the Sigridarstadir lake, south from the stack.
Kálfshamarsvík
Kálfshamarsvík is a small cove in the northern part of Skagi, with unusual, beautifully formed sea cliffs of columnar rock, created about 2 million years ago
Direct flights to North Iceland
Akureyri International Airport is located only 3 km from the center of Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. Akureyri Airport has a relaxing atmosphere and flexible services. The airport is well located for international flights, only 3 hours from London and 6.5 hours from New York.
Akureyri International Airport serves domestic flights, a series of inbound charters, outbound charters and incoming private jets. It is also the base for ambulance flights in Iceland.
Winter Magic
Activities
Jeep and glacier tours
Many travel agencies specialize in different kinds of jeep exhibitions. A jeep tour on a glacier with breathtaking views is an unforgettable experience.
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Snowmobile and snowcat tours
Many agencies offer snowmobile and snowcat tours. They are suitable for anyone looking for a little excitement and adventure while on vacation.
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Travel suggestions
Víðidalur and Austur-Húnavatnssýsla
Discover natural wonders like Kolugljúfur and Vatnsdalshólar as you travel through an area where so many events of the Icelandic history transpired. In the town of Blönduós, take a walk through the old town and see how Iceland's textile has been made through centuries.
Eyjafjörður and islands
Discover enchanting fishing villages, rich in history and options for food and drinks.
Húsavík and Jökulsárgljúfur
Visit the whale watching capital of Iceland, Húsavík and discover how glacial floods shaped Iceland thousands of years ago in Ásbyrgi canyon. In the Vatnajökull National Park you'll also find Europe's most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss.
Edge of the Arctic
Go on the northernmost point of Iceland, picturesque lighthouses and the amazing Arctic Henge. The Langanes peninsula has a great variety of birdlife, there are many sea stacks to explore and hiking trails.
Þingeyjarsveit and Mývatn
Explore on of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, Goðafoss waterfall. Lake Mývatn and the surrounding area is widely known as it is a natural wonder like no other.
Skagi and Skagafjörður
Experience adventure as you go whitewater rafting or on a horseback ride. Skagi and Skagafjörður offer scenic views from the coast and places where you can take a step back into Icelandic history.
Akureyri
Akureyri is the little big city of Iceland. It is large enough to offer a rich selection of entertainment, art and culture, yet small enough to be very personal and close to nature. It‘s easy to be fascinated by Akureyri with it‘s with brightly painted wooden houses, cosy bars and steep streets leading down from the hills into the friendly city centre.
