Plan an unforgettable getaway to North Iceland

Why this often overlooked region in Iceland should be on your bucket list

I felt as if I had found a treasure. A pristine black sand beach stretched out before me. Craving a closer connection with the untouched landscape, I removed my shoes. My bare feet sank into the soft sand. I waited by the shore for the water to reach me. It was cold and pure, and I wondered what more I could need at this moment.

It was just me, the sea, the sunset, the fullmars, and my thoughts. I felt as if I were at the end of the world, tucked away in the North’s comforting embrace. I couldn’t tell you how long I stayed there listening to the waves tumble and tasting the salty air, but it was about as long as I watched the northern lights dance that evening; two moments in North Iceland where time slipped away.

During a road trip to reach the Arctic Henge in North Iceland, I stumbled upon this pristine black sand beach. I remember catching a glance as I cruised down the quiet, also known as the Arctic Coast Way, a stretch of road that spans 900 km along the winding coastline. I circled back and parked my camper in the one lonely spot. I will never forget this moment, or the many others in Iceland’s northern land.

North Iceland is truly a special region. It is wild, free, peaceful, stunning, and laid back. Tourists often overlook it, as most visitors flock to the popular spots located on the south coast.

If you crave a connection with nature, or a laid back vibe where stunning fjords meet the endless sea, then add North Iceland to your bucket list. You will never forget it!

Reasons to book a trip to North Iceland

Unmatched beauty and wildness. All of Iceland is beautiful, but North Iceland is really special.
Fewer crowds mean more time to connect and just be.
The Diamond Circle. it’s like the Golden Circle but better.
Whale watching at sunset with views of the fjord. Need I say more?
The best sunsets in Iceland. I have witnessed unforgettable sunsets all over Iceland, but the ones in the North are etched into my memory forever.
The quiet, serene, and peaceful vibe. Fewer people and less tourism mean more opportunities with nature and slower-paced locals.
More North means more of a chance to see the Northern Lights during Iceland’s dark months. Plus, nothing compares to watching the sky dance over a snowy fjord. It is an authentic Nordic feel like no other.
Nature and nurture. If you crave a connection with nature and self, North Iceland offers plenty of space and locations, such as the lesser-visited Hrísey Island, to do this.
Locals are super friendly, and there is a tangible, slower-paced way of living.

When to visit North Iceland

There is no bad time to visit northern Iceland, but winter does present some challenges, including less daylight and road closures due to weather. The safest way to see North Iceland in the winter would be to fly into Keflavik and take a second flight with Icelandair out of the domestic airport in Reykjavik to the city of Akureyri. There, you can pick up a rental car or hire a guide to meet you. I recommend renting a 4 x 4 and downloading Road.is to monitor road conditions during your trip.

Here is some help based on interest for deciding when to plan a trip to North Iceland:

For northern lights- late August through April

Whale watching is available from April through November.

Puffins- Late April through mid-August. Atlantic puffins arrive at their breeding grounds from mid-April and depart mid-August. Pufflings are born typically in June and fledge in August.

Spring in the North is beautiful with many migratory birds returning, including the beloved Atlantic puffin and the Arctic Tern in May. In contrast, summer allows for plenty of time to adventure and warmer temperatures with the midnight sun.

Summer allows for a chance to add on to your trip, such as seeing the West Fjords or heading east and completing a partial ring road tour. Autumn in Akureyri is gorgeous with the cooling temps, changing leaves, and the chance to see the Aurora.

The best way to tour North Iceland

I enjoy traveling in Iceland by way of a camper van, but if you are thinking about visiting Iceland in the winter, it will be rough, or even impossible, by way of a camper. If you choose to go this way, be sure to allow for extra time due to driving conditions and check for road closures via road.is before you head out!

The answer to this question depends on the season you choose to visit. A camper van is best suited for summer use because most campgrounds begin to close in the autumn and reopen in May. However, it is still possible to do a camper van trip during the shoulder seasons with enough planning ahead to note which campgrounds are open. A camper van allows for the most flexibility; however, in the winter, it would be a challenge to arrive in the North due to unpredictable weather, snow, and road closures.

The other options are to fly into Akureyri and rent a car—most international flights into Iceland land in Keflavik Airport on the Reykjanes peninsula. From there, you would have to get to the domestic airport in Reykjavik and take a short flight to Akureyri.

The last option is to hire a local guide or take a tour from Akureyri. Most activities in Akureyri are reachable by walking or Strætó bus. Akureyri is a great home base for your trip if you are considering not renting a car, as most tours depart from there. Akureyri also offers a variety of shopping options, several museums, a botanical garden, whale-watching opportunities, cafes, a hostel, a post office, a bank, and other shops.

The last option, but most costly, is to hire a private guide. A private local guide will take care of the driving, show and share hidden gems and knowledge, however, it will be more costly than a self-drive tour. This is a good option to consider if you are traveling with a small group and can split costs.

Here is a breakdown of options

Budget option and best for summer or shoulder seasons: Camper van. A camper van is a budget-friendly and flexible way of exploring Iceland. It is the best way if you are a photographer like me and are interested in chasing the sun or weather patterns. The downside is that most camper vans will have to be picked up and returned near Keflavik, so you want to allow for that time when you arrive.

Budget option and best for summer or shoulder seasons: Take the Strætó bus from Reykjavik BSI Bus Terminal. The most popular way is Route 57, which takes about 7 hours. From Akureyri, you can take day tours or other buses to small towns such as Siglufjörður and Húsavík. Please remember that the bus schedule in the north varies by season and holiday. Hitchhiking in the North is also a popular way to get a ride from town to town, and there are several Facebook groups where people can post to ask for rides ahead of time.

Mid-grade cost plus best for summer or shoulder seasons: self-drive from Keflavik Airport with a car rental and hotel stays. This will also take longer than flying into Akureyri. Akureyri is approximately 388 km or a 5-hour drive from Reykjavik. In this case, I recommend an overnight stay in Reykjavik to recharge from your flight, then a drive to Akureyri the next day. I highly recommend a 4 x 4 if you plan on driving the Arctic Coast Way.

Mid-grade costs and best year-round: Fly into Akureyri from Reykjavik Domestic Airport and rent a car or take day tours from the city.

Higher cost- Fly into Akureyri and hire a local guide. Hiring a local guide allows for a relaxing experience when you can let someone else handle the driving, planning, and everything else in between. Local guides also possess knowledge about landmarks and areas you may not learn otherwise, and take you to some hidden gems only a few will find on their own.

Top activities in North Iceland

There is a lot to do and see in North Iceland, but one of my favorite things to do is rent a camper van and drive the Arctic Coast Way. Along your journey, you will discover the many places listed here and enjoy unforgettable views. I can’t tell you how many times in Iceland some of my favorite memories are simply taking a break at a designated pullover spot to enjoy a meal and the view!

Here is a list of my favorite things to do in North Iceland

Whale Watching. I have gone whale watching with both North Sailing, out of Husavík, and Akureyri Whale Watching, and both experiences were excellent. I saw a lot of whales, and the staff was exceptional. However, I do give bonus points to North Sailing for the option to have a carbon-neutral sale and cinnamon buns on board with hot chocolate. It was a charming touch. You can also visit the Whale Museum in Husavík at a discounted rate with your ticket.
Geosea Spa in Husavík. There hasn’t been a hot spring in Iceland that I didn’t like, but I especially enjoyed GeoSea Spa in Husavík for its stunning sea views. Even on a rainy, windy day, it was beautiful and relaxing!
Visit Siglufjorður, a picturesque northern fishing town.
Reach the Arctic Circle and puffin watch on Grimsey Island. If you really want to see puffins, then Grimsey is one of the best places to go. This remote island off of Iceland’s north coast is reachable by a 3-hour ferry ride from the coastal town of Dalvík or a short plane ride from Akureyri via Norlandair. Grimsey is best visited in the summer months for puffin watching and amenities. The island features three guesthouses, a pool, a lighthouse, a grocery store, a museum, and a restaurant.
Visit the peaceful island of Hrísey, home to a bird sanctuary and stunning views of Eyjafjorður. I was an art resident on Hrísey and fell in love with this serene and picturesque island. There is a nice hiking trail around the island for bird watching, fjord views, and stunning sea cliffs. There are a few Airbnbs for an overnight stay or more if you really want to relax in nature!
Explore the Diamond Circle, which features Mvátn Nature Baths, Dimmuborgir, Dettifoss Waterfall, Goðafoss Waterfall, and Ásbyrgi Canyon. Marvel at volcanic formations featured in Game of Thrones at Dimmuborgir, or take in the power of Dettifoss waterfall. My favorite waterfall, the mystical Goðafoss, is located on the Diamond Circle. Husavík and Akureyri are also part of the Diamond Circle. I recommend an overnight stay in Husavík so you can spend more time enjoying each sight. Mvátn Nature Baths is like the Blue Lagoon with creamy blue waters, but with fewer crowds and better views. The area of Mvátn (pronounced Mee- va) is known for its geothermal activity and dramatic volcanic landscape. Hverir geothermal park is known for its otherworldly landscape of boiling mud pots and colorful sulfur deposits.
Northern lights hunt. If you visit the north during the shoulder season or winter, keep your eyes open on cold, clear nights for the Aurora. I recommend downloading the Aurora app to track the chances; however, on a cold, clear night, plan to stay up late regardless of what the app says and look outside!
Visit the blue waters in the cave of Grjótagjá.
Get a taste of Icelandic history at the Laufás Heritage Museum.
Drive the Arctic coast way and enjoy dramatic coastal landscapes. The Arctic Coast Way is a scenic 900 km (560-mile) road that stretches along Iceland’s northern coast. Along the drive, you will enjoy diverse scenery, cultural experiences such as fishing villages like Husavík, unique geological features, and plenty of spots to park the car and enjoy the views. This is an excellent option for a camper van as you can explore at your own pace, be flexible, and find campgrounds along the way!
Immerse yourself in Icelandic folklore at the Arctic Henge in Iceland’s most northern village of Raufarhöfn. The yet-to-be-completed sundial is a physical ode to Iceland’s pagan roots and old texts known as the Edda.
Soak at the Forest Lagoon in Akureyri for amazing views and a tucked-away feeling.
Take a boat cruise from Dalvik and enjoy puffin and whale watching!
Go horseback riding in Dalvik with Tvistur horse rental for breathtaking views on the culturally significant Icelandic horse!

Best eats

For a great meal, try Cafe Ilmur in Akureyri. I recommend the fish soup and apple cake with cream.

For delicious Icelandic pastries, stop in to Kristjáns Bakery. You can’t go wrong with a chocolate Snuður!
Try the famous Icelandic hot dog at the Pylsuvagninn á Akureyri.
In Husavík, there is Nautið for fish and chips or Pizzakofinn for delicious pizza.

Places to stay

Here are my two favorite places to stay in North Iceland:

For a cozy cottage with hot pots and fjord views, I pick Kaldabok’s cottages in Husavik for a small-town feel away from the busier city of Akureyri.

For an unforgettable sunset from your camper, I recommend the 66:12 campground in Mánárbakki.

Recommended tour companies

Thor Excursions out of Akureyri for a knowledgeable private local guide with years of experience.

North Sailing for whale watching and nature sails out of Husavík.

And if time allows

Venture west to see the West Fjords. The West Fjords are best explored at a slow pace and during the summer months. Spend a few days slowing down with a mineral-rich soak at one of the many secluded geothermal hot springs. Hop over to Hornstrandir Nature Reserve to experience a true gem rich with nature and peaceful hiking options. The West Fjords are one of my favorite spots in Iceland: lesser crowds, gorgeous scenery, and nature. I recommend Borea Adventures as my go-to tour guides for the West Fjords.

Explore the East Fjords with an overnight stay at Moðrudalur Farm. From there, you can drive to Stuðlagil canyon and then head on to the charming fishing town of Seyðisfjörður.

Regardless of what you choose to see and do in North Iceland, take my best advice and do it at a slow pace. Savor the moments, the sunsets, the Aurora, and the endless beauty. Take the moment and the connection with you wherever your travels take you in life.

If you crave more information about connecting with nature in Iceland, you can download my Guide for Nature Lovers in Iceland here for only $1.99!

Good travels / Goða ferð

– Arielle