About North Iceland
Northeastern Region is one of the traditional eight regions of Iceland, located in the north of the island. The biggest town in the region is Akureyri, with a population of 19,542 in 2024.
Places to visit in North Iceland
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Mývatn
Nature · 7 mi from centreA shallow volcanic lake surrounded by craters, lava formations and abundant birdlife. Drive or cycle the loop road around it, and bring a head net in summer, when midges swarm near the water.
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Goðafoss
Nature · 20 mi from centreA wide, horseshoe-shaped waterfall on the Skjálfandafljót river, an easy stop just off the Ring Road. Walk both banks for different angles; the eastern side has a path down close to water level.
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Dettifoss
Nature · 28 mi from centreOne of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe, plunging into a gray canyon inside Vatnajökull National Park. The eastern access road is gravel, so the paved western approach is usually the easier choice.
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Akureyrarkirkja
Religious · 34 mi from centreThe landmark Lutheran church of Akureyri, reached by a long staircase from the town center. Its stepped design echoes basalt columns, and inside you can look for a stained-glass window that came from Coventry Cathedral in England.
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Húsavík
Neighborhood · 39 mi from centreA harbor town on Skjálfandi Bay known as one of Iceland's best places for whale watching. Tours run mainly from spring through autumn; dress in layers even in summer, since it is cold on the water.
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Ásbyrgi
Nature · 38 mi from centreA horseshoe-shaped canyon with sheer cliffs and birch woodland, part of Vatnajökull National Park. A short trail leads to a pond at the head of the canyon, and the cliff-top path gives wider views.
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Krafla
Nature · 17 mi from centreA volcanic area east of Mývatn with a crater lake, steaming lava fields and a geothermal power station. Stay on marked paths, since the ground near the vents can be thin and extremely hot.
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Mývatn Nature Baths
EntertainmentA geothermal lagoon with milky blue water overlooking the lava fields near Lake Mývatn. It is quieter than the Blue Lagoon near Reykjavík, but booking ahead is still wise in the summer months.
Top experiences in North Iceland
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 16 available.
Whale Watching in Big Boats
From $98 per adult
Small Group Adventure: Lake Myvatn, Dettifoss, Selfoss and Godafoss Day Tour from Akureyri
From $254 per adult
Aurora Borealis Adventure: Northern Lights Tour from Akureyri
From $143 per adult
Arctic Coastline and Craft Brews: Microbrewery Tour from Akureyri
From $290 per adult
Vok Baths - Ticket
From $56 per adult
Godafoss Waterfall, Forest Lagoon and Christmas House Day Tour from Akureyri – Small Group Tour
From $220 per adult
Northern Lights 4x4 Expedition: Semi-Private Tour from Akureyri
From $295 per adult
Northern Lights and Geosea Baths: A Perfect Evening Escape
From $424 per adult
Classic Whale Watching from Dalvík
From $87 per adult
Where to stay in North Iceland
Popular hotels in North Iceland, out of 97 properties you can book.
Kea by Keahotels
From $215 per night
Hotel Siglo by Keahotels
From $611 per night
Hotel Akureyri
From $209 per night
Akureyri - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
From $122 per night
Hestasport Cottages
From $217 per night
Nordurland by Keahotels
From $172 per night
Centrum Hotel
From $160 per night
Skald Hotel Akureyri, Curio Collection by Hilton
From $228 per night
Myvatn - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
From $131 per night
Salthús Guesthouse
From $135 per night
Hotel North
From $89 per night
Hótel Laugarbakki
From $281 per night
Best time to visit North Iceland
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit North Iceland is January, May and July to August, when average daytime highs are around 28–60°F and rain falls on about 15 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
North Iceland weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 26° 22° 63%
- Thu 12 Nov 35° 22° 39%
- Fri 13 Nov 35° 24° 74%
- Sat 14 Nov 26° 12° 91%
- Sun 15 Nov 13° 10° 35%
- Mon 16 Nov 14° 3° 10%
- Tue 17 Nov 14° 2° 15%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Icelandic króna (ISK)1 US dollar ≈ kr122
- Language
- Icelandic
- Calling code
- +354
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Atlantic/ReykjavikUTC+0
- Capital
- Reykjavík
Upcoming public holidays in Iceland
- Christmas EveAðfangadagur
- Christmas DayJóladagur
- St. Stephen's DayAnnar í jólum
- New Year's EveGamlársdagur
- New Year's DayNýársdagur
- Maundy ThursdaySkírdagur
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to North Iceland
These are the airports closest to central North Iceland. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- AEY Akureyri Airport33 mi (52 km) from the city centre
- HZK Húsavík Airport33 mi (54 km) from the city centre
- OPA Kópasker Airport58 mi (93 km) from the city centre
Getting around North Iceland
Aircraft in Iceland are like buses or trains elsewhere - they're the main form of internal travel other than the roads. Be warned though, that the ride can be a bit bumpy if you're entering one of the fjords like Akureyri.
By car
A car offers the most flexibility for travel around Iceland. Numerous agencies rent vehicles, and ferries allow individuals to bring their own car with them. Rental prices are high (try to book as far in advance as you can) - expect to pay at least 4000 kr per day for a two wheel drive vehicle, and upwards of 12,000 kr per day for a four-wheel-drive vehicle; these prices include basic car insurance, but additional insurance may be purchased to protect against damage from gravel or other common mishaps.
By bus
Scheduled trips between Icelandic towns are operated by Strætó bs. Tours to attractions are provided by scheduled buses from various companies, including Reykjavík Excursions (who also operate the FlyBus), Trex, Sterna Travel[dead link], NetBus and SBA-NORÐURLEIÐ. Long distance bus travel can cost several thousand kronur and is sometimes more expensive than flying. For example, a one way trip from Reykjavík to Akureyri costs 10,340 kr, while flying costs 8,925 kr (as of May 2019).
By bicycle
Cycling is a good way to experience Iceland, and provides a very different experience to other means of transport. You should bring your own touring bike, as buying a bike locally can be expensive. Traffic in and out of Reykjavík is heavy, otherwise, it's OK. You can cycle safely on the Ring Road, or take the bike on the buses serving the Ring Road (they are equipped with bicycle racks) and do side trips.
North Iceland travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit North Iceland?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit North Iceland is January, May and July to August, when average daytime highs are around 28–60°F and rain falls on about 15 days a month.
What is the weather like in North Iceland?
July is usually the warmest month in North Iceland, with average highs of 60°F (16°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 16°F (-9°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 151 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to North Iceland?
Akureyri Airport (AEY) is the closest airport, about 33 miles (52 km) from the centre of North Iceland. Other nearby airports include Húsavík Airport (HZK, 33 mi) and Kópasker Airport (OPA, 58 mi).
What currency is used in North Iceland?
North Iceland uses the Icelandic króna (ISK). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ kr122.
What time zone is North Iceland in?
North Iceland uses the Atlantic/Reykjavik time zone (currently UTC+0). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around North Iceland?
Aircraft in Iceland are like buses or trains elsewhere - they're the main form of internal travel other than the roads. Be warned though, that the ride can be a bit bumpy if you're entering one of the fjords like Akureyri.
What are the best places to visit in North Iceland?
Top sights in North Iceland include Mývatn, Goðafoss, Dettifoss and Akureyrarkirkja. A shallow volcanic lake surrounded by craters, lava formations and abundant birdlife. Drive or cycle the loop road around it, and bring a head net in summer, when midges swarm near the water.
What are the top things to do in North Iceland?
Popular experiences you can book in North Iceland include Whale Watching in Big Boats, Small Group Adventure: Lake Myvatn, Dettifoss, Selfoss and Godafoss Day Tour from Akureyri and Aurora Borealis Adventure: Northern Lights Tour from Akureyri. Destina Holidays offers 16 tours and activities here.
Where should I stay in North Iceland?
Popular areas for hotels in North Iceland include Akureyri, Siglufjordur and Blonduos. Well-reviewed options include Kea by Keahotels and Hotel Siglo by Keahotels.
How many hotels can I book in North Iceland?
Destina Holidays currently lists 97 properties in and around North Iceland, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
