Regions in Iceland

North Iceland is a fascinating region, offering a great variety of attractions and activities. Unforgettable tours and excursions are available: into the highlands to view the extraordinary landscapes, mountain ranges, hot springs, waterfalls, glacial rivers, volcanic craters and other amazing geological features. The world renowned Mývatn (Myvatn) Lake is also in this area, providing fantastic opportunities for bird watching. Fishing, hunting, golf, horseriding, whale watching, river rafting or Heli-Skiing are all offered. All seasons in the North of Iceland are enchanting. The Midnight Sun in the summer and the Northern Lights in the winter add that extra touch of magic.

Favourite Sights
On the west side of Húnafjörður (Hunafjordur), the rock arch of Hvítserkur (Hvitserkur) towers just off the shore; far to the south, nearly at the pass out of North Iceland. Hveravellir, geothermal area of fumaroles and iridescent hot pools adds colour to the highlands with one of the country’s largest geothermal fields. The islands of Málmey (Malmey) and Drangey in Skagafjörður exude folklore, while the people of Eyjafjörður (Eyjafjordur) boast of more magnificent mountains and more prosperous farming communities than one can generally find. The two Þingey (Thingey) counties present nature that is simultaneously rough, mild and breathtaking, with so many stunning sights that it would be hard to find more natural masterpieces anywhere else. Goðafoss waterfall, one of the most spectacular in Iceland, and Dettifoss waterfall, considered Europe’s mightiest, are just a couple of examples. Downstream from Dettifoss, you can explore Jökulsárgljúfur (Jokulsargljufur), one of the country’s most awe-inspiring canyons, located in Vatnajökull (Vatnajokull) National Park. The Hljóðaklettar (Hljodakettar),”Echo rocks”, lava formations can be found in the area, and Ásbyrgi (Asbyrgi), where the rushing waters of the Jökulsá (Jokulsa), Glacier River, have shaped stark cliffs. Far to the south, Askja epitomises calderas and volcanoes. The Mývatn (Myvatn) Lake and its entire surroundings are world-famous for their beauty, and the cliffs of Dimmuborgir comprise a wondrous world of their own.

Mývatn Lake District and Mývatn Lake
Mývatnssveit (Myvatnssveit), Myvatn Lake District, is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist destinations. The area is world renowned for its awesome natural beauty, with volcanic eruptions having played a crucial role in the formation of the landscape since ancient times. Extraordinary natural lava sculptures stand out in and around the lake, while at geothermal fields the land is painted in all colours of the rainbow. Roads and walkways lead travellers to interesting locations, whether the plan is to enjoy the strange landscape, examine unique natural phenomena or take a closer look at the plant and bird life. Mývatnssveit offers a variety of services in accommodation, food, and entertainment, based on years of experience and local knowledge.

Mývatn Lake is a unique pearl of nature, the fourth largest lake in Iceland, covering 36.5 km2 (around 14 sq. mi). It is situated at 277 m (908 ft.) above sea level, and has more than 40 small islands. Mývatn (mý – midge; vatn – lake) derives its name from these small insects  which provide a large part of the diet for various birds as well as trout. Mývatn and the surrounding wetlands have a remarkably rich fauna of bird life, and are home to more species of ducks than any other place on earth. The densest habitation of Harlequin Duck in the world is at the upper reaches of Laxá (Laxa), Salmon River, and the Barrow’s Goldeneye duck is found in no other place in Europe. Other bird species include the Red-breasted Merganser, Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, European Teal, Long-tailed duck and Eiders. Laxá River is famous for rich fishing of brown trout and Atlantic salmon.

Day trips from Akureyri to Mývatn Lake are immensely popular. The distance to the Mývatn District is about 90 km east of Akureyri. The surroundings are truly magnificent, formed by volcanic activity which is still ongoing. The latest eruption occurred about 20 years ago and the bubbling clay pits and sulphuric fumes wafting over the area are a reminder of the titan forces surging beneath. The results of these forces being unleashed can be seen in the lava formations which have been forged into towers, castles and caves, resembling a fantastic giant’s playground.

A vibrant community has developed around this bird watcher’s paradise.  Some way to the east, Jökulsárgljúfur (Jokulsargljufur) canyon completes the North’s triangle of must see locations, stretching along an exceptionally scenic area which includes the Dettifoss waterfall.

North Iceland has an abundance of remarkable masterpieces of nature, as well as the magnificent natural phenomena of the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights. Amazing landscapes of the highlands, mountain ranges, geological peculiarities, volcanic features, hot springs, waterfalls, glacial rivers are all found in this region. The famous Mývatn (Myvatn) Lake, an exceptional jewel of Iceland’s nature, is also in this area with its unique flora and fauna. North Iceland has much to offer to any visitor, whether nature lover, or an artist, photographer, adventurer, Icelandic saga fan, historian, anyone who enjoys discovering authentic places of great natural beauty.

Sightseeing Pearls
On the west side of Húnafjörður (Hunafjordur), can be seen the rock arch of Hvítserkur (Hvitserkur). Hveravellir is a geothermal area of fumaroles and iridescent hot pools of delicate kaleidoscope colours. The islands of Málmey (Malmey) and Drangey in Skagafjörður are known for folklore, while Eyjafjörður (Eyjafjordur) has impressive mountains and verdant farms. The two Þingey (Thingey) counties present contrasting aspects of nature, both rugged and tame. Goðafoss waterfall, one of the most spectacular in Iceland, and Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful, are both in this area. Jökulsárgljúfur (Jokulsargljufur), an awe-inspiring canyon and one of Iceland´s National Parks is in the vicinity. The Hljóðaklettar (Hljodakettar),”Echo rocks”, lava formations can be found in the area, as well as the sharp cliffs of Ásbyrgi (Asbyrgi). Far to the south, is the Askja caldera. Mývatn (Myvatn) Lake and its entire surroundings are world-famous for their beauty, while the cliffs of Dimmuborgir are a marvel in their own right.

The Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights
Eyjafjörður(Eyjafjordur) is one the best places to enjoy the Midnight Sun phenomenon in Iceland. Eyjafjörður has its own special character and a more detailed description of the fjord can be found on the Eyjafjörður page. From September through March, on clear nights, the otherworldly displays of the Northern Lights – Aurora Borealis can be observed in many locations in Iceland, including the North.

The Arctic Circle
Iceland’s northernmost face is the island of Grímsey (Grimsey), in the Arctic Ocean, which crosses the Arctic Circle. Grímsey is a small fisherman’s island, about 60 km from Akureyri, where about 100 inhabitants and millions of seabirds live in proud defiance of the elements. The island is a must see, and crossing the Arctic Circle is something many people want to do. All who come to the island are provided with a document confirming the fact that they have actually travelled north of the Arctic Circle and the precise location of the Circle itself is marked by a signpost indicating distances to some of the world’s main cities.

The Arctic and Antarctic Circles are lines drawn on maps near latitude 66.5°, North or South. The particular significance of these Circles is that they delimit the areas on earth where the sun remains in the sky for 24 hours in summer, and, conversely, where the sun disappears entirely for 24 hours or more in the wintertime. In the vicinity of the Arctic and Antarctic Circles one can find the true territories of the Midnight Sun. Sunshine at midnight can be enjoyed in many parts of northern Iceland during summer, since the Arctic Circle narrowly misses the country’s northernmost points.

Dettifoss waterfall
In many people’s opinion, Dettifoss is the most spectacular waterfall in Iceland. With a height of 44 metres and an average water flow to the volume of 200 cubic metres per second, it is the most powerful waterfall in the country, and, as a matter of fact, in the whole of Europe. Dettifoss also has an impressive power to attract tourists from far and wide. The waterfall is only 135 km away from Akureyri, so a visit from the capital of North Iceland makes an ideal day outing.

Goðafoss (Godafoss) – Waterfall of the Gods
This waterfall is among the finest in the country, not very high but impressive in shape as it divides into two horseshoe-shaped falls. Not far below the waterfall, the river Skjálfandafljót (Skjalfandafljot) splits into two branches which flow around the island Hrútey (Hrutey). The lava field by the waterfall, Bárðardalshraun (Bardardalshraun), flowed out of the volcano Trölladyngja (Trolladyngja), north of Vatnajökull (Vatnajokull), Europe’s largest glacier, more than 7,000 years ago and reached as far as 100 km from the crater. Goðafoss is about 40 km east of Akureyri. The landscape around the waterfall is spectacular.

How Goðafoss got its name
During the Icelandic Commonwealth period (930 AD to 1262 AD), the Icelandic Parliament met each year at Þingvellir (Thingvellir), “the assembly fields”, or Parliament Plains. One of the chieftain-priests (goði) present in the year 1000 when adoption of Christianity was being debated at the Assembly, was Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði – Thorgeir, goði of the people of Ljósavatn and Lawspeaker at the Assembly. Þorgeir was eventually given the authority to decide whether Christianity was to be adopted, or paganism was to continue as religion. He was a pagan himself, but after a period of profound thought, he decided that all Icelanders should have one set of laws and one religion, and that Christianity was to be the religion of Iceland. Upon his return home, it is said, he took the statues of the pagan gods he used to worship and threw them into the waterfall – “foss” in Icelandic, near his homestead. From this time on, the waterfall has been known as Goðafoss – Waterfall of the gods. Þorgeir’s story is preserved in Ari Þorgilson’s (Thorgilson’s) Íslendingabók – The Book of Icelanders. One of the beautiful stained glass windows in the Cathedral of Akureyri illustrates this event.

Akureyri is a beautiful, vibrant town, Iceland´s second largest urban area, nicknamed the Capital of North Iceland. It is 45 minutes by air from Reykjavík (Reykjavik) and five hours by road. Well known for its flourishing cultural life, eminent Botanic Garden and historic old town, Akureyri is also the regional centre and a superb base for travellers, with a whole world of nature right on its doorstep. It offers different attractions throughout the year, with family-friendly outdoor leisure sites and a variety of activities. Designated the winter sports centre of Iceland, Akureyri has some of the finest ski slopes in the land. Diverse activities include golf, hiking, horse riding, sea angling, whale watching, birding, and a myriad of others.

Skjálfandi (Skjalfandi) Bay lies to the east of Akureyri. The town of Húsavík has established itself as Europe´s main whale watching centre, with astonishingly high sighting rates. Marine species spotted in the Bay include minke whales, humpback whales, harbour porpoise, white-beaked dolphins and even the blue whale.

Húnaflói (Hunafloi) Bay is a large bay between Strandir and Skagaströnd (Skagastrond), to the west of Akureyri, with numerous inlets. Towns Blönduós and Skagaströnd are located on the Bay’s eastern side. Húnafloi Bay is one of the most accessible shores in Iceland for watching seals in their natural habitat.

Skagafjörður (Skagafjordur) offers rich lifestyle and cultural experiences. A wide range of travel services can be found at Sauðárkrókur (Saudarkrokur), the main town in Skagafjörður, as well as in the smaller communities inland and along the coast. Skagafjörður district, with its smooth green valleys, stark mountains and mighty glacial rivers flowing down from the highlands, is one of the big centres for river rafting. It is also the traditional heart of horse riding in Iceland. Historical sites abound, including many from the Saga Age, evident in museums and beautiful old buildings. Top attractions include Glaumbær (Glaumbaer) Folk Museum in an old turf built farmhouse, the old episcopal see of Hólar (Holar) and the Heritage Centre in the village of Hofsós (Hofsos), which is dedicated to the 19th century emigrations from Iceland to North America.

Skútustaðahreppur (Skutustadahreppur) is Iceland’s highest altitude borough and one of the largest at 4,926 km² (1,903 sq. mi). Its boundaries to the east follow the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum (Jokulsa-a-Fjollum) from its source down to the spectacular falls Dettifoss. To the north, the boundary runs from Dettifoss, past Mt. Elífur (Elifur) and on to the west, north of Gæsafjöll (Goose Mountains). To the west, Skútustaðahreppur’s boundaries run through Hólasandur (Holasandur) and through the heaths between Mývatnssveit, Reykjadalur Valley and Bárðardalur (Bardadalur) Valley, up to Vatnajökull (Vatnajokull) glacier to the south. Reykjahlíð (Reykjahlid), located on the north side of lake Mývatn, and Skútustaðir (Skutustadir), a hamlet on the south side of the lake, are both set in beautiful surroundings.

Svarfaðardalur – Árskógsströnd -Hjalteyri
Near Dalvík (Dalvik), a sizeable valley extends from Eyjafjörður into the highlands. This valley is Svarfaðardalur (Svarfadardalur), 20-25 km in length. About 10 km from the sea, Svarfaðardalur joins the valley of Skíðadalur (Skidadalur) to the east, at the very head of which rests the cool ice mass of Gljúfurárjökull  (Gljufurarjokull) glacier in a spectacular setting. The Svarfaðardalur countryside is dotted with prosperous looking farmsteads and fertile hayfields. Along the shoreline from Dalvík is Árskógsströnd (Arskogsstrond), with its two fishing villages in close proximity to each other, Árskógssandur and Hauganes. Farther along the fjord is Hjalteyri, where world famous research program in the field of halibut aquaculture is being carried out.

Möðruvellir in Hörgárdalur area is rich in historical connotations and the farm of Möðruvellir (Modruvellir) is one of the most important locations relating to Icelandic history. For centuries, this was a manor farm, situated in the midst of some of Eyjafjörður’s most fertile farmlands. In 1296 a monastery of the Augustinian order was established at Möðruvellir, and, according to some sources, it contained one of Iceland’s most remarkable mediaeval libraries. In spite of these cultural associations, the monks’ conduct apparently was not always exemplary as they were prone to bickering and infighting. Möðruvellir used to be the location of a well-known school, but the school was destroyed in a fire in 1902 which wrought more havoc than anywhere else in Iceland.

Gásir (Gasir), located to the south of the spot where the river Hörgá (Horga) joins the sea, is a place frequently referred to in the Icelandic sagas from the 13th and 14th centuries, and old tales and annals. For five centuries Gásir used to be the main harbour and trading post in Eyjafjörður. By 1400, however, it is thought that the deposits from the Hörgá River had damaged the harbour to such an extent that it was no longer navigable and all commercial activities had to be transferred to Akureyri. Nevertheless, the location at Gásir contains remarkable reminders of its past days of glory and antiquities from the Middle Ages. Ongoing archaeological excavation in the area has shown that it was a trading post up to the 16th century. Walking paths around the archaeological site now make the site accessible to visitors. “Medieval days at Gásir” festivities are held each summer.

Öxnadalur (Oxnadalur) is a long, picturesque valley which contains the magnificent 1075 m peak of Hraundrangi, rising from the mountain range. For a long time it was believed to be completely inaccessible and, according to ancient folklore, a chest filled with gold rested upon its top. About the middle of this century the spire was finally ascended, but the climbers unfortunately did not reap their golden reward as no chest was found. Directly below the peak is the farm Hraun, birthplace of one of the nation’s most dearly beloved poets of all time, “bard of Iceland”, Jónas Hallgrímsson (Jonas Hallgrimsson) (1807–1845). Jónas was also an Icelandic independence hero, author and scientist. The imagery in Jónas´s poetry was profoundly influenced by the Icelandic landscape, and his contribution to the Icelandic language was so great that, since 1996, his birthday, 16 November, has been celebrated in Iceland as the Icelandic Language Day. In 2007, a memorial centre dedicated to Jónas Hallgrímsson was opened at the farm Hraun, to mark his 200th birthday.

Eyjafjordur