Things to do in Northern Iceland

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Northern Iceland Travel Guide

Godafoss which includes a cascade and mist or fog

Akureyri which includes modern architecture and interior views

Akureyri Church showing a church or cathedral

Myvatn Nature Baths showing a luxury hotel or resort and a hot spring

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Northern Iceland must see attractions

1. Lake Myvatn

Discover a lunar-like landscape of craters, geothermal caves, bubbling mud pools, sulphur springs and twisted rock formations when you explore the area around Lake Myvatn. This large body of fresh water was formed more than 2,000 years ago by a massive eruption, and the surroundings are still volcanically active.

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Myvatn showing a lake or waterhole and a sunset

2. Myvatn Nature Baths

Mývatn Nature Baths consists of a lagoon fed by natural hot springs amid picturesque terrain. Feel rising jets of vapor engulf you in the steam room, before you relax in the warm waters of the vast pool. The baths draw hot water from a depth of 8,200 feet (2,500 meters) below the ground.

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Myvatn Nature Baths featuring a hot spring and a luxury hotel or resort as well as a small group of people

3. Godafoss

One of Iceland’s most famous attractions, Godafoss is a glorious arch of falls with a width of 98 feet (30 meters). The roar of the line of water smashing through the river surface below is as loud as the waterfall is picturesque. Clamber over precarious rocks for a view from above the falls.

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Godafoss featuring a cascade and mist or fog

4. Dettifoss

Dettifoss is a powerful tour de force with an extraordinary rush of foamy water spiraling down a cliff. The roaring waterfall drops a distance of 147 feet (45 meters) and has a width of 328 feet (100 meters). Hike around the picturesque region to reach the waterfall and admire its vastness.

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5. Hof - Cultural Center and Conference Hall

Treat yourself to a rich program of artistic endeavors at the Hof Cultural Center and Conference Hall. Take in musicals, concerts, children's shows, stand up performances, art exhibitions and much more. This circular building covered in Icelandic columnar basalt sits on the edge of a harbor. Before going inside, devote a few minutes to studying the building’s impressive form.

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Akureyri featuring modern architecture and street scenes

What to do in Northern Iceland

Discover the most popular places to visit in Northern Iceland

Lake Myvatn

Explore the caves, craters, lava fields and curiously shaped rock formations at this volcanic wonderland in the north of Iceland.

Myvatn Nature Baths

Relax with a massage in the geothermal pools and enjoy a bath over natural steam jets in this scenic site.

Godafoss

Appreciate a view of the impressive horseshoe shape of the Waterfall of the Gods and go hiking alongside the foamy rapids of the Skjálfandafljót River.

Dettifoss

Marvel at the dynamism of nature at this waterfall, which is the highlight in a series of chutes along the river.

Hof - Cultural Center and Conference Hall

Whether you are attending a conference or want to be entertained by music, theater or art, this waterfront building has it covered.

Hvitserkur

You can find out about the history of Hvammstangi when you stop by Hvitserkur. Wander the riverfront and beaches while you're in the area.

Akureyri Church

Marvel at the stained-glass panel and the huge pipe organ that are among the treasures of this modern church that towers over the city.

A beautiful collection of peat roofed buildings next to an attractive church in Glaumbær, Iceland

Skagafjordur Folk Museum

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Skagafjordur Folk Museum during your travels in Glaumbær. Discover the area's hot springs and mountain views.

Although we visited this beautiful country during the early winter, we can only imagine how the summer would look in all these places. We snapped this shot just outside the bay, dreaming of what the midnight sun would look like. #WATravels #MyStopover

Husavik Harbour

Explore the waterfront in Husavik with a trip to Husavik Harbour. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Northern Iceland

Akureyri featuring sailing, boating and general coastal views

Akureyri City Center

4.5/5(40 area reviews)

Though Akureyri City Center might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Akureyri Botanical Garden and Forest Lagoon.

Oddeyrin

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

When in Oddeyrin, you can plan a visit to Akureyri Botanical Garden and Forest Lagoon, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Giljahverfi

Though Giljahverfi might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Akureyri Botanical Garden and Mud Pots.