North East
A region of diverse and incredible natural beauty. During the height of the summer, witness the full effect of the midnight sun as it dips towards the horizon, and barely touches it before rising again, swathing the landscape in a beautiful golden light.
| LAKE MYVATN | ||
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A showcase of craters and volcanic and geothermal oddities surrounds this enormous lake which, in summer, is a magnet for birds. See, hear and smell the bubbling mud pools at Namaskard; hike amongst eerie lava formations at Dimmuborgir and keep watch for the hidden people! | |
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Take a dip in the soothing Nature Baths and at Krafla, visitors can walk on lava and literally feel the power of nature under their feet. En route between Myvatn and Husavik take a small detour to visit Grenjadarstadur, a wonderful old turf parsonage and folk museum (open June to August) - nearby is the Laxa Power Station. | |
| JOKULSA CANYON | ||
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This rugged canyon was formed several thousands of years ago and at its deepest, its 100m high walls look down over the raging Jokulsa River. Don’t miss thundering Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall which, as you walk towards it from the road, you will hear long before you see it. Just downstream, the falls at Hafragilsfoss though not as high, are equally as magnificent viewed from the east bank. | |
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Access to the chaotic Hljodaklettar volcanic plugs and basalt columns is from the west side, where a walking trail runs the 25km length of the canyon. Continue to Asbyrgi, a horse-shoe shaped gorge approximately 3.5km in length and 1.1km wide with a distinctive rock formation in its centre. Park up and walk through a forest (a rarity in Iceland!) to the sheer 100m high bird cliffs and a silent pond at the head of the gorge. | |
| HUSAVIK | ||
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Visit this quaint northern town if you have an interest in all things ‘cetacean’. Also known as the whale watching capital of Europe, the harbour side Whale Museum has an interesting collection of artefacts and skeletons and is both educational and informative. Husavik is also the ideal location for a whale watching excursion; set sail from here out into Skjalfandi Bay aboard a converted oak fishing boat. | |
| GODAFOSS | ||
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The ‘waterfall of the gods’ can be found near to Lake Myvatn and is said to be one of the most beautiful in Iceland. At 30m wide and with a 12m drop, it is certainly very photogenic. | |
| RAUFARHOFN | ||
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This is a small town on the Melrakkasletta Peninsula, whose tip is virtually on the Arctic Circle, making it mainland Iceland's most northerly point. Known for its superb bird watching, hiking and fly fishing opportunities, the peninsula is characterised by inlets, lagoons and deserted beaches. The pond in the centre of town is a bird sanctuary. | |
| RAUDANES | ||
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Sited midway between Raufarhofn and Thorshofn, this coastal peninsula boasts a fantastic array of columnar basalt cliffs and natural stone arches, all the more impressive when pounded by a north-easterly gale! | |
Suggested itineraries
Northern Highlights »
Culture & Nature »
Iceland 'Jigsaw' North - Guided Touring »
The Icelandic Way »
We also offer a wide collection of multi-centre itineraries which feature time in the North of Iceland. Find out more »
Holidays at a glance
About Iceland
- Introduction»
- Regions of Iceland
- Getting There
- Transfers»
- Iceland FAQs»
- Useful Links»
- Whale Watching»
- Iceland Videos»
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Show Me More»Our trip to Iceland was truly awesome and the whole trip went extremely smoothly. The Icelandic people were brilliant. Iceland is a fantastic destination for a break, especially for out door types like myself.
Mrs Francis, Reykjavik City Break
