From whale watching, spas with incredible views, to one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe – North Iceland has a lot to discover!
North Iceland
© Visit Iceland
© Visit Iceland
A word from our travel specialist
A visit to North Iceland is packed with incredible natural sights.
The Diamond Circle is often called the North’s answer to the Golden Circle, and it’s easy to see why. This beautiful route takes you to some of the most impressive spots around, from the roaring Dettifoss waterfall, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, to volcanic landscapes, bubbling geothermal areas, and peaceful lakes. Plus, you can take a well-earned break at the Mývatn Baths, a lovely geothermal spa set in stunning surroundings.
The North has its own unique highlights that are just as amazing as the South’s, giving you a chance to experience Iceland’s, rugged beauty.
My top spot in the North is Dimmuborgir (or the Dark Forts), an area full of dramatic lava formations where trolls and dark entities roam, supposedly.
Helga
Nordic Experience Specialist
© Icelandic Explorer
North Iceland, Designed Around You
Akureyri is known as the capital of the North of Iceland it is the perfect location to get out and explore this part of Iceland whether that is getting in a car and driving the Arctic Coastway, heading to Myvatn to witness the most powerful waterfall in Europe (Dettifoss), whale watching from Husavik, or heading to beautiful Siglufjörður!
Tailor-Made Ways to Experience North Iceland
Whale watch, canyon hike, or simply savour the solitude—North Iceland offers rich experiences, made to measure.
Where to Stay: Handpicked for You
Our curated accommodation in North Iceland places you at the heart of the region’s natural drama—expect welcoming stays, geothermal spas, and cosy mountain lodges.
Eldar Lodge
A haven of comfort, luxury and tranquility, with stunning views of nature
Deplar Farm
With two helipads, arrive in style at this super-luxury accommodation
Panorama Glass Lodge
Amazing sunsets and sunrises, watching the northern lights from your bed
Hotel Kea
Overlooking a stunning fjord, classic charm, in an unbeatable locationThe Guidebook
Explore North Iceland
North Iceland is one incredible place to discover a whole host of activities and natural wonders. For a start you can head out whale watching from Húsavík, Iceland’s whale watching capital, and allow yourself the chance to spot mink, humpback, and (if you are really lucky) blue whale.
In one direction you can discover Myvatn and marvel at the bubbling mud pools, Europe’s most powerful waterfall Dettifoss, and soak in their nature baths. You might want to head in the other direction and discover Siglufjörður – Nordic Noir fans might recognise this location from the famous Iceland TV Series Trapped but you will also discover Iceland’s largest maritime museum from the herring ere.
Then there is Akureyri which is Iceland’s second city! A perfect hub to explore what the North can offer!
Getting There
With Akureyri being based up in the North you have a couple of options to consider to get up there. One is to get the internal flight that operations from Reykjavik City Airport – the alternative is that you drive up there and that way you can take in all the other scenery Iceland has to offer in its other regions. Just to be sure to prepare for a couple of night’s stopovers if you wanted to opt for that.
Climate
Despite its name, Iceland is not necessarily that cold. Winter temperatures are an average of 3.6°C, and summer temperatures average around 15°C. In the summertime, you can enjoy long, extended hours of sunshine and in the wintertime, the nights can get dark enough for you to see the Northern Lights as long as you are away from light pollution!
Geography
Iceland is world-famous for its geology and geography. With huge mountain ranges and an active geothermal country with many geysers, hot springs and volcanic formations to be found – it is a breath-taking landscape for those after an adventure.
Iceland offers some of the best waterfalls in Europe, such as the Dettifoss regarded as the most powerful waterfall in the whole of Europe.
With a latitude of 64° north, Reykjavik offers a perfect base from which to embark on a Northern Lights adventure.
Shared Experiences
From Our Customers
I would thoroughly recommend this company. Their planning and advice was spot on. Alex responded to my calls and emails very promptly. I will definitely use them again for future trips.
Rosie
The best travel experience ever on every level you can think of during a Lapland expedition (food, activities, timings, accommodation, transport, service, equipment…). I highly recommend Off The Map Travel for their outstanding level of professionalism and detail oriented mindset!
Sophie & Guy
We originally hired Off the Map Travel in 2020 to set up a trip to see the Northern Lights. That didn’t happen, thanks to COVID. But, we persisted and in March of 2023, we took a 16-day trip that included both Iceland and Norway. IT WAS MAGICAL! Off the Map took care of everything! We were pampered at every stage of our trip. The people they hired and the activities they planned added up to a trip that will set the standard for any we’ll ever take in the future. Alex and his team were fabulous! We recommend them without restraint!
Jim & Kris
Amy was a great help with planning this trip. Our trip turned out amazing. I also was very grateful for Off the Map’s Front Desk service, which promptly handled an on the spot issue we had.
Karen
I used OTMT to organise a holiday to see the Northern Lights for my partner’s 50th birthday. They took the time to understand my priorities, the kinds of places we like to stay and the things we like to do. They recommended a fabulous itinerary in Norway centred around the Lyngen Experience Lodge. The holiday itself lived up to expectations and I have no hesitation in recommending OTMT. They listened carefully during the planning and delivered the perfect present for my partner.
Alex
Off the Map Travel was great! Alex helped us plan the most amazing 10 day honeymoon to Iceland. He gave us great recommendations and was so patient with us during the planning process!
Tori