Iceland · North Iceland
North Iceland
Akureyri, Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss and the Diamond Circle
From Reykjavík
5 h drive / 45 min fly
Main town
Akureyri
Best time
Jun–Sep
Nearest airport
Akureyri (AEY)
Road conditions
Paved Ring Road
Top activity
Whale watching
Must See
Featured Attractions
Iceland's most iconic sights in North Iceland
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North Iceland Map
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Where to Stay
Hotels in North Iceland
Handpicked places to stay across the region
Where to Eat
Restaurants in North Iceland
Featured places to eat and drink
Know Before You Go
Travel Tips
Local know-how for exploring North Iceland
Whale watching
Húsavík is Europe's whale-watching capital. Book June–August for the best sightings and bring motion-sickness tablets.
Midges
Lake Mývatn literally means 'midge lake'. In summer bring a head-net for the calm days around the water.
Winter roads
The road to Dettifoss (862/864) and mountain passes can close in winter. Check road.is before setting out.
Geothermal
Skip crowds at the Blue Lagoon — the Mývatn Nature Baths and GeoSea in Húsavík are cheaper and just as blissful.
Fuel
Akureyri and Húsavík have full services; fill up before the Mývatn–Dettifoss loop where stations are sparse.
Distances
The Diamond Circle is ~250 km. Give it a full day and start early in shoulder season for daylight.
Current Weather
Akureyri, North Iceland
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Related Guides
In-depth guides to plan your North Iceland trip
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about North Iceland
What is the Diamond Circle?
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A ~250 km loop in North Iceland linking Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss (Europe's most powerful waterfall), Ásbyrgi canyon and the whale-watching town of Húsavík.
Where is the best whale watching in Iceland?
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Húsavík in North Iceland — nicknamed the whale-watching capital of Europe — with high summer sighting rates for humpbacks, minke and even blue whales.
How do I get to North Iceland from Reykjavík?
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Drive the Ring Road (~5 hours to Akureyri) or fly Reykjavík–Akureyri in about 45 minutes.
Is Akureyri worth visiting?
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Yes — Iceland's 'Capital of the North' has a charming centre, botanical gardens, good restaurants, a ski resort and is the gateway to the whole region.
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