The Ultimate Guide to North Iceland

North Iceland is home to remote hiking trails, rich marine life, and fishing villages. The region’s proximity to the Arctic Circle also makes it the best place to view the spectacular Northern Lights.

With the new coastal route known as the Arctic Coast Way opening up this summer, the North won’t remain under the radar for long. Don't miss your chance to see it without the crowds!

North Iceland’s early history is recorded in the Landnámabók Saga, a medieval text about the original settlement of Iceland. The Saga tells of the founding of Akureyri, the largest city in North Iceland, by Irish Viking Helgi Magri Eyvindarson. However, harsh weather conditions made life in the North difficult.

By the 1500s, villages and towns along the northern coast were dotted with warehouses and shops owned by Danish traders.  Large residential areas didn’t appear until the late 18th century, when Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, was granted a royal charter.

The region began to develop more rapidly around a century later. Fishing, farming, and trading became the main industries.

North Iceland’s economy remained fairly small until World War II, when the Allies invaded Iceland to keep it out of German hands. The U.S. established an airbase in Keflavik and used North Iceland to protect crucial shipping routes between Europe and North America. This development caused the region to modernize and grow exponentially. Since then, North Iceland has continued to evolve.

The weather in North Iceland differs from conditions in the South. You can expect mild winters and short, cool summers. Temperatures hover between 20-35° F in the winter (November to April) and rise to highs between 55-60° F in the summer. 

Snowfall is common during the winter and the days are short, creating ideal conditions for snowmobiling and seeing the Northern Lights. Summer is usually dry and cool, allowing for outdoor activities like hiking and horse riding. 

North Iceland’s spring is slightly shorter than the South’s, running from mid-April through May.  In the spring, snow begins to thaw and vegetation flourishes. Migrating seabirds return to shore, while glacial rivers swell with fish. Spring is also quieter and generally cheaper than summer, making it a perfect time for anyone visiting Iceland on a budget.  

North Iceland comes alive between July and late August. Whale watching, hiking, fishing, river rafting, kayaking, and horse riding are all popular in the summer months. Best of all, these activities can be done late into the night under the Midnight Sun. Summer is the busiest tourist season in Iceland, so trails may be more crowded and hotels slightly more expensive.  

North Iceland’s autumn lasts from late August until late October. This is the most colorful time of year as the leaves turn various shades of yellow and red. The first snows usually haven’t arrived yet, so most outdoor activities are still available. Hiking trails are also quieter than in the summer. Lucky travelers may even spot the Northern Lights. 

Iceland’s long winter runs from early November to early April, and a chance to ski, snowmobile, and hike on a glacier. The ethereal Northern Lights often dance at night. On New Year’s Eve, the sky over Reykjavik erupts into fireworks. 

North Iceland offers a range of excellent hotel options throughout the region. Akureyri is the best option if you’re looking to stay in a built-up area. Other popular locations include the whale-watching hubs of Húsavík and Dalvík and the area around Lake Mývatn. You can also find plenty of remote hotels and cottages throughout the countryside.

• Hotel Dalvík – A cozy hotel offering beautiful views in one of Iceland’s whale-watching hubs
• Brimnes Hotel – An incredible lakeside hotel situated on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula
• Fosshotel Mývatn – A 92-room hotel perched on the edge of idyllic Lake Myvatn
• Hotel Akureyri – A luxury waterfront hotel offering gorgeous views and easy access to the capital of the North 

Air Iceland operates internal flights between Reykjavik and Akureyri. These flights run several times a day and last just 25 minutes. Eagle Air also operates domestic flights between Reykjavik and Húsavík, ideal for anyone planning a whale-watching tour. 

Strætó operates direct buses between Reykjavik and Akureyri. They run 7 days a week and can be booked at www.straeto.is. The distance between Reykjavik and Akureyri is 236 mi (380 km) and the trip lasts around 6.5 hours, depending on the season.

You can drive to Akureyri either clockwise or counterclockwise around the Ring Road. Clockwise will be shorter, only about 4-5 hours. A drive counterclockwise from the South will take you around 6-7 hours without any stops. In the summertime, you can also drive Kjölur road (Route F35), which snakes through the middle of the country.

North Iceland is home to many incredible places just waiting to be explored. 

Perched on the edge of Eyjafjörður Peninsula, the capital of the North is home to around 20,000 residents. Despite its relatively small size, Akureyri has a rich cultural scene, including chic cafés, trendy bars, and traditional art galleries. The city is known for its colorful houses and the iconic Akureyri Church that dominates its skyline. 

Mývatn is a geothermal lake in North Iceland. The lake is considered one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. The Mývatn Nature Baths is a geothermally heated spa and North of Iceland’s equivalent to the Blue Lagoon. The area around Mývatn is home to otherworldly Námafjall Mountain and Grjótagjá, a volcanic cave featured in Game of Thrones.