Welcome to North Iceland
Iceland’s mammoth and magnificent north is a geologist’s heaven. A wonderland of moonlike lava fields, belching mudpots, epic waterfalls, snowcapped peaks and whale-filled bays – this is Iceland at its best. The region’s top sights are variations on a couple of themes: the grumbling, volcanically active earth and water and ice coursing towards the broad coast.
Top experiences in North Iceland
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North Iceland activities
Day Trip to Lake Mývatn and Powerful Dettifoss from Akureyri
First drive along the coast of Eyjafjordur. Begin by stopping at Goðafoss, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland, on your way to Dettifoss and lake Mývatn. The lake was created by a large basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago, and the surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms, including lava pillars and rootless vents. Stop at the hot spring area at Hverarönd in Námaskarð. Then it comes to one of the most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss. On the way back we come to the unique lava formations of Dimmuborgir which are among the most popular tourist attractions in the Myvatn area and also in Skútustaðagígar (pseudo crater area). Your last stop is in Eyjafjordur where you can see over the fjord to Akureyri.
Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri
Here is your chance to see the incredible Eyjafjord Humpbacks in their natural habitat. The warmth of the summer sun brings vibrant life and a plenitude of food to the fjord and following it, in a feeding frenzy, come the larger-than-life humpbacks. Our specially trained whale watching guides are experts at spotting the wildlife and telling you all about their behaviors, any question you have, we promise you an answer. Our ship is the only high speed, specially modified, whale watching ship in Iceland. Capable of carrying 200 passengers with unsurpassed views from our “cinema style” viewing platforms. Its speed allows us to reach viewing areas deep in the Eyjafjord, leaving no area unexplored. With ample indoor and outdoor seating, bar and cafeteria, you can be sure that the ride is comfortable and pleasant even at speed.Come and experience the whales and wildlife with us!
Husavik Whale-Watching Tour Aboard a Traditional Oak Ship
Experience the Original Húsavík Whale Watching tour that has built a reputation for the town of Húsavík as the capital of whale watching in Iceland. Discover the magnificent nature of Skjálfandi bay observing whales, dolphins and sea birds in their natural habitat.Enjoy the smooth, safe sailing of a traditional Icelandic oak ship and treat your self to a cup of hot cocoa and traditional Icelandic scones. The Original Húsavík Whale Watching tour is an authentic widlife adventure by the pioneers of whale watching in Iceland.
Big Whale Safari and Puffins Tour from Húsavík
The Big Whale Safari & Puffins is an exciting 2,5-hour tour on a modern RIB speedboat, allowing passengers to explore a wider area of Skjálfandi Bay in search of its gentle inhabitants. With the high speed, the boats can get faster around and increase the chances of spotting some of the bigger whales, such as the majestic blue whale and the acrobatic humpback whale.For nature lovers, this tour also includes a visit to Puffin Island during the breeding season (April 15th – August 20th). This small island is swarming with thousands of the colourfully-beaked birds, often called “The Clowns of the Ocean”.Your specialized guide will explain the safety and comfort on board as well as give you commentary on the wildlife and sights encountered. At the end of the tour, you will be served a little surprise from Húsavík’s only winemaker.
White Water Rafting Day Trip from Hafgrímsstaðir: Grade 4 Rafting on the East Glacial River
This whitewater adventure delivers an unforgettable journey into the untamed beauty of Iceland’s river wilderness and a dose of adrenaline strong enough to satisfy the most powerful of cravings. For those traveling to Iceland with a thirst for adventure, this day trip is not to be missed. Make your way to the rafting base in Hafgrímsstaðir where your adenture starts. Begin with a coffee while meeting your international team of guides at the river base, where you will get prepared and dressed into drysuits for the trip. From there, the rafting bus follows the road deep into the Austurdalur wilderness to the put-in point for the raft on the famous East Glacial River canyon. After a full explanation, demonstration, and training with your guides and safety kayakers, hit the water for a 3-hour, 18km descent of rapids such as "Alarm Clock", "Commitment", "Screaming Lady", "Green Room", "Deep Fry", "Waterfall", and many more. Conditions permitting, cap off your paddle with an 8-metre cliff jump and a swim in the energizing glacial waters.Along the way, enjoy a riverside snack of freshly-baked waffles, jam, whipped cream, and hot chocolate, all homemade at the only farmhouse left in the valley and sent down into the canyon on a wire!
Family Rafting Day Trip from Hafgrímsstaðir: Grade 2 White Water Rafting on the West Glacial River
This afternoon family-friendly adventure delivers an unforgettable, hands-on journey into the untamed beauty of northern Iceland’s river wilderness. Make your way to the rafting base in Hafgrímsstaðir where your adventure starts. Begin by meeting your international team of guides at the river base, where you will get prepared and dressed in drysuits for your trip. From there, the rafting bus will take you on the short road to the put-in point for the raft at the West Glacial River. After a full explanation, demonstration, and training with your guides, push off from the river bank for a 90-minute, 10km descent of gentle rapids, spectacular scenery, and riverside hot springs. Conditions permitting, boost your excitement with a friendly cliff jump and a swim in the bubbling glacial waters of northern Iceland. Along the way, enjoy a steaming cup of hot cocoa made directly with natural hot water from a riverside hot spring!