The North
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The North - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. 1238 The Battle of Iceland
This Sauðárkrókur attraction, enhanced by VR technology, presents an immersive exhibition based on the legendary and bloody chapter of Iceland’s history known as the Age...
This Sauðárkrókur attraction, enhanced by VR technology, presents an immersive exhibition based on the legendary and bloody chapter of Iceland’s history known as the Age of the Sturlungs (1220–1264), which marked the end of Iceland’s independence. At the on-site restaurant Grána Bistro, you can fill up on good local food.
Aðalgata 21, Northwest, 550, Iceland354-588–1238Sight Details
Rate Includes: ISK 3,450 -
2. Akureyrarkirkja
There are 112 steps leading up to Akureyri’s main church, which, with its striking facade, is also one of the town’s most iconic buildings. Designed...
There are 112 steps leading up to Akureyri’s main church, which, with its striking facade, is also one of the town’s most iconic buildings. Designed by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson, who also designed Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík, the church has provided a nice center point for the town since it was built in 1940. Interesting features include the windows, which illustrate moments in Iceland’s spiritual history. One window was believed to have been salvaged from Coventry Cathedral, which was destroyed during World War II.
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3. Akureyri Swimming Pool
Akureyri's excellent open-air pool is one of the best in the country. It features water slides, lap and wading pools, an indoor pool, hot tubs,...
Akureyri's excellent open-air pool is one of the best in the country. It features water slides, lap and wading pools, an indoor pool, hot tubs, and a steam bath.
Þingvallastræti 21, Akureyri, Northeast, 600, Iceland345-461–4455Sight Details
Rate Includes: ISK 1,100 -
4. Ásbyrgi
Legend has it that this extraordinary, horseshoe-shaped landmark is the hoofprint of Odin’s giant eight-legged horse, Sleipnir. Alternatively, it could have been created by a...
Legend has it that this extraordinary, horseshoe-shaped landmark is the hoofprint of Odin’s giant eight-legged horse, Sleipnir. Alternatively, it could have been created by a massive ancient glacial flood, although no reliable eyewitnesses were around at the time to confirm either story, so we’ll never know for sure. From the car park, several trails of varying lengths meander through the well-vegetated areas; the shortest and most popular trail (1 km) leads to the serene, green Botnstjörn Pond.
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5. Bjórböðin Beer Spa
With unlimited ice-cold Kaldi beer on tap within arm's reach, you won't be tempted to slurp your beer bathwater. Not that you could, anyway, as...
With unlimited ice-cold Kaldi beer on tap within arm's reach, you won't be tempted to slurp your beer bathwater. Not that you could, anyway, as the freshly run beer in these stylish kambala tubs is not for drinking. It's made with a blend of geothermal water and young unfermented beer with added brewer's yeast, rich in skin-conditioning B vitamins and minerals. They add some essential oils and beer soap, which creates a mildly fragrant foam on the top. After your 25-minute bath, plush carpets, warm blankets, and day beds await for post-bath relaxation. The spa is located in the town of Árskógssandi, just south of Dalvik.
Ægisgata 31, Northeast, 621, Iceland354-414–2828Sight Details
Rate Includes: ISK 11,900 -
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6. Byggðasafnið Hvoll
At the Dalvík Folk Museum, you can find out about the town's most celebrated locals, including Jóhann Svarfdælingur, the 2.25-meter (7-feet 4½-inch) tall "Viking Giant,"...
At the Dalvík Folk Museum, you can find out about the town's most celebrated locals, including Jóhann Svarfdælingur, the 2.25-meter (7-feet 4½-inch) tall "Viking Giant," who was for many years the tallest man in the world. A few of the rooms upstairs are dedicated to his life as a side-show performer and film star, and feature some of his custom-made clothes, costumes, and specially made furniture.
Karlsrauðatorg, Dalvik, Northeast, 620, Iceland460–4928Sight Details
Rate Includes: ISK 950, Closed Sept.–May -
7. Dettifoss
Europe’s most powerful waterfall dispatches an average flow of 193 meters cubed per second with a breathtaking force that makes the earth vibrate beneath your...
Europe’s most powerful waterfall dispatches an average flow of 193 meters cubed per second with a breathtaking force that makes the earth vibrate beneath your feet. The immense column of white-foaming water thunders over a 45-meter (147 feet) drop creating a magnificent and formidable vision of the sheer force of nature. Expect to see terrific rainbows when the sun is shining. From the parking lot off Route 862, there’s a 15-minute trail through otherworldly rocky plains. Dettifoss can also be viewed from the east side of the falls off Route 864 as well but this road can often be hazardous in winter so it's vital to check road conditions before setting out.
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8. Dimmuborgir
Southwest of Hverfjall is this mesmerizing lava field known as Dimmuborgir, or "Dark Castles," a labyrinth of tall and twisted formations where you can choose...
Southwest of Hverfjall is this mesmerizing lava field known as Dimmuborgir, or "Dark Castles," a labyrinth of tall and twisted formations where you can choose between short and longer signposted routes through the eerie yet enchanting landscape. The best views are available in September when the fiery reds and oranges of the dwarf birch trees contrast brilliantly with the jagged black peaks, crags, and crevices within. It's also fun to visit during the holiday season when the Icelandic Yule Lads take up residence in Dimmuborgir's many hiding spots.
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9. Drangey Island
With sheer vertical drops on all sides, Drangey rises sharply out of the sea, creating one of the region’s most iconic images. To the south...
With sheer vertical drops on all sides, Drangey rises sharply out of the sea, creating one of the region’s most iconic images. To the south of the island is a remarkable sea stack named Kerling ("old woman" in Icelandic) and farther east is the island Málmey. Besides hosting a legion of diving birds (puffins, guillemots, and auks), Drangey was once the home of legendary Saga hero Grettir, who spent the last three years of his life there in exile. The remains of his turf house can still be seen on the island.
Skagafjörður, Northwest, Iceland -
10. Flugsafn Íslands
Remarkable for several reasons, this aviation museum is home to a beautiful collection of antique aircraft and has been delighting folks with a passion for...
Remarkable for several reasons, this aviation museum is home to a beautiful collection of antique aircraft and has been delighting folks with a passion for planes since it opened in 1999. One of its fans is famous actor and pilot Harrison Ford, who tried to purchase an impressive 1960 edition of his favorite plane: the DHC Beaver. The museum also provides an insight into Iceland’s aviation history, which traces its roots back to Akureyri in 1937, when Icelandair was founded.
Akureyri, Northeast, 600, Iceland354-461–4400Sight Details
Rate Includes: ISK 1,500, Closed Oct.–Apr. -
11. Forest Lagoon
Just across the Eyjafjörður fjord from Akureyri city center lies the Forest Lagoon, Akureyri's own geothermal paradise in the Vaðlaskógur forest. With infinity pools, swim-up...
Just across the Eyjafjörður fjord from Akureyri city center lies the Forest Lagoon, Akureyri's own geothermal paradise in the Vaðlaskógur forest. With infinity pools, swim-up bars, a cold tub, sauna, bistro, and more, this upscale wooden retreat is warmed only by the interior heat of the mountain on which its carved. Go early for a prime spot to watch the sunrise.
Vaðlaskógur, Akureyri, Northeast, 605, Iceland585–0090Sight Details
Rate Includes: ISK 5,990 -
12. Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths
This beautiful infinity pool offers sensational Arctic views of the shimmering Skjálfandi Bay and the Flateyjarskagi Peninsula. While you relax in the geothermally heated seawater,...
This beautiful infinity pool offers sensational Arctic views of the shimmering Skjálfandi Bay and the Flateyjarskagi Peninsula. While you relax in the geothermally heated seawater, you can wave to folks on whale-watching tours sailing by and point with excitement at large whales breaching in the bay. The mineral-rich water is said to help with skin conditions such as psoriasis. Towel, swimsuit, and bathrobe rentals are available.
Vitaslóð 1, Húsavík, Northeast, 640, Iceland464–1210Sight Details
Rate Includes: ISK 5,500 -
13. Glaumbær
North of Varmahlíð on Route 75, Glaumbær is an excellent example of traditional Icelandic turf farms and features a church and several buildings, some of...
North of Varmahlíð on Route 75, Glaumbær is an excellent example of traditional Icelandic turf farms and features a church and several buildings, some of which date back to the 18th century. Among its fascinating artifacts is a beautifully crafted willow-root basket said to have been made by the legendary outlaw Fjalla-Eyvindur. Adding to its historical significance is the fact that Glaumbær is an ancient farmstead (existing long before the buildings we see today) and was once home to Guðríður Þorbjarnardóttir, the first European white woman to travel to America.
Glaumbær, Varmahlíð, Northwest, 561, Iceland453–6173Sight Details
Rate Includes: ISK 1,700, Closed late Oct.–Mar. except by request -
14. Goðafoss
North Iceland’s landmark waterfall dazzles with its symmetrical torrents, cascading thunderously into an impressive canyon cut through a 7,000-year-old lava field. Conveniently located just off...
North Iceland’s landmark waterfall dazzles with its symmetrical torrents, cascading thunderously into an impressive canyon cut through a 7,000-year-old lava field. Conveniently located just off the main road, Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods) is renowned not only for its beauty, but also for the Saga Age legend that gave it its name. As the story goes, in 1000 AD, Þorgeir of Ljósavatn decided that Iceland would peacefully adopt Christianity and cast the pagan idols into the falls.
Goðafoss, Northeast, Iceland -
15. Hljóðaklettar
The "Echo Cliffs" is an extraordinary labyrinth of rock formations, located on the west side of Jökulsárgjúfur canyon off Route 862. There are two trails...
The "Echo Cliffs" is an extraordinary labyrinth of rock formations, located on the west side of Jökulsárgjúfur canyon off Route 862. There are two trails from the parking lot to this remarkable attraction: one is a short (1 km) there-and-back path leading to a magnificent rock named The Troll, and another longer trail (3 km [1.85 miles]) takes a ring around the areas and is more challenging. The name of the attraction comes from the honeycomb textures of the rocks, which act as sound processors amplifying the reverberating sound of the river.
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16. Höfði
One of the main stops on the lake circuit, Höfði is an impressive nature spot, where peculiar twisted lava formations rise out of the water...
One of the main stops on the lake circuit, Höfði is an impressive nature spot, where peculiar twisted lava formations rise out of the water like giant gnarled fingers. It’s particularly pleasant during the summer, when the scenery is busy with blooming vegetation and colorful waterfowl. Look out for loons, the beautiful birds known to nest in the area.
Höfði, Mývatn, Northeast, 660, Iceland -
17. Hólmatungur
An extraordinary episode of nature can be found at Hólmatungur where unique rock formations frame a verdant, well-vegetated oasis bustling with cascading waterfalls and clear-water...
An extraordinary episode of nature can be found at Hólmatungur where unique rock formations frame a verdant, well-vegetated oasis bustling with cascading waterfalls and clear-water springs. Hólmatungur is accessed via Route 887. Nordic Natura offers drop-offs and pick-ups for those wishing to hike in the area.
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18. Húsavík Whale Museum
This excellent museum is entirely dedicated to whales with a number of splendid installations. The center provides detailed information on the whale's habitat along with...
This excellent museum is entirely dedicated to whales with a number of splendid installations. The center provides detailed information on the whale's habitat along with its biology and ecology. Learn about the species in the North Atlantic in detail, as well as whale stranding and natural history. The facility also includes a full and intact skeleton of a 25-meter-long blue whale.
Hafnarstétt 1, Húsavík, Northeast, 640, Iceland354-414–2800Sight Details
Rate Includes: ISK 2,200 -
19. Húsavíkurkirkja
A unique and unusually large church by Icelandic standards, Húsavíkurkirkja is the town’s most iconic landmark attraction and focal point of postcards and images. It...
A unique and unusually large church by Icelandic standards, Húsavíkurkirkja is the town’s most iconic landmark attraction and focal point of postcards and images. It was built to accommodate the entire community at the time it was built in 1907 and still serves the public with regular services and ceremonies. Some residents modeled for the large altar painting depicting the resurrection of Lazurus, but not everyone was happy with the result.
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20. Hvítserkur
This legendary 15-meter sea stack is shaped remarkably like a giant rhino drinking from the sea. Fueling imaginations since time immemorial, Hvítserkur is said to...
This legendary 15-meter sea stack is shaped remarkably like a giant rhino drinking from the sea. Fueling imaginations since time immemorial, Hvítserkur is said to have been a night troll caught in the sunrise while making its way to the old convent at Þingeyrar to complain about the bells. Hvítserkur translates to "white shirt" and refers to the white color from the accumulation of bird droppings. To reach this obligatory photo op, turn off Route 711 north of Ósvar. A trail leads from the parking lot to a viewing platform.
Northwest, Iceland
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