North Iceland Itinerary: 5 Days from Akureyri

North Iceland offers a magnificent landscape of volcanic wonders, powerful waterfalls, and geothermal phenomena that rival anything found along the more crowded Ring Road. This five-day itinerary from Akureyri, Iceland's unofficial northern capital, provides comprehensive coverage of the region's highlights whilst maintaining a realistic pace for travellers seeking both adventure and cultural immersion.

Day 1: Akureyri and the Tröllaskagi Peninsula

Begin your northern adventure by exploring Akureyri itself, a charming town of 19,000 inhabitants nestled at the head of Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord at 60km. Start at Akureyrarkirkja, the striking modernist church designed by Guðjón Samúelsson and completed in 1940. The church's distinctive stepped tower provides excellent views across the town and fjord.

Drive north on Route 82 towards the Tröllaskagi Peninsula, one of Iceland's most dramatically mountainous regions. The 67km journey to Dalvík takes you through spectacular scenery, with peaks rising directly from the sea to heights exceeding 1,400m. Stop at the Arctic Coast Way viewpoint near Ólafsfjörður for photographs of the town's remarkable setting, squeezed between towering mountains and the Greenland Sea.

In Dalvík, visit the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum (admission 1,500 ISK), where the Hildibrandsson family has been producing fermented shark for five generations. The museum provides genuine insight into this centuries-old preservation method, essential for survival in historical Iceland.

Return via Route 82, stopping at Hrísey Island if time permits. The 7.5km² island, accessible by a 15-minute ferry (adults 1,760 ISK return), hosts Iceland's largest arctic tern colony and offers excellent hiking trails with minimal tourist crowds.

**Accommodation**: Stay at Hotel Kea in central Akureyri or the boutique Icelandair Hotel Akureyri for harbour views.

Day 2: Lake Mývatn and Krafla

Depart early for Lake Mývatn, 103km east via Route 1. This shallow lake, formed by lava damming 2,300 years ago, sits within one of Iceland's most active volcanic regions. The name translates to "Midge Lake," referencing the vast clouds of non-biting midges that support the area's remarkable bird diversity.

Begin at Skútustaðagígar, a collection of pseudocraters formed when lava flowed over wet ground, creating steam explosions. These formations differ from true volcanic craters as they never contained magma chambers. The 2.5km walking trail provides excellent views across the lake's distinctive volcanic landscape.

Continue to Dimmuborgir, the "Dark Castles," where 2,000-year-old lava formations create cathedral-like structures. The geological phenomenon occurred when a lava lake partially drained, leaving hollow formations that subsequently collapsed into the current maze of pillars and caves. Follow the circular trail (2.3km) to reach Kirkjan ("The Church"), a natural arch resembling Gothic architecture.

Afternoon exploration should focus on Námafjall Hverir, a high-temperature geothermal area featuring fumaroles, mud pools, and sulphur deposits. The area reaches temperatures of 200°C just beneath the surface. Exercise extreme caution; stick to marked paths and never touch the ground near geothermal features.

End the day at Krafla Power Station and caldera. The caldera, measuring 10km in diameter, represents one of Iceland's most active volcanic systems. The power station harnesses geothermal energy from depths reaching 2,100m, generating electricity for Iceland's aluminium smelting industry.

**Accommodation**: Fosshotel Mývatn or Vogafjós Guesthouse, where you can dine whilst watching cows being milked through glass windows.

Day 3: Húsavík and Whale Watching

Travel north 55km via Route 87 to Húsavík, Iceland's whale watching capital. This picturesque fishing town of 2,300 inhabitants sits on Skjálfandi Bay, one of Europe's premier whale watching destinations. The nutrient-rich waters attract over 20 cetacean species, with humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises commonly observed.

Begin at the Húsavík Whale Museum (admission 2,900 ISK), housed in a former slaughterhouse overlooking the harbour. The museum contains complete skeletons of 11 whale species and provides essential context for understanding North Atlantic marine ecosystems. The blue whale skeleton, measuring 20m, represents the museum's centrepiece.

Book a whale watching tour with either Gentle Giants or North Sailing. Traditional oak boats offer a more authentic experience, whilst modern vessels provide greater comfort in rough weather. Tours operate March through October, with success rates exceeding 95% during summer months. Expect to pay 11,900 ISK for adults (3-hour tours).

After whale watching, explore Húsavíkurkirkja, built in 1907 from Norwegian timber. The church's distinctive cross-shaped design and waterfront location make it one of Iceland's most photographed religious buildings.

If weather prevents whale watching, visit Ásbyrgi Canyon (65km south), a horseshoe-shaped formation 3.5km long and up to 100m high. Norse mythology attributes its creation to Sleipnir, Odin's eight-legged horse, though geologists explain it as a result of catastrophic glacial flooding 8,000-10,000 years ago.

**Accommodation**: Fosshotel Húsavík or Guesthouse Hvammur for budget-conscious travellers.

Day 4: Dettifoss and the Diamond Circle

Today focuses on the Diamond Circle, North Iceland's answer to the famous Golden Circle. Drive south to Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall by volume. Located 24km from Route 1 via the partially paved Route 862, Dettifoss drops 45m with an average flow rate of 193 cubic metres per second.

The waterfall's raw power becomes immediately apparent from either viewing platform. The eastern platform (Route 864) offers closer views but requires a longer drive on gravel roads. The western platform provides excellent photography opportunities with easier access. Budget 2-3 hours for the complete experience, including the short hike to viewpoints.

Continue north to Selfoss, a 10m-high horseshoe-shaped waterfall upstream from Dettifoss. Though smaller, Selfoss offers more intimate viewing opportunities and often superior photographic conditions due to reduced spray and mist.

Drive north via Route 85 to complete the Diamond Circle at Ásbyrgi Canyon if not visited yesterday. The canyon forms part of Vatnajökull National Park and features a small lake (Botnstjörn) surrounded by birch woodland—unusual vegetation for this latitude.

The afternoon can be spent exploring Jökulsárgljúfur gorge, carved by the powerful Jökulsa á Fjöllum river over thousands of years. The gorge extends 25km from Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi, containing numerous smaller waterfalls and unique geological formations.

**Accommodation**: Return to previous night's accommodation in Húsavík or stay at Hotel Egilsen for a more central location.

Day 5: Goðafoss and the Return to Akureyri

On your final day, visit Goðafoss ("Waterfall of the Gods"), located 45km south of Húsavík via Route 85. This historically significant waterfall gained its name in 1000 AD when lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw his pagan idols into the falls after Iceland's conversion to Christianity.

The 12m-high, 30m-wide waterfall offers excellent viewing from both sides of the Skjálfandafljót river. The eastern bank provides the classic view featured in countless photographs, whilst the western side offers different perspectives and typically fewer crowds. The short walking paths are well-maintained and suitable for all fitness levels.

Consider a detour to Laufás turf houses (20km south via Route 83), one of Iceland's best-preserved examples of traditional architecture. Built between 1840-1870, the buildings demonstrate how Icelanders adapted to harsh climatic conditions using locally available materials. Guided tours (1,500 ISK) operate May through September.

Return to Akureyri via Route 1 (50km), allowing time for final exploration of Iceland's northern capital. Visit the Akureyri Art Museum (free admission) or browse the excellent selection of Icelandic wool products at Geys

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