Northern Iceland

The day begins with a drive along Iceland’s Ring Road, Route 1, heading north. When you reach Northwest Iceland, you turn onto Road 72 and follow the coast around the Vatnsnes Peninsula. The scenery here is dramatic and varied, with cliffs, fjords, small villages, and vast open landscapes that make every stop a photo opportunity.

Along the way, a stop in Hvammstangi is recommended — a small town with charm and a close connection to the sea. Continue to Hvitserkur, the impressive basalt formation that resembles an ancient dragon standing in the ocean. At Vidimyri Church, a traditional turf church set in open countryside, you get a glimpse into historic Icelandic architecture. The day ends in Akureyri, the largest town in North Iceland, surrounded by fjords and snow-covered mountains. Here you’ll find botanical gardens, cozy cafés, and stunning viewpoints.

Overnight: Akureyri

Highlights:
• Hvammstangi
• Hvitserkur
• Vidimyri Church
• Akureyri

From Akureyri, you head east along Route 1 and then turn onto Road 85 toward Húsavík. This day takes you along the Arctic Coast Way, offering views of towering cliffs, wide fjords, and small fishing villages.

A natural stop is Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” where the powerful cascade creates a magical atmosphere. In Húsavík, you can stroll along the harbor and experience the charming fishing village with its colorful houses. At Ásbyrgi, the horseshoe-shaped canyon filled with lush greenery, the landscape feels almost mythical. You also pass Hljóðaklettar and Hraunhafnartangi before reaching Raufarhöfn, located on the far north coast.

You will stay overnight in Raufarhöfn/Þórshöfn.

Highlights:
• Goðafoss
• Húsavík
• Jökulsárgljúfur National Park
• Ásbyrgi
• Hljóðaklettar
• Hraunhafnartangi
• Raufarhöfn
• The Arctic Henge

The day takes you south along Road 85 on the Arctic Coast. You pass small coastal villages such as Þórshöfn, Bakkafjörður, and Vopnafjörður, where characteristic Icelandic nature unfolds in vast, open landscapes. On the way toward the Möðrudalur highlands, you make a detour to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, where the sheer force of the glacial meltwater and the mist rising from the falls create an unforgettable experience.

You reach the Mývatn area in the afternoon, where you will stay for two nights. The surroundings of the lake offer geothermal fields, lava formations, and unique birdlife.

Highlights:
• Raðanes
• Langanes
• Bakkafjörður
• Möðrudalur
• Dettifoss
• Mývatn

Spend the day discovering Mývatn and its spectacular natural surroundings. Explore the lava field of Dimmuborgir with its tower-like formations, the hiking trails around Krafla and Leirhnjúkur, and enjoy a relaxing bath in the geothermal Nature Bath. Don’t forget to visit the Grjótagjá cave with its warm spring water, a place that has also gained fame through film and television.

You will spend another night in Mývatn.

Highlights:
• Lake Mývatn
• Dimmuborgir
• Krafla and Leirhnjúkur
• Nature Bath
• Grjótagjá

Today’s journey takes you back along the Ring Road to Reykjavík. You pass the Holtavörðuheiði heath and Borgarfjörður, with the option to stop at Reykholt, Húsafell, and the Grábrók crater. You can choose either the underwater tunnel beneath Hvalfjörður or the scenic route along the fjord, which takes about 45 minutes longer but offers fantastic views of mountains and coastline.

You will spend the night in Reykjavík.

Highlights:
• Grábrók crater
• Deildartunguhver
• Reykholt
• Borgarnes
• Settlement Center
• Hvalfjörður