Although often overlooked in favour of Reykjavik and the South Coast, North Iceland is home to some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes, idyllic geothermal lagoons and picturesque coastal towns. And with direct flights from London Gatwick and Manchester to Akureyri operating from November 2024 through to March 2025, Iceland’s far north has never been easier to get to. Here’s why it should be firmly on your travel radar for the upcoming winter season…
1. See the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are a regular sight in North Iceland (Image: Visit North Iceland)
The Northern Lights can be seen anywhere in Iceland from around the middle of August to early April – the most important factor is finding clear skies – but there are a couple of reasons why the far north is particularly well suited to aurora hunting. Firstly, it’s closer to the Arctic Circle and therefore further inside the auroral oval (the zone where the Northern Lights are most frequently active, typically around 60-75° N) than the south. Whereas Reykjavik sits at 64.1° N, Akureyri sits at 65.7° N. Essentially, the further north you go, the lower the levels of solar activity you need in order to see the Northern Lights. Secondly, there’s much less light pollution in the north relative to the area in and around Reykjavik, making it easier to find a dark sky spot with excellent viewing conditions – even within a few minutes’ walk of downtown Akureyri.
2. Soak in Geothermal lagoons
Forest Lagoon, just outside of Akureyri (Image: Visit North Iceland)
North Iceland is home to several fabulous geothermal lagoons that certainly rival the likes of the Blue Lagoon and the Sky Lagoon in the south – and with lower prices, too. Just a five-minute drive from Akureyri is the Forest Lagoon, featuring two infinity pools carved into a wooded mountainside overlooking Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. A little further afield, there’s also the Myvatn Nature Baths, set among the rugged volcanic landscapes of the Lake Myvatn region, and the GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths, built into a cliffside on the outskirts of Husavik. Soaking in steaming, mineral rich water is an especially delightful experience when it’s cold outside – even better if you manage to see the Northern Lights while doing so.
3. Venture off the beaten track
Arctic Henge in Raufarhöfn, Iceland's northernmost village (Image: Visit North Iceland)
Although very few places in Iceland could be accurately described as ‘crowded’ – it is Europe’s most sparsely populated country, after all – the bulk of international visitors are drawn to a cluster of well-known attractions in and around Reykjavik, the Golden Circle and the South Coast. Tourism in the north, however, is much less wide-scale, while the settlements are much smaller and more spread out. Even Akureyri only has a population of around 19,000, which is smaller than some Reykjavik neighbourhoods, and you only have to drive 5-10 minutes before you’re out in open countryside. All of this creates the feeling of a place that’s somewhat wilder and further off the beaten track.
4. Discover stunning scenery in abundance
Godafoss waterfall (Image: Visit North Iceland)
Needless to say, the landscapes of Iceland’s far north are nothing short of spectacular, ranging from remote fjords and snow-capped mountains to thundering waterfalls and vast, eerie lava fields blistered by hissing fumaroles and belching mudpots. Some parts are surprisingly mellow, too, characterised by gently rolling meadows and grassy valleys that bloom with wildflowers in the summer months. You’ll even find a few forests dotted around, such as those on the outskirts of Akureyri and Siglufjörður – a relatively rare sight in a country with so few trees. The Diamond Circle route is a wonderful way to tick off several of the region’s most impressive landmarks, including the waterfalls of Godafoss and Dettifoss, Lake Myvatn and Asbyrgi Canyon.
5. Experience Akureyri’s cultural & culinary scene
Hof Cultural Centre, Akureyri (Image: Visit North Iceland)
For such a compact town, Akureyri punches well above its weight when it comes to culture and cuisine. There’s a thriving art scene here, best showcased at the Akureyri Art Museum on Kaupvangsstræti, while the Hof Cultural Center is an impressive architectural feat down by the waterfront, hosting regular concerts and theatre performances. As for the local restaurant scene, you’ll find everything from Icelandic fine dining at the likes of North (a sequel to the Michelin-starred Dill in Reykjavik) to Icelandic-Japanese fusion cooking at Rub23 and hearty, homemade soups, sandwiches and freshly baked cakes at Kaffi Ilmur and Bláa Kannan. Akureyri is also the home of Einstök Ölgerð, perhaps the most successful Icelandic craft brewery, whose beers you’ll find on draft in bars and pubs around the country.
