A lesser-known alternative to the ever-popular Golden Circle, this curated route showcases the rich diversity of northern Iceland’s volcanic and geological features. You’ll start early with the drive out from Akureyri, crossing the beautiful Eyjafjörður fjord for some spectacular views of the town’s backdrop mountain backdrop. Then, it’s on to Goðafoss waterfall – a 30-metre-high behemoth said to be the resting place of ancient Norse statues. It’s the perfect preamble to the green-framed beauty of Lake Myvatn, before your drive into the highlands brings you between giant rivers and iconic Dettifoss, Iceland’s most powerful waterfall.
In between, there’s plenty of opportunity to take in rugged canyons, steaming mud pits and the glacier-carved drama of Vatnajökull National Park. A journey along the cliffs and fishing villages of the Arctic coast will see you back to Akureyri. What’s more, those travelling between June and the middle of August are in for a special treat, with a stop at the Tjörnes Peninsula’s cliff-side puffin colony.
