What to do in Northern Iceland

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Northern Iceland

Types of activities

Where to stay

Northern Iceland travel guide

Godafoss showing mist or fog and a waterfall

Akureyri which includes interior views and modern architecture

Akureyri Church featuring a church or cathedral

Myvatn Nature Baths showing a luxury hotel or resort and a hot spring

Places to Visit in Northern Iceland

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Northern Iceland, Iceland while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Northern Iceland attractions from NZ$14, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Northern Iceland tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 40 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Northern Iceland. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Lake Myvatn

Discover a lunar-like landscape of craters, geothermal caves, bubbling mud pools, sulphur springs and twisted rock formations when you explore the area around Lake Myvatn. This large body of fresh water was formed more than 2,000 years ago by a massive eruption, and the surroundings are still volcanically active.

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Myvatn showing a sunset and a lake or waterhole

2. Godafoss

One of Iceland’s most famous attractions, Godafoss is a glorious arch of falls with a width of 98 feet (30 meters). The roar of the line of water smashing through the river surface below is as loud as the waterfall is picturesque. Clamber over precarious rocks for a view from above the falls.

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Godafoss which includes a cascade and mist or fog

3. Myvatn Nature Baths

Mývatn Nature Baths consists of a lagoon fed by natural hot springs amid picturesque terrain. Feel rising jets of vapor engulf you in the steam room, before you relax in the warm waters of the vast pool. The baths draw hot water from a depth of 8,200 feet (2,500 meters) below the ground.

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Myvatn Nature Baths showing a hot spring and a luxury hotel or resort as well as a small group of people

4. Dettifoss

Dettifoss is a powerful tour de force with an extraordinary rush of foamy water spiraling down a cliff. The roaring waterfall drops a distance of 147 feet (45 meters) and has a width of 328 feet (100 meters). Hike around the picturesque region to reach the waterfall and admire its vastness.

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5. Hof - Cultural Center and Conference Hall

Treat yourself to a rich program of artistic endeavors at the Hof Cultural Center and Conference Hall. Take in musicals, concerts, children's shows, stand up performances, art exhibitions and much more. This circular building covered in Icelandic columnar basalt sits on the edge of a harbor. Before going inside, devote a few minutes to studying the building’s impressive form.

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Recommended things to do in Northern Iceland

Number of things to do	40
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Self Guided Walk through Reykjavik's Highlights: NZ$14
Top 5 things to do	The Golden Circle, Kerid Volcanic Crater & Blue Lagoon Visit City Sightseeing Reykjavik Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Optional Extras Golden Circle, Kerid Crater & Blue Lagoon Admission Tickets FlyOver Iceland – Reykjavík Whale Watching and Marine Life Tour in Reykjavik
Half-day tours	Whale Watching and Marine Life Tour in Reykjavik Whale Watching Cruise on a Yacht in Reykjavik Northern Lights Yacht Cruise in Reykjavik From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Sightseeing Cruise Northern Lights Cruise from City centre Reykjavik
With kids	The Golden Circle, Kerid Volcanic Crater & Blue Lagoon Visit City Sightseeing Reykjavik Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Optional Extras Golden Circle, Kerid Crater & Blue Lagoon Admission Tickets FlyOver Iceland – Reykjavík Whale Watching and Marine Life Tour in Reykjavik

What to do in Northern Iceland

Discover the most popular places to visit in Northern Iceland

Lake Myvatn

Explore the caves, craters, lava fields and curiously shaped rock formations at this volcanic wonderland in the north of Iceland.

Godafoss

Appreciate a view of the impressive horseshoe shape of the Waterfall of the Gods and go hiking alongside the foamy rapids of the Skjálfandafljót River.

Myvatn Nature Baths

Relax with a massage in the geothermal pools and enjoy a bath over natural steam jets in this scenic site.

Dettifoss

Marvel at the dynamism of nature at this waterfall, which is the highlight in a series of chutes along the river.

Akureyri which includes street scenes and modern architecture

Hof - Cultural Center and Conference Hall

Whether you are attending a conference or want to be entertained by music, theater or art, this waterfront building has it covered.

Hvitserkur

You can find out about the history of Hvammstangi with a visit to Hvitserkur. Wander the riverfront and beaches while you're in the area.

Akureyri Church

Marvel at the stained-glass panel and the huge pipe organ that are among the treasures of this modern church that towers over the city.

Akureyri Botanical Garden

Explore the great outdoors at Akureyri Botanical Garden, a lovely green space in Akureyri. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Husavik Harbour

Explore the waterfront in Husavik with a trip to Husavik Harbour. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Explore areas of Northern Iceland

Akureyri featuring sailing, boating and a bay or harbour

Akureyri City Center

5/5(2 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Akureyri City Center and surrounding area, you can visit Akureyri Botanical Garden and Forest Lagoon.

Oddeyrin

While there might not be top attractions in Oddeyrin, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Akureyri Botanical Garden and Forest Lagoon.

Giljahverfi

While there might not be top attractions in Giljahverfi, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Akureyri Botanical Garden and Mud Pots.

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