North Iceland & Akureyri tours

Definitely! With natural wonders, rich history, and cute coastal towns, North Iceland has it all. Discover incredible sights along the Diamond Circle route, including Lake Mývatn’s lunar-like landscapes and dramatic waterfalls.

If you love wildlife, you’ll have lots of opportunities to see puffins in the summer and whales throughout the year. If you’re after jaw-dropping landscapes, the north’s lava fields and geothermal areas are unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Since North Iceland is the closest part of the country to the Arctic Circle, you’ll find yourself inside the ‘Northern Lights belt’, where Aurora activity is strongest. Get inspired by these Northern Lights tour packages.

There are tons of unmissable sights in the northern part of Iceland. You’ll get to see some of the best ones along the Diamond Circle, a 250-km (155-mi) touring route around the country’s north.

Some of these incredible places include:

• Goðafoss waterfall – Sometimes called the ‘Waterfall of the Gods’, Goðafoss is a horseshoe-shaped waterfall plunging down a 12-m (40-ft) drop.
• Lake Mývatn – Sitting in the middle of a lava field, Mývatn is where you’ll want to go for wildlife and volcanic wonders. See Iceland’s geothermal forces at play and relax in the Mývatn Nature Baths, North Iceland’s answer to the Blue Lagoon.
• Dettifoss waterfall – This jaw-dropping set of falls is the second most powerful waterfall in Europe. Witness the sheer force of the water tumbling down 44m (145 ft).
• Ásbyrgi canyon – Ásbyrgi is a lush glacial canyon known for its natural beauty. Legend has it that the canyon was formed by Óðinn’s horse, Sleipnir, stepping on the ground.
• Húsavík – This charming coastal town is known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland. Get the chance to see humpbacks, blue whales, and orcas on a boat tour in Skjálfandi Bay.

North Iceland is packed with many other must-see sights. For instance, you could check out the Krafla caldera, an active geothermal area home to a volcanic crater. And if you want to witness out-of-this-world lava formations, stop by the Dimmuborgir lava fields. They’re both just a short drive from the beautiful Lake Mývatn area.

Of course, no trip to North Iceland is complete without a visit to Akureyri, the region’s vibrant cultural hub.

There are lots of awesome things to experience in the North’s capital and the surrounding area. Here are some of the best things to see and top things to do in Akureyri:

• See humpbacks on a whale-watching tour from Akureyri harbor
• Wander through the lush botanical gardens in summer
• Soak up views of Eyjafjörður fjord as you unwind in the Forest Lagoon
• Check out modern masterpieces at Akureyri Art Museum
• Sample fresh seafood at local restaurants
• Enjoy ‘hot pots’ and Iceland’s longest slide at the local swimming pool
• Admire the architecture of the awe-inspiring Art Deco church
• Hit the slopes at Hlíðarfjall, the local ski resort
• Sample craft beer at Einstök Brewer’s Lounge

Akureyri is also a great base for exploring the rest of North Iceland. With our winter multi-day packages, you can stay in Akureyri and explore the top attractions on guided day tours.

All of our North Iceland vacation packages include the following as standard:

• Accommodation level of your choice
• Daily breakfast
• Detailed itinerary crafted by local travel experts
• 24/7 helpline during your trip

Other inclusions depend on what type of tour you choose. For example, if you book a self-drive tour of Iceland, you get a rental car of your choice, basic liability insurance coverage, and more.

Flights aren’t included in our tour packages, which means you can get the most flexibility and value for money. But all local ground transport is covered, including airport transfers and hotel pick-ups for day trips.

There are some international flights that go directly to Akureyri. You can also take a short domestic flight from Reykjavík to Akureyri, and start your tour from there.

Otherwise, you can reach Akureyri and North Iceland by car, following the Ring Road (Route 1). That way, you can stop at attractions like hot springs and waterfalls along the way.

Take a self-drive tour, or get someone else to do the driving on a private or guided group tour from Reykjavík.

Booking a North Iceland tour with us is easy! Explore the vacation packages on this page and pick the one that's right for you. You can filter them by season, travel style, and departure dates.

For a step-by-step guide on how to book a tour and answers to frequently asked questions, visit our how to book with us page.

You can choose any departure date you like for travel styles, including self-drive, camping, multi-day, and private tours.

Guided group tours have fixed departures, but we have a selection of dates available during summer and winter. So you’re bound to find one that works for you.

We recommend searching for flights to Iceland once you decide when you’d like to travel and how long your trip will be. This way, you’ll have an idea of prices, and roughly when you’ll arrive in Iceland.

Put these dates into the booking form when you book your tour on our website. Once you’ve got confirmation from us, go ahead and book your flights.

Iceland is known for its unpredictable weather, so whether you visit in summer or winter, you’ll want to be well prepared.

Here are some tips for what to bring on a North Iceland trip:

• Waterproof hiking boots
• Thermal under layers
• Insulated jacket
• Wool or fleece sweaters
• Waterproof rain jacket and pants
• Gloves, hat, and scarf
• Sunglasses
• Swimming gear
• Moisturizer and lip balm

Check out this Iceland winter packing guide for more helpful tips.