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Northeastern Region
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Explore Northeastern Iceland for volcanic landscapes, Arctic coastlines, powerful waterfalls, whale watching and the highland roads around Mývatn.

Northeastern Iceland is a region of dramatic contrasts: steaming volcanic ground beside cool blue lakes, broad river valleys opening towards the Arctic Ocean, and remote highlands shaped by ice, fire and wind. It stretches from the lively town of Akureyri and the Skjálfandi Bay coast towards Húsavík, Lake Mývatn, Ásbyrgi and the isolated settlements of the northeast. Distances are substantial, and the landscape changes noticeably as the well-served northern lowlands give way to open lava fields, gravel roads and high desert.
Read more about Northeastern Region
Akureyri, on the southern shore of Eyjafjörður, is the region’s principal urban centre and a useful base for museums, gardens, restaurants and excursions into the surrounding fjord country. Farther east, Húsavík faces Skjálfandi Bay and is closely associated with whale-watching and maritime history. Its harbour, wooden buildings and coastal setting offer a different atmosphere from Akureyri’s urban streets. Inland, Lake Mývatn is the region’s best-known landscape, surrounded by pseudocraters, volcanic formations, geothermal areas and bird-rich wetlands.
The Mývatn district reveals the continuing influence of Iceland’s volcanic forces. At Krafla, lava flows and fissures record eruptions within a relatively recent geological period, while Námafjall’s sulphurous fumaroles and mud pools provide a vivid reminder that the ground remains active. Nearby Dimmuborgir, Hverfjall and the Mývatn shoreline are separate expressions of the same volcanic story. The region’s natural attractions are not arranged as a compact park, so a vehicle and careful planning are often useful.
Beyond Mývatn, the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum cuts through the highlands and produces Dettifoss, one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls, before reaching the extraordinary horseshoe-shaped canyon of Ásbyrgi. To the west, Goðafoss lies beside the main northern route and combines geological drama with an important place in Iceland’s conversion history. In the far northeast, the fishing communities of Þórshöfn and Vopnafjörður provide quieter coastal perspectives, with open roads, birdlife and long horizons rather than a dense concentration of visitor facilities.
Food and culture reflect both the sea and the farming hinterland. Fish, lamb, dairy produce, rye bread and locally brewed drinks appear alongside contemporary Icelandic cooking in Akureyri, Húsavík and the larger settlements. Summer brings almost continuous daylight, while winter offers snowy landscapes and possible aurora viewing, but weather can alter road conditions quickly in every season. Northeastern Iceland rewards visitors who allow time for its geological sites, coastal communities and changing light rather than treating it as a single excursion from the Ring Road.

When is the best time to visit Northeastern Region?

Best: June–August · 11–13°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January170
February260
March360
April550
May840
June (best)1130
July (best)1330
August (best)1330
September1040
October750
November460
December270

Getting to and around Northeastern Region

How to get there

Akureyri Airport is within the region and provides domestic air access, while scheduled flights and seasonal connections can change, so current arrangements should be checked before booking. Akureyri is also reached by Iceland’s Ring Road from Reykjavík and by road from the east and west. Húsavík has an airport used for limited domestic and charter services rather than a broad international network. International visitors normally enter Iceland through Keflavík International Airport, outside the region near Reykjavík, then continue by domestic flight, coach or hire car. Cruise and ferry travel may provide occasional access to northern ports, but these are not a substitute for regular inland transport.

Transportation

A car is the most flexible way to travel between Akureyri, Húsavík, Mývatn, Ásbyrgi and the northeastern coast, especially when visiting dispersed natural sites. Public buses connect major settlements, but rural services are less frequent and may not reach trailheads or viewpoints conveniently. The Ring Road is generally the principal route through the populated northern districts; roads towards Dettifoss and the interior may be gravelled, seasonal or affected by weather. Four-wheel-drive vehicles and experience on rough roads are appropriate for many highland routes, and off-road driving is prohibited. Cyclists and walkers should plan carefully around long distances and limited services.

Top city travel guides in Northeastern Region

The cities of Northeastern Region, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Northeastern Region

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Northeastern Region

Northeastern Iceland’s attractions are dominated by geology, water and wildlife. Around Lake Mývatn, visitors can combine the pseudocraters of Skútustaðagígar with the lava pillars and caves of Dimmuborgir, the broad crater of Hverfjall and the steaming ground of Námafjall and Krafla. The region’s volcanic sites are close enough to connect in a day, although marked paths and care around unstable or hot ground are essential. Húsavík provides access to whale-watching on Skjálfandi Bay, while Akureyri offers museums, cultural venues, gardens and fjord excursions. East of Mývatn, the Jökulsárgljúfur area contains the powerful Dettifoss, the horseshoe canyon of Ásbyrgi and walking routes through a landscape carved by glacial floods. Goðafoss is an accessible waterfall beside the northern road and has historic associations with Iceland’s conversion to Christianity. Farther east, Vopnafjörður and Þórshöfn offer coastal scenery, birdlife and quieter village experiences. Highland routes towards Askja and other interior landscapes are seasonal, demanding and dependent on current road conditions rather than ordinary sightseeing itineraries.

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Best landmarks in Northeastern Region

Goðafoss is one of the Northeast’s most recognisable landmarks, a broad horseshoe-shaped waterfall whose name and surrounding traditions connect the site with Iceland’s adoption of Christianity. Around Lake Mývatn, the dark volcanic formations of Dimmuborgir and the near-circular Hverfjall crater create an unusually legible record of eruptions and lava fields. Krafla’s Víti crater and surrounding fissures belong to an active volcanic system, where recent lava and steaming ground make Iceland’s tectonic setting visible at close range. In the Jökulsárgljúfur landscape, Dettifoss stands within a vast glacial river canyon, while Ásbyrgi forms a monumental horseshoe-shaped depression surrounded by cliffs and birch woodland. Akureyri’s historic centre and hillside church are important civic landmarks in the region’s principal town, while Húsavík’s harbour and wooden townscape express its long maritime connection. The remote formations of the northeastern coast and the highland horizons beyond Mývatn complete a landmark landscape in which natural features are generally more dominant than monumental architecture.

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Explore Northeastern Region on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Northeastern Region

Dining in Northeastern Iceland combines contemporary Icelandic cooking with the practical food traditions of fishing and farming communities. Akureyri has the region’s broadest choice of restaurants, cafés, bakeries and bars, with menus that may feature local fish, lamb, dairy produce, root vegetables and seasonal ingredients. Húsavík’s harbour setting supports a strong seafood identity, while the Mývatn district is known for local specialities including hverabrauð, a dark rye bread traditionally baked using geothermal heat, and trout from the lake area. Rural inns, guesthouses and farm-based businesses often provide straightforward meals suited to travellers on the road, though choices become more limited away from the main towns. Look for Icelandic pastries, skyr and locally produced beer alongside more international food. Farmers’ shops and small service stations can be useful for picnic supplies, particularly before heading towards Ásbyrgi, Dettifoss or remote coastal roads, where restaurants and supermarkets are widely spaced.

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Best bars in Northeastern Region

Evening life in Northeastern Iceland is concentrated in Akureyri, Húsavík and the larger settlements rather than spread across a dense club scene. Akureyri has the region’s widest selection of pubs, bars, cafés and occasional live-music venues, with activity often strongest at weekends and during the brighter summer season. Húsavík’s evening atmosphere is more closely tied to restaurants, harbour-side hospitality and small local bars. Around Lake Mývatn, guesthouse dining, hotel lounges and geothermal bathing are generally more characteristic than late-night entertainment. Rural villages such as Þórshöfn and Vopnafjörður have a modest social scene based on local pubs and community events, and opening arrangements can vary. Craft beer and Icelandic spirits appear in several urban venues, but visitors should not expect a major nightclub circuit outside Akureyri. In winter, aurora excursions and quiet meals often form a more realistic evening programme than late-night sightseeing.

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Best nightclubs in Northeastern Region

Evening life in Northeastern Iceland is concentrated in Akureyri, Húsavík and the larger settlements rather than spread across a dense club scene. Akureyri has the region’s widest selection of pubs, bars, cafés and occasional live-music venues, with activity often strongest at weekends and during the brighter summer season. Húsavík’s evening atmosphere is more closely tied to restaurants, harbour-side hospitality and small local bars. Around Lake Mývatn, guesthouse dining, hotel lounges and geothermal bathing are generally more characteristic than late-night entertainment. Rural villages such as Þórshöfn and Vopnafjörður have a modest social scene based on local pubs and community events, and opening arrangements can vary. Craft beer and Icelandic spirits appear in several urban venues, but visitors should not expect a major nightclub circuit outside Akureyri. In winter, aurora excursions and quiet meals often form a more realistic evening programme than late-night sightseeing.

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Best shops in Northeastern Region

Akureyri is Northeastern Iceland’s principal shopping centre, with an established high street, independent boutiques, bookshops, cafés, galleries and practical outdoor retailers. Húsavík offers a smaller selection of shops and visitor-oriented businesses around its harbour and central streets, while Mývatn is better suited to buying local food, woollen goods and regional souvenirs than to extended retail browsing. Across the region, look for Icelandic wool knitwear, weatherproof outdoor clothing, ceramics, jewellery, books and small works by local artists. Farm shops and food producers may sell rye bread, preserves, dried fish, chocolate, skyr-based products and locally made drinks, subject to seasonal availability. Village shops often serve daily needs rather than functioning as dedicated craft markets, so do not expect consistent opening arrangements in remote districts. Buying from established businesses and respecting restrictions on collecting stones, lava or other natural material helps protect the volcanic landscapes that define the region.

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Northeastern Region essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Icelandic króna, written ISK. Cards and contactless payment are widely accepted in Akureyri, Húsavík, Mývatn and other established visitor centres, including many petrol stations and cafés. Carrying a small reserve of cash is sensible for remote areas, self-service facilities or unexpected disruptions, although Iceland is generally highly card-oriented. Prices can be high, particularly for accommodation, dining and vehicle hire, and rural businesses may have more limited facilities than larger towns.
Safety
The principal risks are environmental rather than urban: rapidly changing weather, winter ice, strong winds, poor visibility, rough walking surfaces and long distances between services. Keep well back from cliff edges and waterfalls, obey barriers around geothermal ground and do not cross restricted lava or mud areas. Sea conditions can change quickly on boat trips. Check road conditions and weather forecasts before setting out, tell someone about remote travel plans and keep fuel, warm clothing, water and offline navigation available. Never drive onto roads marked closed, and do not assume a clear summer morning will remain calm in the highlands.
Emergency Situations
Dial 112 for police, fire, ambulance and other emergency assistance throughout Iceland. Give a clear location, describe the situation and follow the operator’s instructions; mobile coverage can be unreliable in remote valleys and highland areas. Search and rescue teams assist with incidents on roads, trails and at sea, but visitors should not rely on rescue availability as a substitute for preparation. For serious outdoor journeys, use Icelandic travel-safety resources to leave an itinerary and monitor alerts, and seek local guidance before entering volcanic or highland terrain.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect barriers, marked paths and private land, particularly around geothermal sites, nesting areas and fragile moss. Do allow vehicles to pass safely, use designated parking and follow local swimming-pool etiquette, including showering before entering the pool. Do not drive off marked roads or stop in places that obstruct the Ring Road. At churches, museums and small communities, behave quietly and ask before photographing people or private property. Tipping is not an obligation in Iceland, though good service may be acknowledged. In rural areas, close gates and leave no litter.
Local Tips
Use Akureyri for a wider choice of services and cultural venues, Húsavík for coastal activities and Mývatn for access to volcanic landscapes, but remember that each base has a different supply of fuel, food and accommodation. Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi are best treated as a dedicated excursion rather than quick stops between other activities. In summer, reserve accommodation early and take advantage of long daylight hours; in winter, plan short driving stages and keep flexibility for road closures. Local swimming pools are practical places to unwind and observe an important part of everyday Icelandic life.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHallo[hahl-oh]
GoodbyeBless[bles]
YesJá[yow]
NoNei[nay]
Please/You're welcomeVinsamlegast[veen-sahm-lay-gahst]
Thank youTakk[tahk]
Excuse me/SorryFyrirgefðu[feer-eer-geh-thoo]
How are you?Hvernig hefurðu það?[khver-nig heh-vur-thoo thah]
Fine. And you?Gott. Og þú?[got. og thoo]
Do you speak English?Talarðu enska?[ta-lar-thoo eng-ska]
I don't understandÉg skil ekki[yeh skeel eh-kee]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseÉg myndi vilja sjá matseðilinn, takk[yeh min-dih vil-yah syaw maht-seh-dil-lin, tahk]
I don't eat meatÉg borða ekki kjöt[yeh bor-thah eh-kee kyot]
Cheers!Skál![skawl]
I would like to pay, pleaseÉg myndi vilja borga, takk[yeh min-dih vil-yah bor-gah, tahk]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Aðstoð![ahd-stohth]
Go away!Farðu í burtu![far-thoo ee bur-too]
Call the Police!Hringdu í lögregluna![hring-thoo ee lur-greh-lun-ah]
Call a doctor!Hringdu í lækni![hring-thoo ee lai-knee]
I'm lostÉg er týndur[yeh er teen-dur]
I'm illÉg er veikur[yeh er vay-kur]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ég myndi vilja kaupa...[yeh min-dih vil-yah koy-pah]
I'm just lookingÉg er bara að skoða[yeh er bah-rah ahd skoh-thah]
How much is it?Hvað kostar þetta?[khvath koh-star thah-tah]
That's too expensiveÞetta er of dýrt[thah-tah er ohv deer-t]
Can you lower the price?Geturðu lækkað verðið?[geh-tur-thoo lai-kahd ver-thith]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Hvað er klukkan?[khvath er kloo-kahn]
It's one o'clockHún er eitt[hoon er eyt]
Half past (10)Hálf (10)[halv (10)]
MorningMorgunn[mor-gunn]
AfternoonEftir hádegi[ef-ter hau-dey]
EveningKvöld[kvelld]
YesterdayÍ gær[ee gyer]
TodayÍ dag[ee dahg]
TomorrowÁ morgun[ow mor-gun]
11[1]
22[2]
33[3]
44[4]
55[5]
66[6]
77[7]
88[8]
99[9]
1010[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Hvar er ...?[kvar er ...?]
What's the address?Hvað er heimilisfangið?[khvath er hey-mi-lis-fahng-id?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Geturðu sýnt mér (á kortinu)?[geh-tur-thoo seent myair (ow kor-ti-nu)?]
When's the next (bus)?Hvenær fer næsta (strætó)?[kven-air fair nigh-stah (strai-toh)?]
A ticket (to ...)Farðaskipti (til ...)[far-thah-skip-ti (til ...)]

History of Northeastern Region

Settlement and Early Farming

Norse settlement reached northern Iceland during the late ninth and early tenth centuries, and farms developed around the fertile shores of Eyjafjörður, Skjálfandi Bay and Lake Mývatn. The region’s rivers, grazing land and sheltered coastal inlets supported farming, fishing and seasonal travel. Early communities were connected by sea routes and difficult overland tracks rather than modern roads. Many place names and farm landscapes still preserve evidence of this settlement pattern, while the archaeological remains around Mývatn help illustrate how people adapted to a volcanic environment whose resources and hazards were closely intertwined.

The Alþingi and the Conversion of Iceland

Northeastern Iceland has an important place in Iceland’s early political and religious history. The Goðafoss area is associated with Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, the lawspeaker who, according to the medieval Icelandic sagas, played a central role in the decision to adopt Christianity around the year 1000. The waterfall’s name, commonly translated as Waterfall of the Gods, reflects the later tradition that pagan images were cast into the falls after the decision. The episode belongs to Iceland’s wider national history, but its landscape and memory remain particularly visible in the Northeast.

Medieval Sagas and Church Influence

During the medieval period, northern Iceland was shaped by powerful farming families, church estates and the networks described in the Icelandic sagas. Eyjafjörður and the districts around Mývatn were productive agricultural areas, while coastal routes connected farms and trading communities. Christianity brought churches, ecclesiastical administration and new forms of record-keeping to rural society. Although many medieval buildings have disappeared, saga traditions, historic farm sites and parish landscapes continue to provide a cultural framework for understanding the region’s settlement history.

Fishing, Trade and Coastal Communities

The northeast’s coastal settlements developed through a combination of fishing, small-scale farming and trade. Húsavík grew around its harbour on Skjálfandi Bay, while Vopnafjörður and Þórshöfn became important local centres for communities along the more exposed northeastern coast. Sea conditions, seasonal fishing and access to markets strongly influenced local life. Older harbour buildings, fish-processing facilities and maritime collections help explain the region’s economic history, in which the sea was both a source of food and a demanding route of communication.

Akureyri and the Growth of Northern Commerce

Akureyri expanded as a commercial and administrative centre on Eyjafjörður, particularly from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries onwards. Its sheltered position, agricultural hinterland and harbour encouraged trade, services and later industrial development. The town became an important base for northern education, culture and transport, while its distinctive residential streets record phases of growth from nineteenth-century commerce to twentieth-century modernisation. Akureyri’s present role as the Northeast’s largest town is rooted in this long relationship between fjord shipping, rural production and regional administration.

Volcanic Eruptions and Modern Scientific Landscapes

The Krafla volcanic system experienced a major period of activity between 1975 and 1984, producing rifting events, lava flows and ground deformation near Lake Mývatn. The episode affected local infrastructure and became an important modern example of Iceland’s active plate boundary. Geothermal energy development followed, adding power stations and scientific monitoring to a landscape already marked by craters, fissures and steaming ground. Today, the Krafla area demonstrates how tourism, energy production, scientific research and everyday life coexist within an active volcanic environment.

From Remote Roads to a Tourism Economy

Improved roads, domestic aviation and changing patterns of travel gradually connected northeastern Iceland more closely with the rest of the country. Tourism grew around whale watching in Húsavík, the volcanic scenery of Mývatn, Goðafoss, Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi, as well as winter aurora trips and outdoor recreation. This development has brought new accommodation and services but has also increased pressure on fragile vegetation, geothermal areas and popular viewpoints. The modern Northeast therefore reflects both long-established rural communities and an expanding visitor economy based on geology, wildlife and dramatic landscapes.

Northeastern Region in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Northeastern Region, Iceland

Discover the best of Northeastern Region, Iceland with Evendo - a 100% free app-based travel guide covering top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on top attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences
  • Stunning images and rich descriptions
  • Local tips and curated advice
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Explore Northeastern Region, Iceland like never before with Evendo. Your all-in-one travel guide app for attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more.

  • Interactive maps and easy navigation
  • Contact details and booking options
  • Travel essentials and historical information
  • Near me feature for nearby attractions and services
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel companion for exploring the enchanting Northeastern Region of Iceland. With Evendo, you can effortlessly discover the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences that this magical region has to offer. Imagine standing in awe at the majestic Dettifoss waterfall, exploring the surreal landscapes of Lake Mývatn, or relaxing in the soothing waters of the Mývatn Nature Baths. Evendo provides you with detailed information, stunning images, local tips, maps, and contact details for all these sites, making your trip planning a breeze.

But that's not all. Evendo goes beyond just providing information. You can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, saving you time and hassle. No more endless searches for things to do and how to get there. With Evendo, you have everything you need in one place. Fancy a taste of Icelandic cuisine? Discover top restaurants like Vogafjós Farm Resort and Rub 23, complete with reviews and recommendations. Interested in historical sites? Evendo will guide you to the Húsavík Whale Museum and the Akureyri Church.

Evendo is not just a travel guide; it's your personal tour operator. The app features essential travel information, curated local tips, and an easy navigation system to ensure you get the most out of your visit. Utilize the 'Near me' feature to find attractions and services around you, no matter where you are. Best of all, Evendo is 100% free to use, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. And when your adventure in Northeastern Region ends, remember that Evendo covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide, so your next journey is just a tap away.

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