Northeastern Region, Iceland

State guide with cities, regions, and key information.

Introduction

The Northeastern Region (Norðurland eystra) centres on Akureyri — Iceland's second-largest urban area (population 19,000) and the capital of the north. The region includes the Mývatn volcanic area, Húsavík (Europe's whale-watching capital, the setting for the film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga), Dettifoss (Europe's most powerful waterfall), and the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon section of Vatnajökull National Park. This is the part of Iceland that feels most like its own country — distinct weather patterns, a different light, and the sense of being genuinely far from Reykjavik.

Travel Types

Mývatn volcanic area

Pseudocraters, Dimmuborgir lava formations, Mývatn Nature Baths, Krafla caldera and Víti crater, Hverir mudpots, and Grjótagjá cave. A full day's exploration, ideally with an overnight at one of the guesthouses around the lake.

Whale watching: Húsavík

Europe's whale-watching capital — humpback sighting rates above 98% from April to October. Multiple operators in the harbour (traditional oak boats and larger vessels). Blue whales occasionally appear in summer. The GeoSea geothermal sea baths on the cliff above town are the perfect post-tour warm-up.

Diamond Circle driving route

A loop from Akureyri connecting Húsavík, Ásbyrgi canyon, Dettifoss, Mývatn, and Goðafoss (the waterfall of the gods, where Iceland's conversion to Christianity was symbolised by throwing Norse idols into the falls in 1000 AD). Less crowded than the Golden Circle and equally spectacular.

Akureyri: northern capital

Botanical garden, Akureyri Church, excellent restaurants and craft beer, the Hlíðarfjall ski area (Iceland's best, December-May), and a warm microclimate sheltered by the surrounding mountains. A natural base for exploring the northeast, with direct flights from Reykjavik and car rental offices.

Northeastern Region Travel Notes

•Akureyri has direct flights from Reykjavik (45 min, multiple daily) — consider flying one way and driving the other to save a full day of Ring Road driving.
•Mývatn midges (tiny flies) can be intense in summer, especially June-August. They don't bite but swarm around faces. A head net (available in Akureyri shops) helps. The name Mývatn literally means 'midge lake.'
•Dettifoss is accessible from both the east (Route 862, paved) and west (Route 864, gravel) sides of the canyon. The east side is easier but the west side gives the classic spray-in-your-face viewpoint.
•Grjótagjá cave: the water is now too hot for bathing (40-50°C and unpredictable). It is open for viewing only. Do not enter the water.
•The Diamond Circle loop is approximately 260 km from Akureyri and takes a full day with stops. Fuel up in Akureyri or Húsavík — services are sparse between.
•Goðafoss is right on the Ring Road between Akureyri and Mývatn — an easy stop in both directions. Parking areas on both sides of the river.

Cities in Northeastern Region

2 cities with detailed travel information

Akureyri Húsavík