North Iceland Travel Guide: Waterfalls, Whales, and Quiet Adventure
This North Iceland travel guide will help you explore waterfalls, whales, volcanic landscapes and quiet villages in one of the most peaceful regions of the country.
Here you will find wide valleys, deep fjords, powerful waterfalls and steaming geothermal areas. Small towns feel lived in rather than built for tourism, and evenings often end with a stroll along a harbor or a soak in a hot spring rather than a rush to the next viewpoint. If you are driving a campervan, North Iceland can become the most peaceful and memorable chapter of your trip.
Internal link: Begin planning your journey with our Iceland campervan rentals.
Outbound links: Explore regional information on North Iceland Official Tourism and general travel details on Visit Iceland.
Why Visit North Iceland? (North Iceland Travel Guide Highlights)
North Iceland, often linked with the Diamond Circle route, offers a different mood from the south. Instead of glacier lagoons and black beaches, you get whale-filled fjords, steaming lava fields, horses grazing beside quiet roads and waterfalls that feel like they belong to you for a few minutes at a time.
Best Attractions in North Iceland (North Iceland Travel Guide Section)
- Less crowded locations, where you often share viewpoints with only a few other people
- One of the best whale watching regions in the world around Husavik
- Natural hot springs and geothermal baths to warm up after long drives
- Powerful waterfalls like Godafoss that are easy to reach from the Ring Road
- Volcanic landscapes that feel almost otherworldly around Lake Myvatn
- Great campsites that make campervan travel simple and comfortable
- Authentic towns where you meet locals in cafes, pools and harbors
- Proximity to the Arctic Circle for a true northern experience
Main Towns and Campervan Bases in the North Iceland Travel Guide
Akureyri in the North Iceland Travel Guide — The Capital of the North
Akureyri is the natural starting point for any north iceland travel guide. It is the largest town in the region, framed by mountains and a deep fjord. With around twenty thousand residents, it feels lively without losing its small-town charm.
In Akureyri you can stock up on groceries, refuel, visit swimming pools and explore a compact downtown filled with cafes, local shops and street art. The town also works as a hub, with day trips possible to Godafoss, Lake Myvatn and nearby valleys.
- Supermarkets, gas stations and restaurants for all your supplies
- Several campsites within a short drive, suitable for campervans
- Harbor area used for boat tours, including some whale excursions
- Sights such as Akureyrakirkja church, the Arctic Botanical Garden and small museums
Suggested base: Akureyri Campsite offers full facilities and is usually open year-round.
Husavik: Whale Watching Capital of the North
Husavik is the town that convinces many travelers to head north. Sitting on the edge of Skjalfandi Bay, it is widely known as Iceland’s whale watching capital and is a highlight of any north iceland travel guide.
Traditional wooden boats and modern RIBs depart from the colorful harbor, heading into a bay where humpback and minke whales frequently surface. Even if you stay on land, the views across the water to the mountains are worth the journey.
- High chance of whale sightings in summer season
- Cozy harbor town with a working atmosphere rather than a resort feel
- Whale Museum featuring a full-size blue whale skeleton
- Cafes and restaurants overlooking the bay
A simple campsite near town makes it easy to spend the night and catch morning or evening tours.
Lake Mývatn — Geothermal Highlight in the North Iceland Travel Guide
Lake Myvatn is where North Iceland starts to feel like another planet. Steam escapes from cracks in the earth, mud pools bubble beside the road and lava formations twist into strange shapes. The contrast between bright green moss, black rock and blue water is striking.
- Relaxing geothermal baths with views across the landscape
- Volcanic craters, pseudocraters and lava fields for hiking and photography
- Rich birdlife, especially in summer
- Well placed campsite that suits campervan travelers
Best Attractions in North Iceland (North Iceland Travel Guide Section)
Godafoss: Waterfall of the Gods
Godafoss sits almost directly on the Ring Road between Akureyri and Lake Myvatn. The waterfall spreads in a wide curve, with turquoise water plunging over dark rock. Paths on both sides of the river allow views from multiple angles, and parking is straightforward for campervans.
Whale Watching from Husavik
A whale watching tour from Husavik is one of the most memorable experiences you can add to any North Iceland itinerary. Calm mornings on the bay often bring glassy seas, flocks of seabirds and the sudden rise of a whale’s tail breaking the surface.
Asbyrgi Canyon
Asbyrgi is a horseshoe-shaped canyon with sheer cliffs and a tranquil forest floor. Legends say it was formed by the hoof print of Odin’s eight-legged horse, while geologists point to glacial floods from Vatnajokull. Either way, it is a calm, green break from the open highlands.
GeoSea Baths
Overlooking the sea near Husavik, GeoSea combines geothermal water with saltwater from the ocean. Relaxing in warm pools while watching waves and distant mountains under the evening light is a very North Iceland experience.
Campervan Driving in North Iceland
Key Routes
- Ring Road (Route 1): the main paved route connecting Akureyri, Godafoss and Myvatn
- Route 85: a scenic detour that loops toward Husavik and Asbyrgi
- Smaller local roads leading to viewpoints, campsites and harbors
Driving Tips Included in the North Iceland Travel Guide
- A 2WD campervan is usually enough in summer for this north iceland travel guide route
- In winter, check conditions at road.is and consider a 4x4
- Refuel whenever you pass larger towns like Akureyri or Husavik
- Watch for sheep on rural roads in summer and ice in winter
Food and Budget Tips for North Iceland
- Do your main grocery shopping in Akureyri where prices and selection are better
- Cook most meals in your campervan to keep costs under control
- Use local bakeries and cafes for occasional treats and coffee stops
- Drink tap water, which is safe, clean and free everywhere
Why North Iceland Feels Different
North Iceland does not feel rushed. Roads are quieter, view points more open and nights often calmer. You may share a campsite with only a handful of vehicles or find yourself alone on a trail for hours. For many travelers, this slower pace is what makes the region so special.
North Iceland vs South Iceland
- North Iceland: whales, waterfalls, geothermal areas, fewer tour buses
- South Iceland: famous Instagram stops, glaciers, black beaches, heavier traffic
Final Thoughts
North Iceland rewards travelers who are willing to go a little further and slow down a little more. With a campervan, you can wake up near fjords, drive to waterfalls before the crowds arrive and soak in hot water while watching distant mountains change color with the light.
If you are searching for a part of Iceland that still feels personal, this north iceland travel guide is your starting point. Plan your route, choose your overnights and let the quiet roads of the north do the rest.