The North and Akureyri are organised around four main poles: the 'capital of the north' Akureyri (19,000 inhabitants, logistical and cultural hub), the volcanic Mývatn lake (100 km east of Akureyri, one of the country's most active geological zones), the whaling port of Húsavík (world capital of cetacean observation) and the Tröllaskagi peninsula (north-west of Akureyri, alpine landscapes and fishing villages).
The classic itinerary for exploring the North is organised in 3-4 days. Day 1: arrival at Akureyri (Reykjavik flight in 45 min or road via Ring Road), half-day in town (pedestrian centre, Akureyrarkirkja, botanical garden), stop at Goðafoss in late day (30 min east of Akureyri), overnight at Akureyri or Mývatn.
Day 2: full day around Mývatn — Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters (trail around the world's finest examples), Dimmuborgir ('black fortresses', lava field with grotesque formations), Grjótagjá (cave with hot spring, famous since Game of Thrones), Hverir (geothermal area with bubbling mud pools and fumaroles), Hverfjall crater (perfectly circular tuff crater, 1 h hike to the summit), Mývatn Nature Baths at end of day. Overnight at Mývatn.
Day 3: day excursion to Húsavík for whales (90 min from Mývatn, 3 h excursion, visit to the Whale Museum), return via Dettifoss in option (west or east side depending on season). With day 4-5, add the Tröllaskagi peninsula (panoramic road Akureyri-Siglufjörður via tunnels and coastal villages) or the Vatnsnes peninsula (seals at Hvítserkur, iconic elephant-shaped rock).
Read also
- Akureyri, capital of the North — Iceland's 2nd city at the head of Eyjafjörður: pedestrian centre, world's northernmost botanical garden.
- The East Fjords — Egilsstaðir, Seyðisfjörður, wild reindeer and puffins: the previous Ring Road stretch.
- Iceland — Complete country guide: Schengen entry, budget, when to go, regions.
- Reykjavik and the Southwest — The capital, the Blue Lagoon and the Reykjanes peninsula: the Ring Road launchpad.