Northeastern Region

Waterfalls, volcanic formations and the Mývatn wetlands make the natural attractions in Northeastern Iceland fascinating stops on a trip with a range of different interests. You can experience waterfalls from different perspectives, explore craters and lava fields, or learn about whales and marine life in Húsavík. When choosing a holiday apartment, it helps to first consider which of these interests you want to shape your stay.

Waterfalls from different perspectives

Dettifoss is one of a series of waterfalls on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, which also includes Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss. At 45 metres high and about 100 metres wide, Dettifoss is a striking landmark for nature enthusiasts. A marked hiking trail leads from the car park to a viewpoint; the round trip takes just under an hour. This specific time estimate can help you fit your visit into your day’s plans.

Goðafoss can also be viewed from more than one direction: hiking trails run along both the eastern and western banks of the Skjálfandafljót, and a footbridge connects the two areas. The area around the waterfall is easily accessible for people with reduced mobility. Goðafoss is also one of Iceland’s highest-volume waterfalls and one of the five main destinations on the Diamond Circle. This 250-kilometre circular route is in northern Iceland.

Volcanic landscape around Mývatn

Dimmuborgir is a labyrinthine lava field that formed about 2,300 years ago during a volcanic eruption. A paved road leads there. The car park has a service building with toilets, a restaurant and a gift shop. Daily educational walks take place in Dimmuborgir in summer. This offers a different way to experience the landscape than a visit focused mainly on the views and exploring on your own.

Hverfjall is a tuff crater that formed about 2,500 years ago during a powerful explosive eruption. The hike up the crater and around it is considered short and rewarding, with excellent views over the Mývatn region. A road leads from the main road to Hverfjall; the landowners maintain the toilets and car parks. Dimmuborgir and Hverfjall thus represent two different volcanic formations: a lava field and a crater.

Skútustaðagígar is located near Skútustaðir on the southern shore of Lake Mývatn and can be reached by car via Road 848, Mývatnsvegur. The Gíg visitor centre has visitor information, an exhibition and toilets. Mývatn and Laxá are protected under Iceland’s Special Act No. 97 of 9 June 2004. They are also listed as internationally important wetlands under the Ramsar Convention. If you want to focus your trip especially on landscapes and nature, this offers another theme alongside waterfalls and volcanic formations.

Whale watching and a regional perspective

Húsavík is known for whale-watching tours in Skjálfandi Bay. The Húsavík Whale Museum is an educational institution about whales and marine life. These activities offer a different focus from hikes to waterfalls or craters. If you are planning a trip with your family, different interests—such as an educational stop, a viewpoint or a hike—may play a part in deciding what to focus on during your trip.

The waterfalls, volcanic formations and area around Mývatn offer different themes for planning your trip; Húsavík adds a focus on whales and marine life.

Other subregions

Other subregions: Dalvík, Myvatn, Ólafsfjördur, Akureyri, Svalbard, Háls, Sauðárkrókur, Húsavík, Einarsstaðir, Reykjahlíð, Bakki, Grenivík, Siglufjörður, Raufarhöfn, Lundarbrekka, Laugar, Grenjaðarstaður, Miðgarðar, Svalbarðseyri, Kópasker, Hjalteyri, Hallbjarnarstaðir, Hrisey, Laxamýri, Laufás, Draflastadhir, Hauganes.

For the overall travel overview: Iceland.