North Iceland offers a dramatically different landscape from the more frequented south. Volcanic deserts, pseudo-craters, sulfur springs, and Europe's most powerful waterfall define this region. This itinerary is designed for travelers who want to explore Akureyri, the Mývatn area, and Húsavík in seven days, with realistic driving times and accommodation suggestions.

The total driving distance for this loop from Akureyri is approximately 600 km (373 miles), making it manageable even for those unaccustomed to Icelandic roads. The best time to visit is June through August, when all roads are open and daylight is nearly 24 hours. However, September offers fewer crowds and the chance to see the Northern Lights. For a broader context, see our Complete Guide to Iceland 2026.

Day 1: Arrival in Akureyri

Fly into Akureyri Airport (AEY) from Reykjavík (45-minute flight) or drive from Reykjavík via Route 1 (about 5 hours, 388 km). Akureyri, often called the capital of the north, has a population of around 19,000. Pick up your rental car from Europcar or Hertz at the airport.

Spend the afternoon exploring Akureyri town center. Climb the stairs to Akrækirkja, the iconic Lutheran church designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, completed in 1940. The church's stained glass windows depict scenes from Icelandic Christian history. Entrance is free. Then walk down to the Akureyri Botanical Garden (Lystigarðurinn), founded in 1912, which showcases over 7,000 plant species, including many native Arctic plants. It's open daily 8 am–10 pm in summer, free admission.

For dinner, try Rub23 (Kaupvangsstræti 6), known for its sushi and Icelandic lamb. A main course costs around 4,500–6,500 ISK (€30–€44). Alternatively, Bautinn (Hafnarstræti 92) offers traditional Icelandic dishes like fish stew (3,200 ISK).

Day 2: Akureyri to Mývatn (90 km, 1.5 hours)

Drive east on Route 1 toward Mývatn. The first stop is Goðafoss, the "Waterfall of the Gods," about 45 minutes from Akureyri. This 30-meter-wide, 12-meter-high waterfall is where lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw his pagan idols in the year 1000, marking Iceland's conversion to Christianity. There is a free parking lot and viewing platforms on both sides. Allow 30–45 minutes.

Continue to Mývatn. Check into your accommodation. Options include Fosshótel Mývatn (rooms from 25,000 ISK/night) or Skútustaðir Guesthouse (dorm beds from 8,000 ISK). In the afternoon, visit the Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters, formed by steam explosions when lava flowed over wetlands. A 1.5 km walking trail loops around the craters. Free entry.

In the evening, soak at Mývatn Nature Baths (Jarðböðin). This geothermal lagoon has a temperature of 36–40°C (97–104°F). Entry costs 6,200 ISK (€42) for adults. It is less crowded than the Blue Lagoon. Bring your own towel or rent one for 1,000 ISK.

Day 3: Mývatn East Side

Start at Dimmuborgir, a lava field with bizarre rock formations. The name means "Dark Castles." There are several marked trails: the 2.3 km yellow trail takes about 40 minutes. The site is free. Next, drive 5 minutes to Höfði, a promontory with sculpted lava pillars and a small forest of birch trees. The area was once a British consulate's garden. Free entry.

After lunch, visit Krafla, an active volcanic caldera with a 10 km diameter. The last eruption was in 1984. Drive to the Víti crater (meaning "Hell"), which contains a greenish-blue crater lake. A short hike (500 m) leads to the rim. Then stop at Leirhnjúkur, a geothermal area with boiling mud pots and steaming vents. The 2 km loop trail takes about 1 hour. Both are free.

Return to Mývatn for dinner. Gamli Bærinn (Skútustaðir) serves Icelandic lamb soup for 2,500 ISK. Alternatively, Vogafjós Farm Resort offers a buffet dinner (7,900 ISK) featuring local produce, including cheese from its own cows.

Day 4: Mývatn to Húsavík (60 km, 50 minutes)

Drive north on Route 85 to Húsavík, a town of 2,400 people known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland. Check into Húsavík Cape Hotel (rooms from 22,000 ISK) or Fosshótel Húsavík (from 20,000 ISK).

Book a whale-watching tour with Gentle Giants or North Sailing. A typical 3-hour tour costs 10,900 ISK (€74) per adult. Species commonly seen include humpback whales, blue whales, minke whales, and white-beaked dolphins. The success rate is over 95% in summer. Tours depart from the harbor, next to the Húsavík Whale Museum (Hafnarstétt 1). The museum displays 11 whale skeletons and interactive exhibits; entry is 2,500 ISK.

In the afternoon, visit the Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths (Skjálfandabakki 1). This infinity pool overlooks the Arctic Ocean, with water temperature 38–40°C. Entry is 5,500 ISK. For dinner, try Gamli Baukur (Hafnarstétt 4) for fish and chips (2,900 ISK) or Naustið (Garðarsbraut 1) for seafood platter (6,500 ISK).

Day 5: Húsavík and Ásbyrgi Canyon

Drive east on Route 85 to Ásbyrgi Canyon (50 km, 40 minutes). This horseshoe-shaped canyon is 3.5 km long and 1.1 km wide, formed by glacial flooding. Legend says it is the hoofprint of Sleipnir, Odin's eight-legged horse. A 3 km trail leads to the Botnstjörn pond at the canyon's head. The visitor center (opened 2019) has exhibits on geology and folklore. Free entry.

On the way back, stop at Tjörnes Peninsula for fossil hunting. The cliffs contain Pliocene-era mollusk shells. Look for the signs at the shore. Return to Húsavík for a second whale-watching tour, or relax at the harbor.

Evening: visit the Húsavíkurkirkja, a wooden church built in 1907, with a distinctive red roof. The interior features a painting by Jón Stefánsson. Free entry.

Day 6: Húsavík to Akureyri via the Diamond Circle

Drive back toward Akureyri, but take detours to complete the Diamond Circle. First, stop at Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, with a width of 100 meters and a drop of 44 meters. Access via Route 864 (gravel road, 27 km from Route 1). The waterfall has a flow rate of 193 m³/s. There is a viewing platform on the west side. Free parking. Be prepared for mist; a raincoat is advised.

Next, visit Selfoss, a 10-minute walk upstream from Dettifoss. This waterfall is 10 meters high and 100 meters wide, with a more serene setting. Then drive to Hljóðaklettar (Echo Rocks) in the Jökulsárgljúfur area, a 1.5 km trail among columnar basalt formations. Free entry.

Return to Akureyri by evening. For your last night, consider a dinner at Strikið (Skipagata 14), a revolving restaurant on the 6th floor of a shopping center. A three-course meal is around 9,000 ISK. Reservations recommended.

Day 7: Departure from Akureyri

If your flight is in the afternoon, visit the Akureyri Art Museum (Kaupvangsstræti 8), housed in a former dairy building. It focuses on modern Icelandic art. Entry is 1,500 ISK. Alternatively, take a short hike up Hrafnagilshólar hill for panoramic views of the fjord.

Return your rental car at Akureyri Airport. If driving to Reykjavík, allow 5 hours. For more on planning your trip, see our Ring Road itineraries and camping vs hotel cost comparison.

Practical Tips

  • Fuel: Petrol stations in Mývatn and Húsavík are open 7 am–10 pm. In Akureyri, N1 at Glerártorg is open 24 hours. Fuel costs around 330 ISK per liter (€2.25).
  • Weather: Even in summer, temperatures range from 8–15°C (46–59°F). Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes. For a full packing list, see our guide on what to pack for Iceland by season.
  • Roads: Route 864 to Dettifoss is gravel; check road.is for conditions. A 4x4 is recommended for gravel roads but not essential in dry conditions.
  • Accommodation: Book at least 2 months in advance for summer. Guesthouses fill quickly.
  • Cash: Iceland is nearly cashless. Credit cards are accepted everywhere, including at remote farm stands.

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