Most first-time visitors to Iceland stick to the south - the Golden Circle, Reykjavik’s nightlife, and the famous Blue Lagoon. But those who wander north soon realise they’ve stepped into an entirely different Iceland. Here, the pace changes. There are fewer tour buses and more tractors. You can drive for an hour without seeing another car. Coffee isn’t rushed; it’s served slowly, with conversation.

Northern Iceland isn’t a typical “instagram destination”- and that’s exactly why it stays with you. It’s a place for people who travel to connect with the land and its rhythms, rather than tick off a list.

Why the North Feels Different

This part of the country has a smaller population, larger distances between settlements, and a climate that keeps mass tourism at bay for much of the year. The winters are long and quiet; summers are bright and endless, but without the shoulder-to-shoulder sightseeing of the south.

Flights from Reykjavik to Akureyri take less than an hour, but the mental shift is huge: here, even the “big” towns are small enough to cross on foot in 10 minutes. The scenery is raw: lava fields spilling into farmland, black-sand beaches without footprints, fjords cut deep into the coast.

How to Plan a Trip Here

The best way to explore is by hiring a car. The Ring Road runs through the north, but many of the best spots are off it - reached by smaller, scenic roads where sheep sometimes outnumber vehicles. Plan at least four or five days, ideally a week, so you can give each area time rather than racing between sights.

Lake Mývatn: Volcanic Drama Meets Stillness

Lake Mývatn sits up in the north-east, about an hour’s drive from Akureyri, and it’s one of those places that feels like two worlds at once. You’ve got steam puffing up from the ground, hot mud bubbling away, and jagged black lava formations that look like they were dropped there by some giant hand. Then there’s the lake: still, glassy, and completely calm, like it’s not paying any attention to the drama around it.

It’s a big spot for birds too. The name means “midge lake,” which sounds off-putting until you see how alive the place is in summer: the insects bring in rare ducks you don’t see anywhere else in Europe. Even if you’re not a birder, it’s hard not to notice the life here.

You don’t need a big plan. The south shore has easy little walks past wetlands and odd-shaped craters (they’re “pseudocraters,” made by steam blasts rather than actual eruptions). Dimmuborgir, just nearby, is a jumble of lava towers and caves that Icelanders say are home to trolls - fun to wander through with no set route. If you feel like stretching your legs, climb up Hverfjall. It’s only about 20 minutes to the top, and you get a full sweep of the lake and lava fields from the rim.

If you want a soak, skip the southern tourist spas and head for Mývatn Nature Baths. The water’s that pale blue you see in the postcards, but the setting’s quieter, and the view over the lava fields makes it feel like you’re part of the scenery instead of just looking at it.

And before you leave, try the local rye bread, rúgbrauð. They bake it in the hot ground for 24 hours, and it comes out dark, sweet, and dense. You can get a warm slice with butter at the café by the baths - simple, but so good you’ll be thinking about it on the flight home.

Reykjahlíð: Hot Springs With a Village View

Reykjahlíð is the little village right on the edge of Lake Mývatn, and it’s exactly the kind of place you want as a base for a few days. There’s a tiny supermarket, a couple of cafés, and views across the water to those surreal lava stacks - nothing flashy, but it has everything you need.

Just outside the village, you’ll find the Mývatn Nature Baths (worth mentioning twice because they’re the heart of the area). Late afternoon is the best time: the light gets softer, and you might have whole sections of the pool to yourself. It’s not as polished as the Blue Lagoon, but that’s the point: fewer bus tours, more locals, and a feeling that you could happily lose a few hours here without noticing.

If you’re more into natural hot springs than man-made pools, there are a couple of wilder spots within a short drive - some with just enough space for two people to sit and watch the steam rise against the hills. Always check the temperature first (Icelandic hot springs can be really hot) and stick to those that are known to be safe.

The village bakery is worth a stop in the morning for cinnamon buns and strong coffee. Take them down to the lake’s edge and you’ll probably have the place to yourself, aside from the odd duck or two. It’s those small, unhurried moments that make Reykjahlíð feel like more than just somewhere to sleep.

Húsavík: Whale Watching Without the Rush

Húsavík is a small harbour town on the north coast and one of the best places in Europe to see whales. In summer, humpbacks and minke whales pass through, and sometimes you even get orcas. The difference here is the pace: the tours are often on smaller boats, the crews actually know the animals by sight, and there’s no conveyor-belt feel to the experience.

If you’re here outside the high summer months, you’ll still get that calm harbour charm. The wooden houses are painted in cheerful colours, there’s usually a fishing boat or two unloading their catch, and the air smells faintly of the sea. The Húsavík Whale Museum is worth a visit whether or not you go out on the water. It’s quiet, well put together, and gives you a better sense of the relationship between the town and the ocean.

Lunch spots lean simple - fish soup, fresh bread, maybe a slice of rhubarb cake. If it’s a clear day, take it outside and sit by the harbour wall. There’s no better place to watch the fishing boats come and go.

If you love the feel of small harbour towns, you might also enjoy our guide to the Faroe Islands - another North Atlantic spot where fishing culture and dramatic landscapes meet.

The Arctic Coast Way: Iceland’s Quiet Edge

The Arctic Coast Way is a 900 km driving route that runs along the very top of Iceland. You don’t need to do the whole thing to get a taste - even a short stretch feels wildly remote. This is where steep mountains slide straight into the sea, fishing villages cling to narrow strips of flat land, and the beaches are more likely to be black shingle than white sand.

Siglufjörður, once Iceland’s herring capital, is a favourite stop. The old herring factory has been turned into a surprisingly good museum, and the harbourfront cafés serve some of the best fish and chips in the country. A little further along, Hofsós has a public swimming pool that’s built right into the cliffside, with views across to the islands. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger for a couple of hours, just watching the light change over the water.

Driving here in the off-season means you can pull over whenever something catches your eye — a waterfall tumbling into the ocean, a cluster of turf-roofed houses, or just a particularly good view down a fjord with nobody else in sight.

If road trips through wild, empty landscapes are your thing, take a look at our Norway Slow Travel Guide for another route that mixes mountains, fjords, and small communities.

Ásbyrgi Canyon: Nature’s Calm Cathedral

In Vatnajökull National Park, Ásbyrgi Canyon feels different to much of Iceland. Instead of bare rock and wind, it’s green and sheltered, with birch trees and a still pond at the centre. The cliffs curve into a perfect horseshoe, and local legend says it was made by a hoofprint from Odin’s eight-legged horse. Whether you believe the story or not, the shape is impressive.

There are a few walking trails inside the canyon, all fairly easy and quiet. The Botnstjörn pond is a favourite spot: it’s surrounded by cliffs, and on calm days the reflection is so perfect it looks fake. If you can, come in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and there’s a good chance you’ll be alone.

It’s also a good picnic spot - just pack something from a local bakery before you set off, because there’s nowhere to buy food once you’re here.

Staying in Northern Iceland: Why Remote Wins

Accommodation in this part of Iceland ranges from simple cabins to small, family-run guesthouses. The appeal is always the same: space, quiet, and views that make you forget about checking your phone.

A cabin near Vaðlaskógur puts you close to both Akureyri and some beautiful forest walking trails - not common in Iceland. Many have outdoor hot tubs, and if you’re lucky with the timing, you can watch the Northern Lights from the water. The Forest Lagoon is nearby too, with warm pools surrounded by pine trees: a completely different feel from the more open-air hot springs.

Booking in the off-season usually means better prices and more choice, but it’s worth reserving ahead anyway - small places can book out with just a few guests.

Looking for another peaceful island escape?

The Azores Slow Travel Guide covers Portugal’s mid-Atlantic islands, where hot springs, crater lakes, and volcanic coastlines are just as spectacular, but with a completely different character.

Northern Iceland is underrated:

Northern Iceland offers a quiet, peaceful side of Iceland that is perfect for slow travelers, introverts, and those seeking a deeper connection with nature. Whether you’re exploring the tranquil shores of Mývatn, soaking in natural hot springs, or wandering through the stunning landscapes of the Arctic Coast Way, this region offers a slower, more meaningful experience.

FAQ: Visiting Northern Iceland: What to Know Before You Go

Is Northern Iceland worth visiting compared to the south?
Yes! Especially if you prefer fewer crowds and more authenticity. The south may have the viral waterfalls, but the north is where Iceland slows down. Think: hot springs without lines, charming harbor towns, and moody landscapes you can actually hear yourself breathe in.

When is the best time to visit Northern Iceland?

Summer (June–August): Endless daylight, lush valleys, and the best time for hiking and road trips.
Shoulder Season (May or September): Fewer tourists and magical light.
Winter (October–March): Ideal for Northern Lights, snowy solitude, and geothermal soaks under the stars.

How do I get to Northern Iceland?

Fly into Akureyri from Reykjavik (45 mins) if you're short on time.
Drive the Ring Road if you want the full slow-travel experience. From Reykjavik, it’s about a 5–6 hour drive with incredible stops along the way.

Is Akureyri worth staying in?
Definitely. It’s Iceland’s “Capital of the North” but still cozy and walkable. Base yourself here for a few nights and explore the fjords, museums, cafés, and nearby nature.

What are the best quiet places to visit in Northern Iceland?

Siglufjörður: A fishing village with a slow pace and amazing fjord views.
Húsavík: Great for whale watching and soft coastal walks.
Lake Mývatn: Otherworldly landscapes with fewer crowds than the Golden Circle.
Ásbyrgi Canyon: A peaceful, horseshoe-shaped canyon often missed by tourists.

Can I see the Northern Lights in the north?
Yes, and your chances are even better here due to the lower light pollution. Stay in countryside guesthouses around Mývatn, Húsavík, or Eyjafjörður for quiet skies and strong aurora potential.

Are there hot springs in Northern Iceland?
Absolutely. Some of the best ones are here and way less crowded than in the south:

Mývatn Nature Baths – Iceland’s low-key answer to the Blue Lagoon.
GeoSea in Húsavík – Overlooks the ocean, stunning at sunset.
Forest Lagoon in Akureyri – A newer gem with pine views and fewer people.

Do I need a 4WD to drive in the north?
It depends on the season. In summer, a regular car is fine for most places. In winter, a 4WD is recommended, and you’ll need to keep a close eye on weather and road conditions. The good news? Roads are well-marked, and traffic is minimal.

Is Northern Iceland good for solo travelers?
Yes. It’s safe, quiet, and spacious, which makes it great for solo reflection or creative work. Many guesthouses are family-run and super welcoming to solo guests. Just make sure to book ahead in smaller towns.

Is it more expensive than the south?
Prices are fairly consistent across Iceland, but you’ll often get better value in the north - especially when it comes to accommodation, hot springs, and food. Plus, you won’t be competing with tour bus crowds for everything.

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Northern Iceland for Slow Travelers: A Complete Guide to Peace, Space and Wild Beauty