The Northern part of Iceland is very unique. Closer to this area is where I saw my first cluster of trees in Iceland !

Note : In June the region surrounding Lake Myvatn has these buzzing insects that can drive you nuts . A lot of the attractions in the North are near this area . So make sure to take a hat with net to cover your face ! You can also buy it in Myvatn for about $7 CAD.

Some High Lights From The Northern Region Of Iceland:

1 . Viti Crater – A massive crater left over from a Volcano eruption in the 1700s . Currently filled with unique blue water . Bring your hat with face net to visit here . You can walk around the entire crater if you choose to . Unique site – do visit if you are visiting the North !

2. Namafjall Geothermal Area (Hverir) – This area is filled with boiling mud pits and various coloured rocks . It smells awful ! Unique sight and right near Crater Viti . Definitely worth a stop for its uniqueness but hold your nose . You need your face net here as well.

3. Lake Myvatn Nature Bath – This is the famous hot spring bath of the North. It is similar to Blue Lagoon near Reykjavik. It is a well designed bath with an amazing view of the lake and mountains from the bath itself and its also cheaper than Blue Lagoon. These are the only two things I like about the Myvatn Bath over Blue Lagoon .Many people prefer Myvatn Bath since it is less crowded but I liked Blue Lagoon better . I felt it was better designed, enjoyed the complimentary face mud and found it to be cleaner. If you have the money and time –  do both . If you had to choose – pick Blue Lagoon. Make sure to do at least one . We were in Myvatn Bath in the summer time .

4. Grjótagjá Cave – This cave is a filming location for the Game Of Throne tv show . The episode was called “Kissed By Fire “, seemed fitting for the land of Ice and Fire . John Snow’s sex scene was filmed here . If you want to visit this place go early . It is very small and not many people can be in there at one time . We stayed in Myvatn so we dropped by here early morning. There are two entrances and you can take photos from both . The bugs are here too so take your face net mask !

5. Hverfjall Crater – This is  a volcano explosion crater over 2800 years old . To get this this crater you have to drive on a gravel road for about ten minutes. Don’t worry your 2 W drive will be fine ! You have to walk up for about 20 minuets to get to the top . If you are out of shape you may need to pause and catch your breath . The hike up is worth it though . This place gives you a birds eye view of the Myvatn area . The Myvatn area is beautiful! Once you get to the top you can hike around the entire crater . This crater doesn’t have blue water in the center like the Viti crater . It is a unique sight and worth the hike for the views !

6. Godafoss- This is another beautiful waterfall in Iceland. One of the more famous ones in the North . You can hike on either side of the waterfall and also hike down to the bottom. Worth visiting when you are in the North . This is about an hour away from Myvatn so the bugs won’t bother you here .

7. Whale Watching- if you are visiting the North in the summer definitely do a Whale watching tour . We drove up to Húsavík and did one . You can read about it here . Husavik is a beautiful town – highly recommend this activity.

8. Mývatn- We stayed one night in Myvatn in a charming farmhouse. You can read about the accommodation here . The Myvatn area is beautiful. It is a calm lake surrounded by odd looking trees . Very picturesque. Definitely worth driving around the lake and making stops for hikes and photos.

9. Akureyri – This City is known as the Capital of the North . The drive into this city from Húsavík was beautiful. There are fjords near this city and a beautiful Bay . The city also has some great restaurants. Definitely worth a stop and a day or two here on your visit to the Northern part of Iceland.

Overall the Northern region of Iceland is unique and beautiful. All the attractions are easily accessible on the drive around Ring Road. Definitely recommend visiting the North !