About North Iceland
Northeastern Region is one of the traditional eight regions of Iceland, located in the north of the island. The biggest town in the region is Akureyri, with a population of 19,542 in 2024.
Things to do in North Iceland by type
16 tours, tickets and experiences across 3 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 7 experiences Arctic Coastline and Craft Brews: Microbrewery Tour from Akureyri -
Cruise & Water Tours 5 experiences Akureyri Classic Whales in the Midnight Sun - Night Cruise -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 3 experiences Classic Whale Watching from Dalvík
- 3-6 hours 5
- 1-3 hours 5
- Over 6 hours 2
- Couples 1
- Senior 1
- Families 1
- Youth 1
- Small group 4
- Shore excursions 2
Top experiences in North Iceland
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 16 available.
Whale Watching in Big Boats
From $99 per adult
Small Group Adventure: Lake Myvatn, Dettifoss, Selfoss and Godafoss Day Tour from Akureyri
From $256 per adult
Aurora Borealis Adventure: Northern Lights Tour from Akureyri
From $145 per adult
Arctic Coastline and Craft Brews: Microbrewery Tour from Akureyri
From $293 per adult
Vok Baths - Ticket
From $57 per adult
Godafoss Waterfall, Forest Lagoon and Christmas House Day Tour from Akureyri – Small Group Tour
From $222 per adult
Northern Lights 4x4 Expedition: Semi-Private Tour from Akureyri
From $298 per adult
Northern Lights and Geosea Baths: A Perfect Evening Escape
From $427 per adult
Classic Whale Watching from Dalvík
From $88 per adult
Where to stay in North Iceland
Popular hotels in North Iceland, out of 96 properties you can book.
Kea by Keahotels
From $134 per night
Hotel Siglo by Keahotels
From $132 per night
Hotel Akureyri
From $150 per night
Akureyri - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
From $138 per night
Hestasport Cottages
From $218 per night
Hotel Laxa
From $159 per night
Lava Apartments
From $93 per night
Hótel Laxá
From $144 per night
Fosshotel Husavik
From $105 per night
Nordurland by Keahotels
From $195 per night
Centrum Hotel
From $131 per night
Skald Hotel Akureyri, Curio Collection by Hilton
From $204 per night
Know before you go
- Currency
- Icelandic króna (ISK)1 US dollar ≈ kr121
- Language
- Icelandic
- Calling code
- +354
- Driving
- On the right
- Capital
- Reykjavík
Upcoming public holidays in Iceland
- Christmas EveAðfangadagur
- Christmas DayJóladagur
- St. Stephen's DayAnnar í jólum
- New Year's EveGamlársdagur
- New Year's DayNýársdagur
- Maundy ThursdaySkírdagur
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to North Iceland
These are the airports closest to central North Iceland. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- AEY Akureyri Airport33 mi (52 km) from the city centre
- HZK Húsavík Airport33 mi (54 km) from the city centre
- OPA Kópasker Airport58 mi (93 km) from the city centre
Getting around North Iceland
Aircraft in Iceland are like buses or trains elsewhere - they're the main form of internal travel other than the roads. Be warned though, that the ride can be a bit bumpy if you're entering one of the fjords like Akureyri.
By car
A car offers the most flexibility for travel around Iceland. Numerous agencies rent vehicles, and ferries allow individuals to bring their own car with them. Rental prices are high (try to book as far in advance as you can) - expect to pay at least 4000 kr per day for a two wheel drive vehicle, and upwards of 12,000 kr per day for a four-wheel-drive vehicle; these prices include basic car insurance, but additional insurance may be purchased to protect against damage from gravel or other common mishaps.
By bus
Scheduled trips between Icelandic towns are operated by Strætó bs. Tours to attractions are provided by scheduled buses from various companies, including Reykjavík Excursions (who also operate the FlyBus), Trex, Sterna Travel[dead link], NetBus and SBA-NORÐURLEIÐ. Long distance bus travel can cost several thousand kronur and is sometimes more expensive than flying. For example, a one way trip from Reykjavík to Akureyri costs 10,340 kr, while flying costs 8,925 kr (as of May 2019).
By bicycle
Cycling is a good way to experience Iceland, and provides a very different experience to other means of transport. You should bring your own touring bike, as buying a bike locally can be expensive. Traffic in and out of Reykjavík is heavy, otherwise, it's OK. You can cycle safely on the Ring Road, or take the bike on the buses serving the Ring Road (they are equipped with bicycle racks) and do side trips.
North Iceland travel FAQ
Which airport is closest to North Iceland?
Akureyri Airport (AEY) is the closest airport, about 33 miles (52 km) from the centre of North Iceland. Other nearby airports include Húsavík Airport (HZK, 33 mi) and Kópasker Airport (OPA, 58 mi).
What currency is used in North Iceland?
North Iceland uses the Icelandic króna (ISK). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ kr121.
How do I get around North Iceland?
Aircraft in Iceland are like buses or trains elsewhere - they're the main form of internal travel other than the roads. Be warned though, that the ride can be a bit bumpy if you're entering one of the fjords like Akureyri.
What are the top things to do in North Iceland?
Popular experiences you can book in North Iceland include Whale Watching in Big Boats, Small Group Adventure: Lake Myvatn, Dettifoss, Selfoss and Godafoss Day Tour from Akureyri and Aurora Borealis Adventure: Northern Lights Tour from Akureyri. Destina Holidays offers 16 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in North Iceland?
The most popular types of experiences in North Iceland are zoo, aquarium & nature (7), cruise & water tours (5), outdoor activities & adventure (3) and spa & wellness (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in North Iceland?
Popular areas for hotels in North Iceland include Akureyri, Siglufjordur and Blonduos. Well-reviewed options include Kea by Keahotels and Hotel Siglo by Keahotels.
How many hotels can I book in North Iceland?
Destina Holidays currently lists 96 properties in and around North Iceland, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
