North Iceland Guide - Akureyri Mývatn Húsavík & Diamond Circle

Discover

Icons & Towns

Akureyri, Húsavík, and the towns and landmarks of the north.

Districts

Akureyri

Capital of the North. Charming town of 19,000 with surprisingly vibrant culture, restaurants, and a botanical garden. Heart-shaped traffic lights. Gateway to Mývatn and the Diamond Circle.

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Landmarks

Arctic Henge

Modern monument inspired by Norse mythology, designed to frame the midnight sun and celestial events. Massive stone archways on the edge of the Arctic Circle. Remote and mystical. Few visitors.

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Shopping

Akureyri Christmas House

Year-round Christmas shop and garden. Festive in any season. The shop sells Icelandic ornaments and Yule Lad figurines (Iceland's 13 mischievous Santa-like characters). Cheerful and unique.

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Cascades

Waterfalls

Europe’s most powerful waterfall and its sacred, storied siblings.

Nature & Outdoors

Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods)

Where Iceland's lawspeaker threw his pagan idols when the country converted to Christianity in 1000 AD. 12m high, 30m wide semicircular waterfall. Powerful in any season. Free access.

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Nature & Outdoors

Dettifoss Waterfall

Europe's most powerful waterfall. 100m wide, 44m drop, thundering 500 cubic meters per second. You feel it in your chest. Featured in the opening scene of Prometheus. Access from east side (road 864) for best views.

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Nature & Outdoors

Selfoss Waterfall (North)

Just upstream from Dettifoss. Wider but lower waterfall with a horseshoe shape. Walk from Dettifoss parking (2km round trip). Far fewer visitors than Dettifoss. The combination of both waterfalls is spectacular.

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Nature & Outdoors

Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall

Dramatic waterfall surrounded by hexagonal basalt columns. The contrast of dark basalt, white water, and (in winter) snow-covered surroundings is extraordinary. Accessible by 4x4 in summer.

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Raw Earth

Nature & Volcanic Landscapes

Lava formations, volcanic craters, canyons, and the alien terrain of Mývatn.

Nature & Outdoors

Akureyri Botanical Garden

The world's northernmost botanical garden. 7000+ plant species thriving just south of the Arctic Circle. Free entry. Beautiful in summer with species from every continent. Peaceful and well-maintained.

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Nature & Outdoors

Mývatn Lake

Volcanic lake known for its naturally heated lagoon, wild birds & views of the Northern Lights.

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Nature & Outdoors

Dimmuborgir Lava Formations

Dramatic lava pillars and arches from a 2000-year-old eruption. Walking trails weave through the labyrinth. Icelandic folklore says trolls live here. The 'Dark Fortress' is eerie and fascinating.

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Nature & Outdoors

Ásbyrgi Canyon

Likely formed after the last Ice Age, this glacial canyon offers hiking trails with stunning views.

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Nature & Outdoors

Krafla Volcanic Area

Active volcanic system with a dramatic caldera. Víti crater lake (bright blue-green water in a volcanic explosion crater) is the highlight. The Krafla power station harnesses the volcanic energy.

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Nature & Outdoors

Námaskarð Geothermal Area (Hverir)

Otherworldly landscape of bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and sulfur deposits. The smell of sulfur is strong but the Mars-like colors (orange, yellow, grey) are incredible. Free access, boardwalk paths.

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Nature & Outdoors

Tjörnes Peninsula (Fossil Beach)

Beach covered in ancient seashell fossils embedded in rock. Walk along the coast finding millions of years of geological history. Arctic terns nest nearby in summer. Rarely visited.

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Nature & Outdoors

Hvítserkur Sea Stack

15m tall rock formation rising from the sea, resembling a drinking dragon or elephant. Best viewed from the beach below. Seal colonies share the area. The sunrise illumination is breathtaking.

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Nature & Outdoors

Kolugljúfur Canyon

Hidden canyon with a beautiful waterfall (Kolufoss) cascading through narrow basalt walls. Walkable viewing platform above. Most Ring Road drivers pass by without knowing it exists.

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Soak

Hot Springs & Baths

Geothermal baths, beer spas, and hidden fjord-side hot pots.

Experiences

Mývatn Nature Baths

North Iceland's answer to Blue Lagoon. Milky-blue geothermal pool overlooking the lake. Less crowded and cheaper. The mineral-rich water is incredibly soothing. Beautiful at sunset or under northern lights.

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Experiences

Grjótagjá Cave

Natural hot spring inside a lava cave. Featured in Game of Thrones (Jon Snow and Ygritte scene). Too hot for bathing now but you can look inside. The blue water in the cave is mesmerizing.

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Experiences

Hauganes Hot Pot

Free oceanside hot pot in a tiny fishing village. Soak in geothermal water while looking across the fjord to snow-capped mountains. Utterly remote, zero tourists. The most peaceful hot pot in Iceland.

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Experiences

Beer Spa (Bjórböðin)

Soak in a bathtub filled with beer, hops, and yeast (don't drink it!). Then move to the regular hot tub overlooking the fjord. Includes a draft beer to drink. Bizarre, fun, and relaxing.

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Experiences

GeoSea Geothermal Baths

Infinity-edge geothermal pools on the cliffs above Húsavík. Panoramic views of the bay where whales swim below. The pools use naturally hot seawater. Dramatic and modern. Best at sunset.

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Experiences

Grenivík & Fjörður Hot Pot

Tiny village with a stunning mountain backdrop and a free hot pot on the shore. Population ~270. The definition of off-the-beaten-path Iceland. Authentic and peaceful.

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Immerse

Experiences & Wildlife

Whale watching, midnight sun walks, scenic drives, and Arctic adventures.

Experiences

Húsavík Whale Watching

Europe's whale watching capital. 99% success rate in summer. See humpbacks, minke whales, blue whales (rare), and dolphins in Skjálfandi Bay. The original and best whale watching in Iceland.

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Experiences

Diamond Circle Route

North Iceland's answer to the Golden Circle. Loop connecting Húsavík, Ásbyrgi, Dettifoss, and Mývatn. Full day driving tour. Less crowded than the Golden Circle with equally dramatic landscapes.

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Experiences

Dalvík Whale Watching

Small fishing village offering whale watching with a twist, you fish for Arctic char while watching for whales, then grill your catch on board. A uniquely Icelandic experience. 40 min from Akureyri.

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Experiences

Goðafoss to Mývatn Drive

Scenic 50km drive connecting two of North Iceland's highlights. Pass through lava fields, farmland, and tiny villages. Stop at roadside viewpoints. The landscape transitions from green farmland to volcanic terrain.

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Experiences

Mývatn Midnight Sun Walk

In June-July, the sun barely sets. Walk the lava formations at midnight in golden light. The pseudocraters, bird colonies, and lava fields are magical in the endless twilight. Bring a camera.

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Experiences

Tröllaskagi Peninsula Drive

Stunning mountain peninsula between Siglufjörður and Dalvík. Dramatic mountain passes, coastal tunnels, and fishing villages. The most scenic stretch of driving in North Iceland. 3-4 hours loop from Akureyri.

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Heritage

Museums & History

Turf farms, herring history, and the stories of Iceland’s remote north.

Culture & History

Húsavík Whale Museum

Museum with informative exhibits on whales & their habitat, including skeletons, plus a gift shop.

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Culture & History

Siglufjörður (Herring Era Museum)

Award-winning museum about Iceland's herring boom. Beautifully restored buildings tell the story of when herring was liquid gold. The tiny town in a dramatic fjord is charming. 1.5 hours from Akureyri.

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Culture & History

Laufás Turf Farm

Beautifully preserved 19th-century turf farmhouse. See how Icelanders lived for centuries in houses built into hillsides for insulation. The traditional architecture is fascinating and photogenic.

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Get Hands-On

Activities & Experiences

3 hand-checked activities & experiences spots travelers love, freshly added and not found on most guides.

Experiences

Gentle Giants - Husavik Whale Watching

Ocean tours for whale watching & deep-sea fishing, plus kayaking trips & Icelandic horseback riding.

4.6★Kid friendly

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Experiences

Forest Lagoon

Public bath in Akureyri. Rated 4.7 stars across 1,560 Google reviews.

4.7★Kid friendly

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Experiences

Whale Watching Hauganes

Tour agency in Hauganes. Rated 4.7 stars across 1,216 Google reviews.

4.7★Kid friendly

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Caffeine Fix

Cafes, Coffee & Sweets

1 hand-checked cafes, coffee & sweets spots travelers love, freshly added and not found on most guides.

Cafe

Kaffi Ilmur

Cafe in Akureyri. Rated 4.7 stars across 865 Google reviews.

4.7★Outdoor seating

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Eat Like a Local

Food & Restaurants

24 hand-checked food & restaurants spots travelers love, freshly added and not found on most guides.

Food & Drink

Naustið

Seafood restaurant in Húsavík. Rated 4.7 stars across 1,526 Google reviews.

4.7★Outdoor seating

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Food & Drink

Gamli Baukur

Restaurant in Húsavík. Rated 4.3 stars across 1,006 Google reviews.

4.3★Outdoor seating

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Food & Drink

Salka Restaurant

Restaurant in Húsavík. Rated 4.5 stars across 915 Google reviews.

4.5★Outdoor seating

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Food & Drink

Fish and Chips Lake Mývatn

Restaurant in Skútustaðahreppur. Rated 4.7 stars across 747 Google reviews.

4.7★Outdoor seating

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Food & Drink

Greifinn

Restaurant in Akureyri. Rated 4.4 stars across 722 Google reviews.

4.4★Good for groups

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Food & Drink

Taste

Hamburger restaurant in Akureyri. Rated 4.6 stars across 637 Google reviews.

4.6★Outdoor seating

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Food & Drink

Fish and Chips

Restaurant in Húsavík. Rated 4.3 stars across 600 Google reviews.

4.3★Outdoor seating

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Food & Drink

Pylsuvagninn á Akureyri

Hot dog restaurant in Akureyri. Rated 4.7 stars across 585 Google reviews.

4.7★Outdoor seating

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Food & Drink

Dalakofinn Laugum

Restaurant in Laugar. Rated 4.2 stars across 539 Google reviews.

4.2★Outdoor seating

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Food & Drink

Gamli Bærinn

Restaurant in North Iceland. Rated 4.4 stars across 529 Google reviews.

4.4★Live music

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Food & Drink

Ketilkaffi

Restaurant in Akureyri. Rated 4.7 stars across 507 Google reviews.

4.7★Outdoor seating

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Food & Drink

Moe’s Food Truck

Restaurant in Akureyri. Rated 4.7 stars across 388 Google reviews.

4.7★Veggie options

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Food & Drink

Kaffi Borgir

Restaurant in Mývatn. Rated 4.2 stars across 372 Google reviews.

4.2★Outdoor seating

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Food & Drink

LYST

Restaurant in Akureyri. Rated 4.7 stars across 362 Google reviews.

4.7★Outdoor seating

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Food & Drink

Mulaberg Bistro & Bar

Restaurant in Akureyri. Rated 4.4 stars across 278 Google reviews.

4.4★Outdoor seating

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Food & Drink

Eyri Restaurant veitingahús Hjalteyri

Restaurant in Hjalteyri. Rated 4.9 stars across 272 Google reviews.

4.9★Outdoor seating

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Food & Drink

Eyja

Restaurant in Akureyri. Rated 4.6 stars across 269 Google reviews.

4.6★Good for groups

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Food & Drink

Mylla Restaurant

Restaurant in Myvatn. Rated 4.3 stars across 151 Google reviews.

4.3★Good for groups

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Food & Drink

North Restaurant

Restaurant in Akureyri. Rated 4.7 stars across 150 Google reviews.

4.7★Good for groups

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Food & Drink

Wok to Walk

Compact counter-serve eatery with made-to-order stir-fries, including vegan & vegetarian options.

4.4★Kid friendly

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Food & Drink

Aurora Restaurant

Restaurant in Akureyri. Rated 4.6 stars across 86 Google reviews.

4.6★Outdoor seating

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Food & Drink

Chikin

Chicken restaurant in Akureyri. Rated 4.9 stars across 73 Google reviews.

4.9★Kid friendly

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Food & Drink

Terían Brasserie

Restaurant in Akureyri. Rated 4.5 stars across 70 Google reviews.

4.5★Good for groups

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Food & Drink

Souvlaki Greek Taste

Fast food restaurant in Akureyri. Rated 4.8 stars across 68 Google reviews.

4.8★Kid friendly

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After Dark

Bars & Nightlife

2 hand-checked bars & nightlife spots travelers love, freshly added and not found on most guides.

Nightlife

Strikið

Casual eatery with a terrace & water views fixing up global dishes & desserts, plus cocktails.

4.4★Outdoor seating

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Nightlife

Vamos & Fiesta - Einstök Beer Lounge

Bar in Akureyri. Rated 4.6 stars across 101 Google reviews.

4.6★Live music

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Must-See

Sights & Landmarks

9 hand-checked sights & landmarks spots travelers love, freshly added and not found on most guides.

Landmarks

Dettifoss (West Side)

Tourist attraction in North Iceland. Rated 4.8 stars across 3,131 Google reviews.

4.8★Kid friendly

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Landmarks

Námafjall Hverir Viewpoint

Historical landmark in Reykjahlíð. Rated 4.7 stars across 2,026 Google reviews.

4.7★Kid friendly

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Landmarks

Skútustaðagígar

Series of pseudocraters formed by lava flow, surrounded by Lake Mývatn wetlands, known for birdlife.

4.4★Kid friendly

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Landmarks

Geitafoss

Tourist attraction in Fossholl. Rated 4.8 stars across 652 Google reviews.

4.8★Kid friendly

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Landmarks

Lake Mývatn panoramic point

Tourist attraction in Skútustaðir. Rated 4.6 stars across 565 Google reviews.

4.6★Kid friendly

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Landmarks

Leirhnjukur

Tourist attraction in North Iceland. Rated 4.6 stars across 380 Google reviews.

4.6★Kid friendly

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Landmarks

Kjarnaskógur

National park in North Iceland. Rated 4.6 stars across 370 Google reviews.

4.6★Dog friendly

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Landmarks

Hot Spring Shower

Tourist attraction in Reykjahlíð. Rated 4.5 stars across 355 Google reviews.

4.5★Kid friendly

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Landmarks

Petting Zoo Daladýrð

Zoo in North Iceland. Rated 4.6 stars across 349 Google reviews.

4.6★Kid friendly

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Hidden Finds

More North Iceland Gems

7 hand-checked more north iceland gems spots travelers love, freshly added and not found on most guides.

Hidden Gems

Viewpoint from Hverfjall volcano

Scenic spot in Reykjahlíð. Rated 4.6 stars across 798 Google reviews.

4.6★798 reviews

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Hidden Gems

Hof Cultural and Conference Centre

Cultural center in Akureyri. Rated 4.4 stars across 730 Google reviews.

4.4★730 reviews

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Hidden Gems

Akureyri Swimming Pool

Swimming pool in Akureyri. Rated 4.8 stars across 709 Google reviews.

4.8★Kid friendly

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Hidden Gems

Hofdi

Nature preserve in Skútustaðir. Rated 4.6 stars across 542 Google reviews.

4.6★Kid friendly

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Hidden Gems

Dimmuborgir Parking

Transportation service in North Iceland. Rated 4.5 stars across 410 Google reviews.

4.5★410 reviews

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Hidden Gems

Husavik Adventures

Spot in Húsavík. Rated 4.8 stars across 398 Google reviews.

4.8★398 reviews

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Hidden Gems

Hverfjall

Tuff ring volcano created 2,500 years ago & featuring two walking paths up to the crater's center.

4.7★374 reviews

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NORTH ICELAND

Icons & Towns

Akureyri

Arctic Henge

Akureyri Christmas House

Waterfalls

Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods)

Dettifoss Waterfall

Selfoss Waterfall (North)

Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall

Nature & Volcanic Landscapes

Akureyri Botanical Garden

Mývatn Lake

Dimmuborgir Lava Formations

Ásbyrgi Canyon

Krafla Volcanic Area

Námaskarð Geothermal Area (Hverir)

Tjörnes Peninsula (Fossil Beach)

Hvítserkur Sea Stack

Kolugljúfur Canyon

Hot Springs & Baths

Mývatn Nature Baths

Grjótagjá Cave

Hauganes Hot Pot

Beer Spa (Bjórböðin)

GeoSea Geothermal Baths

Grenivík & Fjörður Hot Pot

Experiences & Wildlife

Húsavík Whale Watching

Diamond Circle Route

Dalvík Whale Watching

Goðafoss to Mývatn Drive

Mývatn Midnight Sun Walk

Tröllaskagi Peninsula Drive

Museums & History

Húsavík Whale Museum

Siglufjörður (Herring Era Museum)

Laufás Turf Farm

Activities & Experiences

Gentle Giants - Husavik Whale Watching

Forest Lagoon

Whale Watching Hauganes

Cafes, Coffee & Sweets

Kaffi Ilmur

Food & Restaurants

Naustið

Gamli Baukur

Salka Restaurant

Fish and Chips Lake Mývatn

Greifinn

Taste

Fish and Chips

Pylsuvagninn á Akureyri

Dalakofinn Laugum

Gamli Bærinn

Ketilkaffi

Moe’s Food Truck

Kaffi Borgir

LYST

Mulaberg Bistro & Bar

Eyri Restaurant veitingahús Hjalteyri

Eyja

Mylla Restaurant

North Restaurant

Wok to Walk

Aurora Restaurant

Chikin

Terían Brasserie

Souvlaki Greek Taste

Bars & Nightlife

Strikið

Vamos & Fiesta - Einstök Beer Lounge

Sights & Landmarks

Dettifoss (West Side)

Námafjall Hverir Viewpoint

Skútustaðagígar

Geitafoss

Lake Mývatn panoramic point

Leirhnjukur

Kjarnaskógur