• Your Guide To

North Iceland is the region from the fjord Hrútafjörður to Langanes peninsula. The eastern part of this area features majestic highlands, powerful glacial rivers and waterfalls, while the main attraction of the more densely populated western part is its history and heritage.

The largest town in North Iceland is Akureyri in Eyjafjörður. Even if it is a village of only 17,000 people, its facilities serve the whole northern part of the country and there is both a university and a large hospital. Akureyri church is beautiful and very well known and near the town centre is a renowned leisure park. Just outside Akureyri is the popular camping site Kjarnaskógur as well as one of the best skiing resorts in Iceland, Hlíðarfjall Mountain. Close by is also the waterfall Goðafoss, an ideal stopping point when driving east from Akureyri. Outside the mouth of Eyjafjörður, right on the Arctic Circle, is the island Grímsey with the northernmost settlement in Iceland. The island can be reached by boat from Akureyri.

North Icelanders are very proud of their heritage and there are many folk museums in the region. The largest ones are Glaumbær Folk Museum in Skagafjörður and the Akureyri Museum, but the smaller ones are often just as interesting, covering local heritage in each area. Other noteworthy exhibitions in the area include the Icelandic Emigration Centre in Hofsós which tells the story of Icelanders who moved to America in the 19th century, the Herring Museum in Siglufjörður, and a Textile Museum in Blönduós, displaying traditional textile handicrafts from Icelandic homes. The history of Northwest Iceland includes many dramatic tales. One of those is told in Grettis saga, of the famous outlaw Grettir "the strong" who hid in the island Drangey in the 11th century. The island is well fortified with steep sea cliffs on all sides and Grettir held his stand there for three years, until finally defeated by magic. Another historic site is the old bishopric Hólar in Hjaltadalur where there is now an academy for tourism, marine biology and horse training. Northwest Iceland is Iceland's most established area when it comes to horse breeding and training, so it is ideal to try some horse back riding at one of the many farms in this region.

The eastern part of North Iceland is distinguished by fascinating nature. One of its treasures is Mývatn, a large, clear lake in a beautiful setting of well grown lava fields. Right by the lake is a cluster of strange rocks called Dimmuborgir, which have a mysterious air about them and were often connected to the devil in popular belief. Another stunning site is the national park of Jökulsárgljúfur, where the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum rushes through rough gorges and Iceland's most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss falls down in a deep canyon.

For more information check out www.akureyri.is and www.nordurland.is.

More images from North Iceland can be found in our photogallery from Akureyri.

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