Northeastern Iceland offers a variety of natural attractions: waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and the wetlands of Mývatn and Laxá. Húsavík has its own distinctive appeal, with its whale museum and whale-watching tours in Skjálfandi Bay. These destinations appeal to different interests: you can experience waterfalls via trails and viewpoints, compare geological formations, or learn about whales and life in the sea.
Waterfalls and trails
Dettifoss is 45 metres high and about 100 metres wide. It is part of a remarkable series of waterfalls on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, which also includes Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss. A marked hiking trail leads from the car park to a viewpoint. The round trip takes just under an hour. This estimate helps you plan the walk as a separate part of your itinerary.
Goðafoss is one of Iceland’s most powerful waterfalls and one of the Diamond Circle’s five main attractions. Trails run along both the eastern and western banks of the Skjálfandafljót river; a footbridge connects the two areas. The area around the waterfall is easily accessible for people with reduced mobility. At Goðafoss, the trails on both banks and the link between them help you find your way around.
Volcanic formations and protected areas
Dimmuborgir is a labyrinthine lava field formed about 2,300 years ago during a volcanic eruption. Hverfjall, by contrast, is a tuff crater formed about 2,500 years ago during a powerful explosive eruption. These offer a chance to compare two different volcanic formations: a lava field and a crater. The hike up Hverfjall and around its crater is considered short and rewarding, with excellent views across the Mývatn region.
The landscape around Mývatn and Laxá is distinctive and shaped by extensive volcanic activity. Mývatn and Laxá are protected under Icelandic Special Act No. 97 of 9 June 2004. Under the Ramsar Convention, they are also recognised as internationally important wetlands. At Mývatn and Laxá, the volcanic landscape and the protection of wetlands offer two different perspectives on nature.
Getting around Dimmuborgir, Hverfjall and Mývatn
A paved road leads to Dimmuborgir. At the car park, there is a service building with toilets, a restaurant and a souvenir shop. A road branches off the main road to Hverfjall; the landowners maintain the toilets and car parks. The two destinations offer different practical reference points, while their volcanic formations remain the main attraction.
Skútustaðagígar lies near Skútustaðir on the southern shore of Mývatn and is accessible by car via Route 848, Mývatnsvegur. The Gíg visitor centre at Skútustaðagígar offers visitor information, an exhibition and toilets. You can use its location by the lake and the visitor centre’s facilities to help plan your visit.
Whales and marine life in Húsavík
The whale museum in Húsavík is an educational institution dedicated to whales and life in the sea. Húsavík is also known for whale-watching tours in Skjálfandi Bay. This gives you two different ways to explore the subject: learn about whales and life in the sea at the museum, or go whale-watching in the bay.
Discover more destinations: Dalvík, Myvatn, Ólafsfjördur, Akureyri, Svalbard, Háls, Sauðárkrókur, Húsavík, Einarsstaðir, Reykjahlíð, Bakki, Grenivík, Siglufjörður, Raufarhöfn, Lundarbrekka, Laugar, Grenjaðarstaður, Miðgarðar, Svalbarðseyri, Kópasker, Hjalteyri, Hallbjarnarstaðir, Hrisey, Laxamýri, Laufás, Draflastadhir, Hauganes.
See the overview of destinations across Iceland: Iceland.
