While most tourists only rush through Iceland’s famous southern coastline, the true geological extremes and untouched wilderness lie in the North and West of the island.
This region is home to Europe’s most powerful waterfall, twisted volcanic rock labyrinths steeped in folklore, prime arctic fjords for whale watching, and ancient underground lava tubes where you can experience absolute darkness.
Here is our travel guide to the best natural attractions across Northern and Western Iceland.
North & West Iceland (contents)
The Volcanic North: Dettifoss & The Geothermal Wonderland of Mývatn
The region surrounding Lake Mývatn sits directly over the active Mid-Atlantic Ridge, showcasing remarkable volcanic phenomena.
Dettifoss: Europe’s Most Powerful Waterfall
- Plunging 44 meters (144 feet) into the dramatic Jökulsárgljúfur canyon with a flow rate over 190 m³/s, the sheer volume of grey glacial water is awe-inspiring.
- You can literally feel the basalt bedrock trembling beneath your feet.
- Access Tip: The West Bank (Road 862) is fully paved year-round with modern facilities. The East Bank (Road 864) is an unpaved gravel road open only in summer, offering a raw, unfiltered view directly over the drop.
Hverir (Námafjall): Bubbling Mud & Fumaroles
- A high-temperature geothermal field at the foot of Mount Námafjall.
- Vivid mineral-stained soil (ochre, sulfur yellow, rusty red) dotted with violently steaming vents (fumaroles) and boiling grey mud cauldrons.
Dimmuborgir: The Dark Lava Castles
- A vast labyrinth of bizarrely shaped volcanic towers and arches formed by a collapsed lava lake 2,300 years ago.
- Icelandic folklore holds that Dimmuborgir connects earth to the underworld and serves as the home to the 13 mischievous Yule Lads (Jólasveinar).
Goðafoss: Waterfall of the Gods
- A stunning semicircular waterfall on the Skjálfandafljót river.
- Steeped in history: around the year 1000, lawspeaker Þorgeir tossed his pagan Norse idols (Odin, Thor, Freya) into the churning water to formally mark Iceland’s conversion to Christianity.
👉 Our complete 10-day itinerary for Iceland here.
Whale Watching in Akureyri: Face to Face with Giants
Nestled deep within Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord, the northern capital of Akureyri is a premier hub for marine wildlife tours.
Why Choose a RIB Speedboat Over a Traditional Ship?
- We upgraded to a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) speed expedition.
- Equipped with heavy-duty thermal immersion suits and protective goggles, you sit right at water level.
- The Advantage: While traditional wooden ships move slowly and keep their distance, agile RIB boats quickly navigate to sightings and position you just meters away from surfacing humpback whales.
Seeing a 30-ton humpback whale surface alongside our boat in the arctic mist, blow a towering plume of spray, and raise its massive fluke before diving into the fjord is an unforgettable highlight.
Western Iceland: History, Craters & Underground Caves
Heading west toward Reykjavík, the landscape transitions from jagged fjords to fertile valleys and volcanic formations.
Glaumbær Historic Turf Farm
- An authentic 18th- and 19th-century turf manor house.
- Thick layers of turf sod and timber provided essential insulation during sub-zero arctic winters in a country with virtually no indigenous forest lumber.
Grábrók Crater & Hraunfossar Waterfalls
- Grábrók Crater: A 3,000-year-old cinder cone featuring a wooden staircase to the rim, providing sweeping panoramic views over the surrounding moss-covered lava plain.
- Hraunfossar (Lava Falls): A unique geological marvel where crystal-clear turquoise springs emerge over a 900-meter span directly from under the porous Hallmundarhraun lava field into the Hvítá river.
Surtshellir: Exploring a Subterranean Lava Tube
- Nearly one kilometer in length, Surtshellir is an ancient hollow tunnel carved out by flowing magma.
- Exploring this wild, unlit cavern requires sturdy hiking boots and powerful headlamps. Inside, you experience complete silence and total, impenetrable darkness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Peak whale watching season runs from May through late September, when viewing success rates in Eyjafjörður and Skjálfandi bay exceed 95%. Humpback whales, minke whales, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins are frequently sighted.
The West Bank (Road 862) is paved and cleared of snow more frequently, but access can still be temporarily shut down during severe winter blizzards. The unpaved East Bank (Road 864) is completely impassable and closed from October to late May.
Surtshellir is an open, unmanaged cave with no lighting or handrails. The cave floor is covered with sharp, wet, collapsed boulders. Self-guided exploration is only recommended for experienced hikers with proper footwear and reliable illumination. For a fully guided and illuminated alternative, visit Víðgelmir cave nearby.
