Norðurþing Municipality

Province ·🇮🇸 Iceland

Population 3,114

Area 3,707 km²

Time zone Atlantic/Reykjavik

Official website www.nordurthing.is

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Explore Norðurþing Municipality

Norðurþing Essentials

Norðurþing encompasses some of Iceland's most dramatic natural landmarks within the Vatnajökull National Park and along the Diamond Circle. The region is home to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, which includes the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi and the basaltic formations of Hljódaklettar. Húsavík serves as the coastal hub, featuring a historic wooden church, a dedicated whale museum, and geothermal baths overlooking Skjálfandi Bay. Further north, the Arctic Henge at Raufarhöfn stands as a massive stone sundial aligned with the midnight sun.

12 places

North Iceland Nature Highlights

This collection highlights the dramatic geological features of the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon and the Tjörnes peninsula. It features Dettifoss, Europe's most voluminous waterfall, alongside the upstream Selfoss and downstream Hafragilsfoss. The list includes the unique basalt formations of Hljóðaklettar, such as the Kirkjan cave, the puffin-nesting sea cliffs at Hringsbjarg, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, showcasing the volcanic and glacial forces that shaped North Iceland.

6 places

Northern Iceland Natural Wonders

This collection highlights the dramatic geological features of the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon within Vatnajökull National Park. It features Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, alongside the cascading Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss. The list also includes the vibrant red scoria cones of Rauðhólar in Vesturdalur and the tranquil Botnstjörn pond nestled within the sheer cliffs of the Ásbyrgi canyon. These sites showcase the raw impact of glacial floods and volcanic activity along the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river.

8 places

Cultural Heritage of the North

This collection highlights the diverse cultural history of Northeast Iceland, from the monumental Arctic Henge in Raufarhöfn—a modern stone structure inspired by Norse mythology—to Húsavík’s specialized museums. Discover the region’s maritime legacy through the Húsavík Whale Museum’s skeletal displays and the Exploration Museum’s tribute to Apollo astronaut training. The list also features local landmarks like the Swiss chalet-style Húsavíkurkirkja and the Kópasker Earthquake Centre, which documents the seismic history of the Tjörnes fracture zone.

10 places