Northeastern Region

Region ·🇮🇸 Iceland

Population 30,600

Area 21,424 km²

Time zone Atlantic/Reykjavik, Europe/London

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Explore Northeastern Region

Northeastern Iceland's Essential Wonders

Northeastern Iceland features diverse geological formations, from the 44-meter-high Dettifoss—Europe's most powerful waterfall—to the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon. The Mývatn region contains mineral-rich geothermal baths, the Dimmuborgir lava fields, and the Hverfjall tephra cone. Geothermal activity is concentrated at the Námafjall sulfur springs and Krafla's volcanic caldera. Further inland, the remote Askja caldera holds the deep Öskjuvatn lake. Cultural history is preserved at the Siglufjörður Herring Era Museum and the 19th-century turf houses at Laufás.

14 places

Icelandic Hidden Gems

Explore Northeastern Iceland’s lesser-known sites, ranging from the geothermal activity of Námafjall, where sulfur crystals and mud pots dominate the landscape, to the basalt columns surrounding Aldeyjarfoss waterfall in the Highlands. Cultural highlights include Siglufjörður’s Herring Era Museum, detailing the country's maritime history, and Sigurgeirs Bird Museum near Lake Mývatn. The Arctic Henge in Raufarhöfn serves as a modern stone monument and sundial, drawing inspiration from Norse mythology.

5 places

Iceland's Natural Wonders

Northeastern Iceland and the central Highlands feature a high concentration of volcanic and geothermal landmarks. This region includes Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall, and the Mývatn area, defined by the Dimmuborgir lava formations and Hverfjall tephra cone. The landscape is shaped by active systems like the Krafla caldera and Námafjall sulfur springs. Further inland, the remote Askja caldera contains the deep Öskjuvatn lake, while the Aldeyjarfoss waterfall showcases rare, symmetrical basalt column architecture.

12 places

Icelandic Churches of Note

This collection highlights the diverse ecclesiastical architecture of Northern Iceland, ranging from the rare turf-roofed Saurbæjarkirkja to the ornate, privately funded Grundarkirkja. These sites include 19th-century wooden structures, modern monuments like Þorgeirskirkja, and locations of former medieval monasteries such as Munkaþverá. Many churches, including Laufáskirkja and Grenjaðarstaðarkirkja, sit alongside preserved historic farms, offering insight into the region's religious development and social history from the settlement era to the present day.

20 places

Viewpoints and Alpine Huts

This collection features essential stop-offs within the Vatnajökull National Park and the remote Icelandic Highlands. It highlights the powerful waterfalls of the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, including Dettifoss and Hafragilsfoss, alongside volcanic landmarks like the Krafla-Viti crater. The list also details high-altitude mountain huts and emergency shelters, such as Dreki and Þorsteinsskáli, which provide vital accommodation and safety for hikers traversing the rugged Sprengisandur and Ódáðahraun desert routes.

40 places

Icelandic Heritage Sites

This collection highlights the cultural and geological legacy of Northeastern Iceland. It spans the dramatic lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the biological richness of Lake Mývatn, both notable filming locations for Game of Thrones. The list features significant archaeological remains, including the abandoned fishing village of Skálar on the Langanes peninsula, and memorials like Orbis et Globus on Grímsey Island, which marks the shifting path of the Arctic Circle.

20 places