Curator’s statement
Short on time but craving wide-open spaces and unforgettable scenery? Escape the crowds and take a quick 45-minute flight to Akureyri, the charming gateway to North Iceland. In just three days, you can immerse yourself in bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, dramatic rock formations, soothing geothermal lagoons, and vast landscapes that stir the soul. If traveling from the US, plan on a five-day trip (this includes travel days). Visit in early October for a quieter, more intimate experience—fewer visitors, golden autumn light, and, if you’re lucky, the magical dance of the Northern Lights overhead. Iceland invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace the extraordinary. I left a little piece of my heart in the North, and I can't wait to return!
The Fora Difference
Book with Alexandra Mathisen to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Unlock perks by contacting Alexandra Mathisen to book your trip.
Day 1: Arrival & Reykjavík exploration
Skólavörðustígur, Rainbow Street, Reyjkavík
Arrival
Arrive at Keflavik International Airport and begin your Icelandic adventure in Reykjavík. Most US flights land early, giving you a full day to explore, adjust to the time change, and ease into Iceland’s rhythm.
For a memorable start, consider a private car transfer from the airport. A scenic drive around the Reykjanes Peninsula before reaching your hotel offers a striking first glimpse of Iceland’s volcanic landscape and makes the most of your arrival day.
Explore Reykjavík
Spend the afternoon exploring Reykjavík on a guided walking tour, strolling colorful streets while learning about Viking heritage, folklore, and modern culture. Prefer a culinary angle? A local food tour lets you sample specialties like smoked lamb, Arctic char, fermented shark, and a sip of Brennivín, Iceland’s signature spirit. Reykjavík is easy to navigate on foot and can easily be seen in half a day.
Stay at The Reykjavik EDITION
This evening, unwind in your elegant room at The Reykjavik EDITION, where sleek Nordic design meets five-star comfort. From September through April, watch the night sky—Northern Lights often dance above the city in vivid green and violet hues. I highly recommend taking advantage of the on-site spa, then relaxing around the fireplace with a crafted drink, and savoring a meal on-site at TIDES, a Michelin-recommended restaurant.
A note from Alexandra
Short on time? Skip Reykjavík and fly directly to Akureyri. Multiple daily flights make it easy to maximize your time in the north.
Day 2: Akureyri & the road to Lake Mývatn
Goðafoss Waterfall
Akureyri
Catch an early morning flight to Akureyri and pick up your rental car at the airport—your gateway to North Iceland’s dramatic landscapes.
Begin with a visit to the town’s charming botanical garden, a peaceful (and free) showcase of Arctic flora during warmer months. Just steps away, enjoy a relaxed late breakfast at Lyst, a local favorite known for fresh, seasonal dishes and a cozy atmosphere.
Next, head to Akureyrarkirkja, the iconic church overlooking the town. Take in sweeping views of colorful rooftops and the Eyjafjörður fjord, then stock up on snacks before hitting the road.
A short drive brings you to the serene Forest Lagoon, a hidden gem tucked among birch and pine trees. Overlooking the fjord and mountains, this intimate geothermal spa offers a quieter, more local alternative to Iceland’s larger lagoons. Soak, breathe in the crisp air, and let the forest calm your senses. This is one of my favorite lagoons in Iceland.
Before continuing toward Lake Mývatn, enjoy a comforting bowl of traditional lamb soup (delicious!) and freshly baked bread at the on-site café. With great views over the fjord and an indoor fireplace, this is a cozy place to hang out and relax. Then set off into one of Iceland’s most otherworldly regions, where lava fields, craters, and steaming geothermal features dominate the landscape.
The journey to Lake Mývatn
If time and season allow, visit the turf houses at Laufás, a beautifully preserved heritage site that offers a glimpse into Iceland’s rural past. With grass-covered roofs and timber interiors, they feel straight out of a storybook.
Continue to Goðafoss, the famed “Waterfall of the Gods.” Walk along the rim for panoramic views, then descend closer to feel the mist and hear the thunder of turquoise water plunging into the canyon—an unforgettable highlight en route to Lake Mývatn.
The Fosshotel Mývatn
This evening, check in to Fosshotel Mývatn, a stylish retreat set along the lake’s shores. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the surrounding volcanic terrain, offering front-row views of the ever-changing landscape.
End the day with dinner at the hotel restaurant, where locally sourced ingredients shine. Enjoy tomato soup (the tomatoes are sourced from a local greenhouse) and perfectly prepared Arctic char while gazing out over lava formations, pseudocraters, and the quiet northern sky—an ideal close to your day in North Iceland. The views are truly incredible!
A note from Alexandra
During the winter months, the Northern Lights are typically visible from right outside the hotel. You can even ask the front desk for a wake-up call!
Day 3: Explore Lake Mývatn
Hverir Geothermal Area
Hverir Geothermal Area
Begin your day with a visit to Hverir Geothermal Area, just a short drive from the hotel. The stark landscape is streaked with deep reds, yellows, and grays from mineral-rich mud, while steam rises steadily from fumaroles across the ground. The effect feels almost otherworldly. A boardwalk brings you close to bubbling mud pots, after which you’re free to explore the open terrain at your own pace.
Explore Dimmuborgir on foot
Next, continue to the lava fields of Dimmuborgir, a short drive from Hverir. Towering rock pillars and twisted volcanic formations give the area a mythic feel. Follow the well-marked trails at your own pace and take in the dramatic scenery along the way.
Afterward, stop at the seasonal on-site café, Kaffi Borgir, for a cozy lunch. Warm up with an unlimited soup buffet (there are three different soups on the menu!) and sample the region’s famous geothermal rye bread, slowly baked underground using natural heat. If you’re lucky, you may spot locals retrieving fresh loaves from steaming “bread holes” during your stay in Lake Mývvatn.
Afternoon options
Spend the afternoon unwinding at the Mývatn Nature Baths (currently closed for renovation, expected to reopen late spring 2026). Often called the “Blue Lagoon of the North,” the mineral-rich waters offer sweeping views over lava fields and the lake beyond.
Prefer something more adventurous? Book a buggy tour and race across black sand and volcanic terrain for a thrilling change of pace, or opt for a snowmobile tour in the winter.
Farm-to-table dinner
This evening, head to Vogafjós Farm Resort for a classic farm-to-table experience. Watch cows being milked in the working barn, then enjoy dinner featuring local specialties like slow-cooked lamb shank—a warm, authentic end to your day at Lake Mývatn.
A note from Alexandra
From October to March, consider ending the evening with a soak at the baths—you may be rewarded with a Northern Lights sighting like I was! It was truly a magical evening.
Day 4: Husavik & The Diamond Circle
Traditional Icelandic boats
Whale watching in Husavik
Drive north to Húsavík, widely known as Iceland’s whale-watching capital. From March through early October, migrating humpbacks, minkes, and even blue whales frequent these nutrient-rich waters, making it one of the best places in Europe to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Head out on a scenic three-hour whale-watching tour aboard a traditional oak boat for a quiet, classic experience. Short on time? Opt for a high-speed RIB boat to cover more ground and boost your chances of sightings.
Relax at Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths
Afterward, relax at the nearby GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths. These cliffside infinity pools overlook the fjord, blending warm seawater with sweeping Arctic views—keep an eye out, as whales are sometimes visible from the baths.
Diamond Circle
If you’d rather keep exploring, spend the afternoon driving the Diamond Circle. Highlights include mighty Dettifoss, often called Europe’s most powerful waterfall, where glacial water roars into the canyon below. Return to the Fosshotel via a scenic loop (note: this route is typically inaccessible in winter).
A note from Alexandra
Head to Naustið for a delicious seafood lunch (closed in winter).
Day 5: The journey home
Fosshotel Myvatn
Return to Akureyri and drop off your rental car before boarding a short domestic flight back to Reykjavík. From there, continue on to Keflavik International Airport for your journey home.
As you depart, carry with you memories of steaming geothermal landscapes, thundering waterfalls, quiet fjords, and perhaps even the shimmer of the Northern Lights—proof that even three days in North Iceland can feel like an epic escape.
Need to know
Travel & airport tips
Keflavik International Airport is about 45 minutes from Reykjavík.
Domestic flights to the north depart from Reykjavík Domestic Airport, located within the city.
If connecting between international and domestic flights, allow time to transfer between airports; a bus service connects them.
The domestic airport is small and efficient—arriving about 45 minutes before departure is usually sufficient.
For a smooth arrival, book your hotel in Reyjkavík for the night before you land. This allows immediate check-in, a shower, or a short rest before exploring the city.
Weather & when to go
Daylight varies dramatically by season. Summer brings nearly 24 hours of daylight (“midnight sun”), while winter days can be as short as four or five hours.
Early October offers about 11 hours of daylight, but days shorten quickly as the month progresses.
Northern Lights can be seen between September and late March.
If flying from the US to Iceland in the winter, choose seat A (left-side window seat) to maximize your chance of seeing the Northern Lights during your flight.
Expect winter driving conditions from October through April.
Weather changes quickly—pack thermal base layers, a warm mid-layer, and a waterproof, windproof shell. Waterproof shoes are essential.
Budget & planning tips
Gas stations can be far apart in rural areas, so fill up whenever possible.
Hotels and guesthouses book up fast in peak season (June–August); reserve early.
Dining out is expensive, especially alcohol. Save by shopping at grocery stores or choosing accommodations with kitchen access.
Iceland is virtually a cashless society. Expect to pay for everything with credit/debit cards or mobile payments (Apple/ Google Pay).
Travel Advisor
Alexandra Mathisen
Get in touch with Alexandra Mathisen
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can expect a response from Alexandra Mathisen within 1–2 business days. You’ll also be subscribed to our traveler newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Iceland page.