Northeastern Iceland: Waterfalls, Craters and Mývatn

Northeastern Iceland brings together impressive waterfalls and striking volcanic landscapes: Dettifoss, Goðafoss, Dimmuborgir and the craters near Mývatn each offer something different. In Húsavík, you can also visit the whale museum and take whale-watching tours in Skjálfandi Bay. When planning your trip, it is worth considering these destinations for their different highlights: one centers on a riverside viewpoint, another on a crater trail or life in the sea.

Waterfalls and Trails

Dettifoss is part of a remarkable series of waterfalls on the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river, which also includes Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss. The waterfall is 45 meters high and about 100 meters wide. A marked hiking trail leads from the parking lot to a viewpoint; the round trip takes just under an hour. When planning your time, this refers to the full route, including the return journey.

Goðafoss is one of Iceland’s most voluminous waterfalls. Hiking trails run along both the eastern and western banks of the Skjálfandafljót; a footbridge connects the two areas. This means you can choose between trails on either side of the same waterfall. Accessibility may also be important when planning: the area around Goðafoss is easily accessible for people with reduced mobility.

Volcanic Formations near Mývatn

Dimmuborgir is a labyrinthine lava field formed by a volcanic eruption about 2,300 years ago. A paved road leads there. The parking lot has a service building with restrooms, a café and a souvenir shop. This means the unusual lava formation is complemented by practical visitor facilities.

Hverfjall presents a different kind of volcanic landscape: the tuff crater formed about 2,500 years ago during a powerful explosive eruption. The hike up and around the crater is considered short and rewarding, with excellent views over the Mývatn region. A road leads from the main road to Hverfjall; the landowners maintain the restrooms and parking areas. If these facilities are important to your plans, confirm their condition before visiting.

Mývatn and Laxá also tell the story of the region’s natural environment. Extensive volcanic activity shaped their distinctive landscape. Both are protected under Icelandic Special Act No. 97 of June 9, 2004, and are listed under the Ramsar Convention as internationally important wetlands. These protected areas combine a striking geological heritage with international significance as wetlands.

Skútustaðagígar is located near Skútustaðir on the southern shore of Mývatn. By car, you can reach it via Route 848, Mývatnsvegur. The Gíg Visitor Center has visitor information, an exhibition and restrooms. It makes a useful stop if you want to explore the landscape along the lake’s southern shore.

Húsavík: Whales and Marine Life

In Húsavík, the whale museum is an educational institution dedicated to whales and marine life. The town is also known for whale-watching tours in Skjálfandi Bay. This offers a different focus from waterfalls, lava fields and craters: you can complement your trip with learning about whales and marine life or with whale-watching tours.

Choose Your Hotel Location Based on Your Interests

If you want to focus on waterfalls and volcanic formations, Dettifoss, Goðafoss, Dimmuborgir, Hverfjall and the destinations around Mývatn can help guide your choice. If you are mainly interested in whales and marine life, include Húsavík in your plans. That way, you can choose where to stay based on the character of your trip, rather than a list of interchangeable sights.

Discover more destinations: Húsavík, Einarsstaðir, Reykjahlíð, Bakki, Grenivík, Siglufjörður, Raufarhöfn, Laufás, Draflastadhir, Hauganes, Sauðárkrókur, Kópasker, Hjalteyri, Hallbjarnarstaðir, Laxamýri, Dalvík, Myvatn, Ólafsfjördur, Akureyri, Svalbard, Lundarbrekka, Laugar, Grenjaðarstaður, Miðgarðar, Svalbarðseyri, Hrisey, Háls.

For the broader travel overview: Iceland.