Best Of North Iceland 2018: Best Road Trip

A five-hour drive away from the capital area, the North’s spectacular sights and vast unspoiled nature will amaze the most seasoned of travellers. Drive towards its coastline where the sun never sets and enjoy everything the North has to offer—from its many canyons and hiking trails, to more urban environments. Whether you choose to visit the up-and-coming town of Siglufjörður or fine-dine in the countryside; whether you go for a week-long hike in Fjörður or decide to travel all the way to Húsavík for a whale watching tour; whether you’ll be driving across the otherworldly landscape of Askja or the mellow hills of Mývatn, you’re inevitably bound to take on an adventure you’ll never forget.

Best Road Trip

Diamond Circle

All around the north

This 260 Km circuit in the North East of Iceland is a similar concept to the Southern Golden Circle, but with more stops. It includes classic sights like Góðafoss and Dettifoss, as well as the area around Lake Mývatn, the stunning Ásbyrgi canyon and Dimmuborgir. This is not a tour you can do in one day, however, so take your time, hike as much as you can and enjoy a classic Icelandic camping experience in the Jökulsárgljúfur area.

Runner-Up:

Tröllaskagi Peninsula

“The troll peninsula” is not too far from Siglufjörður, but it still has the feeling of a remote, fantastical land. From the iconic orange lighthouse to the spectacular snowy mountains, this peninsula is a maze of valleys and hills carved by ancient glaciers moving to sea. All that’s left now is the breathtaking view of the coast and the surrounding fjörds as you drive South to Dalvík.

Runner-Up:

Skagafjörður

The land that lies inland from Tröllaskagi has everything from adventurous trips to interesting food and lovely swimming pools. After passing Siglufjörður, you can loop around into the neighbouring fjord of Skagafjörður by driving along the stunning coastline. Then, visit Hofsós swimming pool and enjoy the view over the ocean, take a bite to eat in the cute town of Sauðarkrókur, and head back
to Akureyri.

More Best Of Iceland Awards

South Iceland

West Iceland

The Westfjords

North Iceland

East Iceland

You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Iceland 2018 magazine—an essential guide to having fun in Iceland—here, posted worldwide. We also have a Special Offer double-pack that also includes our Best Of Reykjavík magazine, about places to eat, see, swim, visit, and shop in the country’s capital city, here.