Nord (Akureyri & Mývatn)

Where to stay in North Iceland : complete guide

Discover North Iceland, where Akureyri, the northern capital, meets Lake Mývatn and its spectacular volcanic landscapes. Imagine deep fjords bordered by mountains, black lava fields contrasting with steaming hot springs and powerful waterfalls. Under the golden light of the midnight sun in summer or winter northern lights, this region offers total immersion in raw, preserved nature. Between thermal activities and wild fauna, the North invites an authentic escape away from crowds.

Safety score: 9/10midCouples on honeymoonHiking enthusiastsFamilies with childrenNature photographersHot-spring lovers

Pros

  • Spectacular volcanic landscapes
  • Fewer tourists than the south
  • Natural hot springs
  • Rich fauna and flora
  • Activities all year round

Cons

  • Very cold winters
  • Sometimes closed roads
  • Limited dining options

The 5 best hotels in Nord (Akureyri & Mývatn)

Aurora Farm Hotel - Vue d'ensemble
1

Aurora Farm Hotel

9.973 reviews
Top pick

The Aurora Farm Hotel is located in the Nord, between Akureyri and Lake Mývatn. This farm hotel offers a spa and wellness centre for complete relaxation. The on-site restaurant highlights local products. Its location provides direct access to volcanic landscapes and northern lights. Service and rural setting make it a preferred choice for a serene stay.

Spa et centre de bien-êtreConnexion Wi-Fi gratuiteRestaurantParking privéWi-Fi disponible partoutParking gratuit
From ~600EUR / night
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Svartaborg - Vue d'ensemble
2

Svartaborg

9.8331 reviews
Excellent

Svartaborg is located in the Nord, near Akureyri and Lake Mývatn. This accessible property offers facilities adapted for guests with reduced mobility. Rooms offer a clear view of the Icelandic countryside. Free parking and Wi-Fi connection enhance stay comfort. Its high rating reflects consistent service quality.

Équipements pour les personnes handicapéesConnexion Wi-Fi gratuiteWi-Fi disponible partoutParking privéParking gratuit
From ~775EUR / night
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Country Cabin with a view 15 min from Akureyri - Vue d'ensemble
3

Country Cabin with a view 15 min from Akureyri

9.728 reviews
Recommended

This country house is located in the Nord, fifteen minutes from Akureyri. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and fjords. Private space and absolute calm characterise this independent accommodation. Wi-Fi and parking facilitate an autonomous stay. Its intimate atmosphere appeals to travellers seeking discretion.

Wi-Fi disponible partoutParking privéParking gratuitConnexion Wi-Fi gratuite
From ~599EUR / night
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Granastaðir Guesthouse - Vue d'ensemble
4

Granastaðir Guesthouse

9.6108 reviews

The Granastaðir Guesthouse is located in the Nord, between Akureyri and Mývatn. This family guesthouse offers spacious rooms in a preserved rural environment. Proximity to geothermal sites and waterfalls allows easy excursions. Wi-Fi and free parking complete the facilities. The high rating testifies to attentive welcome and consistent cleanliness.

Connexion Wi-Fi gratuiteWi-Fi disponible partoutParking privéParking gratuit
From ~810EUR / night
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Skald Hotel Akureyri, Curio Collection By Hilton - Vue d'ensemble
5

Skald Hotel Akureyri, Curio Collection By Hilton

4-star hotel
9.449 reviews

The Skald Hotel Akureyri, Curio Collection by Hilton, is located in the heart of Akureyri in the Nord. This four-star hotel offers a fitness centre and a refined restaurant. Modern rooms provide high comfort with room service. Its central location facilitates access to shops and excursions to Mývatn. Service quality justifies its rating among the region's best.

Centre de remise en formeRestaurantService d'étageÉquipements pour les personnes handicapéesParking gratuit
From ~417EUR / night
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Complete guide

Ambiance & landscapes

North Iceland seduces with its striking contrasts between majestic fjords and volcanic plateaus. Akureyri, nestled at the end of Eyjafjörður, offers a serene urban setting surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Around Lake Mývatn, the black lava fields of Dimmuborgir create strange formations while the fumaroles of Hverir colour the ground yellow and orange. Waterfalls such as Goðafoss pour their powerful waters into a mineral setting. In summer, the midnight sun bathes everything in eternal light, while winter transforms the region into a kingdom of northern lights. This wild, geothermal atmosphere invites contemplation and adventure.

Highlights

Visit Akureyri for its modern church and botanical garden. Explore Lake Mývatn by kayak or bike to observe birds and landscapes. Admire Goðafoss waterfall on route 1. Walk the lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the bubbling springs of Hverir. Swim in the warm baths of Mývatn Nature Baths. Watch whales departing from Akureyri by boat. These six activities combine hiking, culture and nature for a complete discovery of the northern region.

Where to eat and drink

In Akureyri, savour grilled Icelandic lamb or fresh local skyr. Try bread baked in hot springs near Mývatn, accompanied by smoked trout from the lake. Restaurants also offer marinated herring and organic vegetable soups. Enjoy an Icelandic craft beer or locally roasted coffee in the city's cosy cafés. Specialities highlight fresh produce from the sea and surrounding farms for an authentic gastronomic experience.

Transport & access

Reach Akureyri by direct flight from Reykjavik or Europe. Route 1 crosses the region and allows easy access to Mývatn by rental car. Regular buses connect the main sites but remain limited outside season. Hiring a car offers more freedom to explore secondary roads and photo stops. Pay attention to winter conditions : always check the weather and closures. Airport-hotel transfers are available for extra comfort.

Who is it for?

Ideal for couples seeking romance under the northern lights. Families appreciate gentle activities such as thermal baths and easy walks. Photography enthusiasts capture unique volcanic landscapes. Adventurers enjoy hiking and kayaking. This zone suits travellers seeking nature, calm and authenticity away from classic tourist circuits.

Other neighborhoods in Iceland

Reykjavik & Sud-Ouest

Couples on honeymoonNature and hiking enthusiastsFamilies with children

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Reykjavik and south-west Iceland, where colourful houses line a lively harbour beneath ever-changing skies. Lava fields stretch endlessly, dotted with steaming hot springs and majestic fjords. At dusk, the northern lights dance above glaciers and dormant volcanoes. This region blends the capital's vibrant lanes with raw landscapes shaped by fire and ice. Scents of iodine and sulphur mingle with lamb soup, inviting a unique sensory journey between Nordic modernity and wild nature.

Cercle d'Or (Golden Circle)

Couples on honeymoonAdventurous familiesPhotography enthusiasts

The Golden Circle in Iceland plunges you into spectacular, untamed nature. Picture steam rising from hot springs, turbulent waterfall waters and endless horizons dotted with volcanic mountains. This legendary route captures the very essence of the land of fire and ice, with its striking contrasts between burning earth and frozen expanses. The atmosphere is both wild and soothing, offering breathtaking views that awaken all the senses. Every turn reveals a new geological wonder ready to amaze travellers seeking authenticity.

Côte Sud (Vík, glaciers & cascades)

Couples on honeymoonPhotographers and creativesHikers and adventurers

Iceland's South Coast reveals a fascinating world where majestic glaciers meet spectacular waterfalls and black-sand beaches. At Vík, sheer cliffs dominate the wild ocean, creating landscapes of raw, timeless beauty. The shifting northern light bathes these volcanic lands, offering stunning views over Vatnajökull and its glacial tongues. This corner of Iceland, both wild and accessible, promises unforgettable adventures between preserved nature and picturesque villages. Ideal for capturing the very essence of the land of fire and ice.

Ouest & Snæfellsnes

Couples on honeymoonHiking enthusiastsAdventurous families

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of west Iceland and the Snæfellsnes peninsula. This land of contrasts offers spectacular volcanic landscapes dominated by the Snæfellsjökull glacier. Deep fjords open onto the Atlantic Ocean, bordered by black beaches and sheer cliffs. Colourful villages such as Stykkishólmur add a human touch to this raw nature. Explore lava caves, admire powerful waterfalls and observe marine wildlife. The magical atmosphere of this region, inspired by Jules Verne, promises unforgettable experiences between land and sea under shifting lights.

Est & Fjords (Egilsstaðir)

Nature loversPhotographers and hikersCouples on honeymoon

East Iceland, around Egilsstaðir, unfolds deep fjords bordered by steep mountains and distant glaciers. The turquoise waters of Lagarfljót wind between birch forests and dark lava fields, while northern lights illuminate winter nights. This wild region, less visited than the south, offers raw panoramas where reindeer graze freely and waterfalls fall in silver veils. Pure air and deep silence create a timeless atmosphere, ideal for travellers seeking authenticity and solitude facing preserved Icelandic nature.