Why now is the time to explore Iceland’s northern reaches

Travel

Iceland’s northern coast beckons UK travellers this October with new direct flights from London.

ByAngela Locatelli

Published September 18, 2023

• 4 min read

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

A moonscape of volcanic craters, lava fields and belching thermal pools, northern Iceland is as starkly elemental as the country gets. The region has remained little known to UK visitors, partly due to its remoteness — until now, reaching it usually meant a five-hour drive from the capital Reykjavík or a 40-minute connecting flight. This stretch of the country’s wild coast is coming into the limelight this autumn thanks to scheduled direct flights with EasyJet, set to take off on 31 October. 

Operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays, the long-awaited service will link Gatwick to Iceland’s second city of Akureyri in two and a half hours, bringing visitors to the doorstep of Laufás’s turf-roofed houses and the edge of the mighty waterfall of Goðafoss. Tour operator Discover the World has also introduced an Adventure in North Iceland tour — a four-night, self-drive trip that includes volcanic Lake Myvatn and the colourful fishing village of Siglufjörður.

(Breaking bread: a family meal in the fjords of east Iceland.)

What to do in Iceland’s northern coast

1. Forest bathing

The Forest Lagoon gave northern Iceland a destination spa when it opened last year in Vaðlaskógur. All natural wood and ancient basalt, the complex is surrounded by birch and pine trees — an exciting location for a country where woodland is rare to come by. Soak in the infinity pool, which sources geothermal water from nearby mountains and overlooks the Eyjafjörður, one of the country’s longest fjords.   

2. Activities in the wild

Adventure seekers have long gravitated to northern Iceland’s wild landscapes, and recent openings provide more thrills. Localtours ATV Iceland offers excursions in all-terrain vehicles around the north of Vatnajökull National Park, from birdwatching tours to seal-spotting trips. Or opt for a zip-line experience in Akureyri, with five runs whizzing across Glerárgil canyon. 

3. Destination Hotels

Hotel Blönduós — in the town of the same name — marked its 80th anniversary this year with a facelift. One of Iceland’s oldest lodges, its rooms now sport rich colours, and there’s a suite in a former church next door. Looking ahead to 2024, Höfði Lodge is set to open on the cliffs of the Eyjafjörður. With a rooftop bar, spa and heliskiing, it promises to become northern Iceland’s first luxury hotel.

Published in the October 2023 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).

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