The 10 Best Free Things to do in Northeast Region, Iceland

May 7, 2022 Tynisha Seiler

Discover the best top things to do in Northeast Region, Iceland including Askja, Jokulsargljufur National Park, Godafoss, Arctic Botanical Gardens (Lystigardurinn), Asbyrgi (Shelter of the Gods), Lake Myvatn, Dettifoss Waterfall, Krafla Lava Fields, Hverir, Namafjall.
Restaurants in Northeast Region

1. Askja

Reykjahlid, Lake Myvatn Iceland http://kip.is
Excellent
84%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 132 reviews

Askja

2. Jokulsargljufur National Park

Asbyrgi Iceland
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 29 reviews

Jokulsargljufur National Park

3. Godafoss

Akureyri Iceland +354 464 3322 http://www.thingeyjarsveit.is/is/english
Excellent
75%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,877 reviews

Godafoss

Reviewed By GC404 - Anchorage, United States

One of Iceland’s largest falls, Godafoss has an important role in the country’s history... the trails and parking areas have been newly constructed, and access is easy (right off the Ring Road east of Akureyri) which makes it very popular with visitors. There’s a convenience store/gas station plus restaurant nearby too. Enjoy!

4. Arctic Botanical Gardens (Lystigardurinn)

Eyrarlandsvegur 3, Akureyri 600 Iceland +354 462 7487 http://www.lystigardur.akureyri.is
Excellent
52%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 830 reviews

Arctic Botanical Gardens (Lystigardurinn)

Reviewed By travelwithcarlo - London, United Kingdom

One of the most peaceful & beautiful places to visit in the city. We came in June & the amount of flora was unbelievable some of the plant life here is breathtaking. The smell of fresh flowers & sounds of bird life will make you want to stay for hours especially considering they have a beautifully designed cafe in the centre.

5. Asbyrgi (Shelter of the Gods)

Cnr Dettifossvegur & Nordausturvegur, Asbyrgi 640 Iceland +354 470 7100 http://www.visithusavik.com/attractions/asbyrgi-canyon/
Excellent
52%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 180 reviews

Asbyrgi (Shelter of the Gods)

Reviewed By TrevorB2025 - Costa Mesa, United States

Legend says Asbyrgi Canyon was formed when Odin's horse Sleipnir touched a foot to the ground there. The remarkable horseshoe shape of the 100 meter high cliffs with lush forested areas and water full of bird life in the canyon itself make for a beautiful and serene setting. We were lucky enough to arrive on a sunny day which just added to the beauty. There are not many tourists here, in fact it was almost eerily silent in certain spots which was a nice break from the more heavily trafficked attractions in the South. We took road 864 from the Ring Road to get here with a stop at Dettifoss/Selfoss. The condition of the road was surprisingly good the day we went with speeds typically between 50-60 km/h handled easily in our 4x4, though smaller cars would definitely need to take it a little slower.

6. Lake Myvatn

Lake Myvatn Iceland
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,079 reviews

Lake Myvatn

Reviewed By Tissa010 - Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Very diverse area in the north of Iceland. You can easily spend aroun 3 days here going to the different sights around the lake, the lagoon for a swim, whale watching in Husavik and other sights in the area.

7. Dettifoss Waterfall

Lake Myvatn Iceland http://www.visiticeland.com/plan-your-trip/travel-search/Details/dettifoss-waterfall?type=place
Excellent
73%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,217 reviews

Dettifoss Waterfall

Reviewed By TonySwiss

One of the main attractions of the Mvatn area, this waterfall is 100 meters across, half as high, and one of the highest-volume in Europe. That said, it is not one of my absolute favourites as it is about massive power rather than good looks. Get there in the morning and a rainbow (or more than one) arches over the river downstream of the falls. There are extensive paths so you can view from different angles. If you have time, drive the gravel road 864 to see the falls from the other side of the river too; this gives you the bonus of a wonderful view down the Asbyrgi canyon.

8. Krafla Lava Fields

Route 863, Lake Myvatn Iceland http://www.visitmyvatn.is
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 742 reviews

Krafla Lava Fields

Reviewed By Tjalling01 - Groningen, The Netherlands

We, family of 4 with two young kids, had a great walk in this awesome lava field. Part of the walk is easily accessible, if you want to take the bigger loop it becomes more adventurous. Highly recommended.

9. Hverir

Ne-2 660, Lake Myvatn Iceland
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,071 reviews

Hverir

Reviewed By skyisblu - Montreal, Canada

This is an amazing view of the power of the geothermal energy coursing below the surface of the earth. Bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles dot the yellow and white-stained landscape, and the walking trails weaving ever-so-close, affording some very interesting views. Yes the smell is impressive, but it's not as horrible as some make it out to be, unless you stick your face into the vents on the near side of the site(you'll know them when you see them). The mountain at the back of the site has a small trail, but the initial climb up is very steep, so be warned. Otherwise, this is an awesome place just to wander and explore. There is plenty of parking right off the Ring Road, but no other services to speak of. However, you are about a 5-minute drive from Lake Myvatn and Reykjahlid, where there are plenty of places to stop, so no worries.

10. Namafjall

Hverarond, Lake Myvatn Iceland http://www.northiceland.is/en/other/place/namafjall
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 817 reviews

Namafjall

Reviewed By JobeeMom - Toronto, Canada

Iceland is full of natural wonders and surprises. As we travelled east on highway #1 from Lake Myvatn, once we passed by Mt. Namafjall, the road suddenly opened up into a totally different world. It’s hard to believe that the landscape can change so drastically within a 10-minute drive. Moments ago we’re still in cottage-country like Lake Myvatn. And now we’re in some alien planet with bubbling mud pools, hissing fumaroles, cracked grounds with various colours of mineral deposits, and a rotten smell. Namafjall is located by the Ring Road with a large parking lot – very easy to visit. The landscape is so unusual and the smell so strong you won’t miss it. We arrived late afternoon and there’s no tour bus around; only a dozen of cars. We spent half an hour walking the area and snapping pictures. There are no marked trails. Just stay away from the roped off areas due to the dangerously high temperatures. I also tried covering my nose with a scarf as the fumes can be irritating and harmful. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this surreal place.

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