North Iceland Driving Guide: Akureyri, Diamond Circle & Mývatn

North Iceland is a driver's paradise. Here you'll find Iceland's third-largest city — Akureyri — the fjord landscape around Eyjafjörður, the geothermal wonderland at Mývatn, and the Diamond Circle: one of Iceland's least-known but most spectacular self-drive routes. But the north has its own challenges: remote roads, serious weather on the highland passes, and fewer services outside Akureyri.

Akureyri — The Capital of the North

Akureyri is 390 km from Reykjavík — about a 4–5 hour drive on the Ring Road (Route 1). It's a long day trip but well worth it. The route goes via Holtavörðuheiði pass or through the Hvalfjörður tunnel and north through the west.

Akureyri is a proper sized town with full services: N1 and Orkan petrol stations, large supermarkets (Bónus, Nettó), a hospital, and hotels in all price ranges. If you're heading onto the Diamond Circle or the northern highlands, fill up on fuel and stock up on supplies in Akureyri.

The Diamond Circle — A Loop from Akureyri

The Diamond Circle is roughly a 250 km loop from Akureyri taking in:

• Goðafoss — One of Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls. Right on Route 1, an easy stop.
• Lake Mývatn — A shallow lake surrounded by geothermal fields, pseudocraters, and lava formations. Allow at least half a day here.
• Krafla — An active volcanic caldera near Mývatn. The drive in is easy, about 30 minutes from the lake.
• Dettifoss — The most powerful waterfall in Europe by water volume. Accessible from both sides via two different roads — the west approach (Route 862) is paved and easier.
• Ásbyrgi — A horseshoe-shaped canyon said to be the hoof print of Odin's horse, covered in birch woodland.
• Húsavík — Iceland's premier whale watching town. Good restaurants and full services.

The Diamond Circle takes one long day (10–12 hours) or two leisurely days. The road is good throughout — tarmac except for a few short well-maintained gravel sections.

Route 1 North — Reykjavík to Akureyri

The Ring Road north is largely excellent but a few sections deserve attention:

• Holtavörðuheiði — The heath between Borgarnes and Blönduós is exposed and windy. In winter, expect ice and snowfall. Check road.is.
• Öxnadalsheiði — The mountain pass just south of Akureyri. Narrows to a single lane in places. Snow arrives here earlier than at lower elevations.
• Vaðlaheiðar Tunnel — New tunnel that bypasses Öxnadalsheiði entirely. Costs around 1,500 ISK toll but saves 30–40 minutes and is significantly safer in winter. Pay at tunnel.is.

Siglufjörður and the Tröllaskagi Peninsula

A small, beautiful former herring fishing town northwest of Akureyri. The route passes through the Héðinsfjörður dual tunnels (11 km, no services inside). Siglufjörður has a few guesthouses, a small restaurant, and one of the most dramatic settings in Iceland — ringed by steep mountains falling directly to the fjord.

Driving East from Akureyri to Egilsstaðir

This 270 km route crosses the northeastern corner of Iceland — through Mývatn as a natural stop, then east along coast and mountain. The road is good but settlements are sparse. Fill up in Akureyri and again at Mývatn (there's a petrol station there) and make sure you have enough fuel. The section east of Mývatn is particularly beautiful.

Petrol Stations in the North

Outside Akureyri and Húsavík, petrol stations are scarce. Minimum list:

• Akureyri — N1 and Orkan (open 24/7)
• Húsavík — N1
• Mývatn (Reykjahlíð) — small station, check opening hours
• Egilsstaðir — N1 and Orkan

Always fill up at Mývatn if heading east or north. The next station could be 150+ km away.

Best Seasons for Driving North

Summer (June–August) is the best: long bright nights, all roads open, temperatures of 10–18°C. Autumn (September–October) is beautiful — birch woodland turning colour, fewer tourists, Northern Lights possible. Winter (November–March) is worthwhile but requires more preparation — always check road.is before crossing the highland passes.

Final Word

North Iceland gives you Iceland in a different register from the south coast. Less crowded, more peaceful, and the landscape is just as dramatic. With the right preparation — full tank, road.is checked, plenty of daylight — the drive up here is one that travellers remember for life.