Geography tour to Northern Iceland: 4 days, 3 nights
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Northern Iceland on this memorable trip, you will encounter dramatic landscapes and unique cultural experiences. See the remarkable power of Goðafoss waterfall, and observe the force of Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss. Enter the dramatic landscape of Lake Mývatn, and explore its geothermal wonders, lava fields, and birdlife. Journey through Ásbyrgi Canyon and learn the folklore tales that shaped the area. Visit the delightful fishing village of Húsavík, a whale-watching capital, where you could come up close to humpback whales. Then relax in the tranquil wooded setting at the Forest Lagoon taking in the magnificent surroundings of pure nature.
**Please note: Flights from the UK (London Gatwick and Manchester) to Akureyri Airport are limited. They only operate for a reduced schedule throughout the year: From London Gatwick between October- April and from Manchester November to March.
Days of operation: currently on Tuesday and Saturday. Outside of this schedule visits to Northern Iceland are possible by flying into Reykjavik, however, please note the transfer time is around 5 hours.
Similar tours
Suggested itinerary
Day one
- Fly from the UK to Akureyri
- Meet your guide at the arrival hall Akureyri Airport
- Enroute to accommodation a drive around the city of Akureyri to explore the highlights
- Akureyri swimming pool
- Overnight at Hotel Sveinbjarnargerði with dinner at local restaurant
Day two
- Breakfast at your hotel (Lunch box included)
- The Diamond Circle Route:
Goðafoss , Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi Canyon - Overnight at Hotel Sveinbjarnargerði including dinner at accommodation
Day three
- Breakfast at your hotel (Lunch box included)
- Whale watching tour from Akureyri
- Húsavík, Húsavík whale museum
- The Forest Lagoon (Skógarböð)
- Overnight at Hotel Sveinbjarnargerði including dinner at local restaurant
Day four
- Breakfast. Check-out
- Depending on departure airport/time – free time for your own activities
- Overseas airport transfer
- Fly to UK. UK airport transfer
Tour gallery
Excursion locator map
Excursion Ideas
Goðafoss
Subject range: Geography, Culture
What you’ll experience: Part of the Diamond Circle Route, Goðafoss or “Waterfall of the Gods” is one of the most impressive and most famous in Iceland, water from the river Skjálfandafljót falls from a height of 12m, and a width of 30m. The icy blue glacial water flows over creating mesmerising blue-green swirling patterns in the water below.
Akureyri
Subject range: Geography, Culture
What you’ll experience: Akureyri is a town located in North Iceland and is often named the Capital of the North. The town is charming and full of colour, it’s centre is easily walkable and the harbour is worth a visit. It’s one of the best places to visit if you want to see a quieter side of Iceland.
Lake Mývatn
Subject range: Geography, Culture
What you’ll experience: Lake Mývatn is a location on the Diamond Circle Route, it is a beautiful lake containing many small islands, it is the fourth largest lake in Iceland. Mývatn is located in an incredibly active geothermal area, which provides its unique and beautiful geology. It’s also home to the most duck species than anywhere else in the world, with 13 nesting species and many visitors. Due to its tranquillity and beauty it is one of the most wonderful natural attractions in Iceland.
Dettifoss Waterfall
Subject range: Geography, Culture
What you’ll experience: Dettifoss is a spectacular waterfall found on the Diamond Circle Route, depending on the time of the year it is known to be the most powerful waterfall in Europe dropping 150 feet into the Jökulsarglijufur Canyon, creating a spectacular natural sight.
Ásbyrgi Canyon
Subject range: Geography, Culture
What you’ll experience: Found on the Diamond Circle Route Asbyrgi Canyon is a unique horseshoe-shaped canyon in the north of Iceland. It is steeped in folklore and thought to be the capital of the Hidden People in Iceland. Known for its breathtaking features of lush forests, high cliffs, and following in folklore legend. It is believed that Odin’s eight-legged horse left a hoofprint on the ground, thus creating the canyon however geologically, Geologists estimate that it was formed in the aftermath of the last Ice Age by a catastrophic glacial flood.
Whale watching tour from Akureyri
Subject range: Geography, Culture
What you’ll experience: Start the day with a whale watching tour. Come onboard to experience a close encounter with some of the world’s most magnificent creatures. Humpback whales are the most common species seen in the North of Iceland, particularly in the summer but on occasions can also be seen in winter months.
Other species you may spot whilst on board include white-beaked dolphins, porpoises and seals, all enjoying their natural habitat.Húsavík Whale Museum
Subject range: Geography, Culture
What you’ll experience: The Húsavík Whale Museum, located in the picturesque town of Húsavík, is an institution dedicated entirely to the study and appreciation of whales. Founded in 1997 it is housed in a former slaughterhouse dating back to 1931, the museum spans 1,600 m² over two floors, offering an immersive experience, and on display you will 11 full size whale skeletons of varying species. A must to learn about these magnificent creatures.
The Forest Lagoon (Skógarböð)
Subject range: Geography, Culture
What you’ll experience: The Forest Lagoon (Skógarböð) offers a peaceful geothermal spa experience among the Vaðlaskógur forest.. The spa’s waters are sourced from a nearby geothermal spring discovered during tunnel construction. It was opened in 2022, and features two infinity pools, a Finnish dry sauna, a cold plunge pool, and a cozy bistro. Enjoy a relaxing experience surrounded by panoramic views of Eyjafjörður fjord.
Akureyri Swimming Pool
Subject range: Culture
What you’ll experience: The Akureyri Swimming Pool is open all year-round geothermal haven and all the pools and tubs are heated with natural geothermal energy. The pool temperatures range from 27°C to 33°C and the hot tubs between 37°C to 42°C. There are two 25-meter outdoor pools, a 12.5-meter indoor pool, three water slides, four hot tubs, a cold bath, steam bath, and a splash pool. The pool also offers an area for sunbathing in the warmer months and a family-friendly area with mini-golf, pedal cars, and a giant chess in the summer.
Geography trip to Northern Iceland: 4 days, 3 nights Accommodation
Hotel Sveinbjarnargerði
Location: Sveinbjarnargerði, 606 Akureyri
Capacity: 239
The country hotel Sveinbjarnargerði is located by the main road, on the east side Eyjafjörður and boasts stunning views over the fjörður and montains. It is located 15km from Akureyri - the capitol of the North.
Rooms: Rooms sleep 1, 2 or 3-4 people and all have private facilities.
Facilities: Meeting rooms, WI-FI. This hotel charges for luggage storage.
Links to Learning
Learning areas:
KS3 – develop contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places – both terrestrial and marine – including their defining physical and human characteristics and how these provide a geographical context for understanding the actions of processes; understand the processes that give rise to key physical and human geographical features of the world, how these are interdependent and how they bring about spatial variation and change over time; collect, analyse and communicate with a range of data gathered through experiences of fieldwork that deepen their understanding of geographical processes.
KS4 – recognition of important links and inter-relationships between places and environments; more detailed contextual knowledge of two countries of contemporary global significance; Human and physical geography: understand, through the use of detailed place-based exemplars at a variety of scales, the key processes in: physical geography relating to: geological timescales and plate tectonics; rocks, weathering and soils; weather and climate, including the change in climate from the Ice Age to the present; and glaciation, hydrology and coasts.Select Extras:
Some further information for students on Iceland:
