How new flights to Akureyri are opening up northern Iceland
Iceland’s northern coast beckons UK travellers this October with new direct flights from London.
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.
To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- This fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then dieThis fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then die
- How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?
- This ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thoughtThis ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thought
- Why this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect senseWhy this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect sense
Environment
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- How fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitionsHow fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitions
- Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.
- Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?
- The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?
History & Culture
- Hawaii's Lei Day is about so much more than flowersHawaii's Lei Day is about so much more than flowers
- When treasure hunters find artifacts, who gets to keep them?When treasure hunters find artifacts, who gets to keep them?
- Meet the original members of the tortured poets departmentMeet the original members of the tortured poets department
- When America's first ladies brought séances to the White HouseWhen America's first ladies brought séances to the White House
Science
- Should you be concerned about bird flu in your milk?Should you be concerned about bird flu in your milk?
- Here's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in spaceHere's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in space
Travel
- Are Italy's 'problem bears' a danger to travellers?Are Italy's 'problem bears' a danger to travellers?
- How to navigate Nantes’ arts and culture scene
- Paid Content
How to navigate Nantes’ arts and culture scene - This striking city is home to some of Spain's most stylish hotelsThis striking city is home to some of Spain's most stylish hotels
- Photo story: a water-borne adventure into fragile AntarcticaPhoto story: a water-borne adventure into fragile Antarctica