Five Landscapes and Historical Sights To See In Northern Iceland + Where to Stay and Eat
Produced in Collaboration With Inspired by Iceland
Words & Photography by Alison Engstrom
Glaumbær Farm and Museum
Be transported back to the era when Icelanders lived in turf houses with a visit to Glaumbær farm and museum. Perched on a picturesque hillside surrounded by mountains and fields, the 13 buildings, comprised of stone and wood and insulated by grass roofs, depict the living quarters of how people lived for nearly 11 hundred years. Touring the property, you’ll take in the cozy living quarters, a kitchen, a pantry, the room where they made skyr, and even a black smith’s workshop. For those looking to linger, there is a tea parlor, Áshús, that is open during the spring and summer months (June to August). glaumbaer.is
Áshús, the tea room at Glaumbær.
A colorful bedroom at Glaumbær.
The exterior of the tea house.
The interior of the turf house where dishes were stored.
Lake Mývatn Region
Lake Mývatn, the fourth largest lake in Iceland, is marked with peaceful inlets and surrounded by verdant green lowlands dotted with sheep, and snow-capped mountains in the distance. The vast lake, which is very shallow, is teaming with fresh seaweed and is a birdwatchers paradise. Further afoot, you’ll discover geothermal activity, dormant craters, and more.
A winding road cuts through the mountainous landscape near the Námafjall geothermal area.
Námafjall Geothermal Area
Otherworldly landscapes that look like they have been scribbled with chalk, boiling mud puddles, and plumes of sulfur steam are just a few of the elements you will take in at the Námafjall geothermal area. Park in the lot at the entrance and explore the vicinity by following the paths that encircle the area.
Sulfur mist arrises from the fumaroles in the ground.
Goðafoss Waterfall
Iceland is home to some of the most mesmerizing waterfalls in the world and while some are more famous than others, each is a marvel of nature in their own right. Goðafoss Waterfall, which translates to ‘waterfall of the gods’, flows from the Skjálfandafljót river—the fourth largest in the country—and creates a powerful display as it cascades down 39 feet. Located off the Diamond Circle, the area can be explored by walking the trails that trace the edge of the falls. There is also the Godafoss Café-Bistrot-Gift Shop, where you can pick up souvenirs, a sandwich, or a coffee.
Go off-roading with Geo Travel
An immersive way to experience the best of Iceland is to pair up with a local guide who can take you to places that only locals know. Booking an off-roading excursion with Geo Travel ensures just this and nothing short of adventure awaits you. You can choose from a variety of options, including bespoke excursions, where you can take themed trips centered around photography or the experiences around a certain region. One such trip was hitching a ride in a super Jeep, getting off the grid, and scaling the outer rim of a snow-capped crater as the sun was rising over the mountains.
The bottom of Crater Mountain as seen on the Geo Travel tour.
Views atop the crater.
The exterior of Hotel Laxá
WHere to Stay & Eat in the Lake Mývatn Region
Hotel Laxá offers 3-star accommodation in the heart of the Lake Mývatn region, about a 45-minute drive from Húsavík. The minimally designed rooms are cozy and each offers stellar vistas of the surrounding area. If you want to dine in, head to Eldey, the on-site restaurant where they serve a menu centered around Icelandic ingredients. If you want to savor a farm-to-table meal, make a reservation at Vogafjós, which is a short drive from the hotel. Housed in a former cowshed, this restaurant and guesthouse take to heart what a truely local experience is from making cheese and ice cream with their own milk to serving Geysir bread—a unique recipe baked underground for 24-hours—alongside their house-made butter.