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A Lesson in Resilience
I tried to block out the relentless sunlight by stacking pillows against the curtained windows of my tiny hotel. It was nearly 2 a.m., yet I was wide awake under Iceland’s midnight sun. During summer, the sun barely dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow that lasts into the night.
First Night in Reykjavik
Many travelers start their Iceland trip in Reykjavik during transatlantic stopovers. But I had bigger plans. My heart was drawn to the wild beauty of the North, the Arctic Circle, and the charming East—small fishing villages and coastal towns where I hoped to meet locals.
The Exciting Promise
Sleep might be hard to come by, but I didn’t mind. The next day promised adventures: relaxing in thermal lagoons, covered in silica, green algae, and mineral oils. Iceland was ready to work its magic on me.
Land of Fire and Ice
Iceland is a remarkable destination of fire and ice. Despite the volcano eruption in 2023, tourism is thriving. The landscape is dominated by mountains, lava fields, and craggy valleys—a land shaped by volcanic activity and glaciers.
Most visitors focus on the Golden Circle—a popular route in the southwest—featuring Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.
But true adventure lies beyond. Drive the ring road around the edge of Iceland for a more authentic experience—exploring hidden gems and spectacular scenery farther away from the crowds.
Experience the Magic
Imagine standing near the Godafoss Waterfall on the Skjalfandafljot River in summer. The powerful cascade, surrounded by the raw beauty of Northern Iceland, is unforgettable.
Dream of Iceland—and start planning your adventure today!
Book Your Dream Vacation with MWR LIFE
Discover the stunning landscapes and adventure of Iceland with us. Experience the breathtaking beauty of waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes.
Plan your trip now—and make unforgettable memories in Northern Iceland.
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Gullfoss Waterfall is located in the canyon of the Hvítá River in southwest Iceland. It’s one of the country’s most iconic destinations and a must-see for any traveler.
Explore Northern Iceland
In the north, you’ll discover a completely different side of Iceland. Here, dramatic waterfalls, geothermal baths, and sleepy seaside villages create a peaceful, almost untouched world away from busy cities.
Discover the East
To the east, an entirely separate landscape awaits: rugged coastlines where whales breach close to shore, quiet fjords filled with playful puffins, and lush green valleys teeming with Icelandic long-haired horses. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a reindeer. Locals love to whisper about elves and trolls hiding in the hills—though I didn’t see any myself.
Start Your Adventure in Akureyri
The best way to begin your journey in the north is with a quick flight to Akureyri, often called the Capital of the North. From there, a scenic road trip awaits, offering surreal landscapes and long tunnels carved into the mountain sides.
Some tunnels are narrow and single-laned, feeling like scenes from a thriller—where oncoming cars seem to play a game of chicken.
Plan Your Iceland Experience
Imagine standing near the Gullfoss Waterfall, watching the golden waters tumble into the Hvítá River canyon.
Dream of Iceland—and make it real.
Book Your Dream Vacation with MWR LIFE
Experience the spectacular waterfalls, geothermal wonders, and untouched landscapes of Iceland with us. Start your adventure today and create unforgettable memories in the stunning North and East regions.
Contact us now to plan your perfect trip!
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Oddsskard Tunnel is a single-lane tunnel located between the villages Eskifjordur and Nordfjordur in Eastern Iceland.
Visit Siglufjörður—Iceland’s northernmost town nestled in a narrow fjord surrounded by steep, misty peaks.
Once a small shark-fishing outpost in the early 1900s, Siglufjörður became famous as the herring capital of the Atlantic. The town’s fortunes changed with the industry, but its history remains deeply woven into every part of the town.
Experience Fisherman’s Day in June, a lively celebration honoring Iceland’s maritime heritage. The whole village transforms with music, festivities, and fishing trawler races.
Enjoy fish and chips as you soak in authentic Icelandic culture and join locals and visitors in joyful celebration.
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East Iceland cottages for rent by the sea on the peninsula of Mjóeyri, outside the village of Eskifjörður.
Make Hotel Sigló your base camp—this harborside gem offers sweeping views of the fishing boats and distant fjord. The spacious contemporary rooms and warm service make this a destination unto itself.
Don’t miss a visit to Segull 67 Brewery, a family-run craft brewery housed in a converted fish factory. Run by three generations—a grandfather, father, and son, this brewhouse is a local favorite. Their small-batch beers are served in a cozy, minimalist tasting room.
Owner Elvar Reykjalin and grandson Sigmar Reykjalin Hjelm and their Hot tubs on the Black beach in Hauganes
From Siglufjörður, head south to Hauganes, a peaceful village by a fjord. Perched above a black sand beach, you’ll find the Fjöruböðin Black Beach Hot Tubs, a unique experience created by Elvar Reykjalin—Iceland’s very own Pierce Brosnan. After soaking in the waterfront tubs, visit the Baccalá Bar for a drink and seafood.
And for the adventurous and daring, try the Rotten Shark (Hákarl) tasting they offer. If anything, it is worth it for the laughs alone, thanks to the comedy team of Elvar and his grandson. Big things are in store for Hauganes: plans are underway for a new beachfront hotel and expanded soaking areas to open next year.
Cafe in the mountains owned by farmer Vilhjalmur Vernhardsson offers traditional accommodations as well as amazing food at his restaurant Fjallakaffi
Next up is Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland’s most famous volcanic lakes. Grab a quick bite at Fish & Chips Lake Mývatn, a quaint roadside stop with lake views and cod that comes directly from the Sólberg óf 1 fishing vessel. Expect long lines—it’s a favorite among road-trippers.
Then, take a detour to Möðrudalur, a tiny outpost at the edge of the northern highlands. Stop at Fjalladýrð Möðrudalur, known to locals as the “cafe in the mountains.” Owned by farmer Vilhjalmur Vernhardsson, the property feels like a location from The Lord of the Rings. It’s Iceland’s highest inhabited farm, dating back to the settlement era. Here, you’ll find turf houses for overnight stays, fabulous gourmet dining, and even your own reindeer roaming the grounds.
Saevar Gudjonsson at his Randulffssjóhús Restaurant in East Iceland
As you make your way through East Iceland, follow Route 92 to Eskifjörður, a charming fishing town nestled beneath the stunning Hólmatindur mountain. The adjacent Hólmanes nature reserve is home to excellent walking trails that weave between the majestic rock formations.
Eskifjörður, officially a trading post since 1789, is still an important hub. Dine at Randulf’s Sea House, an old seafarer’s lodge run by Sævar Guðjónsson and Berglind Ingvarsdóttir. The upstairs fisherman’s quarters have remained untouched since 1890. For a unique stay, you can book one of their bright red cottages on the Mjóeyri peninsula—complete with a resident baby fox and an outdoor soaking tub built into an old fishing boat.
Fishing excursion with Captain Hafthor Valgeirsson and his wife Sunna Julia Thordardottir with Skorrahestar.
Continue to Neskaupstaður, the easternmost town in Iceland, nestled in a fjord surrounded by towering mountains. While accommodations here are really basic (mine was a converted school dorm), what it lacks in luxury, it makes up for in raw beauty. Skip sleep and head out on a sea-angling night with Captain Hafthor Valgeirsson and his wife, Sunna Julia Thordardottir, fishing under the midnight sun.
Marina in Siglufjordur
Be sure to stop at Beituskúrinn Bait Shack, a former whaling station house brought from Norway in the 1800s. It served as a summer bunkhouse and cod storage for almost a century. Now, the building has been converted into a lively bar and restaurant.
Spend a leisurely afternoon watching whales offshore or visit the nearby Reindeer Park in Fellabaer for an intimate, hands-on experience with rescued reindeer. Unlike a zoo, the park focuses on creating close, respectful encounters.
The dramatic fjords of East Iceland
It’s always time for another hot soak, so visit Vök Baths in Egilsstaðir. Set on the shores of Lake Urriðavatn, this large spa features multiple floating thermal pools with infinity views, two onshore hot tubs, a sauna, a cold water mist tunnel, and a swim-up bar. This spa is the perfect spot to wrap up your adventure before heading off to Egilsstadir Airport for the short flight back to Reykjavik.
On my final day in Iceland, I still couldn’t sleep. It wasn’t the endless sunlight keeping me awake, but the feeling that I didn’t want to miss my final glimpses of this otherworldly land. Iceland isn’t just a place you visit. It’s a place that stays with you long after the midnight sun has finally set.
Vök Baths
As tourism surges and adventure-seeking travelers look for unique experiences, a wave of new resorts is being planned to meet the demand.
Iceland’s famed Blue Lagoon is plotting further hospitality expansion, with a second Retreat-branded hotel expected to open in the highlands of Iceland by 2027. Blue Lagoon said the new hotel will be located in a mountain destination that’s relatively close to the company’s post-apocalyptic feeling Highland Base at Kerlingafjöll resort, which opened last July. The highlands have been off-limits to outsiders in winter, but Highland Base changed all of that.
The new adventure-focused Highland Base concept features a geothermal spa and a high-end 40-room hotel in Þjórsárdalur Valley, Iceland. The building is carved into a rocky mountain and partially covered with the volcanic materials of the site. The natural rock is always present within the interior of the building, with large windows that open up to the surrounding landscape.
This new geothermal spa and high-end hotel in Þjórsárdalur Valley is carved into a rocky mountain and covered in part with the volcanic materials of the site.
Six Senses Össurá Valley
The first phase of the project, slated to open in 2030, is located in Svínhólar near Lóni. The flatland at the southern end is adjacent to the Lón Lagoon, which is separated from the North Atlantic Ocean by a beautiful black sand beach. There will be a 70-guestroom resort and private cottages as well as branded Residences on the surrounding land. Futuristic architect John Brevard will design the property inspired by the country’s mystical elves, whose pyramid-shaped homes will add mysticism to the project.
Hofdi Lodge in Northern Iceland
Hofdi Lodge – Höfði Lodge
With 40 rooms and breathtaking views of Eyjafjörður, this remote adventure lodge is just 25 minutes from the north capital, Akureyri. Built by the owners of Viking Heliskiing, the property is perched on cliffs overlooking the longest fjörd in Iceland; Hofdi Lodge offers a peaceful escape with stunning views. Alongside a restaurant, rooftop bar, and spa, Hofdi Lodge also features a gym, helicopter pads, horse stables, and indoor golf.
Mirrored house at ÖÖD
ÖÖD Hekla Horizon
This new development is bringing seven mirrored homes to the south of Iceland near the Hekla Volcano. The houses are designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape. Jaak and Andreas Tiik run a popular mirror house company with projects worldwide, from California to Ghana. They have been engineered to withstand some of the world’s most extreme weather conditions yet still provide a 180-degree floor-to-ceiling glass façade that seamlessly blends into the natural surroundings.
New Forest Lagoon Hotel will join the existing Forest Lagoon geothermal spa.
Forest Lagoon Hotel
This 120-room hotel is currently under construction next to the Forest Lagoon, just outside of Akureyri. The hotel will feature a restaurant, a conference hall, and, of course, a great connection to the Forest Lagoon, which both locals and visitors in North Iceland have highly regarded. The hotel will open at the end of 2027, and the lagoon will be expanded to connect to the building.
Among other properties, Hilton will be expanding in Iceland with two new additions: the Akureyri «Skáld» Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, set to open in summer 2025, and a premium lifestyle hotel in Reykjavik, scheduled to open in spring 2026.
