North Iceland in winter includes a northern lights season from late August through April. The most reliable dark skies are from September to March.
What is open and what is not
Highland F-roads require a four wheel drive vehicle and are open in summer only. Straeto service in the north is reduced in winter.
Skiing in the north includes the ski area at Hlidarfjall above Akureyri and the slopes in Skardsdalur at Siglufjordur.
Roads and the mountain passes
Ring Road 1 is fully paved and open to all vehicles year round, subject to weather. This road status applies to Ring Road 1, while Highland F-roads have their own summer-only access rule.
Whale watching does not stop
Winter whale watching sailings are weather dependent and less frequent than in summer. Eyjafjordur has whale watching year round, from Akureyri, Hauganes, Arskogssandur and Dalvik, and humpback whales are present through the winter months.
Northern lights from the north
Seeing the northern lights needs clear skies and darkness. Getting away from town lights helps.
Comparing North Iceland tours
Use compare North Iceland tours to compare options.
Checking road conditions
Road users are directed to road.is for current road conditions before travelling. The road conditions tool shows the current state of the roads in Iceland.
