Reykjavik to Akureyri: Iceland’s Ultimate Northern Lights Road Trip Route

Iceland’s Route 1 — the Ring Road — is a 1,332-kilometer loop that circles the entire island. While the full circuit takes 7-10 days, the 385-kilometer stretch from Reykjavik to Akureyri packs some of Iceland’s most dramatic landscapes into a manageable 5-7 day drive. This guide covers everything you need to know about driving Iceland’s north in winter, chasing northern lights along the way.

Why Drive Reykjavik to Akureyri in Winter

The Reykjavik-Akureyri corridor cuts through Iceland’s geological heartland — volcanic plateaus, lava fields, Europe’s most powerful waterfalls, and vast glacial valleys. Winter transforms this landscape into something primordial: snow-blanketed mountains, frozen waterfalls, and — if you’re lucky — the northern lights dancing overhead.

Winter also means fewer tourists. The summer crowds that pack Golden Circle viewpoints are gone. You’ll often find yourself alone at Skógafoss waterfall or Seljalandsfoss at 9pm, with the aurora overhead. The trade-off is daylight — in December, you get only 4-5 hours of usable daylight, so planning your driving schedule around sunrise and sunset is essential.

Driving Conditions in Winter

Iceland’s winter roads are not for the faint-hearted. Route 1 is generally well-maintained and plowed, but conditions can change rapidly. A sunny morning can turn into a whiteout blizzard by afternoon.

Essential driving rules for Iceland winter:

• Always check road conditions at road.is before departing — this site shows real-time road status for every route
• Rent a 4WD with winter tires — this is non-negotiable, even if you see locals driving 2WD vehicles
• Keep a full tank of fuel — gas stations are sparse in the highlands and some close at night
• Carry emergency supplies: blankets, food, water, flashlight, and a power bank for your phone

For car rental comparisons across Iceland’s providers, QEEQ aggregates all major providers and often has exclusive deals. Winter 4WD rentals in Iceland start around $80-120/day — book early for the best rates.

Key Stops: Reykjavik to Akureyri

Day 1: Reykjavik to Hvammstangi (~220km, 3.5 hours)

Hraunfossar & Barnafoss:这两个相邻的瀑布距雷克雅未克约120公里。Hraunfossar的水从熔岩原野中渗出，形成一系列细密的瀑布链；Barnafoss则是一段湍急的水流穿过古老的岩桥。

Don’t miss the nearby Reykholt church — a classic Icelandic turf church set against snow-capped mountains.

Day 2: Hvammstangi to Akureyri (~290km, 4 hours)

Kolugljúfur Canyon: The most dramatic canyon stop between Hvammstangi and Akureyri. A series of waterfalls plunge into a narrow canyon accessible via a short hiking trail. In winter, ice coats the canyon walls creating otherworldly formations.

Mývatn Nature Baths: While the Blue Lagoon gets all the attention, Mývatn Nature Baths offer a more authentic geothermal bathing experience with fewer crowds. Located near Akureyri, these baths are perfect for a relaxing stop before reaching the “Capital of the North.”

Aurora Hunting Strategy

The Reykjavik-Akureyri corridor passes through some of Iceland’s best aurora-viewing territory. The key is darkness — auroras are visible from late August through mid-April, but the best viewing is during deep winter when nights are longest.

Top aurora spots on this route:

• Hvammstangi coastal area: minimal light pollution, ocean horizon
• Skagafjörður valley: surrounded by mountains that block wind
• Mývatn region: volcanic landscape creates unique aurora photography opportunities

Download the Icelandic Met Office’s aurora forecast app and check the KP index daily. When KP hits 3 or above, start watching the sky — especially between 10pm and 2am.

Budget Breakdown

Travel Insurance

Iceland’s healthcare is excellent but expensive. A helicopter rescue from a remote glacier can cost $20,000+. Before your trip, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and winter sports — many basic policies exclude Iceland winter driving.

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