Iceland review - 2016, Side 81

ICELAND REVIEW 79
a unique and peaceful experience. If the
forecast is favorable, it’s possible to see the
northern lights dancing above as you glide
down treeless slopes against a picturesque
background. There are also companies that
offer snowmobiling and snowcat tours for
those seeking more speed, as well as jeep
and glacier tours.
The northern lights are a main draw in the
north, as tourists and locals alike never get
tired of the flickering green aurora borealis
lighting up the sky. The light pollution is low in
the north, as it’s a large area with a small pop-
ulation. Witnessing the northern lights on the
edge of the Arctic Circle is not to be missed.
UNRIVALED NATURE
As far as regions go, North Iceland has
some of the most awe-inspiring sights on
the island. Goðafoss, translates to ‘the
waterfall of the gods’ is one of the widest
waterfalls in Iceland and is especially en-
chanting during the winter with its iced-
up fringes; as is the mighty Dettifoss, the
most powerful waterfall in Europe. Detti-
foss spans 100 meters and is 45 meters
high, and here it’s common to see a rain-
bow or two, depending on the weather.
NORTHERN WILDLIFE
In the early winter, visitors can go on a
whale watching excursion from Akureyri,
Dalvík and Húsavík, where they will have
a chance to see several whale species;
including minke and humpback whales,
as well as blue whales, orcas and fin
whales. Seeing these gentle giants up
close is truly beautiful. If land mammals
are more your thing, Skagafjörður is the
mecca of horsemanship in Iceland. There
are a number of local farms and tourism
companies that offer horse riding tours
throughout the year. The north is also a
bird-watcher’s dream, with the oppor-
tunity to spot Atlantic puffins, northern
gannets, harlequin ducks, gyrfalcons,
Barrow’s goldeneyes and multiple spe-
cies of sea birds during the summer
months.
From waterfalls and whale watching to
the best skiing in Iceland, the north has
plenty to keep you busy during your stay.
northiceland.is
SPECIAL PROMOTION THE ARCTIC NORTH
Mývatn Nature Baths.
Goðafoss waterfall.