norðurland

Norðurland is a geographic designation for the northern part of Iceland. In contemporary terms, it encompasses the two official administrative regions Norðurland vestra (Northwest) and Norðurland eystra (Northeast). The term is commonly used in geographic, cultural, and travel contexts to refer to Iceland’s northern half rather than a single political entity.

Geography in Norðurland is varied, including coastal fjords, lowland valleys, and extensive highlands. The north coast faces the Greenland Sea and features major fjords such as Eyjafjörður in the northeast and Skagafjörður in the northwest. Inland terrain includes volcanic and lava fields, glacial rivers, and plateaus that form part of Iceland’s rugged interior. Notable natural attractions in the area include the Mývatn region in the northeast, the Dettifoss waterfall, and diverse birdlife along coastal areas and in protected nature reserves.

Population and settlements are distributed across several towns and municipalities. The largest town in the northeastern part is Akureyri, which serves as a regional service and cultural hub. In the northwest, Ísafjörður is the principal town and administrative center. Other notable towns include Húsavík and Dalvík in the northeast, and Bolungarvík and other coastal communities in the northwest. The region is connected by Iceland’s main highway network, with Akureyri and surrounding towns acting as important transport and service centers.

Economy and culture in Norðurland are driven by fishing and fish processing, agriculture in fertile valleys, and growing tourism focused on whale watching, nature trips, and geothermal and recreational sites. Education and services are anchored by institutions such as the University of Akureyri in the northeast, which contributes to regional development and cultural life.