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Iceland

Norðurþing

Routes
Hikes
Iceland

Norðurþing

The best hikes from bus stations in Norðurþing

4.7

(594)

4,057

hikers

7

hikes

Public transport hiking trails in Norðurþing explore a diverse landscape shaped by volcanic and glacial activity, featuring Iceland's longest river canyon, Jökulsárgljúfur. The region is home to powerful waterfalls like Dettifoss and Selfoss, alongside unique geological formations such as the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon. Hikers can experience varied terrain, from lava fields and volcanic craters to the red mountain cones of Rauðhólar, offering expansive views. These routes provide car-free access to the raw and captivating wilderness of northeast Iceland.

Best public transport hiking trails in Norðurþing

  • The most popular public transport hiking route is Skrúðgarður | Húsavík Park – Botnsvatn Lake Near Húsavík loop from Húsavík, a 7.2 miles (11.7 km) trail that takes 3 hours 10 minutes to complete, offering views of Botnsvatn Lake.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is Húsavík Harbor – Húsavík Church loop from Húsavík, a moderate 6.3 miles (10.2 km) path. This route features coastal scenery and views of Húsavík's landmarks.
  • Local hikers also love the Húsavík Harbor – Húsavík Church loop from Húsavík, a 4.1 miles (6.6 km) trail leading through the town and along the harbor, often completed in about 1 hour 51 minutes.
  • Hiking in Norðurþing is defined by dramatic canyons, powerful waterfalls, and volcanic formations, with options for both easy walks and more challenging routes.
  • The routes in Norðurþing are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.67 stars from over 590 reviews. More than 4000 hikers have used komoot to explore Norðurþing's varied terrain.

Last updated: May 16, 2026

4.8

(16)

82

hikers

#1.

Skrúðgarður | Húsavík Park – Botnsvatn Lake Near Húsavík loop from Húsavík

11.7km

03:10

170m

170m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Tips from the Community

Karsten
September 21, 2025, Húsavík Town Center

Husavík means "the bay of houses," as legend says it was settled before the official settlement date of 874 AD. Gardar Svavarsson was a Swede who wintered in Iceland in 870 AD. According to legend and sagas, he left behind a man named Nattfari and two slaves to cultivate a farm here.

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Karsten
September 21, 2025, Húsavík Church

Although most tourists come to Húsavik on Skjálfanda Bay for the popular whale-watching tours, a visit to the wooden church, built in 1907, is still a must. The oldest piece in the church is the chandelier, dating from 1640. Other items, such as the altarpiece from 1931, are more recent.

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Karsten
September 21, 2025, Húsavík Whale Museum

The Whale Museum, founded as the Húsavík Whale Centre (Hvalamiðstöðinn Húsavíkur) in 1997, is the only whale museum in Iceland. It is a non-profit organization and offers information on the various species, including their evolution and biology, on 1,600 square meters of exhibition space. The museum also contains information on the history of Icelandic whaling, whale strandings, and the natural history of whales.

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Apparently it's being repaired.

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Christian
August 15, 2025, Rainbow Street

A quiet street

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Dennis
August 4, 2025, Rainbow Crosswalk

Here the road is closed and painted in rainbow colors as a symbol of diversity.

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Leon
September 13, 2024, View of Lake Botnsvatn

Beautiful lake, well suited for a circular hike from Husavik. Warning: swimming is not allowed here!

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FUnibiker
September 12, 2024, Húsavík Harbor

Husavik is good for whale watching, but certainly not a recommended terrain for cycling!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many public transport accessible hiking trails are available in Norðurþing?

Currently, this guide features 5 hiking routes in Norðurþing that are easily accessible by public transport, primarily focusing on trails around Húsavík. These routes are designed for car-free exploration, starting and ending conveniently near bus stops.

What kind of public transport can I expect to use for these trails?

The trails highlighted in this guide are primarily accessible via local bus services that connect key towns and attractions in Norðurþing, such as Húsavík. We recommend checking local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information on routes and timings to plan your car-free adventure effectively.

Are there any family-friendly public transport hikes in Norðurþing?

Yes, several routes are suitable for families. For instance, the Húsavík Church – Húsavík Harbor loop from Húsavík is an easy 4.4 km hike, perfect for a leisurely family outing. Another great option is the Húsavík Whale Museum – Húsavíkurviti Lighthouse loop from Húsavík, which is even shorter at 2.6 km and offers scenic views.

Can I find circular hiking routes that start and end at public transport stops?

Absolutely. All the routes featured in this guide are circular, meaning you'll start and finish at the same point, making them ideal for public transport users. For example, the Skrúðgarður | Húsavík Park – Botnsvatn Lake Near Húsavík loop from Húsavík is a moderate 11.6 km loop that brings you back to your starting point in Húsavík.

What natural features or landmarks can I see along these public transport trails?

While many of the trails in this guide focus on the Húsavík area, Norðurþing is rich in natural wonders. You can explore the charming Húsavík Church on several routes. Further afield, the region boasts powerful waterfalls like Selfoss Waterfall and the dramatic landscapes of Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, though these might require additional public transport connections or a longer journey from Húsavík.

Are there any easy public transport hikes for beginners?

Yes, there are several easy options. The Húsavík Church – Húsavík Harbor loop from Húsavík (4.4 km) and the Húsavík Whale Museum – Húsavíkurviti Lighthouse loop from Húsavík (2.6 km) are both rated as easy and are perfect for those new to hiking or looking for a relaxed stroll.

What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Norðurþing?

The komoot community highly rates the hiking experiences in Norðurþing, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 590 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning natural beauty, the dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic and glacial activity, and the unique attractions like the powerful waterfalls and deep canyons.

Can I combine multiple routes in a day using public transport?

Given that many of the routes in this guide are shorter loops around Húsavík, it's certainly possible to combine two easy hikes in a day, especially if they start from the same general area. For example, you could do the Húsavík Church – Húsavík Harbor loop and the Húsavík Whale Museum – Húsavíkurviti Lighthouse loop, as both are easily accessible from Húsavík's central area.

What is the best time of year to go hiking in Norðurþing using public transport?

The summer months (June to August) generally offer the most favorable conditions for hiking in Norðurþing, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. Public transport services are also typically more frequent during the peak tourist season. While some trails might be accessible in spring and autumn, be prepared for more unpredictable weather and potentially reduced bus schedules.

Are there any moderate difficulty public transport hikes for more experienced hikers?

Yes, for those seeking a bit more challenge, the Skrúðgarður | Húsavík Park – Botnsvatn Lake Near Húsavík loop from Húsavík is a moderate 11.6 km hike with some elevation gain, offering a rewarding experience. Another moderate option is the Húsavík Harbor – Húsavík Church loop from Húsavík, which covers 10.2 km.

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