In March 2025, we marked a special milestone—15 years of Magnetic North Travel—with a three-night team trip to Northern Iceland. It was the perfect opportunity to revisit a region that continues to shape many of the experiences we design for our clients.

Our team—Laura (Managing Director), Alex and Russ (Product), Elodie (Marketing), Mike (Operations), Annie, Sophie, and Yasmin (Sales)—flew directly from London Gatwick to Akureyri with EasyJet. From the very first evening, the dramatic landscapes, ever-changing weather, and warm local hospitality reminded us why Iceland remains a firm favourite.

Where We Stayed

A Warm Welcome at Siglo Hotel, Siglufjörður

We spent our first night in Siglufjörður, a charming fishing village nestled at the end of a fjord. Siglo Hotel, set right on the harbourfront, offered a perfect mix of comfort, style, and character. The rooms were thoughtfully designed, the views were calming, and the peaceful atmosphere helped us unwind after a day of travel.

Hotel Berjaya in Akureyri – Our Base in the North

For the next two nights, we stayed at Hotel Berjaya in the centre of Akureyri. Its convenient location made it easy to explore the town. We appreciated the clean, comfortable rooms and the friendly, helpful staff. One of the highlights was dinner at the hotel’s Aurora Restaurant—a fine dining experience that celebrated local ingredients with creativity and care.

Highlights from Northern Iceland

Beer Tasting at Segull 67

In Siglufjörður, we visited Segull 67, a family-run microbrewery housed in a former fish factory. Segull translates to magnetic—a happy coincidence that felt especially fitting. The tasting was relaxed and fun, and gave us a great sense of the town’s community spirit.

Dinner at Strikið

One evening, we dined at Strikið, a rooftop restaurant in Akureyri known for its sweeping views of the town and fjord. The food was fresh, inventive, and packed with local flavour—an experience that stood out for all the right reasons.

Exploring the Mývatn Region with Siggi

Our full-day tour of the Mývatn region with local guide Siggi was a standout moment. His stories and local knowledge brought each place to life. The day included stops at:

• Goðafoss Waterfall – The legendary “Waterfall of the Gods.”

• Dimmuborgir Lava Fields – A surreal landscape of twisted lava formations—said to be the frozen remains of trolls, caught by the rising sun in the middle of one of their raucous parties.

• Hverir Mud Pools – Steaming vents and colourful geothermal activity.

• Grjótagjá Cave – A hidden lava cave with a thermal spring and a cinematic past, made famous by Game of Thrones.

A Soak at the Forest Lagoon

Just five minutes by taxi from Akureyri, the Forest Lagoon was the perfect way to unwind. Tucked among pine trees and overlooking the fjord, the setting felt wonderfully secluded. With reasonably priced bars, pools of varying temperatures, and saunas, there was something for everyone.

Reflections on Northern Iceland

When I first visited Akureyri in 2018 on a chartered flight, very few travellers made it this far north. Most passed through briefly or came as part of a longer tour from Reykjavik. Back then, access was limited and the area felt remote and untouched.

Today, regular direct flights from both Manchester and Gatwick have changed that. Northern Iceland is now far more accessible—but it hasn’t lost its charm. It still offers that raw, unpolished version of Iceland that many people search for but rarely find.

Akureyri makes an excellent base for day trips and excursions. From whale watching to Northern Lights tours and unforgettable meals, it’s a destination that truly delivers. And Siglufjörður remains a hidden gem—off the beaten path, but full of character and history. We can tailor make any trip in Northern Iceland or use one of our tours as your inspiration. Take a look at our Aurora Adventure if you want to follow in our footsteps.

This trip reminded us just how lucky we are to work in travel and to explore such special places together. Here’s to many more years of discovery, adventure, and meaningful connection.

Stay tuned—more blogs about our Northern Iceland adventure are coming soon. We’ll be sharing team highlights, travel tips, and ideas to help you plan your own journey to this unforgettable region.