Regions of Iceland

The big island of Iceland can be divided into 8 different regions which each has its own magical sights to see. Every region has its own ”capital” of seat. 64 municipalities have been divided over the regions. The most of these are in the Southern region, which is the region which has the most area in km2. Would you like to know more about visiting the regions of Iceland? Then check out this page and plan your trip together with Huginn & Muninn Travels.

IS-1 Höfuðborgarsvæðið, Capital Region

The seat of the Capital Region is, of course, Reykjavík. In 2022, the population was 240,882. This region has 7 municipalities. Sightseeing in this region could be visiting Reykjavík and seeing all the fantastic museums. Also, a lot of nearby areas are reachable by a tour going out of the capital. The international airport, Keflavík, is less than an hour away. If you like restaurants, you will have a good time in Reykjavík. Would you like to know more about this region, click on the title to go to the page about the Capital Region.

View over Reykjavík seen from the Perlan restaurant. The Hallgrimskirkja is on the left and behind the City is the Esjan Mountain. Between the city and the mountain is the Faxaflói bay.

IS-2 Suðurnes, Southern Peninsula

The seat of the Southern Peninsula is Keflavík, but the biggest city is Reykjanesbær. In 2022, the population was 29,108. This region has 4 municipalities. Sightseeing in this region would be all the thermal and volcanic activity. If there is an eruption, you could book a helicopter tour to fly above it. Or if it is a tourist eruption, see if it is allowed to hike to the site. Otherwise, you could do the Inside the volcano tour, which lowers you down into a dormant volcano. If you would rather have a relaxing trip, why not visit the Blue Lagoon? Also, the international airport, Keflavík,  is on this peninsula. Would you like to know more about this region, click on the title to go to the page about the Southern Peninsula.

Blue water next to the blue lagoon seems even deeper blue than the sky above it. The pool is surrounded by dark coloured lava rocks. And on the edges the white silica is piled up. Clouds stretch over the blue and white pool.

IS-3 Vesturland, Western Region

The seat of the Western Region is Borgarnes, with the biggest city being Akranes. in 2022, the population was 17,019. This region has 9 municipalities. Sightseeing in this region could be the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for the Snæfellsnesjökul. There are a few gorgeous waterfalls to find, a lava tube and hot springs. You could also have a fermented shark tasting in the shark museum or do some whale watching in Ólafsvík. Would you like to know more about this region, click on the title to go to the page about the Western Region.

On the right is Mount Kirkjufell with on the left Kirkjufellsfoss falling into the pond. A cloud covered sky behind it all.

IS-4 Vestfirðir, Westfjords

The seat of the Westfjords is Ísafjörður. In 2022, the population was 7,205. This region has 9 municipalities. Sightseeing in this region could be visiting the nature reserve Hornstrandir and seeing some Arctic Foxes. Or dive deeper into the unknown and visit The Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft of the Icelandic Sea Monster museum. And maybe, if you drive your roadtrip through the fjords, you could spot the sea monsters yourself in Arnarfjörður. Would you like to know more about this region, click on the title to go to the page about the Westfjords.

The waterfal Dynjandi looks like a bridal veil roaring of the mountain. With the clear blue sky and the sun shining the mist of the waterfall is very visible.

IS-5 Norðurland vestra, Northwestern Region

The seat of the Northwestern Region is Sauðárkrókur. In 2022, the population was 7,405. This region has 5 municipalities. Sightseeing in this region could be spotting seal around the Vatsnes peninsula. There are also a lot of smaller roads going down to the Highlands. They are probably not open all year round. Hrafna-Floki used to live at the end of this region. You could visit the memorial stones. Would you like to know more about this region, click on the title to go to the page about the Northwestern Region.

The view from one of the rocky beaches of Hvammstangi looking into Miðfjörður. The sun is lowering behind a mountain giving a lovely sundown shimmer.

IS-6 Norðurland eystra, Northeastern Region

The seat of the Northeastern Region is Akureyri. In 2022, the population was 31,161. This region has 11 municipalities. Sightseeing in this region could be visiting the capital of the North, Akureyri. Also, the whale-watching capital, Husavík, is in this region. If you continue the road north out of Husavík, you’ll eventually reach Kopasker Strönd and Asbyrgi canyon. The eastern part of this region is good for spotting reindeers during the winter months. And if you are looking for a relaxing moment, you could visit the Myvatn area. Would you like to know more about this region, click on the title to go to the page about the Northeastern Region.

The view of the harbour looking out on the whale watching boats and Kinnarfjöll, the mountain ridge where snow never melts. Between the harbour and the mountains is the Skjálfandi Bay.

IS-7 Austurland, Eastern Region

The seat of the Eastern Region is Egilsstaðir. In 2022, the population was 11,031. This region has 4 municipalities. Sightseeing in this region could be the beautiful town of Seydisfjordur. Or visit the heart-warming Petra’s Stone collection, and be in awe of all the beautiful minerals she has found. Enjoy the roads taking you in and out of the fjords, and keep your eyes open to spot some wildlife. Go visit puffins at Borgarfjörður eystri or go to the Vök Baths to relax after your day of adventure. Would you like to know more about this region, click on the title to go to the page about the Eastern Region.

The interior of the sunroom in Petra's Stone Collection. Here you can enjoy a nice, hot, drink or get some home made sourdough bread or pastries. Have a moment of peace while looking at a part of Petra's collection.

IS-8 Suðurland, Southern Region

The seat of the Southern Region is Selfoss. In 2022, the population was 32,437. This region has 15 municipalities. Sightseeing in this region can also be done if you are in Iceland for only a few days. You could drive the Golden Circle and have a small taste of everything Iceland has to offer. You could also book a few tours to this region going out of Reykjavík. Like visiting Þórsmörk or Landmannalaugar in the highlands. Or rent a car and drive the South Coast yourself. This is more recommendable because you can take all the time you like. Or, if you feel a bit adventurous, book the Katla Ice Cave tour going out of Vík and visit the Lava Show or the Soup Company afterward. Would you like to know more about this region, click on the title to go to the page about the Southern Region.

The first river crossing on the F249 towards Þórsmörk. The water is coming out of the mountains from the direction of the gorge Merkurker. The tops of the hills are covered in mist just like the rest hids behind a thin layer of fine rain. The water if the river flows over dark rocks.