Suour-pingeyjar

ProvinceIceland, Europe

Suour-pingeyjar is a STATE in Iceland, Europe.

Suður-Þingeyjarsýsla (Suour-pingeyjar) is a captivating province in northeastern Iceland, offering travelers a pristine Arctic wilderness experience away from crowded tourist trails. This region encompasses dramatic landscapes where volcanic forces meet glacial beauty, featuring the stunning Lake Mývatn area with its otherworldly geothermal fields, bubbling mud pots, and pseudocraters. Nature enthusiasts will find paradise in Jökulsárgljúfur canyon—part of Vatnajökull National Park—where the thunderous Dettifoss waterfall, Europe's most powerful, cascades with raw energy. The region's rich history is palpable at historic sites like Goðafoss (Waterfall of the Gods), where Iceland's conversion to Christianity was symbolically marked. Visitors can soak in geothermal baths at Mývatn Nature Baths, explore vast lava formations at Dimmuborgir, and witness incredible birdlife around the lake. With its sparse population and breathtaking vistas of the Arctic Highlands, Suour-pingeyjar provides an authentic Icelandic adventure where midnight sun summers and northern light winters create magical atmospheres.

Best time to visit Suour-pingeyjar

June to August for midnight sun, accessible roads, and birdwatching; September to March for northern lights viewing with fewer tourists. Winter offers dramatic frozen landscapes but limited daylight and challenging driving conditions.

October

Now

Right now

Condition
Clear
Temperature
4°
Feels like
1°
Humidity
78%
Wind
9 km/h
Precipitation
0 mm

Typical for October

Weather
Cold 1-6°C, rain and snow, shorter days

Travel notes

Crowds
Low
Prices
Low

Northern Lights season, some roads close

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

AEY

Akureyri Airport

Domestic/International

90 km away

HZK

Húsavík Airport

Domestic

30 km away

RKV

Reykjavík Airport

Domestic

450 km away

KEF

Keflavík International Airport

International

500 km away

Getting around

"Rental car essential for exploring this vast region—book well in advance. Four-wheel drive recommended for highland roads (F-roads). Public buses (Strætó) connect major towns but have limited schedules. Domestic flights available to Akureyri from Reykjavik. Popular navigation apps include Google Maps and Maps.me. Fuel stations are sparse—fill up when possible. No ride-sharing services operate here."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Available in most accommodations and cafes in towns

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airports and stores from $10

Calling code

+354

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Natural hazards are the main concern. Crime is negligible.

Night safety

7/10

Natural hazards are the main concern. Crime is negligible.

Transport

8/10

Scam risk

2/10

"Suour-pingeyjar is generally very safe with low crime rates. Primary dangers are environmental: rapidly changing Arctic weather, treacherous road conditions (especially Route 1 in winter), and unstable geothermal areas. Always check road.is and vedur.is before traveling. Avoid walking on glaciers without certified guides. No specific areas require avoidance, but remote regions lack cell service—inform others of travel plans. Scams are rare, but verify tour operator credentials. Respect private property when exploring."

Entry and health

Health information

"Medical facilities are limited in this remote region—the nearest hospital is in Akureyri (about 90 minutes from Lake Mývatn). Travelers should carry comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency evacuation. No special vaccinations are required for Iceland, but routine vaccines should be up-to-date. The cold climate and extreme weather changes require proper clothing to prevent hypothermia. Geothermal areas pose burn risks—stay on marked paths. Tap water is safe to drink. Bring any prescription medications as pharmacies are scarce."

Culture

Local customs

"Icelanders value punctuality, personal space, and environmental respect. Remove shoes when entering homes. Tipping isn't expected but appreciated for exceptional service. Swimwear required in geothermal pools—shower thoroughly nude before entering. Dress in layers for changeable weather. Respect 'no drone' signs at sensitive natural sites. Always close farm gates behind you."
IcelandicEnglish

Costs and practicals

Currency

Icelandic Króna (ISK) · kr

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$20-30 | a mid-range restaurant meal costs around $25

Hotels

$100-200 | budget guesthouses $100-150/night, hotels $150-250

Local transport

$80-120 | daily car rental $80-120

Cost notes

Fuel is expensive. Groceries are cheaper than eating out. Book in advance for better rates.

Timezone

Atlantic/Reykjavik +00:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

3,000

Area

12,500 km²

Government

Municipal council system within Iceland's centralized unitary parliamentary republic

Type

Province

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Keblavik, Keblavikas, Keflavik, Keflavika, Keflavikur, Keflavík, Keflavíkur, Keflavīka, Kephlabik, Keplavik, kai fu la wei ke, kepeullabikeu, kepuravuiku, kyflafyk, Κεφλαβίκ, Кеблавик, Кеплавик, Кеплавік, Кефлавик, Кефлавік, Կեֆլավիկ, קפלאוויק, كيفلافيك, კებლავიკი, ケプラヴィーク, 凯夫拉维克, 케플라비크

Capital CityMajor HubNatureHikingWaterfallsGeothermalNorthern LightsRemoteWildlifeAdventure