A Complete Guide to Akureyri in Iceland
Akureyri in North Iceland offers plenty of things to do and see. Our travel guide includes tips on top activities such as whale watching tours, when to go, where to stay, and how to get there.
Akureyri is also known as the capital city of the North and by far the largest town in this remote area.
As the nickname suggests, Akureyri lies in North Iceland, approximately five hours drive from Reykjavik.
Even though it is one of the largest towns in Iceland, it still has less than twenty thousand inhabitants.
We know you've picked Iceland as your next travel destination because of its incredible nature.
Your feet are probably restless to explore all those waterfalls, volcanoes, black sand beaches, or snow-capped mountains. We feel you.
On the other hand, we would not take the towns completely off the table.
After all, Iceland does not have that many cities. There is Reykjavik together with Kópavogur and Hafnarfjörður in the country's southwest corner, and then it's Akureyri in the north.
And that's about it.
We believe that you should give Akureyri a chance, even if you arrive in Iceland intending to spend as much time outside the cities as possible.
Akureyri is conveniently located on Ring Road.
Once you start creating your itinerary, you will quickly realize that you will eventually arrive in the city regardless of your reasons.
Whether Akureyri is just a short stop on your itinerary or if you decide to base yourself in Akureyri for a day or two and take advantage of being so close to some of Iceland's top attractions, one thing is sure.
Akureyri is a lovely place to visit.
So here's everything you should know about Akureyri before you go.
Let's dive into it.
Why Visit Akureyri
As mentioned earlier, you will visit Akureyri at some point in your Ring Road road trip anyway.
The small-town vibes are also one of the main reasons why visiting Akureyri is a very pleasant experience.
Akureyri is far from being crowded.
On the contrary, Akureyri is a perfect place to find some peace while still in the city.
When you combine this feature with absolutely incredible settings, the dramatic views of the fjord, mountains in the backdrop, or the prospect of seeing the Northern Lights in the winter, Akureyri can quickly become your favorite town in Iceland.
You can do fun activities here such as whale-watching boat trips, horseback riding in summer, or even skiing and backcountry skiing in winter.
It also makes sense to base yourself in the city to explore either Myvatn Lake Area, Diamond Circle, or Trollaskagi Peninsula.
Now you are just a step away from staying in Akureyri much longer than intended.
Many travelers also simply take advantage of being back in the city after days of traveling around mostly deserted Iceland's countryside.
This is also another valid reason why Akureyri is a place worth including in your Iceland itinerary.
Whether you want to stock up on food here, dine in a fine restaurant, do some last-minute shopping - we bought here an overpriced memory card - or unwind before you get back to nature, Akureyri is worth visiting.
How Much Time Do I Need
For the attractions in Akureyri within the city itself, you will need at least a couple of hours.
Add a few extra hours if you want to visit one of the museums, do some shopping, or go for a swim in the local swimming pool.
If you decide to join a whale watching tour or visit some of the top places outside the Akureyri, allow yourself a day or two, depending on your pace.
What to See and Do in Akureyri
Understandably, there is not that much to see and do in Akureyri as in some larger European cities.
Still, the scenery is hard to beat, and the town can keep you entertained at least for a few hours.
Thanks to its size, Akureyri is best to be explored on foot.
That's a huge advantage as you don't need to worry about whether you'll have enough time to see everything.
Find a free parking space close to the city center, and explore Akureyri on your own from there.
You can stock up on food and supplies in Akureyri as there are a few large grocery stores (Bonus, Netto) or buy a souvenir for your family.
After a long and tiring day, enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants serving traditional fish and chips, have a beer, or visit Brynja, a classic shop with arguably the best ice cream in Iceland.
Once you check off all the best things to see and do in Akureyri, it is time to travel outside the city limits to appreciate its beautiful surroundings.
Here's the list of the top things to do in Akureyri. Choose activities you are interested in and plan your itinerary carefully.
Akureyrakirkja
Akureyrakirkja alias Akureyri Church is the true dominant of the city.
Whether it was in Stykkisholmur or any other destination, we couldn't but notice that this country has many modern churches with fascinating architecture.
Akureyri Church was for sure one of the most beautiful ones we've seen in Iceland.
This city's symbol might seem to you a bit similar to the famous Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik.
And you would be right as both churches were designed by the same architect, Gudjon Samuelsson.
It's easy to admire the effort to combine modern architecture with natural elements that you can see everywhere around you.
You can notice the iconic columns resembling basalt columns you can find in nature, in places such as Reynisfjara Beach or Litlanesfoss.
The church was built in 1940 on the top of the hill, so it is not easy to overlook it.
It is possible to go inside, but there was a ceremony at the time of our visit, so we did not get in.
Akureyrakirkja is only 100 meters from Hafnarstraeti Street, so it's really easy to get there on foot.
Downtown
Despite the fact that Akureyri is the largest town in North Iceland, the downtown of Akureyri is quite tiny.
The area is pedestrian-friendly, and although you can park here, we believe it's better to leave the car somewhere else.
As it's very easy to explore Akureyri on foot, it doesn't matter that much where.
The heart of Akureyri is Hafnarstraeti, one of the most touristy streets in the city.
One minute you can be searching for the best restaurant on Hafnarstraeti.
A few moments later, you can be shopping in a local store for the best souvenir to bring home from Iceland.
In the area surrounding this lovely street, you can admire the traditional architecture of colorful houses or modern graffiti on the walls.
Waterfront
Only a few steps from here lies another place you should visit while you're in Akureyri.
It's only 100 meters from Hafnarstraeti Street, and we believe that you will get there even without looking at the map.
To support our claim, we should say that you can reach the Akureyri's waterfront from downtown in less than two minutes on foot.
The waterfront has a pedestrian pathway and allows you to enjoy some scenic views of the fjord.
We recommend you not to be searching for anything special while you're there. The magic of Akureyri lies in the peaceful yet lively atmosphere.
When walking the waterfront and enjoying the views of the fjord, you will soon notice a circular building which is Hof Cultural and Conference Center.
If you plan on staying in Akureyri overnight, you can visit the information center inside the building.
Helpful staff will tell you more about the cultural scene in the city and give you tips on what to do in Akureyri later in the evening.
Akureyri Swimming Pool
It seemed to us that every single village or town in Iceland has a heated swimming pool or at least a natural hot pool.
One of the things to know about Iceland is that soaking in hot springs is deeply rooted in the national culture.
Therefore, it's not surprising to find a great swimming pool right in the heart of the town, about 500 meters west of Hafnarstraeti Street.
The geothermal swimming pool in Akureyri is one of the largest complexes of its kind in Iceland.
You can find a large, 25-meter swimming pool, hot tubs, sauna, or even water slides here.
All these facilities make this swimming pool a great place to visit for travelers looking for a quiet relaxing time, but also families with kids.
The entrance fee is quite reasonable, 1100 ISK per adult.
Botanical Garden
Akureyri's Arctic Botanical Garden is one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world. It's only 50 kilometers from the Arctic Circle, so it is definitely worth visiting.
If you're looking for the best free things to do in Akureyri, the botanical garden should be on your list.
The botanical garden features both foreign and local plant species, and you can see almost all plants that grow in Iceland in the wild.
The botanical garden is more like a peaceful park, so it is a perfect place to walk around while being surrounded by unusual plants.
Obviously, it is better to visit the garden in the summer when flowers are in bloom and facilities such as a cafe and toilets are open.
Still, the botanical garden is open year-round. In the winter, expect that the snow will cover the vegetation.
However, we bet the trees will be super-photogenic while leaning under the weight of snow.
There is no entrance fee to Akureyri Arctic Botanical Garden.
Laufas Turf House
A short, twenty-minute drive from Akureyri along the picturesque fjord will take you to Laufas, one of the best-preserved turf homes in Iceland.
You can indeed see quite many turf houses when driving the Ring Road, even just through your car window.
Still, if you want to learn more about Icelandic history and the way of living in the rural areas in the past, then you should consider visiting Laufas Museum.
Except for the traditional houses that represent the old ways of life of an old farming society, there is also a lovely Laufsskirkja.
The church from 1865 also deserves your attention, as it sits in a place that has been in use since the 11th century.
The Laufas Turf Houses entrance ticket costs 2000 ISK, which might seem a bit steep, but it's good to know that it is valid for another four museums in Akureyri.
Even though the best attractions in Iceland can usually be found outside the towns, visiting museums is a great alternative when the weather is not cooperating.
Whale Watching
Eyjafjordur Fjord is one of the finest places to take a whale watching tour in Iceland. Therefore, Akureyri is one of the best starting points in the entire country.
North Iceland is famous for whale watching boat trips because its waters are inhabited by various species, such as humpback whales, dolphins, orcas, and even blue whales.
We did the whale watching tour in Husavik, another popular place for this activity.
If you're short on time and don't want to leave Ring Road, then you can reserve the boat trip in Akureyri.
Most of the tours take about three hours and allow you to see these amazing sea giants in their natural habitat.
You will get a warm overall suit which will help you to stay nice and warm throughout the journey.
Still, you might want to wear some additional layers as it will be much colder on the water than in Akureyri.
Keep in mind that the chances of spotting whales on your trip are very high, though it's never guaranteed.
Akureyri Whale Watching Tour
Here, you can reserve a Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri.
While the tours are not exactly cheap, we believe it's worth the money as Iceland is one of the best places to see whales in the world.
Hlidarfjall Ski Resort
If you are looking for more inspiration on what to do in Akureyri in winter, there is a lovely Hlidarfjall Ski Resort less than ten kilometers west of the town.
Hlidarfjall is an accommodation mountain for skiers of all levels and abilities.
There's a great mix of slopes, including plenty of easier runs for families and beginners and more difficult ones for more advanced skiers.
You can expect to find here chair lifts and surface lifts.
While you can find more ski resorts in Iceland, the biggest advantage of Hlidarfjall is its accessibility and the fact that it is open for up to six months every year.
Therefore, Hlidarfjall is often considered the best ski resort in Iceland.
The ski pass costs 5800 ISK per adult per day. You can rent skis directly at Hlidarfjall.
Horseback Riding
Right after whale watching, horseback riding is one of the most popular things to do in Akureyri.
The landscape in the town's vicinity is mind-blowing, and you will hardly find a better way to enjoy it than from your saddle.
Even if you are not interested in a horseback riding tour, you should drive slowly when in the area.
Icelandic horses are photogenic and often close to the main road.
By now, you've probably already seen the classic photos of horses grazing on pastures with snow-capped mountains in the background.
It's imperative that you must pull over only when it's safe. Find a designated parking area, turn into the gravel side road, but never stop on the main Ring Road!
Horseback Riding Tour
Here you can reserve a popular Horseback Riding Tour from Akureyri.
Northern Lights
If you are visiting Iceland in the off-season, let's say between October and March, the chances are that you are going to see Northern Lights.
We decided that our first trip to the country of Ice and Fire would be in the summer.
Instead of this natural wonder, we enjoyed puffin watching in Iceland, in places such as Borgarfjordur, Dyrholaey Peninsula, or Latrabjarg.
Hopefully, someday in the future, we will come back to Iceland in winter to see the country from a different perspective.
Akureyri is one of the best jumping-off points for watching the Northern Lights in Iceland.
The days are super-short here during the winter months, creating perfect conditions for this activity.
It's true that you can see Aurora Borealis even in Reykjavik. We believe that North Iceland offers an even more intimate experience.
It is easy to travel outside the city and find a spot with no (or minimal) light pollution.
Northern Lights Tour
Of course, you can try to find the best spot to see the Northern Lights on your own, or you can book a tour.
This popular Northern Lights Jeep Tour from Akureyri might be ideal for you.
Godafoss
Iceland is home to many beautiful waterfalls, and one of the most famous ones lies only thirty minutes drive from Akureyri.
The waterfalls are simply everywhere in Iceland, so it's not surprising that you can see a few of them while in this area.
Godafoss, also known as the Waterfall of the Gods, is often ranked as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.
While we know that the concept of beauty is subjective and varies from person to person, we can say with a clear conscience that Godafoss is spectacular and worth visiting.
The waterfall has a horseshoe shape, and it's about 12 meters high and 30 meters wide.
The Vatnajokull Glacier that feeds the Skjalfandafljot River is responsible for the constant and impressive amount of water flowing over the waterfall every second.
On top of that, it is just off the Ring Road, so it's extremely accessible, even when visiting Iceland in the off-season.
And even if you don't have time to see the waterfall from both sides, we believe it's still worth it to make at least a quick stop here.
If you do not have a car, many tour operators in Akureyri offer a trip to Godafoss as it is one of the region's highlights.
There is no entrance fee which is perfect if you travel around Iceland on a Budget.
Diamond Circle
North Iceland offers an unusually wide array of activities to do and must-visit places.
One of the best ways to explore this stunning corner of Iceland is to visit the Diamond Circle, a 240-kilometer loop that connects some of the top attractions in the area.
What does it have to do with Akureyri? You can say that Akureyri is a starting or ending point of every Diamond Circle trip, depending on which way you go.
We traveled the Ring Road counterclockwise, so we first visited Namafjall Hverir Geothermal Area and then Europe's most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss.
Then you can continue north to Asbyrgi Canyon, which features some excellent hiking trails without crowds.
Later, we took the whale watching tour in Husavik, one of the best destinations for this exciting activity in the world.
Afterward, we explored the Myvatn Lake Area and didn't forget to take a relaxing dip in Myvatn Baths.
The next day we made a stop at Godafoss Waterfall and later that day arrived at Akureyri.
While Diamond Circle might not be as popular as Golden Circle near Reykjavik, it's still worth visiting.
It combines one of the top attractions in Iceland with hidden gems and less-traveled places, and it quickly became one of our favorite scenic roads in Iceland.
Diamond Circle Tour
If you travel during the offseason or do not have a car, Akureyri is a place where you can arrange a Diamond Circle Tour.
Trollaskagi Peninsula
If you have more time, Akureyri is a fantastic starting point for Trollaskagi Peninsula.
Often overlooked by international travelers, this stunning part of Iceland offers an unforgettable experience.
We had fourteen days in Iceland, so we could afford to leave the Ring Road from time to time.
Therefore, we decided to take this scenic drive along the peninsula that rewarded us with snowy mountains, impressive fjords, traditional villages, and stunning views of the endless sea.
If you want to explore Iceland beyond the well-trodden path, escape the crowds, and take a dip in one of Iceland's most beautiful hot pools, make sure to give a Trollaskagi Peninsula a chance.
And don't forget to visit Hofsos Infinity Pool.
From Akureyri, drive north for 10 kilometers until you reach the turnoff to Trollaskagi Peninsula.
From here, follow Road 82, which eventually turns into Road 76. Once you leave Ring Road, you have 170 kilometers of pure joy and beauty in front of you.
It takes about four to seven hours to drive around the entire peninsula, as it depends on how much time you spend in the hot pools.
The road is fully paved, so you do not need a 4WD car, at least in the summer.
How to Get to Akureyri
Akureyri lies directly on the Ring Road in the northern part of Iceland.
The city is well-accessible and impossible to miss when traveling the most famous scenic drive in Iceland.
It is also a perfect jumping-off point for trips to Husavik, Godafoss, or Myvatn Nature Baths.
The best way to get to Akureyri is by a rental car or campervan. Traveling around Iceland by car gives you a great deal of flexibility and freedom.
Therefore, you can also explore Akureyri and the attractions in its surroundings.
If you are road tripping around Iceland, this is your best and only chance anyway.
As Ring Road is plowed regularly, it's fairly easy to get there, even in winter. However, you should get a 4WD car for safety reasons.
Car
Reykjavik is almost 400 kilometers southwest of Akureyri, and it takes about five to six hours to get there without making any stops.
In reality, it usually takes two or three days to get there, at least if you want to see Snaefellsnes and other top places in West Iceland, such as Glymur Waterfall or Hraunfossar.
Then you will arrive in North Iceland, where you can also visit Kolugljufur Canyon, Hvitserkur, or Trollaskagi Peninsula.
Moreover, you can also make a trip to Westfjords, requiring another two or three days of your time.
Simply put, there is so much to see and do along the way that it would be a mistake to drive directly to Akureyri.
The situation is similarly complicated when arriving from Egilsstadir, a tourist hub in East Fjords.
Egilsstadir lies only 250 kilometers east of Akureyri. In a perfect world, it would take three to four hours to get there.
Lake Myvatn Area and Diamond Circle will make sure that you will need at least two more days.
Parking
Parking in Akureyri is plentiful. It is also allowed to park your car in the city center, but only for a limited time.
Usually, it is up to two hours between 10 AM and 4 PM, depending on the parking area.
You have to pick up a parking card in any store, hotel, gas station, or bank.
Alternatively, you can just write down your arrival time on any piece of paper and display it on your dashboard. Otherwise, you will get a hefty fine.
We left our car in a free parking lot near the botanical garden, where the time for parking was not limited.
We had plenty of time to walk around the city without worrying that we had to come back at a certain time.
Public Transport
As an important transportation hub of North Iceland, Akureyri is one of the places on Ring Road where you can catch a bus to other tourist destinations.
That is useful to know if you decide to get around Iceland by public transport.
You can take Bus 57 from Reykjavik to Akureyri. The bus departs the city twice a day, and the trip takes about six and a half hours.
Bus 56 connects Akureyri with Egilsstadir. The bus goes once a day, and the journey takes three and half hours.
A bit more frequent buses also run from Akureyri to Husavik and Siglufjordur.
Plane
If you are short on time, Akureyri has an international airport that mainly serves domestic flights.
You can fly into Akureyiro from Reykjavik. There are several flights a day, flight tickets are fairly cheap, and the journey takes only 45 minutes.
Finding a direct flight from other countries to Akureyri is not very common.
Ferry
A ferry used to run between Denmark, Akureyri, and the Faroe Islands in the past.
However, it seems that now the ferry departs from Seydisfjordur in the east.
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Where to Stay in Akureyri
As mentioned earlier, Akureyri is the second-largest city in Iceland. Therefore, it offers many accommodations for every type of traveler and every budget.
Despite the fact that Iceland is expensive, even a budget traveler can find a reasonably priced hostel in the city.
What is even better, Akureyri is a place where you will most likely find a room even during the high season.
Still, we recommend you book as early as you know your travel dates as the best affordable hotels are usually gone first.
We've selected the best hotels in Akureyri.
Budget | Akureyri H.I. Hostel - This lovely hostel is about a 10-minute walk from the city center and offers clean rooms, modern furnishings, and a well-equipped shared kitchen. Simply put, this is one of the best budget-friendly accommodations in Akureyri.
Mid-range | Centrum Guesthouse - As the name suggests, this hotel has an excellent location, free parking, newly decorated rooms, and helpful staff. A great value for money.
Luxury | Hotel Kea - Hotel Kea in Akureyri features a central location, spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant serving local dishes, and free parking.
When is the Best Time to Visit Akureyri
Like most of the places in Iceland, you can visit Akureyri year-round.
However, you need to be prepared for unpredictable Icelandic weather and what every season brings to the country of Ice and Fire.
Summer
Even though it can rain in Iceland any time of the year and you can easily experience four seasons in only one day, we would argue that summer is the best time to visit Akureyri.
We were in Akureyri at the end of June, and the weather was just fine.
It was relatively warm, although the feel-like temperature was always lower due to strong winds.
The period between June and August is the most pleasant time for exploring Akureyri with the best chance for good weather.
Moreover, the days are long due to the midnight sun phenomenon, and you can really take advantage of that.
Shoulder Season
Spring and autumn bring rain to North Iceland and might be a good alternative for those travelers who want to escape the crowds.
Winter
Winter in Akureyri is cold, but it's nothing you could not handle with a down jacket or a few extra layers.
As Akureyri lies on Ring Road, it shouldn't be a problem to get there by car even in wintertime. Of course, if the weather conditions are good.
The problem we see when visiting Iceland in winter is the short days.
We met a local couple from Akureyri in Westfjords, and they told us there are days in the winter when they do not see the sun at all because of the mountains blocking the path.
We found that prospect bleak. On the other hand, winter is the best time to see Northern Lights in Iceland.
Therefore, every season has its pros and cons. It's just good to know what to expect before you go.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
What to Pack
By the time you reach Akureyri, you will be quite familiar with the lovely local weather.
Make sure to bring a rain jacket and a few extra warm layers even when visiting Iceland in summer.
Akureyri is a town so you can wear something more comfortable this time. Jeans, sneakers, and a down jacket should be fine.
Still, once you start exploring the countryside, it's better to be prepared for whatever weather you may encounter on your journey.
Even though Iceland is cold and windy even in the summer, make sure you have a swimsuit with you.
You will have plenty of opportunities to go for a swim while in the Akureyri area.
Don't forget to check out our guide on what to pack for Iceland for more information.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
