Dark night skies hang over snowy peaks in Akureyri, a little port city at the head of the Eyjafjörður Fjord in Iceland’s far north. Its remote location (it’s a 5-hour drive from Reykjavík) and proximity to the Arctic Circle make it one of the best places in Iceland to chase the Northern Lights. Its scale may feel accessible, but this is still the fifth largest town in Iceland. The best things to do in Akureyri include its Botanical Garden (one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world), Akureyri Art Museum, and the Icelandic Aviation Museum. While the sun’s still up, travelers can also keep busy exploring the Diamond Circle, where waterfalls, canyons, and geothermal wonders abound. And they shouldn’t miss the whale watching tours on the fjord, which is home to humpbacks, minke whales, and porpoises.
Summer is the best time to visit if you’re looking for outdoor adventures and culture. With mild temperatures and lots of daylight, it’s easy to hike and explore natural wonders such as the Goðafoss waterfall and Lake Mývatn. The Town Festival celebrating the town’s founding takes place in late August. What’s more, May through September is also the best time to see humpback whales; hit the golf course; and visit the town swimming pool, complete with water slides. That said, September through early April is best for spotting the Northern Lights, hitting area ski slopes, and enjoying the town’s hot tubs and thermal springs.
This is a compact town, and the best things to do in Akureyri are mostly easy to talk to. If you need to venture outside the town center, you can ride the local city buses free of charge. The buses travel a loop around town, starting and ending in the center (Miðbær). For adventures out of town, you’ll need to rent a car or book a tour that includes transportation. The town is also one of the largest stops on Iceland’s Ring Road.
Iceland is famous for its geothermal spas, but nothing is quite like the Bjórböðin Beer Spa in Dalvík (a 30-minute drive north). Visit to soak in a wooden tub filled with a warm mixture of beer, hops, geothermal water, and yeast, while sipping a cold beer. The yeast and hops are said to do wonders for skin and hair.
Attractions 18 | Tours 112 | Reviews 4,484 |
Born and raised in Akureyri, Bryndís returns to her hometown every year to meet up with friends and family, and discover new local treats.
learn where east, north, south, and west are. The people of Akureyri usually describe locations by using the cardinal directions; so, for example, the Old Town is in the south.
involves a slow walk around the “innbærinn” (Old Town), a museum and beautiful botanical garden visit, as well as an ice cream at Brynja. Then, walk to the Akureyri geothermal swimming pool, before grabbing dinner in the town center.
a whale watching tour, where you have a chance to see the incredible Eyjafjord Humpbacks in their natural habitat.
taste some quirky Akureyri food. For example, a “pylsa með öllu” (hot dog with everything)—including red cabbage—or the bernaise burger with french fries and bernaise sauce.
head to the viewing platform on the other side of the fjord. It’s a 5-minute drive from the town center and it offers a great view over the town, both in daylight and darkness.
is thinking that Akureyri is a very small town, when it’s more like a very small city. And it has the amenities to prove it!
Nicknamed “the capital of North Iceland,” Akureyri is a compact university town that has a cool, cultural vibe. It’s the gateway to Iceland’s northern natural attractions, such as Lake Myvatn, Godafoss waterfall, and Eyjafjordur. It’s also home to landmarks like the Akureyri Church, a 20th century Lutheran church with striking architecture.
...MoreIcelandic is generally a complex and challenging language, but you pronounce Akureyri phonetically: “aku-rey-ri,” with a slight emphasis on “aku.” The town’s name literally means “sandbank field,” which likely stems from its historic reputation as fertile farmland.
...MoreYes, it is possible to see the Aurora Borealis when visiting Akureyri. The best time to see the lights is between September and April, and you’re more likely to see them if you head out of town. Gasir, just north of the town, is a popular viewing spot.
...MoreThe town of Akureyri is only 62 miles (100 kilometers) south of the Arctic Circle. The only part of Iceland that lies within the Arctic Circle is the small island of Grimsey. However, Grimsey and Akureyri are part of the same municipality.
...MoreYou really only need one or two days to see the best things to do in Akureyri. If you are planning to visit the natural wonders of northern Iceland, it’s a good idea to spend your nights at different destinations rather than using the town as your base and having to backtrack each evening.
...MoreYes, home to a university, art galleries, and the Hof Cultural and Conference Center, Akureyri has a youthful and creative vibe that is well worth checking out. Also, since it’s situated on one of Iceland’s longest fjords (Eyjafjordur) and cradled by mountains, the town puts you within easy reach of some of Iceland’s most beautiful natural wonders.
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