Akureyri, Iceland: travel guide
The "Capital of the North", Iceland's second-largest urban area at the head of Eyjafjörður fjord. Base for whale watching, the Diamond Circle, Goðafoss waterfall and winter skiing at Hlíðarfjall.
- Country
- Iceland
- Currency
- ISK
- Time zone
- Atlantic/Reykjavik
- Nearest airport
- AEY
Top places to visit in Akureyri
Akureyrarkirkja
Church · about 0.5 h
Akureyri's hilltop church, designed by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson (of Hallgrímskirkja fame), overlooking the town and fjord.
Akureyri Botanical Garden
Nature · about 1 h
Lystigarðurinn, one of the world's northernmost botanical gardens, cultivating Icelandic and Arctic flora since 1912.
Goðafoss
Waterfall · about 0.8 h
The "waterfall of the gods", where a chieftain is said to have thrown his pagan idols on Iceland's conversion to Christianity in 1000 AD; a broad horseshoe on the Skjálfandafljót river.
Hlíðarfjall Ski Area
Activity · about 4 h
Iceland's premier ski resort above Akureyri, with runs, lifts and views over Eyjafjörður; a winter and spring highlight.
Akureyri Art Museum
Museum · about 1 h
The main contemporary art museum of North Iceland, in the town's old dairy building.
Hof Cultural Centre
Cultural · about 0.5 h
A striking curved concert and conference hall on the Akureyri waterfront, home to the town's tourist information centre.
Jólagarðurinn (Christmas Garden)
Market · about 0.8 h
A year-round Christmas house and garden south of Akureyri selling Icelandic decorations and treats.
Sundlaug Akureyrar
Activity · about 1.5 h
Akureyri's beloved geothermal pool with hot pots, steam bath and slides — a top spot to relax like a local.
Kjarnaskógur Forest
Nature · about 1.5 h
A rare Icelandic woodland and recreation area south of town, laced with walking and cycling trails.
Things to do
- Akureyri Whale Watching Wildlife · 3 h · from ISK 12,500 per person
- Diamond Circle Day Tour Sightseeing · 10 h · from ISK 23,900 per person
- Bjórböðin Beer Spa Wellness · 2 h · from ISK 12,900 per person
- Icelandic Horse Riding Adventure · 2 h · from ISK 13,500 per person
Day trips and tours
- Diamond Circle Full Day 10 h · from ISK 23,900
- Mývatn Nature Tour 8 h · from ISK 18,900
Where to stay in Akureyri
- Akureyri Centre about ISK 28,000 per night
Compact town centre beneath the church, near restaurants, the pool and the harbour.
Hotels
- Hótel Kea by Keahotels 4-star · ISK 24,000 to ISK 48,000 per night
- Hótel Akureyri 3-star · ISK 18,000 to ISK 36,000 per night
- Icelandair Hótel Akureyri 4-star · ISK 22,000 to ISK 46,000 per night
- Akureyri Backpackers ISK 7,000 to ISK 24,000 per night
Where to eat
- Strikið Icelandic, Seafood, Sushi · about ISK 7,500 per person
- Rub23 Sushi, Seafood, Fusion · about ISK 8,000 per person
- Bautinn Icelandic, Burgers, International · about ISK 4,500 per person
- Greifinn Pizza, Italian, International · about ISK 3,800 per person
- Bláa Kannan Café, Bakery · about ISK 2,200 per person
- Noa Seafood Restaurant Seafood, Icelandic · about ISK 6,500 per person
Getting around
- Bus main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Car Rental Self main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.