Akureyri, Iceland: travel guide
The north's fjord-side capital, a base for whales, waterfalls and skiing
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.
About Akureyri
Akureyri is the main town of northern Iceland, set at the head of the long Eyjafjörður fjord, with mountains rising on both sides. It has a mild, friendly character, with a botanical garden, a hilltop church and a cluster of cafés and shops in the centre.
Things to do in Akureyri include whale watching on the fjord, driving the Diamond Circle to take in Goðafoss waterfall and other sights, relaxing in nearby geothermal baths and skiing at Hlíðarfjall in winter. It is also a useful base for exploring the north of the island.
Akureyri suits those who want to see Iceland beyond the south. Summer has long days and easy driving, while winter is the season for skiing and northern lights.
- Country
- Iceland
- Currency
- ISK
- Time zone
- Atlantic/Reykjavik
- Nearest airport
- AEY
Last updated
Top places to visit in Akureyri
Akureyrarkirkja
landmark · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Akureyri's hilltop church, designed by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson (of Hallgrímskirkja fame), overlooking the town and fjord.
Akureyri Botanical Garden
garden · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Lystigarðurinn, one of the world's northernmost botanical gardens, cultivating Icelandic and Arctic flora since 1912.
Goðafoss
nature · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
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
skiing · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
Iceland's premier ski resort above Akureyri, with runs, lifts and views over Eyjafjörður; a winter and spring highlight.
Akureyri Art Museum
art · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The main contemporary art museum of North Iceland, in the town's old dairy building.
Hof Cultural Centre
architecture · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A striking curved concert and conference hall on the Akureyri waterfront, home to the town's tourist information centre.
Jólagarðurinn (Christmas Garden)
shopping · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A year-round Christmas house and garden south of Akureyri selling Icelandic decorations and treats.
Sundlaug Akureyrar
thermal · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Akureyri's beloved geothermal pool with hot pots, steam bath and slides — a top spot to relax like a local.
Kjarnaskógur Forest
forest · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
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 to Akureyri
Airport: Akureyri (AEY)
How visitors arrive in Akureyri
- Bus or car on the Ring Road By road from Reykjavik · common
The Ring Road links the city to the rest of Iceland, with coach services from Reykjavik and nearby towns. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Domestic flight from Reykjavik By air from Reykjavik · common
Akureyri Airport has domestic flights from Reykjavik, plus some seasonal international flights. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the airport to the centre
- Sysli airport bus unconfirmed
Sysli runs a bus between Akureyri airport and town, apparently timed around easyJet flights. Check it operates for your flight. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Taxi from Akureyri airport unconfirmed
The airport is a short drive from the centre. Taxis and pre-booked private transfers are available. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
Getting around
- Bus
The SVA town bus system serves Akureyri and starts and ends at the central Miðbær stop; the small centre can also be covered on foot.
- Car Rental Self
- Walking
Best time to visit Akureyri
- Jan -4°C
- Feb -4°C
- Mar -3°C
- Apr -1°C
- May 1°C
- Jun 7°C
- Jul 9°C
- Aug 8°C
- Sep 5°C
- Oct 0°C
- Nov -3°C
- Dec -4°C
More in Iceland
Frequently asked questions about Akureyri
- What are the main places to visit in Akureyri?
- Places covered in our Akureyri guide include Akureyrarkirkja, Akureyri Botanical Garden, Goðafoss, Hlíðarfjall Ski Area, Akureyri Art Museum.
- Where should I stay in Akureyri?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Akureyri: Akureyri Centre.
- How do I get around Akureyri?
- Ways to get around Akureyri covered in our guide: City bus, Self-drive car, Walking.
- What is the weather like in Akureyri?
- Average daytime highs in Akureyri run from -4°C in Jan to 9°C in Jul.
- Which airport is nearest to Akureyri?
- The nearest airport to Akureyri has the code AEY.