Travel Guide of Akureyri in Iceland by Influencers and Travelers
Akureyri is a town in northern Iceland. It is Iceland's fourth largest municipality, after Reykjavík, Hafnarfjörður and Kópavogur, and the largest town outside Iceland's heavily populated southwest corner.
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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Akureyri
TRAVELERS TOP 7 :
1 - Þjóðvegur
24 km away
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2 - Skjálfandi
42 km away
Skjálfandi is a bay in northern Iceland, with some of the characteristics of a fjord. The Icelandic word Skjálfandi literally translates to trembling which may refer to earthquakes in the area.
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3 - 4x4 in Akureyri
All ages are welcome on this road trip into the wilderness of Northern Iceland in search of stellar views of the Northern Lights! This trip will see us out of the light pollution of Akureyri and into the surrounding wilderness to view the auror...
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4 - Snow Experiences in Akureyri
Lake Mývatn and the surroundings are a must-see while exploring the north! Departing from Akureyri, we will begin the journey along the coast of Eyjafjordur, one of the longest fjords in Iceland. We begin by stopping at Goðafoss&...
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5 - Wildlife Experiences in Akureyri
Admire the whales in Iceland in the sublime natural setting of the Eyjafjörður fjord on an excursion from Akureyri! Discover the wildlife of northern Iceland on a whale watching tour through the Eyjafjörður fjord. This is your chanc...
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6 - Sightseeing Tours in Akureyri
Enjoy north-east Iceland and visit the waterfalls and fjords from Akureyri! Accompanied by a guide, you'll discover magnificent sites and views in the north-east of the country. Climb aboard and prepare your eyes and ears for magnificent views of the...
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7 - Zip-Lining in Akureyri
A professional guide will lead you on an adventure trail with five ziplines, forest paths, and informative stories. The river canyon Glerárgil is a hidden nature gem running straight through the middle of Akureyri town. On this tour, you ...
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Book Tours and Activities in Akureyri
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Pictures and Stories of Akureyri from Influencers
5 pictures of Akureyri from Andrew Maranta, Josh Reid, Lachlan Gowen and other travelers
- Horses walking in line in the mountains ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Andrew Maranta | ©Unsplash
- A seal is trying to do yoga ;) ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Pascal Mauerhofer | ©Unsplash
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Why should you visit Akureyri ?
Travel to Akureyri if you like:
🌲 Ecoregion ⛰️ Highland ⛰️ Hill ⛰️ Mountain range 🐾 WildlifeHow to visit Akureyri ?
Why traveling there?
Akureyri, the "Capital of North Iceland," is a charming town filled with colorful houses, beautiful nature, and friendly locals. It's an ideal destination for those seeking a less crowded alternative to Reykjavik, while still enjoying the best of Icelandic culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. In addition, Akureyri is a gateway to some of Iceland's most stunning natural attractions, including Lake Myvatn, Godafoss Waterfall, and the Arctic coastline.
How to get there?
Akureyri is accessible by air and road. The quickest way is to fly from Reykjavik to Akureyri Airport (AEY), with a flight time of approximately 45 minutes. Several domestic airlines, including Air Iceland Connect and Eagle Air, offer frequent flights between the two cities. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive the scenic 390 km (243 miles) route along the Ring Road (Route 1) from Reykjavik, which takes around 4-5 hours.
What to book in advance?
While Akureyri is not as crowded as Reykjavik, it's still a good idea to book accommodations and tours in advance, especially during the peak summer months. Popular activities, such as whale watching, horseback riding, and guided tours of the nearby natural attractions, can fill up quickly, so it's best to secure your spot early.
What are the costs?
The costs in Akureyri are generally lower than in Reykjavik, but Iceland is still a relatively expensive destination. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $100 per day, while mid-range travelers may spend around $200 per day. This includes accommodations, meals, transportation, and activities. Prices for tours and activities vary, but you can expect to pay around $50-$100 for a whale watching tour and $70-$150 for a guided tour of the nearby natural attractions.
What are the best things to do?
Akureyri offers a wide range of activities and attractions to suit all interests. Some of the best things to do include:
- Exploring the town's charming streets and visiting its museums, such as the Akureyri Art Museum and the Akureyri Museum.
- Taking a relaxing dip in the geothermal pool at the Akureyri Swimming Pool.
- Going on a whale watching tour or a horseback riding adventure.
- Visiting nearby natural attractions, such as Lake Myvatn, Godafoss Waterfall, and the Arctic coastline.
Where to eat?
1. Rub 23: This popular restaurant offers a fusion of Icelandic and Asian cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood and sushi.
2. Bryggjan: A cozy café and bistro that serves delicious homemade soups, sandwiches, and cakes in a relaxed atmosphere.
3. Strikid: Located on the top floor of a building overlooking the harbor, Strikid offers a fine dining experience with stunning views and a menu featuring local ingredients.
Where to stay?
1. Icelandair Hotel Akureyri: A modern and stylish hotel located close to the town center, offering comfortable rooms and a range of amenities.
2. Akureyri H.I. Hostel: A budget-friendly option with both private rooms and dormitories, located a short walk from the town center.
3. Lava Apartments & Rooms: These self-catering apartments offer a home-away-from-home experience, with fully equipped kitchens and a central location.
Off the beaten path
For a truly unique and off-the-beaten-path experience, head to the nearby island of Hrisey. Accessible by a 15-minute ferry ride from Árskógssandur, this small island is home to a friendly community and offers beautiful nature walks, birdwatching opportunities, and a chance to experience authentic Icelandic village life. During your visit, be sure to stop by the Hrisey Museum to learn about the island's history and try some local delicacies at the Hrisey Kaffi Hús.
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Hrísey is located off Eyjafjörður, the same fjord where Akureyri is located. Hrísey is the second-largest island in Iceland after Heimaey in the Vestmann Islands on the Icelandic South Coast. The island is a paradise for birds.
Discover 4 activities you can do
These peat houses in Akureyri, built in 1865, are the best examples in Iceland of how life used to be in Iceland.
2 - Going for a horse ride.
Only a 15-minute drive from Akureyri, you arrive at a farm surrounded by horses, enjoy a ride through the beautiful landscape of Iceland.
3 - Whale watching
Akureyri is located in the Eyjafjörður Fjord,
surrounded by beautiful mountains and mother you could observe beautiful whales as well as dolphins.
4 - Walk in the Akureyri Botanical Garden
Take advantage of Akureyri's beautiful sunny days to walk around the beautiful flower and bird watching at Lystigarðurinn.
The public park was opened in 1912 and the botanical garden in 1957, and admission is free, making it ideal for a relaxing day out with friends or family.
Akureyri is located in the very north of the island.
With few inhabitants, pollution is minimal, and the long nights are perfect for watching the Northern Lights.
Where to Stay in Akureyri
Discover the best hotels around Akureyri, Iceland and book your stay today with our booking partner booking.com
More Travel spots to explore around Akureyri
Click on the pictures to learn more about the places and to get directions
Discover more travel spots to explore around Akureyri
🌲 Ecoregion spots ⛰️ Highland spots ⛰️ Hill spots 🗼 Landmark spots ⛰️ Mountain range spots 🌊 Ocean spots 🐾 Wildlife spotsTravel map of Akureyri
Explore popular touristic places around Akureyri
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