Often referred to as the ‘Capital of the North,’ Akureyri in Iceland is the perfect base for exploring North Iceland’s jaw-dropping scenery, whether you’re here for the waterfalls, wildlife or skiing.
Lying at the base of a fjord, this small but vibrant city is packed with charm, from its colorful downtown and cozy cafés to its famous heart-shaped stoplights.
Do I even need to say more?! 😉
It’s the kind of place that surprises you in the best possible way.
Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure seeker, get ready because Akureyri is about to steal your heart.
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
- Where is Akureyri?
- How to Get from Reykjavík to Akureyri
- Weather in Akureyri, Iceland
- Accommodation in Akureyri, Iceland
- Best Restaurants in Akureyri
- Things To Do in Akureyri, Iceland
- Akureyri Tours, Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
- Akureyri, Iceland Map
Where is Akureyri in Iceland?
Located along the Ring Road in North Iceland, Akureyri sits at the base of Eyjafjörður Fjord, just 60 miles (100km) from the Arctic Circle.
Even though the population is only a little over 19,000, this town STILL takes the title as Iceland’s second-largest city. Hard to believe, right?!
Akureyri is about 230 miles (370 km) from Reykjavík – a five-hour drive away and surrounded by stunning mountains, making it one of the most scenic towns in Iceland.
Pro tip: If you’re wondering how to pronounce Akureryi, it’s Ah-koo-rey-ree. 🤓
How to Get from Reykjavík to Akureyri
Akureyri is such a popular destination in Iceland that you have a few different ways to get there.
Rent a car: My favorite way to explore Iceland is by renting a car, especially if you’re planning a scenic road trip along the Ring Road. Driving gives you the freedom to stop wherever and whenever you want, making it the best way to soak in the scenery.
If you’re looking for the best rental company, check out 👉 Blue Car Rental. They’ve been my go-to for years!
All the insurance is already included in their price (which is a lifesaver on those tricky Icelandic roads), and their service is consistently awesome.
💥 Use this 👉 VIP link and get 5% off automatically applied at checkout!
Take a flight: Akureyri has its own airport, and you can catch a domestic flight from Reykjavík Airport (RKV). It’s definitely the quickest way to get there, but not exactly the cheapest!
Take the Bus: Strætó offers back-and-forth trips between Akureyri and Reykjavík on Route 57. It’s a more budget-friendly option, but keep in mind that it typically takes longer than driving or flying.
If you’re curious about how to get around Iceland, check out all the transportation options here.👇
➡️ READ: How To Get Around Iceland – 10 Transportation Options
Weather in Akureyri, Iceland
Considering how close it is to the Arctic Circle, Akureyri actually has a fairly mild climate (for Iceland, that is!).
If you’re wondering when the best time of year to visit is, it would depend on what you’re looking for.
North Iceland is accessible year-round, but the milder summer weather tends to attract more crowds.
Then again, Iceland’s winter landscapes are absolutely magical!
Temperature in Akureyri
In the peak of summer, daytime highs are around 56°F (13°C) and nights cool down to 46°F (7°C).
In winter, the coldest it gets is 23°F (-5°C) at night and 33°F (0°C) during the day.
The weather in Iceland can be pretty unpredictable, so knowing what to pack and what to wear can be a challenge!
That’s why I created my Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide.
It breaks down monthly weather averages and gives you a cheat sheet on how to layer your clothes to stay warm and dry.
Plus, it includes detailed packing checklists with must-have clothes, accessories, footwear – everything you need.. I’ve even included important documents and electronics you can’t leave home without!
There’s a ton of value here, and it’ll make your planning way easier!
Download your FREE Iceland Packing Guide below.👇
Accommodation in Akureyri, Iceland
Akureyri is a popular place to spend the night while exploring North Iceland.
You’ll find a variety of accommodation options, from hostels and hotels to guesthouses and camping spots.
Let’s take a look at some of the best hotels in Akureyri, Iceland.
Akureyri Backpackers: Rooms are comfortable and cute, and the location is amazing. It’s just 0.6 miles (1 km) away from the Botanical Gardens and only 0.3 miles from the Akureyri geothermal swimming pool and hot tubs. There are shared bathroom facilities, plus an onsite bar and café. This is a great budget-friendly option for where to stay in Akureyri.
Make a booking 👉 Akureyri Backpackers
Hotel Nordurland (Norðurland): With a child-friendly buffet, outdoor seating, and a location just 2 km from Akureyri Airport, this hotel is convenient and comfortable for families or anyone passing through.
Make a booking 👉 Hotel Nordurland
Hotel Akureyri: What makes this place extra special? An urban farm right on-site, where they grow fresh produce with renewable energy (so Icelandic, right?).
And the best part? Breakfast is also included, and the restaurant dishes up meals made with fresh, homegrown ingredients straight from their farm.
Make a booking 👉 Hotel Akureyri
Camping: If you’re looking for more of an outdoor experience, camping is also an option. The Hamrar campground, located by the Kjarnaskógur forest in the south of Akureyri, is open year-round.
Want to wake up to a different breathtaking Icelandic view every morning? Renting a camper van is the way to go!
Make your camping experience as comfortable as possible with 👉 Happy Campers.
We’ve used them many times and keep going back because they never disappoint!
As the original camper van company in Iceland, they know exactly what travelers need for an unforgettable road trip.
💥 Sign up for my FREE email list to grab my special discount when you book with Happy Campers!
Best Restaurants in Akureyri
Akureyri might be a small town, but it’s packed with amazing places to eat!
Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, a cozy homemade meal, or just a really good slice of cake, there’s something for everyone!
Here are some of the best spots to check out.
Kaffi Ilmur: Located in one of the town’s oldest homes, Kaffi Ilmur is the perfect place to stop for a home-cooked meal or indulge in a piece of freshly baked cake – made right on-site, of course!
Rub23: If you’re craving seafood, Rub23 is the go-to spot for sushi. But don’t worry if you’re not in the mood for fish, they also serve incredible steaks and have delicious vegan options.
Múlaberg Bistro and Bar: You can enjoy a taste of French-Nordic cuisine at Múlaberg. Enjoy happy hour, great music, and mouthwatering food all in one spot!
No matter what you’re craving, you won’t leave Akureyri hungry!
Things to Do in Akureyri, Iceland
Akureyri activities aren’t limited to sightseeing and strolling through town. There’s also plenty of adventure to be had!
You can go whale watching, soak in geothermal pools… or a tub of beer (you read that right!).
You can also hit the ski slopes in winter. There’s definitely no reason to be bored in Akureyri, Iceland!
Akureyrarkirkja (Akureyri Church)
If you’re planning a trip to North Iceland, make sure you check out one of Akureyri’s top attractions: the Akureyri Church.
It’s one of the town’s striking landmarks, trust me, you won’t be able to miss it!
Designed by the renowned architect Guðjón Samúelsson, it’s a must-see for any visitor.
Inside, you’ll see the stunning main stained glass window that comes from England and the intricate bas-reliefs by Icelandic sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson.
Akureyri Art Museum
For art lovers, this is the first museum outside of Reykjavík dedicated entirely to visual arts – and it’s tucked right in the heart of Akureyri.
Plus, if you’re under 18, a senior, a student, or have a disability, you can enjoy it for free.
Hof Cultural Center
Here’s something you might notice in Iceland that’s SUPER cool:
A ton of the architecture is inspired by the country’s incredible landscapes.
Take the Hof Cultural Center, for example. With its eye-catching circular design, it’s located downtown and inspired by Iceland’s iconic basalt columns.
It’s not just a pretty building, it’s also an information center and hosts a variety of events, from concerts to exhibitions.
Whether you’re attending an event or just admiring the stunning architecture, the Hof Cultural Center is definitely worth adding to your Akureyri itinerary!
Forest Lagoon Geothermal Spa
Is there anything better than soaking in a geothermal spa, surrounded by a forest and views of a fjord? I honestly don’t think so!
The Forest Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in Vaðlaskógur Forest, only a 6-minute drive from Akureyri.
You can relax in two hot pools or take a refreshing dip in the cold pool.
And after your dip, enjoy a delicious meal at their on-site restaurant, complete with amazing views!
Akureyri Botanical Gardens
For a perfect stroll surrounded by beautiful trees, shrubs, and flowers, you need to visit the Akureyri Botanical Gardens.
It’s pretty incredible to think that all these plants can thrive in Northern Iceland’s climate, but the location by Eyjafjord creates a perfect microclimate for them to grow.
Pro tip: The botanical gardens are open year-round. Just keep in mind that if you’re visiting between 1st October and 31st May, you’re still welcome to enter but the toilet facilities will be closed.
Since toilets aren’t available everywhere in Iceland, and not all the sites have restrooms, I’ve made it easier for you. My Iceland Maps + Guidebooks highlight every restroom location, so you’ll always know exactly where to find one when nature calls!
Akureyri Tours, Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
The whole area around the town is buzzing with activities and fun things to do, and there are a lot of day trips from Akureyri.
If you’re not in the mood to travel on your own, don’t worry! A tour is the perfect way to see what you need to without having to plan all the logistics yourself.
Whale Watching in Akureyri, Iceland
You’ll set sail from Akureyri for an unforgettable whale-watching experience in the stunning Eyjafjord!
On the tour, you’ll enjoy views of coastal towns and the island of Hrísey, while keeping an eye on the birdlife.
The highlight of the tour, of course, will be the humpback whales, and they’re famous for their breaches and tail slaps, so don’t forget your camera!
There are quite a few Akureyri whale watching tours to choose from – here’s one to check out.👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Akureyri Classic Whale Watching
Pro Tip: Húsavík is known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, and it’s only an hour away from Akureyri.
Want to know more about the exciting whale-watching opportunities in Iceland? Get all the details here.👇
➡️ READ: Epic Whale Watching in Iceland: Your Top 10 Tips, Tours, and More!
Skiing at Hlíðarfjall (Hlidarfjall) Ski Resort
Locals and visitors flock to Mt. Hlíðarfjall resort for skiing, and it’s only 3 miles (5km) from Akureyri!
The cross-country trails are well-maintained and have floodlit runs so you can even ski in the evening.
They even offer ski lessons for kids aged 5-15, so it’s fun for the whole family!
Bjórböðin (Bjorbodin) Beer Spa
Looking for something unexpected in North Iceland?
Locals have turned the country’s growing craft beer scene into a full-body experience!
Located between Akureyri and Dalvík on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula, the Bjórböðin Beer Spa is the first of its kind in Iceland.
Relax in a hot tub filled with beer, salts, and oils.
Each tub comes with its own beer tap within arm’s reach, so you can enjoy unlimited beer while you soak.
How cool is that?
It’s truly an immersive experience! 🍻
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Bjórböðin / Beerspa
Curious about what it’s like? I tried it out for you. Take a look!👇
Diamond Circle, Iceland
The diamond circle is a popular route in North Iceland; you’ll enter it about 18 miles (30km) east of Akureyri. The main highlights along this route are Goðafoss, Húsavík, Ásbyrgi, Dettifoss and Mývatn.
It can be done in a day and is perfect for a day trip from Akureyri.
Waterfalls
This wouldn’t be a ‘Top Things to Do’ list if I didn’t include waterfalls, now would it?! 😉
I love waterfalls, and here in the North, both Dettifoss and Goðafoss are some of the most impressive ones. In fact, they’re actually on my list of 10 best waterfalls in Iceland.
Take a look.👇
Húsavík and Geosea
Húsavík holds a special place in my heart.
This beautiful little village is one of the places we went to on our honeymoon. It’s also where we decided we wanted to move to Iceland.
As I mentioned earlier, Húsavík is excellent for whale watching.
You can combine Goðafoss, Húsavík, and the Geosea Baths all in one tour.👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Goðafoss and Húsavík with a stop at the Geosea Baths
The Geosea geothermal spa is close by, so you can easily add that to your day’s activities. We also took a little detour to see the Arctic Henge. But be warned: go when the weather is good!
You can check that out here.👇
Mývatn
This is one of the most visited areas in North Iceland, and when you see it, you’ll understand why!
From the Mývatn Lake, nature baths, lava fields and volcanic region, this place is worth all the hype.
While it’s possible to add this to your day trip, there’s so much to see, and most people opt to stay for two or more days.
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Myvatn, Waterfall, Hot Springs & Volcanoes Tour from Akureyri
As you can see, there’s so much to do in and around Akureyri. Learn more about visiting the North of Iceland in this post.👇
➡️ READ: Exploring North Iceland: 10 Spectacular Attractions You Can’t Miss
Akureyri, Iceland Map
Let me guess…
Planning your Iceland trip feels like drowning in a sea of open tabs on your computer, most with conflicting information.
Now, you’re more confused than ever about where to start and how to plan the logistics of your trip.
Why not make things easier?
As a foreigner who’s been living in Iceland for a decade, I know exactly what travelers struggle with when planning a trip.
That’s why I’ve packed all my insider knowledge into my Iceland Guidebooks + Maps.
Thinking about driving the Ring Road?
Akureyri, Iceland, and many other stops along the way are covered in my 👉 Iceland Ring Road Map + Guide.
Inside, you’ll find everything you need, from must-see sites to hidden gems most travelers miss.
And the best part?
This guide comes with a digital map packed with pinned locations – restrooms, gas stations, parks, accommodations, and more. You’ll get all of those essential spots at your fingertips without the hassle of searching for them yourself!
I’ve done all the research so you don’t have to. 🙌
Almost 200 people have given it five stars, and they all agree – it’s the ultimate tool for planning your Iceland trip.
Upgrade your road trip and grab your 👉 Iceland Ring Road Map + Guide today!
