Akureyri

Akureyri, Iceland's second-largest urban area, is home to about 18,000 residents and sits at the base of Eyjafjörður Fjord in northern Iceland. In this town, you can watch whales in Arctic waters, ski at Mount Hlíðarfjall, and explore a botanical garden that thrives despite its northern latitude. From Akureyri, you can easily visit natural wonders like the powerful Dettifoss waterfall and the geothermal area of Lake Mývatn.

Getting to Akureyri

You can reach Akureyri from Reykjavík by car, plane, or bus. The 5-hour drive along the Ring Road takes you through mountains, lava fields, and coastal areas. For a quicker trip, Icelandair operates 45-minute flights from Reykjavík's domestic airport. Bus services connect the two cities with journey times of around 6-7 hours.

Exploring the Town Center

Akureyri's downtown area spans just a few blocks, making it easy to explore on foot. As you walk through the streets, you'll notice traffic lights with red heart-shaped lamps. The main street, Hafnarstræti, has shops, cafes, and restaurants. Stop by Brynjuís for their ice cream, a local favorite since 1939.

Akureyrarkirkja Church

The Akureyri Church, designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, is a prominent landmark in the town's skyline. Its design resembles the basalt columns found in Iceland's landscape. Inside, you'll find a 3200-pipe organ and a stained-glass window that originally came from Coventry Cathedral in England. From the church steps, you can see panoramic views of the town and fjord.

Arctic Botanical Garden

Visit the Arctic Botanical Garden (Lystigarðurinn), one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world. Established in 1912, it houses nearly every plant species native to Iceland, along with thousands from other parts of the world. The garden is free to enter and is particularly pleasant on sunny days.

Whale Watching

Akureyri's location near Arctic waters makes it a prime spot for whale watching. Several companies offer boat tours into Eyjafjörður Fjord, where you might see humpback whales, minke whales, and even blue whales in the summer months. You may also spot white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. Tours typically last about three hours and operate from May to September.

Winter Activities

In winter, Akureyri becomes a center for snow sports. The nearby Mount Hlíðarfjall has 23 ski runs with a total length of 15 kilometers, suitable for beginners to advanced skiers. The ski area is open from late November to early May, depending on snow conditions. After skiing, you can relax in one of the town's geothermal pools. The Akureyri Swimming Pool complex has several hot tubs and a 86-meter water slide.

Northern Lights Viewing

From September to April, you have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Akureyri due to its northern location and low light pollution. Check the weather forecast for clear skies and the aurora forecast for high activity. You can join guided tours that take you to optimal viewing spots away from city lights, or look up from darker areas of the town on clear nights.

Day Trips from Akureyri

Akureyri is a good starting point for exploring northern Iceland's natural wonders. About an hour's drive away, you'll find Goðafoss, a horseshoe-shaped waterfall with historical significance tied to Iceland's conversion to Christianity. Further east, Lake Mývatn area has volcanic landscapes, lava formations, and geothermal hot springs.

Local Food and Drink

Try local specialties at Akureyri's restaurants. Arctic char is a popular fish dish, often served with locally grown vegetables. At the Kaldi Beer Spa, you can soak in a tub of warm beer, water, hops, and yeast while sipping on a cold brew.

Best Time to Visit

Akureyri has activities year-round. Summer (June to August) brings mild temperatures and long daylight hours, good for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Winter (November to March) is ideal for skiing and Northern Lights viewing, though daylight is limited. Spring and fall offer a mix of activities with fewer tourists.