Akureyri: A Complete Travel Guide to the Capital of North Iceland

Akureyri, Iceland’s capital in the north, plays a significant role in the region's economy and tourism activity. Although home to only around 19,000 residents, it hosts a lively atmosphere boosted by cultural attractions.

The city is situated at the bottom of beautiful Eyjafjörður (Island Fjord) in the wilderness of Northern Iceland, surrounded by steep mountains. People who visit Akureyri do so for the unmatched nature, adventure opportunities, and wonderful Icelandic charm the settlement presents! 

Akureyri holidays will not disappoint you since the city is rich in activities that appease different kinds of travelers. Starting with the town, the Icelandic settlement oozes with culture and history through the folk and art museums. If you come in the summer or autumn, you can participate in the local cultural scene via the music festivals held here. Additionally, this urban center acts as a jump-off point for many North Iceland adventures to the Mývatn area or winter-time activities, like snowmobiling. Here is an in-depth breakdown of major Akureyri highlights: 

1. Mild climate compared to other Icelandic towns   

Akureyri enjoys a milder climate than other Icelandic villages because it’s shielded from the Gulf Stream of the Atlantic Ocean. The lack of this effect means that, compared to Reykjavík, the northern town experiences fewer summer storms and slower wind speeds. However, because it’s further north, the settlement sees more snow in winter.  

Temperature-wise, Akureyri experiences warm summers and cold winters—a perfect destination for both seasonal activities. The northern capital is around 1°C (33.8°F) warmer in the summer than Reykjavik but is around -2 °C (28.4°F) colder in winter. Egilsstaðir town—set in the eastern parts of the island and by a river—has a similar temperature range. At the same time, Ísafjörður in the Westfjords is colder and wetter due to its proximity to the Gulf Stream and the Arctic. 

2. Access to North Iceland’s major attractions  

Situated along the Ring Road—a circular route that connects much of Iceland—Akureyri is well-positioned as a gateway to the major landmarks of the north. To the south lies Lake Mývatn, known for its rich birdlife, volcanic craters, and a geothermal area perched on a hillside. Between them are the marvelous cascades of Goðafoss, a powerful waterfall nicknamed the "Waterfall of the Gods" for its breathtaking beauty. 

From Akureyri, smaller roads branch off to remote coastal towns nestled along the fjords. Heading north on Route 52 leads to Dalvík, a peaceful village known for its scenic hills and thriving fishing industry. To the east, via Routes 1 and 82, lies Húsavík—renowned as Iceland’s whale-watching capital and home to a museum dedicated to these majestic marine mammals. 

3. Whale watching and outdoor adventures  

A visit to Northern Iceland and Akureyri is incomplete without a whale-watching adventure. The calm waters of the north are a thriving haven for marine life. Whale-watching tours from Akureyri are particularly popular due to the city's easy accessibility, though trips are also available from Dalvík in the northwest and Húsavík in the northeast. 

In winter, the city and surrounding landscapes experience a lot of snowfall—perfect for various sports enthusiasts. Hlíðarfjall, a mountain near the town with a skiing resort, invites people to glide down its slopes. Neighboring mountainsides and the further away Lake Mývatn become grounds for exciting snowmobiling adventures.  

As the snow and ice melt, hiking trails around the jewel of the north open up. While snowshoe hikes in winter are possible, the blossoming summer nature adds a layer of allure to the experience. Several hiking/biking paths from the city lead visitors through Glerárdalur valley, up the Hlíðarfjall mountain, or along the Glerá river. 

4. Rich cultural scene (museums, galleries, festivals)  

As the cultural hub of northern Iceland, Akureyri has a thriving arts scene supported by both Icelandic and international artists. A standout example is the Akureyri Art Museum, located in the city's heart, which regularly hosts multiple exhibitions primarily focused on painting. For a journey into the past, the Laufás Folk Museum provides a glimpse of 19th-century life with its well-preserved historical farmhouse and church. 

But art and culture spill out into the streets. Each August, Akureyri comes alive with music and creativity during Cultural Night, where visitors can join workshops or enjoy a variety of live performances. Music takes center stage in early October during Eyrarrokk, a new festival launched in 2020 featuring emerging and established bands. 

Akureyri's climate is defined by slower winds but more cloudy days throughout the year. The town's harbor is ice-free, meaning ships can come here regardless of season. Most tourist cruise vessels come in the summer, making it the peak season. During this time, visitors can enjoy the full bloom of nature or walk around the town to enjoy festivals. After that, autumn experiences a drop in traffic and prices for travel and accommodations. 

Winter follows, and a peaceful blanket of snow falls on the city rooftops. People who come here during this period do so for the Northern Lights since the fjord settlement has little to no light pollution. Spring, a transitional season, sees the first whale-watching tours set sail. All in all, what’s the best time to visit the northern capital? Depends on what you’re looking for:

In summer, the temperature in Akureyri hovers around 10–15°C (50–59°F), with daylight increasing to around 24 hours in June before gradually decreasing. This season is the best time for outdoor activities like whale watching and hiking. Autumn brings cooler temperatures and vibrant fall colors, while the city sees fewer visitors.

September kicks off the Northern Lights season, which lasts until spring. In winter, temperatures drop to -5 to -15°C (23–5°F), with the most visible change being the amount of snow covering the ground. Longer nights create more chances to see the Aurora Borealis. Spring ushers in nature’s rebirth and increasing daylight. With fewer crowds, visitors can enjoy winter activities early in the season and summer fun by the end of the season. 

The northern capital doesn’t disappoint when it comes to exciting adventures. No matter the season, if you’re heading this way, you’ll find plenty of activities worth participating in. From laid-back strolls through town to full-on adventures in the nearby fjords, here’s a glimpse of the top things to do in Akureyri: 

Whale Watching – Sail the great Arctic Ocean blues around Northern Iceland for marine life adventures. For the best experience, join an Akureyri whale-watching tour, where experts drive boats effortlessly around the fjords. While on the trip, you’ll look for humpback and minke whales emerging from the water. Sometimes, people can even spot dolphins and other aquatic creatures, like the harbour porpoise. Throughout the journey, you can enjoy the rugged views of the coastline and the dramatic fjords from the boat. 

Northern Lights Viewing – Witness the spectacular dance of colors in the dark Icelandic winter sky. With the city surrounded by large swaths of untouched wilderness, you’ll have plenty of spots to choose from. However, before doing so, ensure the auroral activity is high and the weather is clear. A safe bet would be to join a guided Northern Lights tour, where experts will handle the logistics, leaving you with all the excitement. 

Soaking in Beer Baths – Treat yourself to an experience that combines Akureyri hot springs with a tasty beverage. What makes it unique is the fact that you’ll bathe in warm beer and drink a cold one at the same time. This Akureyri beer spa is the perfect way to unplug before or after an adventure around northern Iceland. 

Hiking – Enjoy the city and the surrounding nature on foot and up close. Walk the trails that weave through town or follow the Glerá river. Better yet, leave Akureyri behind and head into the mountains for a more dramatic stroll. There is a hiking path for every kind of traveler, that can be as challenging or easy as you want. 

Snowmobiling – Pump up your adrenaline by skidding through the snowy mountain slopes or the frozen plateaus of the nearby Lake Mývatn. Though only available in winter, this enticing activity is rewarding to both body and mind, with views of white northern Iceland opening up the more you explore. 

Hlíðarfjall Skiing – Feel the wind as you go down the sides of a mountain near Akureyri. Hlíðarfjall—with an elevation of around 1,302 m (4271 ft)—has Iceland's second largest ski resort and has several lifts and branching paths for skiers and snowboarders to descend. 

Wondering what to do in Akureyri? The city has plenty of remarkable landmarks to visit for free or a small entrance fee. From a botanical garden to historical museums, here are some of the more notable tourist attractions in Akureyri, Iceland: 

Akureyri Church – A Lutheran church located on a hill near the town center. Completed in 1940, the design of the building is the brainchild of Gudjon Samuelsson, one of the most distinguished architects in Iceland’s history. Multiple parts of the structure work together to make it a sight worth photographing, like stained glass windows from England and towering Art Deco towers. You can also go inside and enjoy the interior details, or walk around it to get panoramic views of the city in the west and the scenic fjord in the east. 

Akureyri Botanical Garden – One of the most northernmost botanical gardens in the world, 85 km (52.8 mi) south of the Arctic Circle. Akureyri Botanical Garden opened its doors in 1912 with the goals of entertaining people and bringing more color to the city. Despite the unpredictable weather of North Iceland, the park is home to around 430 native and 6600 foreign species of bushes, trees, and other plants, native and foreign, which are well suited to thrive in the region's climate. Open all year round, visitors and tourists can enjoy the sights for free! 

Old Town and Historic Buildings – A historical site in the heart of Akureyri, with well-preserved wooden houses that date back to the 19th and 20th centuries. Most of them were constructed by the Danes and Norwegians, the oldest being Laxdalshús, built in 1795. The second-oldest structure is Aðalstræti 14, an old hospital, which was raised in 1835 but donated to the city by Friðrik Gudmann, a merchant, in 1873. Cobblestone roads once connected these structures; parts of it have survived, albeit as decorations. 

Hof Cultural Center – A circular gathering center that has become the hub for music, art, and other performances in North Iceland. Every year, its lobby and two auditoriums ring with musical performances or spoken word. Walking around, you might notice that the design draws inspiration from the Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavík and naturally formed rock columns throughout the island. 

Akureyri Christmas House – A holiday-themed house that celebrates the spirit of Christmas all year. Its exterior is decorated with fake icicles and giant winter props, all of which hang on red colored walls and a roof. Inside the Christmas house of Akureyri, you see a house fit for Santa—decorated trees, themed figures, and much more. In December, it becomes a hot tourism spot as a blanket of snow and extra decorations transform it into a winter wonderland. 

Far from the most popular tourist sites in the south, Akureyri on the map is located near the Arctic Ocean on Iceland's northern coast. It lies on the shore of Eyjafjörður Fjord, a location that is also home to fishing villages like Dalvík, Ólafsfjörður, and Siglufjörður, the northernmost town on the island. While the eastern and northern sides of the city face the blue waves, the south is occupied by Kjarnaskógur forest and mountain ranges in the west. 

Despite its remote location, the settlement is well connected with the Ring Road, a circular path around the island. Travelers can get from other urban centers to Akureyri by car, plane, and bus. Reykjavík to Akureyri distance is just 388 km (241 mi). A much smaller gap is Akureyri to Husavik, just 75.6 km (47 mi)—easily driven with a vehicle. Hofn on the South Coast, south east of the northern capital, is 431 km (268 mi) away, while Keflavik in the west is 427 km (265 mi) away. With a boat and car, you can get to Grimsey Island, located north of Iceland in the Arctic Ocean, just 112 km (69.6 mi) away from Akureyri. 

Since most travelers go to the capital first, it’s the go-to starting point of many journeys to the Northern Capital. How do you get from Reykjavik to Akureyri? You can choose from four options: 

By Air: Domestic flights from Reykjavik to Akureyri, primarily operated by Icelandair, go several times every day of the year in the morning, afternoon, and evening. They depart from Reykjavik’s Domestic Airport and land at Akureyri International Airport in the southern part of the city. A flight usually lasts around 45 minutes and, although it’s more expensive, it’s the fastest way to get to the northern capital. 

By Car (Long Route): Traveling the Ring Road counterclockwise takes 11–12 hours to cover 881 km (547 mi). You'll pass the glacier- and waterfall-filled South Coast and winding roads in the Eastfjords. Before you reach Akureyri, the Diamond Circle’s first attractions, Lake Mývatn and Waterfall Goðafoss, greet you. Though well-maintained year-round, some sections of the circular roadway can be slippery in winter, especially in the north. 

By Car (Short Route): Alternatively, a Reykjavik to Akureyri road trip by driving Route 1 clockwise is a quicker 4–5 hours, covering 388 km (241 mi). Despite the shorter route, there are plenty of things to see between Reykjavik and Akureyri, starting with west Iceland’s Silver Circle and Grábrók crater. The road then winds through mountain gaps and into the fjord city—a scenic journey through diverse landscapes. 

By Bus: Only the Reykjavik to Akureyri bus number 57 runs between the two cities, which takes the shorter 388 km (241 mi). For around 6 hours, passengers enjoy the landscape and rugged views of West Iceland. It’s a cost-effective way of travel, as the Reykjavik to Akureyri bus ticket price in 2025 is around 12,540 ISK (~€86 / $96.34). The schedule varies depending on the season and the day of the week.

By Guided Tour: Travelers can reach Akureyri through guided Ring Road tours or private trips, staying for a few hours or several nights. These tours include expert guides who handle logistics and share local insights. Many also feature activities like viewing the Northern Lights, whale watching, short hikes, or viewing Lake Mývatn and its hot springs, offering a well-rounded and immersive experience in the region. 

As the tourism hub of northern Iceland, Akureyri hosts several forms of accommodations suited for every type of traveler. For those seeking maximum comfort, hotels provide a cozy and convenient stay. Budget-friendly adventurers will also find lively hostels that provide a more social and affordable alternative. Either way, most of the places to rest your feet are found near the center of this charming town, with easy access to other major attractions. 

Akureyri Hotels and Guesthouses: Boutique hotels and guesthouses provide a more personal and luxurious experience. Hótel Kea, for example, near Akureyri Church, immerses visitors with one of the best cocktail bars in Iceland—Múlaberg. On the other hand, nearby Berjaya Akureyri delivers a high-end experience while being sustainable. Both are fascinating spots due to their locations, modern amenities, and quality of service. 

Budget-Friendly Stays: A low-cost choice is to spend the night in a hostel like Hafnarstræti Hostel, which is cheaper but close to the coast. Another option is to rent out a comfortable Airbnb, which can be found across the town. In either case, you should book your stay months in advance to secure a spot and get cheaper accommodations. 

Getting Around Akureyri: Public transport within the city is entirely free. The six Strætó bus routes, from A1 to A6, run from 6:28 AM to 8:36 PM on weekdays and from 12:18 AM to 6:55 PM on weekends, connecting the city. For freedom of travel, rent a car in Reykjavik or Akureyri and get around the town or to sights like Lake Mývatn or Goðafoss. You can walk from one site to another on foot since the city is so compact. Finally, there are taxi services, with prices depending on the length of the ride. 

The earliest mention of Akureyri comes from a 1562 legal document—a court case involving an unmarried couple. What does "Akureyri" mean? The name combines Akur (“field”) and Eyri (“sandbank” or “spit of land”), reflecting its location at the base of a fjord where fertile land meets the coast. How do you pronounce Akureyri in Icelandic? It’s Akur-eyri [ˈaːkʏrˌeiːrɪ]. 

Back to history—the first residential buildings were erected in 1778, marking the beginning of permanent settlement in the area. Before then, Danish merchants built a store and warehouse. Eventually, 8 years later, the hamlet was rewarded with a trading post’s status—an effort to improve the lives of 12 Icelanders living here. The settlement did lose the “trade post” status in 1836 before regaining it in 1862. 

For the longest time, locals survived by selling agricultural products, like meat and wool, to the Danish merchants. However, in 1867, Norwegian settlers in Eyjafjörður discovered that the area sits on a figurative herring gold mine. Thus, the Akureyri population became fishing masters, with several companies still operating today. 

But what is Akureyri most known for today? It’s the beating heart of North Iceland and a center of the area's culture, tourism, and economic developments. With around 19,000 residents, it’s one of the biggest cities in Iceland and plays a vital role in regional political affairs. 

The city is just one stop on your adventure of exploring North Iceland's attractions. Thanks to the good infrastructure in and around the town, you can rent a car and go on the ultimate road trip of the region. Alternatively, guided tours give a more in-depth experience of the same sights. Here are some of the best attractions near Akureyri in Iceland:  

Goðafoss Waterfall—A waterfall that is part of the famous Diamond Circle route. Shaped like a horseshoe, its cascade measures 12 m (39.3 ft) high and 30 m (98.4 ft) wide. Also, since it’s right on the Ring Road, the location is easy to reach by car or on tours. 

Lake Mývatn—A lake in North Iceland whose rich flora is matched by vibrant fauna life. Nature lovers can come here to spot harlequin duck, greater scaup, and other bird species that call this place their home for the summer. The sights of moss-covered volcanic formations around the water, like lava fields and pseudo craters, make hiking a must. Travelers can also book a snowmobiling tour around the Lake Mývat area from November to May for a more grounded experience. 

Mývatn Nature Baths—A hot spring area that overlooks Lake Mývatn from a nearby hill. Visitors can dip into the turquoise blue water, which is rich in minerals and naturally heated, for a single admission fee. Adding another layer to the experience are the rocky landscapes fashioned with steaming fissures that people can enjoy while soaking. 

Húsavík—A small fishing settlement on the northern coast overlooking the Arctic Ocean. As the whale-watching capital of Iceland, you can book a trip to the Arctic Ocean and look for this great mammal. Additionally, from July to August, you can go to the GeoSea geothermal pool and reconnect with nature by swimming in warm, mineral-filled waters. 

Laufás Turf House—A cultural gem that resembles terraced houses from the exterior. Turf house history in Iceland dates back to the 9th century, when settlers used grass as part of the architecture, mainly sticking it onto a roof. Today, these structures, like Laufás, serve as tourist attractions that give a glimpse into a bygone rural lifestyle.  

Dalvík—A fishing village where you can try out Icelandic dishes or enjoy the surrounding views of Eyjafjörður fjord. Whale watching from Dalvik is a popular activity among tourists due to the high chances of spotting humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, and harbor porpoises. Alternatively, Hvoll Folk Museum and other such sites allow foreigners to peer into the local history. 

Arctic Coast Way—A scenic 900 km (559 mi) route that takes travelers along the fjords that border the Arctic Ocean and passes through Akureyri. A 4x4 is needed to drive it, as the path contains both paved and gravel roadways. However, as a reward, you’ll get to enjoy the sights of remote fishing villages, like Kópasker and Ólafsfjörður, and visit hidden gems like Arctic Hedge.