Introducing Akureyri

Set at the head of a long fjord, Akureyri is a bustling, cosmopolitan town and Iceland’s second-largest city. Although it falls a long way behind the capital in terms of population and facilities, its fine selection of mu­seums, shops, cafés, bars and restaurants sets it apart from the sleepy, rural towns found elsewhere in Iceland.

Snowcapped peaks rise behind the town and across the city flower boxes, trees and well-tended gardens belie the city’s location just a stone’s throw from the Arctic Circle. With a lively summer festival season, some of Iceland’s best winter skiing, and a relaxed and easy attitude, it’s the natural base for exploring Eyjafjörður and further east to Mývatn.