Activities in Akureyri
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Mt Súlur
A pleasant but demanding day hike leads up the Glerádalur valley to the summit of Mt Súlur (1144m). The trail begins on Súluvegur, a left turn off Þingvallastræti just before the Glerá bridge. Give yourself at least seven hours to complete the return journey.
With two days, you can continue up the valley to the beautifully situated Lambi mountain hut (at N 65°34.880', W 18°17.770'), which accommodates up to six people. Alternatively, from the Hlíðarfjall ski resort there's a challenging but beautiful day hike up to the small glacier Vindheimajökull and the 1456m peak Strýta. For more information on hiking in the area, contact Ferðafélag Akureyrar.
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Jaðarsvöllur
For anyone who loves to play golf, there’s something strangely appealing about teeing off at midnight. At only a few degrees south of the Arctic Circle, Akureyri’s Jaðarsvöllur basks in perpetual daylight from June to early August. In summer you can play golf here around the clock; just book ahead for the midnight tee-off. The par-71 course is home to the annual 36-hole Arctic Open, a golf tournament played overnight in late June. Contact the club for the latest information on green fees and club rentals.
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Arts Festival
Akureyri's annual arts festival runs from late June to late August and attracts artists and musicians from around Iceland. There are special exhibitions, concerts, free jazz on Thursday, theatre performances and everything from clay-pigeon shooting to historical walks. It all culminates in a weekend street party and parade. For details on events and exhibitions, contact the tourist office.
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Hlíðarfjall Ski Centre
The Hlíðarfjall ski centre, west of town 7km up Glerárdalur, is Iceland’s premier downhill ski slope, with green and blue pistes suitable for beginner to upper-intermediate skiers. The longest run is 2.5km, with a vertical drop of about 500m. There’s also 20km of cross-country ski routes and a terrain park for snowboarders.
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Summer Tours
Akureyri's main tour agency, Nonni Travel, runs a host of summer tours, including daily trips to Mývatn. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday self-guided trips by ferry can be arranged to Hrísey and Grímsey. The Grímsey tour can also be done by combining a ferry and flight.
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Pólar Hestar
Horse tours and hire are available from a range of outlying farms; ask at the tourist office for a full list. The best-known operator is Pólar Hestar, which offers week-long wilderness trips in the surrounding mountains and valleys.
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Swimming Pool
This superb swimming pool, near the campsite, is one of Iceland’s finest. It has three heated pools, hot pots, water slides, saunas, pummelling water jets and a solarium – perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
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Norðanhestar
Norðanhestar, located just beyond the campsite site at Hamrar, offers scenic riding trips, horse-wagon tours and short sightseeing excursions in Akureyri’s old town district.
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Haffari
Haffari offers sightseeing and sea angling tours (three hours; adult/child Ikr3900/1950), departing from Akureyri’s old port. Trips depart at 3.30pm and 8pm daily.
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Whale Watching
Akureyri's main tour agency, Nonni Travel, offers whale watching at Húsavík. Akureyri HI Hostel also offers whale watching trips with discounts for members.
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Hestaleigan Kátur Horse Tours
Horse tours and hire are available from a range of outlying farms; ask at the tourist office for a full list. Call for more information.
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Engimýri Horse Tours
Horse tours and hire are available from a range of outlying farms. Call for more information
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Rafting in Varmalið
Akureyri's main tour agency, Nonni Travel, organises rafting in Varmalið.
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Day Trips to Greenland
Akureyri's main tour agency, Nonni Travel organises day trips to Greenland.
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Arctic Circle Flights
Akureyri's main tour agency, Nonni Travel organises Arctic Circle flights.
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Horse Riding
Akureyri's main tour agency, Nonni Travel, organises horse riding.
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Swimming Pool
This superb swimming pool, near the campsite, is one of Iceland’s finest. It has three heated pools, hot pots, water slides, saunas, pummelling water jets and a solarium – perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
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