Welcome to Akureyri

Akureyri (pronounced ah-koo-rare-ee) stands strong as Iceland’s second city, but a Melbourne, Manchester or Montréal it is not. And how could it be with only 18,600 residents? It’s a wonder the city (which would be a ‘town’ anywhere else) generates this much buzz. Expect cool cafes, quality restaurants, a handful of art galleries and even some late-night bustle – a far cry from other rural Icelandic towns.

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Akureyri nestles at the head of Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest (60km) fjord, at the base of snowcapped peaks. In summer flowering gardens belie the location, just a stone’s throw from the Arctic Circle. Lively winter festivals and some of Iceland’s best skiing provide plenty of off-peak (and off-piste) appeal. With its relaxed attitude and extensive food and accommodation choices, it’s the natural base for exploring Eyjafjörður and around, and it's seeing a growing number of cruise ships calling by (passenger numbers can sometimes overwhelm the town).

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Top experiences in Akureyri

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Akureyri activities

$102 Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours

Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

Here is your chance to see the incredible Eyjafjord Humpbacks in their natural habitat. The warmth of the summer sun brings vibrant life and a plenitude of food to the fjord and following it, in a feeding frenzy, come the larger-than-life humpbacks. Our specially trained whale watching guides are experts at spotting the wildlife and telling you all about their behaviors, any question you have, we promise you an answer. Our ship is the only high speed, specially modified, whale watching ship in Iceland. Capable of carrying 200 passengers with unsurpassed views from our “cinema style” viewing platforms. Its speed allows us to reach viewing areas deep in the Eyjafjord, leaving no area unexplored. With ample indoor and outdoor seating, bar and cafeteria, you can be sure that the ride is comfortable and pleasant even at speed.Come and experience the whales and wildlife with us!
$269.45 Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trip to Lake Mývatn and Powerful Dettifoss from Akureyri

First drive along the coast of Eyjafjordur. Begin by stopping at Goðafoss, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland, on your way to Dettifoss and lake Mývatn. The lake was created by a large basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago, and the surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms, including lava pillars and rootless vents. Stop at the hot spring area at Hverarönd in Námaskarð. Then it comes to one of the most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss. On the way back we come to the unique lava formations of Dimmuborgir which are among the most popular tourist attractions in the Myvatn area and also in Skútustaðagígar (pseudo crater area). Your last stop is in Eyjafjordur where you can see over the fjord to Akureyri.
$1549.33 Multi-day & Extended Tours

6-Day Small-Group Adventure Tour Around Iceland from Reykjavik

Day 1: Reykjavik - Golden Circle - South CoastAfter a morning Reykjavik pickup, explore the famous Golden Circle, including the historical UNESCO-listed site of Thingvellir National Park, where Iceland’s first parliament was founded in 930 AD.Next, visit Geysir hot springs and magnificent Gullfoss waterfall, and continue to the beautiful south coast. Stop at the scenic Seljalandsfoss and Skogarfoss waterfalls, and finally, the unique black sand beach of  Reynisfjara with Reynisdrangar peaks and basalt column cave.Afterwards, make your way to a your accommodation for the night, a country hotel in Vik area.Day 2: Vik - Skaftafell - Glacier Lagoon - HofnTravel along the south coast towards Skaftafell and Vatnajokull National Park. In Skaftafell, take a short glacier hike on one of the Vatnajokull outlet glaciers led by a skilled glacier guide. Then, drive to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, home to floating icebergs and occasional seals. Nearby is a black sand crystal beach usually filled with clear icebergs.Spend the evening and overnight in the town of Hofn.Day 3: Höfn - Egilsstadir - Hengifoss areaStart with a scenic drive along the coastline of the eastern fjords to Egilsstadir. Here, enjoy a short hike to the 419-feet (128-meter) Hengifoss waterfall, which gushes into a beautiful gorge.Afterward, check in at a cozy country hotel for the night.Day 4: Hengifoss area - Lake Myvatn - AkureyriStop at the stunning Dettifoss waterfall and then head to the Lake Myvatn area. Explore the volcanic Namaskard geothermal area to see its mud pools and visit Myvatn Nature Baths, where you have the opportunity to bathe in the hot spring pools or stroll around the area. The entrance fee to the baths is not included but can be added as an extra.Call at Hverfjall and Dimmuborgir to explore on foot, and drive toward Akureyri with a stop on route at Godafoss waterfall. Tonight, stay in a country hotel nearby Akureyri. Day 5: Akureyri - Eyjafjordur - West Iceland area (B)Explore the town of Akureyri and then take a 3-hour whale watching cruise in Eyjafjordur, looking for humpback whales and white-beaked dolphins, and trying some optional sea angling.Then, travel along the Trollaskagi peninsula and visit the quaint village of Siglufjorður before continuing to west Iceland for overnight.Day 6: West Iceland area - Deildartunguhver - Reykholt - ReykjavikToday, explore west Iceland, voted one of the best destinations for 2016 by Lonely Planet. Stop at Deildartunguhver and the Barnafoss waterfall and pause to see Hraunfossar, where the falls flow from beneath the lava field.Your final stop is at the historic site of Reykholt before you return to Reykjavik, where your tour concludes.
$244.33 Day Trips & Excursions

Hafgrimsstaoir to East Glacial River White Water Rafting Tour

This whitewater adventure delivers an unforgettable journey into the untamed beauty of Iceland’s river wilderness and a dose of adrenaline strong enough to satisfy the most powerful of cravings. For those traveling to Iceland with a thirst for adventure, this day trip is not to be missed. Make your way to the rafting base in Hafgrímsstaðir where your adenture starts. Begin with a coffee while meeting your international team of guides at the river base, where you will get prepared and dressed into drysuits for the trip. From there, the rafting bus follows the road deep into the Austurdalur wilderness to the put-in point for the raft on the famous East Glacial River canyon. After a full explanation, demonstration, and training with your guides and safety kayakers, hit the water for a 3-hour, 18km descent of rapids such as "Alarm Clock", "Commitment", "Screaming Lady", "Green Room", "Deep Fry", "Waterfall", and many more. Conditions permitting, cap off your paddle with an 8-metre cliff jump and a swim in the energizing glacial waters.Along the way, enjoy a riverside snack of freshly-baked waffles, jam, whipped cream, and hot chocolate, all homemade at the only farmhouse left in the valley and sent down into the canyon on a wire!
$141.58 Day Trips & Excursions

Hafgrimsstaoir to West Glacial River Family Rafting Adventure

This afternoon family-friendly adventure delivers an unforgettable, hands-on journey into the untamed beauty of northern Iceland’s river wilderness. Make your way to the rafting base in Hafgrímsstaðir where your adventure starts. Begin by meeting your international team of guides at the river base, where you will get prepared and dressed in drysuits for your trip. From there, the rafting bus will take you on the short road to the put-in point for the raft at the West Glacial River. After a full explanation, demonstration, and training with your guides, push off from the river bank for a 90-minute, 10km descent of gentle rapids, spectacular scenery, and riverside hot springs. Conditions permitting, boost your excitement with a friendly cliff jump and a swim in the bubbling glacial waters of northern Iceland. Along the way, enjoy a steaming cup of hot cocoa made directly with natural hot water from a riverside hot spring!
$164.41 Day Trips & Excursions

Akureyri to Diamond Circle Day Trip with Lake Myvatn, Godafoss

ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Godafoss, Akureyri, Northeast RegionAfter only a half hour drive we arrive at the picturesque Goðafoss Waterfall where we stop for chance to photograph and use restroomsDuration: 30 minutesStop At: Jokulsargljufur National Park, Asbyrgi, Northeast RegionThe breathtaking landscape of Jökulsá is formed by massive glacier floods from Vatnajökull, Iceland’s biggest glacier.Duration: 3 hoursStop At: Asbyrgi (Shelter of the Gods), Asbyrgi, Northeast RegionWalk across the canyon floor and enjoy the honeycombed basalt rocks, or traverse the cliffs and marvel at the sheer scale of the rock formation itself.Duration: 1 hourStop At: Lake Myvatn, Lake Myvatn, Northeast RegionThe stunning beauty of Lake Mývatn has been the main attraction in the north for decadesDuration: 1 hourStop At: Dettifoss Waterfall, Lake Myvatn, Northeast RegionThe Dettifoss waterfall is with the greatest volume of any waterfall in Europe, 500 cubic metres of water per second plunges over the edge. Dettifoss is 45 m high and 100m wideDuration: 1 hour
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