Akureyri
is North Iceland's beating heart
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.
Top experiences in Akureyri
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
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Akureyri activities
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!
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.
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.
White Water Rafting Day Trip from Hafgrímsstaðir: Grade 4 Rafting on the East Glacial River
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!
Family Rafting Day Trip from Hafgrímsstaðir: Grade 2 White Water Rafting on the West Glacial River
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!
Akureyri to Diamond Circle Day Trip with Lake Myvatn, Godafoss
Start your day trip with an early morning pickup from your Akureyri hotel, and then travel by air-conditioned minivan to the north Icelandic countryside, where the natural landmarks of the Diamond Circle await. Your first stop on the route is at Godafoss, one of Iceland’s largest and impressive waterfalls, which translates as ‘waterfall of the gods.’ Gaze in wonder at the falls’ powerful torrents of water, and then continue to the area around Lake Mývatn. See mud steaming and bubbling away in the naturally formed sulphur pits of Hverir — a geothermal field in the shadow of Mt Námafjall — and hear how the geologic site is said to be one of Iceland’s most beautiful but potentially dangerous places.From Lake Mývatn, travel onward through Vatnajökull National Park to see Dettifoss, a spectacular waterfall where cascades plunge from a height of 144 feet (44 meters) into an icy canyon. Stop for photos, and then traverse the roads around Jökulsárgljúfur glacial canyon to Vesturdalur valley and the echoing cliffs of Hljóðaklettar. Learn how the rugged rocky landscape is known for its basalt columns that characterize the area’s volcanic past. A trip to the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon comes next, so have your camera ready to capture photos of the beguiling enclosure, surrounded by towering ice-clad cliffs. After sightseeing, your stomach is sure to be growling, so enjoy a late-lunch stop (own expense) at a cafe in pretty Húsavík. Then, relax on the journey south to Akureyri where your tour ends. Alternatively, if your tour is taking place in the early summer months between the beginning of June and the end of July, enjoy a final stop at Tjörnes peninsula to see puffins nesting on the coastline cliffs.