The Top 10 Things To See And Do In Akureyri, Iceland
![](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/emily-crawford-p852lruoknw-unsplash.webp)
Iceland’s second largest town, Akureyri is considered by many to be the capital of the country’s North. Some 18,000 people live here, so by most European standards it is hardly a city and more of a town, but it has some exciting sightseeing options and beautiful natural surroundings. Read our guide to the top sights and activities in and around Akureyri.
Go whale watching
Whale-watching is one of the most important tourist activities on this part of the island, as the proximity to Arctic waters means that a lot of different whale species are swimming in the area, from the hunchback to majestic blue whales. Going on a whale-watching trip can take up a pretty large part of the day, since most tours last for around three hours. Most companies also provide extra clothing for their clients, meaning that they can sit back and enjoy the trip without having to worry about the rain or the cold winds.
![Whale](https://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-3928132-1440024422edfe44b6cb0a43349ba5dda01448149e.jpg?s=10x)
Go on a Northern Lights tour
The Northern Lights are one of the major reasons behind tourism in Iceland, since tourists flock here to observe this natural wonder throughout the winter months, despite the harsh weather conditions. Taking a tour to see them in Akureyri is a great and safe way of trying to see this phenomenon, since Akureyri is very far north and does not have a huge population, the probability of seeing them from here is higher than in other areas around Reykjavik.
![Northern Lights](https://cdn.theculturetrip.com/images/56-3928144-14400244492ec445e0c7964dfea71e73e98d14a645.jpg?s=10x)
1. Akureyri Museum
Museum
2. Eat at Strikið
Restaurant, Northern European
![strikidadalasalur-22](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/strikidadalasalur-22.webp)