The Top 10 Things To See And Do In Akureyri Iceland

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.

1. Arctic Botanical Gardens

Arctic Botanical Gardens

Icelandic flora | © Harvey Barrison/Flickr

These are the world’s northernmost botanical gardens, founded in 1912, and one of Akureyri’s gems. The gardens are known for their extensive plant collection, encompassing almost every known species in Iceland as well as thousands from overseas. Beautiful paths lead visitors around it and provide for wonderful scenery. The gardens are free to visit; a great plan for one of Iceland’s sunnier days.

Eyrarlandsholt, Akureyri, Iceland +354 462 7487

3. Godafoss

Park

Godafoss

Godafoss, or ‘the Gods’ waterfall’, is a beautiful natural creation close to Akureyri. Its name derives from an historical episode in which the ruler of the region decided to dump all of the Icelandic pagan statuettes and symbols into the waterfall to symbolize the fact that they were leaving behind that faith and turning to Christianity. The waterfall is easily accessible from a nearby car park, so not much walking is necessary to enjoy the magnificent views.

Godafoss, Iceland

4. Akureyrarkirkja

Church

Akureyrarkirkja

Akureyri’s church might seem bizarre at first sight, but it is quite representative of Icelandic architecture. The basalt columns can be seen around many towns and cities on this island, since it is a locally sourced material. The church is located on top of a hill, so even though it is a slight effort to climb the stairs leading to it, the view of the town and harbor from the top is worth it. The interior is simple yet strikingly pleasant, and the view from up close of the exterior is also very intriguing.

Eyrarlandsveg, Akureyri 600, Iceland, +354 462 7700

5. Swim at the Akureyri pool

Hotel

Swim at the Akureyri pool

Akureyri Pool | © Steven Isaacson/Flickr

If Icelanders have one thing nailed, it is definitely swimming pools and hot tubs. The country has an astounding number of them scattered everywhere, from the bustling capital city to the smallest towns and villages; and Akureyri, of course, has its fair share of swimming areas. The town’s main pool, located behind the church, costs a few hundred kronur, which is a pretty modest price. Upon entering, travellers will be able to leave their worries behind and soak in one of the hot pools or relax in a steam room.

Þingvallastræti 21, Akureyri, Iceland, +354 461-4455

6. Ski at Hlídarfjall

Resort

Ski at Hlídarfjall

Akureyri is a great destination for skiing, and many Icelanders come here during the winter months to enjoy the great ski tracks. Hlíðarfjall, Akureyri’s ski resort, is one of the best in the country, and is open up to 180 days every year, which is much more than the resorts near Rekyjavik. Some slopes are up to 700 meters high, making for a great adventure, and the new and improved ski lift makes the experience as swift as possible.

Hlídarfjall, Iceland

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.

7. Akureyri Museum

Museum

This museum is quite small, but it is nevertheless fascinating. It hosts different exhibitions which change relatively often, so visitors never know what to expect, as the work on show can vary from contemporary art to fashion exhibits. The permanent collection has a variety of Icelandic maps, and some objects explaining Akureyri’s history, with English explanations for the most part, so visitors will be able to get some background information on this part of the island.

8. Eat at Strikið

Restaurant, Northern European

This fabulous rooftop restaurant with some magnificent views of the fjord that passes through Akureyri; Strikið. It is one of the city’s best restaurants, classy and sophisticated yet with a pretty laid-back atmosphere. Brave travellers can sit outside on the terrace, whilst others might choose to stay in the tastefully decorated indoor area. Visitors will be able to enjoy dishes such as a flavorsome linguine and shrimp pasta, exotic sushi, raw whale, fish or BBQ turkey sandwiches, all delicious and served with panache.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.