Akureyri
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At a glance
- Country
- Iceland
- Region
- Northeastern Region
- Population
- 20,000
- Best time to go
- June to August, February to March
- Main airport
- Akureyri Airport (AEY)
- Coordinates
- 65.69°N, 18.13°W
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Overview
Akureyri lies at the head of Eyjafjörður, a long fjord in north Iceland, with snow-capped mountains on every side. It is the country's largest town outside the capital area, but it still feels small, friendly and easy to walk.
The town itself has a handsome church, a botanical garden and good cafés. Its real draw is what lies within a couple of hours' drive: waterfalls, volcanic lakes, whales and, in winter, the aurora.
Things to see
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Photo: Jon Gretarsson, CC BY-SA 3.0 Akureyrarkirkja
The town's striking concrete church, designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, at the top of a long flight of steps.
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Photo: Spike, CC BY-SA 4.0 Akureyri Botanical Garden
A surprisingly lush garden, one of the world's most northerly, with plants from across the Arctic.
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Photo: Chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0 Goðafoss
The waterfall of the gods, a broad horseshoe of falling water about 40 minutes' drive east.
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Photo: Pjt56 --- If you use the picture outside Wikipedia I would a, CC BY-SA 4.0 Lake Mývatn
A volcanic lake surrounded by craters, lava formations and steaming vents, an hour or so from town.
Things to do
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Photo: Chmee2 / Valtameri, CC BY 3.0 Whale watching
Boat trips from Akureyri or nearby Húsavík regularly spot humpback whales in summer.
Find tours -
Forest Lagoon
Geothermal pools in the woods across the fjord, with views back over the water to town.
Find tours -
Hunt for the northern lights
On clear, dark nights from autumn to early spring, drive a little way out of town to watch the sky.
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Photo: Bernello, CC0 Ski at Hlíðarfjall
The local ski area on the mountain above town, popular in late winter and spring.
Find tours
Where to stay
Town centre
Close to restaurants, shops and tour departures; everything is in walking distance.
Hotels in Town centreInnbær
The old town south of the centre, with colourful wooden houses and a quieter feel.
Hotels in Innbær
Getting around
The centre is easily walked, and local buses cover the suburbs. To explore the region, hire a car or join a tour.
Domestic flights from Reykjavík take about 45 minutes, and the airport is a few minutes from town; the drive along the Ring Road takes around five hours.
When to go
June to August brings long days and the midnight sun, ideal for hiking and whale watching. Winter is dark and snowy, with the best chance of seeing the aurora and good skiing from February.
Plan your trip to Akureyri
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.