Akureyri

Travel Guide
Akureyri showing a bay or harbour and sailing
Visit museums and a magnificent church and stroll leisurely in the botanical garden of what has been nicknamed “the capital of northern Iceland.”

One of the best places in Iceland to learn about rich Nordic culture is Akureyri. Visit its museums and tall, iconic hillside dominating the cityscape. Mountains enclose the quaint buildings of the city center, in which a folk culture prevails. People have inhabited the area since the 9th century. Learn of its role as a base for the Allied Forces during World War II.

The most famous site of the region is the Akureyri Church, which stands atop a hill. Climb steps to reach its portal and head inside to see religious treasures. Marvel at the angel statue and central panel of stained glass. A boat hangs from the ceiling, marking the Nordic tradition of praying for the safety of those at sea.

For a sense of local culture, visit the Jón Sveinsson Museum, dedicated to a writer and Jesuit priest. The black-and-white wooden cottage is also known as “Nonni’s House,” in reference to his nickname. It is an example of typical 19th-century Icelandic homes. Watch clips from the 1940s of the writer and learn about his children’s books.

Add a bit of color to your trip at the Akureyri Botanical Garden. Bring a book to read while sitting on a bench in the presence of pretty floral displays. The park contains a mix of native Icelandic species and imported plants.

Capture photos of Súlur Mountain, an ever-present giant looming over the city. Follow the path from Glerárdalur Valley up to the peaks.

Geographical factors in the region ensure a surprisingly warm climate compared with the rest of northern Iceland. Winter snow decorates the charming buildings. Attend one of the events taking place in the city, such as the annual medieval festival.

The only international airport in northern Iceland serves the city. Take a taxi for the 2-mile (3-kilometer) journey north to the city center. Reykjavik is 235 miles (378 kilometers) west, a drive which should take 4 or 5 hours.

Visit Akureyri, one of the country’s major urban areas, for a sense of Iceland’s culture, geography and natural beauty.

Where to stay in Akureyri

Akureyri which includes general coastal views, a bay or harbour and boating

Akureyri City Center

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

While visiting Akureyri City Center, you might make a stop by sights like Akureyri Church and Centre for Visual Arts.

Akureyri City Center
Default Image

Oddeyrin

While there might not be top attractions in Oddeyrin, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Akureyri Church and Akureyri Botanical Garden.

Oddeyrin
Default Image

Giljahverfi

While there might not be top attractions in Giljahverfi, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Akureyri Botanical Garden and Akureyri Church.

Giljahverfi
Akureyri - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Akureyri - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
3.5 out of 5
Thingvallastraeti 23, Akureyri, Northeastern Region
The price is S$143 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
S$143
per night
16 Apr - 17 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Akureyri. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (904 reviews)
"The guy on check-in was really nice, and let us check-in early so we could get out of the snow. The only problem we had was the light - we had a room facing the swimming pool, and the lights were on all night."

Reviewed on 14 Mar,2024

Akureyri - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Hotel Kea by Keahotels
Hotel Kea by Keahotels
4 out of 5
Hafnarstraeti 87-89, Akureyri
The price is S$209 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
S$209
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4-star ski hotel in Akureyri. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Popular attractions Centre for Visual Arts and Akureyri Church are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (813 reviews)
Magnificent Iceland
"A perfect stop on our travel around the Ring Road- just before taking on a bit of the Arctic Ring. March 2024"

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

Hotel Kea by Keahotels
K16 apartments
K16 apartments
3.5 out of 5
Kaupvangstræti 16, Akureyri
The price is S$184 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
S$184
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Akureyri. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the convenient parking and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (362 reviews)
"Communication and assistance throughout our stay was great!! We planned for only 3 nights, but weather kept us in the same location for a few extra nights. K16 was definitely willing to help us in any way possible. Also, free access to a washer and dryer…priceless!!"

Reviewed on 24 Mar,2024

K16 apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
K16 apartments
K16 apartments
3.5 out of 5
Kaupvangstræti 16, Akureyri
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Akureyri. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the convenient parking and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (362 reviews)
"Communication and assistance throughout our stay was great!! We planned for only 3 nights, but weather kept us in the same location for a few extra nights. K16 was definitely willing to help us in any way possible. Also, free access to a washer and dryer…priceless!!"

Reviewed on 24 Mar,2024

K16 apartments
Sæluhus Hotel Apartments & Houses
Sæluhus Hotel Apartments & Houses
3.5 out of 5
Búðartröð 2, Akureyri
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Akureyri. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions Laxdal House and Akureyri Botanical Garden are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (158 reviews)
"Great stay, great location, lovely people. Stayed for 4 nights for the Northern Lights Fantastic Film Festival. A great event. Highly recommended."

Reviewed on 31 Oct,2023

Sæluhus Hotel Apartments & Houses
North Apartments Suites
North Apartments Suites
3.5 out of 5
24 Tryggvabraut, Akureyri
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Akureyri. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 spa tubs. Popular attractions Centre for Visual Arts and Akureyri Church are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (44 reviews)
"We enjoyed the open floor plan, windows, and updated designs. There was free designated parking which was great since we arrived by car. The property is in an industrial area but is still walkable to town center if you want to get your steps in, and grocery is even closer. My only feedback for the ..."

Reviewed on 19 Oct,2023

North Apartments Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Akureyri

4.9
Top destination
5 - Excellent
17
" "5 - Excellent 85%
4 - Good
3
" "4 - Good 15%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
7 Nov 2019

Small town, easy to walk around - interesting boards in the old town provide a history of both the place and the earliest buildings. Good place to go whale watching, with the fjord calmer than the sea at Reykjavik.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
29 Oct 2019

loved the town, great feel/atmosphere, picturesque, tourist info helpful, all walkable, great swimming pool, lovely bakery. loved it better than reykjavik

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
11 Sep 2019

Amazing Arctic gem that should be in everyone’s list when visiting Iceland

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Aug 2019

I recommend to take the whale cruise.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
26 Jun 2019

Just passed through really but as ever seemed like a very nice laid back place with everything you might need for a great visit!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Mar 2019

fantastic!!!! the host was so lovely and friendly. she gave us a lot useful and helpful information. the cafe shop under property was delicious!!! it's unforgettable experience. highly recommend!!!!!