Akureyri

Travel Guide
Akureyri which includes sailing and a bay or harbour
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 featuring sailing, boating and general coastal views

Akureyri City Center

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Akureyri City Center, Akureyri Church and Centre for Visual Arts are top sights worth seeing.

Akureyri City Center
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Oddeyrin

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

When in Oddeyrin, you can plan a visit to Akureyri Church and Akureyri Botanical Garden, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Oddeyrin
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Giljahverfi

Though Giljahverfi might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions 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 CA $178 per night from Jun. 10 to Jun. 11
CA $178
CA $204 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 10 - Jun 11
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Akureyri. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (925 reviews)
"Great location!"

Reviewed on May 17, 2024

Akureyri - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Hotel Kea by Keahotels
Hotel Kea by Keahotels
4 out of 5
Hafnarstraeti 87-89, Akureyri
The price is CA $280 per night from May 29 to May 30
CA $280
CA $318 total
includes taxes & fees
May 29 - May 30
Stay at this 4-star ski hotel in Akureyri. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Centre for Visual Arts and Akureyri ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (821 reviews)
"The property was centrally located in town. Walkable to restaurants, shopping and water activities. The restaurant associated with the hotel was great. Nice variety for breakfast. A lovely experience"

Reviewed on Mar. 27, 2024

Hotel Kea by Keahotels
Hotel Edda Akureyri
Hotel Edda Akureyri
3 out of 5
Thorunnarstraeti, Akureyri, Northeast Region
The price is CA $151 per night from Jun. 10 to Jun. 11
CA $151
CA $174 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 10 - Jun 11
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Akureyri. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Akureyri Botanical Garden and Lystigarður ...
8/10 Very Good! (405 reviews)
"Great Location and nice rooms! The only issue was they didn’t make the bed when we got into the room."

Reviewed on Aug. 7, 2023

Hotel Edda Akureyri
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (383 reviews)
"It was very clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on May 26, 2024

K16 apartments
North Mountain View Suites
North Mountain View Suites
3.5 out of 5
Leifsstaðir 2, Akureyri, Northeastern Region
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Akureyri. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private spa tubs. Popular attractions Forest Lagoon and Icelandic Aviation Museum ...
10/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"Great property"

Reviewed on Apr. 5, 2024

North Mountain View Suites
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! (47 reviews)
"Comfy bed and spacious apartment. The only issue we had was the floors and the kitchen area were dirty."

Reviewed on May 21, 2024

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

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
18
" "5 - Excellent 69.23076923076923%
4 - Good
7
" "4 - Good 26.923076923076923%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 3.8461538461538463%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jan. 19, 2020

We especially enjoyed walking around the town of Akureyri with all it’s historic buildings, historical photo panels and beautiful harbour. We had a great seafood dinner too :)

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Dec. 30, 2019

Great area and great location.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Aug. 30, 2019

Highly recommend whale watching or snorkeling if you’re more adventurous!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jul. 26, 2019

We loved the view of Akureyri lit up late at night across the water coming out of the tunnel.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
May 31, 2019

Beautiful town - largest in Northern Iceland. You can find almost everything here that you can find in Reykjavik.

4/5 - Good

Kevin
Sep. 17, 2018

It was a beautiful town.