Explore 20 Attractions in Akureyri: A Comprehensive Guide
Nestled in the heart of North Iceland, Akureyri offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and adventure for visitors. Often referred to as the capital of North Iceland, this vibrant city serves as an ideal base for day trips to some of the region's most iconic sites.
Nature and Wildlife
One of the most popular day trips from Akureyri is the Lake Mývatn, Hot Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour. This half-day excursion showcases the region's volcanic landscapes, featuring bubbling mud pots at Námaskarð, lava fields, and the stunning Godafoss waterfall. For those seeking marine wildlife, Whale Watching Tours departing from Akureyri offer the chance to spot humpback whales and other marine creatures in Eyjafjörður fjord.
Culture and History
Akureyri is brimming with cultural experiences. The Akureyri Art Museum, located in the city centre, boasts a diverse and intriguing art collection. History buffs will appreciate the Akureyri Museum of Industry, The Old Toy Display, The Motorcycle Museum, The Aviation Museum, and The Icelandic Folk and Outsider Museum.
The Akureyrarkirkja Church, built in 1940, stands as a significant landmark with beautiful church windows from St. Michaels Church in Coventry, England. For a glimpse into Iceland's past, visitors can explore traditional turf houses on the Godafoss Waterfall & Turf House Tour.
Leisure and Entertainment
Akureyri offers a variety of leisure activities. The Forest Lagoon Geothermal Spa provides a perfect setting for relaxation after a day of exploration. For sports enthusiasts, Hliðarfjall is a popular ski slope during winter holidays, hosting events like the Iceland Winter Games and AK Extreme.
The city centre is home to Göngugatan, a pedestrian street filled with interesting shops and cafes, making it a delightful place to stroll. Music lovers can catch a concert at Græni hatturinn, a concert venue in an alley off Göngugatan.
Additional Attractions
Akureyri Botanic Garden (Lystigarður Akureyrar) showcases a variety of plants and flowers despite its northerly location. Pollurinn, a pond south of the city centre, is home to many birds and offers a picturesque setting for a leisurely day of bird-feeding.
The Christmas Garden (Jólagarðurinn) is a red house decorated with Christmas and candy decorations, located about 10 minutes drive from the city centre. For outdoor enthusiasts, Súlur Mountain offers a challenging hike with a stunning view of Akureyri and the fjord partway through the hike.
Kjarnaskógur, a forest located a few minutes drive from the city centre, offers short hiking trails, great playgrounds, and a camping place. The city's only ice hockey team, Skautafélag Akureyrar, attracts visitors with its exciting games and summer ice skating opportunities at their skate rink.
Jaðar Golf Course, the northernmost 18-hole golf course in the world, hosts the annual midnight golf tournament under the midnight sun. Hof, a cultural centre in Akureyri, hosts a variety of concerts, plays, cultural events, and a top-notch restaurant.
Akureyri's unique culinary scene includes Junk food offerings with distinctive combinations, such as hot dogs with pickled red cabbage and Icelandic cocktail sauce. Brynjuís, a famous ice cream shop in Iceland, is also a must-visit for a sweet treat.
Day Trips Beyond Akureyri
Akureyri's strategic location provides easy access to nearby attractions like Lake Mývatn, Siglufjörður, and opportunities for river rafting, heli-skiing, and snowmobiling. The Akureyri-Siglufjörður Arctic Coastline Tour explores the scenic Arctic coastline, visiting picturesque fishing villages like Siglufjörður, noted for its historic importance and TV series fame.
These options together represent the most sought-after experiences for day trips originating from Akureyri, focusing on nature, wildlife, culture, and wellness in the North Iceland region. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Akureyri serves as an ideal starting point for your North Iceland journey.
Travelers looking for a diverse experience can explore the Lake Mývatn, Hot Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour or Whale Watching Tours departing from Akureyri, offering opportunities to witness the region's natural beauty and marine wildlife. For those interested in culture and history, Akureyri hosts several museums and landmarks such as the Akureyrarkirkja Church, the Akureyri Art Museum, and the Icelandic Folk and Outsider Museum.
Akureyri offers leisure activities like the Forest Lagoon Geothermal Spa, Hliðarfjall ski slope, and the pedestrian street Göngugatan filled with shops and cafes. The city also caters to sports enthusiasts with events like the Iceland Winter Games and AK Extreme at Hliðarfjall.
In addition to these attractions, visitors can enjoy the Akureyri Botanic Garden, birdwatching at Pollurinn, the Christmas Garden, Súlur Mountain hike, Kjarnaskógur forest, Skautafélag Akureyrar ice hockey games, and midnight golf at Jaðar Golf Course.
Food-and-drink enthusiasts should indulge in Icelandic hot dogs and cocktails or visit Brynjuís, a famous ice cream shop in Iceland. Day trips beyond Akureyri include exploring the scenic Arctic coastline on the Akureyri-Siglufjörður Arctic Coastline Tour.
