explore sights and activities in Akureyri:
Top 20 Awesome Things to Do in Akureyri, the Capital of North Iceland
- Jólagarðurinn, A Winter Wonderland Amidst Summer This vibrant, red-roofed house is filled with Christmas and candy decorations, providing a bizarre yet enchanting experience during the summer months. Located just a short drive from Akureyri center, this place is a must-visit for those seeking a twist on traditional holiday cheer.
- Kjarnaskógur Forest: Family Adventures Galore Take a stroll through this beautiful forest, featuring numerous short hiking trails and fantastic playgrounds. Complete with a camping area, this is an excellent spot for a family day out or a longer escape.
- Brynjúlís Ice Cream: Taste Sweets Milky Delights Known as one of Iceland's best ice cream shops, Brynjúlís offers a unique blend ice cream that's creamier and colder than most. It's no surprise that this is a favored by locals!
- Sundlaugar Akureyrar: Cool Off with a Splash This large public swimming pool is only a short walk from the town center, offering water slides, a paddling pool, toys, and more. Icelanders aren't afraid of a little snow, so you can enjoy a swim even during the colder months!
- Hlíðarfjall Ski Slopes: Winter Sports Paradise Located above the town, these ski slopes are extremely popular and host various winter sports festivals, including the Iceland Winter Games and AK Extreme. Soak in the breathtaking view of Akureyri while skiing down the slopes!
- Jaðarsvöllur Golf Course: The Northernmost 18-Hole Golf Course Play a round at this golf course, the northernmost in the world, and sign up for the annual midnight tournament that takes place under the Midnight Sun during summer.
- Akureyri Botanical Garden: Green Thumb's Delight With an impressive array of Nordic plants and flowers, this garden offers a serene retreat from the city and a unique opportunity to view such vegetation in a location as far north as Akureyri.
- Festivals, Events, and Motor Mania Akureyri boasts a plethora of annual festivals, including the Vaka Folk Art Festival in summer, the Akureyri Motor Events, Akureyrarvaka, and Iceland Summer Games for extreme sports enthusiasts.
- Museums and Unique Exhibits Discover the diverse, eccentric collection of museums in Akureyri, housed in locations ranging from the Akureyri Museum of Industry to the Icelandic Folk and Outsider Museum just outside the city.
- Akureyri Art Museum: Visual Delights With diverse, exciting exhibitions, this museum holds a special place in Akureyri's vibrant artistic scene, making it a must-see for art lovers.
- Junk Food with a Twist Akureyri locals have an unusual fondness for putting a unique spin on their favorite junk foods, like adding pickled red cabbage and Icelandic cocktail sauce to hot dogs or serving a "burger with fries" – where a burger is sandwiched between two large piles of French fries – a local delicacy.
- Skautahöll Akureyrar: Ice Hockey Thrills Catch an exciting ice hockey game at the local rink, home to one of Iceland's top teams, or enjoy ice skating in the middle of summer for a refreshing break from the heat.
- Græni hatturinn: Music Scene Hotspot Conveniently located in a cozy alley off Göngugatan, this concert venue offers a diverse lineup of local and international music acts that attract fans from all across North Iceland.
- Akureyrarkirkja Church: A Grand Landmark Built in 1940, this church is one of Akureyri's most prominent landmarks. The church windows come from St. Michael's Church in Coventry, England, a remnant of the building's destruction during World War II.
- Göngugatan: Shop, Eat, and Explore Meander through this pedestrian-friendly street, filled with quirky shops, cafes, and restaurants, for a taste of local life and vibrant urban culture.
- Hiking: Explore Súlur Mountain and Beyond Discover the scenic hiking trails, hidden vistas, and natural wonders that surround Akureyri, including the Súlur Mountain hike that showcases breathtaking views of the town and its fjord.
- Hof Cultural Centre: A Temple of Culture This cultural center houses a variety of concerts, plays, and cultural events, making it a haven for art aficionados and creative souls. Be sure to check out the top-notch restaurant located within the center.
- Dive into the Crystal-Clear Waters Engineer a diving adventure and explore the underwater marvels of North Iceland, from hydrothermal chimneys near Akureyri to geothermal caves around Lake Mývatn.
- Pollurinn Pond: A Peaceful Retreat Take a stroll around this quaint pond, teeming with birds and offering a picturesque view of some of Akureyri's oldest houses. Stop by to feed the ducks and swans and let the tranquil atmosphere wash over you.
- Day Trips: Discover the Wonders of North Iceland Hop aboard a day trip and explore the enchanting landscapes, charming villages, and extraordinary attractions that lie just beyond Akureyri's city limits. Some popular day trip destinations include Lake Mývatn, Húsavík for whale watching, Dettifoss waterfall, and the picturesque fishing village of Siglufjörður.
- Discover the unique blend of Christmas culture and summer's charm at Safnasafnið, a museum that displays festive decorations all year round.
- Stay updated on local news, weather, and travel information by catching Akureyri's city radio on your journey through the town.
- Experience the thrill of snowmobiling in the stunning Icelandic winter landscapes, available as a tour option for travelers seeking an adrenaline rush.
- Witness the fascinating display of Icelandic lifestyle and culture at the annual Akureyri City Festival, showcasing traditional music, dance, and food.
- Embrace the local cuisine and vegetation at Usúkit (+), a restaurant offering organic and locally-sourced dishes, promoting a sustainable lifestyle.
