Akureyri: Iceland's Second City

Akureyri sits at the head of Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord, and functions as the unofficial capital of the north. With a population of around 20,000, it’s Iceland’s second city by a wide margin - but it has proper city infrastructure, a decent food scene, and serves as the best base for exploring North Iceland’s highlights.

Getting There

By air: Air Iceland Connect (flugfelag.is) flies Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RVK) to Akureyri Airport (AEY) approximately 10 times daily. Flight time is 45 minutes. Fares from approximately ISK 8,000–18,000 one way depending on availability.

By car: 390km from Reykjavík via the Ring Road. Allow 5–6 hours driving, more if stopping at Goðafoss or Skagafjörður along the way.

By bus: Strætó route 57 runs from Reykjavík to Akureyri in approximately 6 hours. Cheaper than flying but slow. Fares from approximately ISK 6,900 as of 2026.

What to See and Do

Whale Watching from Húsavík - The best whale watching in Iceland departs from Húsavík, 90km east of Akureyri. North Sailing and Gentle Giants are the main operators; 3-hour tours from approximately ISK 12,900–15,000 adult. June–August is peak season with near-guaranteed humpback sightings. A day trip from Akureyri is easy.

Lake Mývatn - One hour east of Akureyri, this volcanic lake district contains pseudo craters, Dimmuborgir lava formations, Námaskarð geothermal mud fields, the Mývatn Nature Baths, and Krafla volcano. Allow a full day minimum. The Mývatn Nature Baths cost approximately ISK 6,500 adult as of 2026 - less crowded than the Blue Lagoon.

Goðafoss Waterfall - 47km southeast of Akureyri, just off the Ring Road. One of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. Free to visit, accessible year-round. Allow 45 minutes for a proper look at both banks.

Hlíðarfjall Ski Resort - 5km from town centre. 27 pistes, gondola, and views down Eyjafjörður. Day pass approximately ISK 7,000–9,000 adult as of 2026. Season runs November–April. The ski culture here is genuinely Icelandic - no international resort crowds.

Akureyri Botanical Garden (Lystigarðurinn) - The world’s northernmost botanical garden, founded 1912. Remarkably lush in summer thanks to the fjord’s sheltered microclimate. Free entry. Open June–September.

Akureyri Church (Akureyrarkirkja) - Modernist church on Eyrarlandsvegur hill, designed by Guðjón Samúelsson (who also designed Hallgrímskirkja). Smaller than its Reykjavík counterpart but worth the short climb for views over the fjord.

Where to Stay

Akureyri has the widest accommodation range in North Iceland. Quick reference:

Budget: Akureyri Backpackers (Hafnarstræti 98) - central hostel, dorms from approximately ISK 7,500 per night, private rooms from ISK 22,000.

Mid-range: Kea Hotel (Hafnarstræti 87–89) - the town’s main hotel, town centre location, rooms from approximately ISK 32,000–50,000 including breakfast. The best-positioned option for walking to restaurants and the botanical garden.

Upper mid-range: Icelandair Hotel Akureyri - fjord-view rooms, parking available, from approximately ISK 42,000–65,000.

Apartments: Self-catering apartments near the centre from approximately ISK 25,000–42,000 per night - practical for families or stays of three or more nights.

Book 4–6 weeks ahead for July and August. Akureyri fills faster than many visitors expect - Diamond Circle tour groups and whale watching visitors both base here in summer, and the town’s modest accommodation stock sells out quickly.

For the full breakdown including guesthouses and farm stays outside the town, see our Where to Stay in Akureyri guide.

Where to Eat

Rub23 - Akureyri’s best restaurant. Arctic char, langoustine, and sushi. Mains approximately ISK 3,800–7,500. Book ahead.

Strikið - Fourth-floor restaurant with panoramic fjord views. Icelandic lamb, seafood, and burgers. Mains ISK 3,500–6,000.

Bautinn - Classic Icelandic cooking in a relaxed setting. Excellent lamb soup (kjötsúpa) and fish of the day. Mains ISK 2,500–4,500.

Brynja Ice Cream - Iceland’s most famous ice cream shop, on Aðalstræti since 1942. A local institution. Cones from approximately ISK 800.

Day Trips from Akureyri

• Húsavík - 90km east. Whale watching, the Whale Museum, the church, and a great harbour.
• Siglufjörður - 65km northwest over the mountain tunnel. Beautifully preserved fishing town, home of the Herring Era Museum. One of Iceland’s most charming small towns.
• Lake Mývatn - 1 hour east. Full day needed.
• Dettifoss - Europe’s most powerful waterfall, 90km from Akureyri via the diamond circle route.
• Grímsey Island - 41km offshore, reached by ferry (3 hours) or small plane (25 minutes). The Arctic Circle runs through the island. Ferry Sæfari runs three times weekly in summer.

Browse Akureyri tours - whale watching, Lake Mývatn day trips, and highland excursions from the north.

Pre-book Keflavík airport transfers - Flybus and private options for the 45-minute route to Reykjavík.

Compare car hire in Iceland - a 4WD or campervan gives the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Getting Around Akureyri

Akureyri’s centre is small enough to walk - the botanical garden, church, and main shopping street are all within 15 minutes on foot. For the ski resort and day trips, a car is essential.

Local buses: Strætó route 79 connects Akureyri to Húsavík (approximately 1.5 hours) and route 57 to Reykjavík (approximately 6 hours). Local town bus routes are published at straeto.is.

Taxis: Available from the town centre. A ride within Akureyri typically costs approximately ISK 1,500–2,500. Airport taxi to AEY (7km south of centre) approximately ISK 2,500–3,500.

Key opening hours: Akureyri Botanical Garden open June–September, daily 8am–10pm, free. Hlíðarfjall ski resort lifts typically 10am–8pm weekdays in peak season - check hlidarfjall.is for current status. Goðafoss waterfall is freely accessible 24 hours year-round - no entry gate, both banks accessible from small car parks off Route 1.

Explore Akureyri Further

• Things to Do in Akureyri - Full activity guide including day trips, the ski resort, and whale watching logistics
• Where to Stay in Akureyri - Hotels and guesthouses in North Iceland’s capital
• Restaurants in Akureyri - Best places to eat in the north
• Reykjavík vs Akureyri - Capital city or northern hub? Full comparison on access, activities, cost, and where to base
• Húsavík vs Akureyri - Choosing between the whale watching capital and north Iceland’s largest city