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

Budget:

• Akureyri Backpackers — central hostel on Hafnarstræti. Dorms from approximately ISK 6,000, private rooms from ISK 18,000.
• Guesthouse Akureyri — family-run guesthouse near the botanical garden.

Mid-range:

• Icelandair Hotel Akureyri — reliable chain hotel in the town centre. Doubles from approximately ISK 28,000–38,000.
• Hotel Kea — the best known hotel in town, on Hafnarstræti. Classic Icelandic hotel service. Doubles from approximately ISK 30,000.

Boutique:

• Hótel Búðir (out of town, on Snæfellsnes) — for those routing via the west.

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.
• 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.