3 Days in Akureyri: The Capital of the North

Use Iceland's second city as your base for whale watching, geothermal baths and the landscapes of Eyjafjörður.

Day 1: Arrival and the City

Most visitors arrive via Route 1 from Reykjavík, a 390‑kilometre drive that takes about four and a half hours in good conditions, or on a 45‑minute domestic flight from Reykjavík Airport. Akureyri’s compact centre is easy to explore on foot: start at the Akureyrarkirkja church on Eyrarvegur for a view over the fjord, then wander down Hafnarstræti, the main shopping street, where you’ll find cafés and the city’s famous heart‑shaped red traffic lights. The Lystigarðurinn botanical garden, open from June to September, is a peaceful spot for a stroll.

For dinner, head to the old town around Oddeyrargata, where several restaurants serve fresh fish from Eyjafjörður. Expect to pay around 2,500–3,500 ISK for a main course. If you’re self‑catering, the Bónus supermarket on Langholt is the cheapest option. Book a hotel in the 600–900 range for mid‑range comfort; options like Hotel Kjarnalundur or Hotel Akureyri are within walking distance of the centre. In summer, the sun barely sets, so an evening walk along the waterfront is a must.

Day 2: Whales and Geothermal Relaxation

Akureyri is one of Iceland’s best whale‑watching hubs. From the harbour, tours run from April to October, with peak sightings of humpback whales in June, July and August. A three‑hour tour typically costs around 11,000–13,000 ISK and departs from the floating pier near Hof cultural centre. If you’d rather stay on land, the Húsavík whale museum is a 45‑minute drive north, but Akureyri’s own tours are convenient and often quieter. Book ahead in July and August, as boats fill up quickly.

In the afternoon, drive 25 minutes south to the Jarðböðin við Mývatn Nature Baths (open year‑round, entry about 5,000 ISK) or stay closer with the Akureyri swimming pool and hot pots on Þórunnarstræti. The pool is a local favourite and costs a fraction of the price. For dinner, try the Skjaldarvík farm restaurant, 10 minutes north of town, which serves lamb and Arctic char. In winter, swap the whale tour for a Northern Lights hunt with a local guide; the best months are September to March, though sightings are never guaranteed.

Day 3: Fjord and Mountain Escapes

Spend your last day exploring Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in Iceland. Drive north on Route 82 to Grenivík, a 35‑minute trip, and take the ferry to Hrísey, an island known for birdlife and easy hiking trails. The ferry runs several times a day and takes 15 minutes; a return ticket costs about 1,500 ISK. Alternatively, head south to the Goðafoss waterfall, a 35‑minute drive on Route 1, where you can see the falls that played a role in Iceland’s conversion to Christianity.

For a final soak, the Forest Lagoon (Skógarböðin) opened in 2022 just 10 minutes from town and offers geothermal pools with fjord views. Entry is around 6,000 ISK. If you have time before your flight or drive back, stop at the Akureyri Christmas House (Jólahúsið) in Hrafnagil, 15 minutes south, for a quirky year‑round Christmas shop. I’d book a hotel near the centre for easy access to restaurants and tours, and consider a car for day trips; public transport is limited. Avoid the expensive organised tours from Reykjavík if you’re already in Akureyri.

Questions, answered

Do I need a car in Akureyri?

A car is useful for exploring the fjord and nearby attractions like Goðafoss, but the town centre is walkable. Many tours depart from the harbour, so you can manage without one if you stick to organised activities.

What is the best time to visit Akureyri?

June to August offers the best weather and whale watching, with endless daylight. September to March is ideal for Northern Lights, though some tours and roads may be limited. May and September are quieter and cheaper.

Are there affordable places to stay in Akureyri?

Yes, options like guesthouses and hostels start around 6,000–9,000 ISK per night in dorm beds, while mid‑range hotels typically range from 15,000 to 25,000 ISK. Booking directly with hotels often gives the best rates.

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