Akureyri Map

Iceland's second city, at the head of the 60 km long Eyjafjörður fjord, and the base for exploring Goðafoss, Mývatn and the Arctic Coast Way.

Akureyri is the best-served base in North Iceland, with hotels, restaurants and year-round flights.

Hotels in Akureyri ↗
  • Sights
  • Hot springs & lagoons
  • Whales & wildlife
  • Airports & ferries
  • Hikes & canyons

Tap a marker for details, tours and places to stay.

Population
~20,000
From Reykjavík
390 km
Flight from Reykjavík
45 min
To Lake Mývatn
100 km

Things to do in Akureyri

The compact centre clusters around the harbour and the pedestrian street Hafnarstræti, overlooked by the church. Walk up through the Botanical Garden, take a dip in the excellent town pool, and in the evening cross the fjord to the Forest Lagoon. In winter, Hlíðarfjall is Iceland's best ski area; in summer, whale-watching boats leave the harbour for Eyjafjörður.

The Forest Lagoon has fjord views from hot pools among the birches. Book a time slot ahead.

Book the Forest Lagoon ↗

Day trips from Akureyri

  • Goðafoss: 35 km east on Route 1.
  • Lake Mývatn: 100 km, with the Nature Baths, lava fields and craters. See the North Iceland map.
  • Húsavík: 90 km, for whale watching.
  • Siglufjörður and the Tröllaskagi peninsula: 75 km north through tunnels.
  • Hrísey and Grímsey islands: Hrísey by a short ferry from Árskógssandur; Grímsey, on the Arctic Circle, by ferry from Dalvík or by plane.

Where to stay

Stay in the centre for walkable restaurants, or by the Glerá river and the campsite for quieter options with parking. Akureyri also makes a good one-night stop between Reykjavík and Mývatn on the Ring Road.

Prices in Akureyri are usually lower than in Reykjavík, and there are good guesthouse options.

Compare Akureyri hotels ↗

Plan your trip to Akureyri

Where to stay

Compare hotels, guesthouses and cabins in Akureyri.

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Tours & tickets

Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.

See tours ↗

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Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Reykjavík to Akureyri?

Drive 390 km on Route 1 (about 5 hours), fly in 45 minutes from Reykjavík domestic airport, or take Strætó bus 57 (about 6.5 hours).

Can you see the northern lights in Akureyri?

Yes. North Iceland often has clearer winter skies than the south. Drive a few minutes out of town, for example along the eastern shore of the fjord, for darker skies.

Is Akureyri worth visiting?

Yes, as a base for Goðafoss, Mývatn and whale watching, and in its own right for its pools, restaurants and the Forest Lagoon.

Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.