Akureyri: Iceland's Northern Capital

Akureyri (population 19,000) functions as the capital of North Iceland — a genuine urban centre with a restaurant scene, arts infrastructure, and quality of life that makes it distinct from every other non-Reykjavik Icelandic settlement. It sits at the head of Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, sheltered by the surrounding mountains from the worst Arctic weather, and benefits from a microclimate that makes it significantly warmer and sunnier than the exposed South Coast. Akureyri is not a tourist destination in the traditional sense — it is a working city that happens to have excellent facilities and extraordinary nature within an hour's drive in every direction.

The Old Town and Culture

The old town centre around Hafnarstræti and Ráðhústorg has good independent shops, galleries and restaurants. The Akureyri Art Museum (Listasafnið á Akureyri) runs changing exhibitions of Icelandic contemporary art in a converted 1930s building. The Botanical Garden (Lystigarðurinn) is the world's northernmost botanical garden — at 65°N — and blooms convincingly in summer with species from across the northern hemisphere. Free entry. Worth 45 minutes.

Base for North Iceland

Akureyri's main function for visitors is as a base for North Iceland exploration. Godafoss waterfall is 50km east on Route 1 (one hour). Myvatn lake and geothermal area is 100km east (90 minutes). Husavik whale watching is 90km northeast (90 minutes). Dettifoss is 2 hours from Akureyri. The combination of all four in 2 days based from Akureyri is the standard North Iceland itinerary. Air Iceland Connect runs multiple daily flights from Reykjavik (45 minutes) making Akureyri a viable fly-and-drive base for North Iceland visitors.

Skiing in Akureyri

Akureyri has Iceland's best ski area — Hlíðarfjall — 8km from the town centre, with 23 runs including blacks, a half pipe, and floodlit slopes for evening skiing. The season runs from approximately December to April depending on snowfall. The ski area's elevation and north-facing aspect provide good snow conditions when the rest of Iceland has been washed by the Atlantic. Day passes cost approximately GBP 40 to GBP 50. Ski rental is available at the base. The combination of a day's skiing and a hot pool evening in Akureyri makes for one of Iceland's best winter day structures.

Getting to Akureyri

Air Iceland Connect (Icelandair's domestic subsidiary) operates multiple daily flights between Reykjavik Domestic Airport and Akureyri — flight time 45 minutes, typically GBP 60 to GBP 100 depending on advance booking. This makes Akureyri accessible as a base for North Iceland without driving the 5 to 6 hours from Reykjavik. The bus from Reykjavik takes approximately 6 hours via the Strætó long-distance service. Driving the Ring Road north from Reykjavik provides the intermediate stop options (Borgarnes, Varmahlíð) and is the most flexible approach for those continuing around the Ring Road.

Browse and book tours and activities on GetYourGuide — glacier hikes, whale watching, northern lights tours, Golden Circle day trips and hundreds more. Instant confirmation, free cancellation on most bookings.

Getting around Iceland is easiest by car. Compare rental options and find the best deals on Discover Cars — free cancellation available.