Akureyri

Travel Guide

Akureyri featuring a coastal town
Akureyri featuring sailing and a bay or harbor
Hof - Cultural Center and Conference Hall featuring interior views and modern architecture
Akureyri which includes modern architecture and general coastal views
Akureyri featuring sailing, boating and general coastal views

Visit museums and a magnificent church and stroll leisurely in the botanical garden of what has been nicknamed “the capital of northern Iceland.”

One of the best places in Iceland to learn about rich Nordic culture is Akureyri. Visit its museums and tall, iconic hillside dominating the cityscape. Mountains enclose the quaint buildings of the city center, in which a folk culture prevails. People have inhabited the area since the 9th century. Learn of its role as a base for the Allied Forces during World War II.

The most famous site of the region is the Akureyri ChurchOpens in a new window, which stands atop a hill. Climb steps to reach its portal and head inside to see religious treasures. Marvel at the angel statue and central panel of stained glass. A boat hangs from the ceiling, marking the Nordic tradition of praying for the safety of those at sea.

For a sense of local culture, visit the Jón Sveinsson Museum, dedicated to a writer and Jesuit priest. The black-and-white wooden cottage is also known as “Nonni’s House,” in reference to his nickname. It is an example of typical 19th-century Icelandic homes. Watch clips from the 1940s of the writer and learn about his children’s books.

Add a bit of color to your trip at the Akureyri Botanical Garden. Bring a book to read while sitting on a bench in the presence of pretty floral displays. The park contains a mix of native Icelandic species and imported plants.

Capture photos of Súlur Mountain, an ever-present giant looming over the city. Follow the path from Glerárdalur Valley up to the peaks.

Geographical factors in the region ensure a surprisingly warm climate compared with the rest of northern Iceland. Winter snow decorates the charming buildings. Attend one of the events taking place in the city, such as the annual medieval festival.

The only international airport in northern Iceland serves the city. Take a taxi for the 2-mile (3-kilometer) journey north to the city center. Reykjavik is 235 miles (378 kilometers) west, a drive which should take 4 or 5 hours.

Visit Akureyri, one of the country’s major urban areas, for a sense of Iceland’s culture, geography and natural beauty.

Where to stay in Akureyri

Akureyri featuring sailing, boating and general coastal views

Akureyri City Center

4.5/5(40 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Akureyri City Center, Akureyri Church and Centre for Visual Arts are top sights worth seeing.

Akureyri City Center
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Oddeyrin

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

When in Oddeyrin, you can plan a visit to Akureyri Church and Akureyri Botanical Garden, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Oddeyrin
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Giljahverfi

Though Giljahverfi might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Akureyri Botanical Garden and Akureyri Church.

Giljahverfi
Hotel Edda Akureyri
Hotel Edda Akureyri
3 out of 5
Thorunnarstraeti, Akureyri, Northeast Region
$117 nightly
The price is $136 total per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
$136 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Akureyri. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Akureyri Botanical Garden and Lystigarður ...
8/10 Very Good! (493 reviews)
"A very modern and clean hotel. All sites of interest to us were in easy walking distance of the hotel. Many open spaces and brilliant views of the fjord from the bedroom window. A short 15 minute walk to the harbour and then caught a boat to see whales (we saw three species). Also an easy walk to ..."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Hotel Edda Akureyri
Hotel Kea by Keahotels
Hotel Kea by Keahotels
4 out of 5
Hafnarstraeti 87-89, Akureyri
$261 nightly
The price is $296 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$296 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star ski hotel in Akureyri. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (917 reviews)
"Very much enjoyed this clean, friendly-staffed hotel with its great location"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Hotel Kea by Keahotels
Akureyri - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Akureyri - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
3.5 out of 5
Thingvallastraeti 23, Akureyri, Northeastern Region
$285 nightly
The price is $322 total per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
$322 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Akureyri. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Akureryri hotel
"Beautiful view of snow capped mountains. Nice hotel. Our room was a bit odd with the bathroom split and very near the bed of the bed. Couch was a bit aged and dirty. Chairs were a bit aged. No prepared coffee in the lobby. Nice water bottle filling station in the lobby. Walk to downtown was nice ..."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Akureyri - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
K16 apartments
K16 apartments
3.5 out of 5
Kaupvangstræti 16, Akureyri
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Akureyri. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Centre for Visual Arts and Akureyri Church ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (517 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

K16 apartments
North Apartments Suites
North Apartments Suites
3.5 out of 5
24 Tryggvabraut, Akureyri
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Akureyri. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Popular attractions Glerártorg and Centre for Visual Arts are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (62 reviews)
"Good spot for exploring northern Iceland and short walk to supermarkets and town centre"

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

North Apartments Suites
Sæluhus Hotel Apartments & Houses
Sæluhus Hotel Apartments & Houses
3.5 out of 5
Búðartröð 2, Akureyri
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Akureyri. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 15 hot tubs. Popular attractions Laxdal House and Akureyri Botanical Garden are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (201 reviews)
"Very clean and comfortable place. Enjoyed the hot tub."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Sæluhus Hotel Apartments & Houses
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Akureyri

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
54
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
36
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 1%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Would like to come back in the summer and spend more time here

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Lovely views

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Definitely would the drive to stay at least a couple nights if visiting Iceland. Plenty to do, great overall small city feeling and the landscape is incredible.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This is the most charming town we’ve seen.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Didn’t explore much. Just stayed the night.

4/5 - Good

Ionut

Nice smaller city, lots of trails to walk, jog or bike. Amazing views of mountains and the water!

Cities near Akureyri