With Love, from Akureyri ❤️

Known as the Capital of North Iceland, Akureyri sits at the head of Eyjafjörður fjord, surrounded by mountains and with plenty happening in and around town. It’s the kind of place that’s easy to explore at your own pace, and easy to find a reason to stay a little longer.

Things to do in Akureyri

Start with a wander through the town centre, with its colourful streets, local shops and great selection of restaurants, cafés and bars. Keep an eye out for the heart-shaped red lights at the traffic signals, one of Akureyri’s most charming little details, before making your way up to the Akureyri Botanical Garden, where thousands of plants grow surprisingly well just south of the Arctic Circle.

From Akureyri, you can also join whale watching tours throughout the year, heading straight from town out onto Eyjafjörður. The fjord is home to rich marine life, and a trip out on the water offers the chance to spot whales while taking in the surrounding mountains and coastline.

A little further from the town centre, Kjarnaskógur forest is a favourite among locals, with walking and hiking trails, picnic spots and quiet places to slow down for a while. With playgrounds and plenty of space to explore, it’s also a great place to spend a few hours with the kids.

Winter brings skiing into the mix, with Hlíðarfjall ski area located just above Akureyri and only a short drive from the town centre. With slopes for different levels and views over Eyjafjörður, it’s easy to fit a few hours on the mountain into a winter stay in town.

For a bit of classic Icelandic pool culture, Akureyri Swimming Pool is right in the heart of town, with geothermal pools, hot tubs and waterslides, and is a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

How to get to Akureyri

Getting to Akureyri is easier than you might think. Direct flights to Akureyri are available from selected international destinations, bringing you straight to North Iceland and just minutes from the centre of town. There are also regular domestic flights between Reykjavík and Akureyri, or you can make the journey by road and take in more of Iceland along the way.

Explore more of Akureyri

Consider this just a starting point. There’s plenty more to see, do and taste in Akureyri, from local experiences and activities to great places to eat, drink and stay. Explore Akureyri and find even more reasons to stick around.

And before you leave, perhaps stop for your own postcard-worthy photo inside the red heart.

With love, from Akureyri. ❤️