Akureyri is the largest town in Iceland outside of the Reykjavik region, tucked away at the base of the country’s longest fjord and framed by rugged mountains that remain thickly blanketed in snow for much of the year. Often described as Iceland’s ‘Capital of the North’, it lies just 100 kilometres shy of the Arctic Circle, within striking distance of an extraordinary variety of natural wonders – from thundering waterfalls and lunar-like lava fields to volcanic plains punctuated by belching mudpots and steaming fumaroles. This region also offers some of Iceland’s best whale watching and Northern Lights viewing, as well as a handful of fabulous geothermal spas. In the town itself, you’ll find several excellent restaurants, cosy bars and cafes, a flourishing cultural scene and an eclectic array of colourful buildings. To help steer you in the right direction, here’s all you need to know if you’re considering a trip to Akureyri, the gateway to North Iceland.
How to get to Akureyri
Akureyri International Airport (Credit: Isavia/Visit North Iceland)
From October 2025 through to April 2026, you can fly directly from London Gatwick to Akureyri with easyJet – a journey of just less than three hours, making North Iceland more accessible than ever before. Direct flights are also available from Manchester to Akureyri from mid-November 2025 until late March 2026.
At other times of the year, Akureyri is served by regular Icelandair domestic flights from Reykjavik – a journey of just 45 minutes. By car, it takes around five hours to drive from Reykjavik to Akureyri without stopping, but this can vary significantly depending on the weather conditions throughout the year. As the Ring Road (Route 1) runs right through Akureyri, it’s a great place to spend a few nights as part of a longer road trip around Iceland.
When to visit Akureyri
Akureyri is very much a year-round destination, but as it experiences dramatic contrasts in terms of snowfall, temperatures and daylight hours, it’s worth giving careful consideration when choosing which time of year to visit. Below, you’ll find an overview of what to expect throughout the seasons.
Winter
Winter in Akureyri (Credit: Visit North Iceland)
Winter is a fantastic time to visit Akureyri, with strong chances of seeing the Northern Lights alongside a wide range of snow-based activities in the surrounding nature. Temperatures tend to average around 0˚C, but can drop considerably lower (especially when factoring in wind chill), so packing suitably warm footwear, plenty of layers and a well-insulated winter jacket is essential. While the first dustings of snow typically arrive in late September or early October, it tends to come and go before falling more heavily and more frequently throughout the winter months. It’s difficult to predict exactly when the heavier snow will arrive, however, and there are occasional mild spells in winter where temperatures climb above zero and snow cover recedes.
Just a 10-minute drive outside of Akureyri is Hlíðarfjall, Iceland’s premier winter sports destination, which usually opens for skiing and snowboarding from December to late April or early May. Snowmobiling is another popular winter pursuit in North Iceland, as is cross-country skiing and snowshoe hiking. You can also go whale watching from Akureyri on the Eyjafjörður fjord in winter, although sightings are generally less frequent than in the summer months. The landscapes of the nearby Lake Myvatn region are truly spectacular when coated in snow and ice – particularly the waterfalls, which partially freeze – but due to the challenging road conditions, we recommend joining a guided tour rather than driving independently during the winter months.
Northern Lights over Godafoss waterfall
It’s worth bearing in mind that daylight is very limited at such northerly latitudes at this time of year, particularly the earlier in winter you go (which creates an extended window of opportunity for hunting the Northern Lights). In the middle of December, for instance, the sun rises above the horizon at around 11.30am in Akureyri and stays low in the sky before setting at around 2.40pm. However, there’s an extended period of soft, blue-ish light on either side, so it’s by no means dark 24/7. By the end of January, there’s more than six hours between sunrise and sunset, which extends to almost 10 hours by the end of February.
Spring
Godafoss waterfall
Early spring can often seem like an extension of winter in North Iceland, albeit with considerably longer daylight hours. In early March, the sun rises at around 8.15am and sets at 6.30pm. Although not completely guaranteed, snow-based activities are typically still possible throughout March, and sub-zero temperatures are not uncommon (especially at night). The Northern Lights can be seen all the way through until mid-to-late April, but by May, there’s no longer enough darkness for the aurora to shine through.
As temperatures become milder later in spring, the snow gradually melts away (particularly at lower levels) and wildflowers such as nootka lupines and purple saxifrage begin to emerge in the meadows around Akureyri. This is also when the Akureyri Botanical Garden awakes from its winter slumber, blooming with over 400 native species which thrive in Iceland’s subarctic climate. Late spring also sees the return of numerous migratory bird species as they come to breed and nest, with notably large colonies on the islands of Hrisey (35 km north of Akureyri) and Grimsey (40 km north of the mainland). Whale sightings are also increasingly common from May onwards.
Summer
Akureyri in summer (Credit: Visit North Iceland)
As Akureyri lies just south of the Arctic Circle, the sun barely dips below the horizon during the height of summer. On the summer solstice (21 June), the sun sets at 1am and rises again at 1.30am. There’s 24/7 daylight throughout June and July and the days merge seamlessly into one another – which, although it takes some getting used to, means you can really make the most of your time exploring the region’s awe-inspiring landscapes. Indeed, there are plenty of scenic hiking trails within easy reach of Akureyri, such as in the Kjarnaskógur forest, just south of the town.
Summer temperatures tend to hover between 10-15˚C on average, sometimes even rising above 20˚C during warmer periods. If you plan on renting a car and exploring the region independently, summer is certainly the best time to do so, with road conditions at their most reliable and no darkness to contend with. This is also peak time for whale watching.
Autumn
Autumn colours in Akureyri (Credit: Visit North Iceland)
There is no real ‘low season’ in Iceland as such – it receives a steady flow of international tourism all year round – but there is a slight lull between the summer and winter peaks, which means there’s often excellent value to be had when visiting in autumn. It’s perhaps the most overlooked time of year, so if you prefer to see the most popular attractions with fewer crowds, this is an ideal time to go.
Towards the end of August, the nights gradually become dark enough for the Northern Lights to be visible once more – and, as temperatures aren’t as cold as they are in winter, it’s much easier to stay outside at night waiting patiently for the aurora to make an appearance. The period around the autumn equinox (second half of September and early October), in particular, often produces some dazzling Northern Lights displays. The woodland areas in and around Akureyri fleetingly display some beautiful autumnal colours, too, turning shades of gold, amber and copper before being enveloped by winter’s icy grip.
Snowfall is certainly possible, especially later in autumn, but far from a certainty at this time of year. One week, there could be no snow at all, and the next there could be a full-blown blizzard; conditions can turn incredibly quickly in Iceland. Daylight hours diminish significantly throughout October, and by the middle of November, there’s less than six hours between sunrise (10am) and sunset (3.50pm) in Akureyri.
How long to spend in Akureyri
Akureyri is a compact little town, and you can get a good feel for it in just half a day or so. It only takes 15 minutes to walk from one end of the centre to the other, though there are plenty of points of interest you’ll want to check out along the way. Primarily, though, it serves as a base for exploring North Iceland’s staggering array of natural wonders. Ideally, aim to stay for a minimum of three or four nights, which will allow you to fit in at least a couple of excursions. However, the region has so much to offer that you could easily spend a week and not come close to running out of things to see and do. Also, the longer you stay, the more scope you give yourself to make adjustments to your plans according to the weather conditions.
Where to stay in Akureyri
Hotel Kea
Akureyri offers a good selection of accommodation catering to different tastes and budgets. We highly recommend the stylish Berjaya Hotel Akureyri, which sits atop a hill just across the street from the town’s outdoor geothermal pool. In winter, this hill can be tricky to walk up and down due to snow and ice, so taking a taxi may be a more suitable choice. Another superb option is the Hotel Akureyri, spread across four beautifully renovated historic buildings down by the waterfront. It’s full of character and hosts one of the town’s finest restaurants, North, founded by Michelin-starred Icelandic chef Gunnar Karl Gislasson. For town centre convenience, meanwhile, Hotel Kea offers an unbeatable location at the crossroads between Hafnarstræti (the main street) and Kaupvangsstræti (fondly known as Art Street), where the majority of Akureyri’s shops, bars, cafes and restaurants are clustered.
If you’d prefer to stay somewhere more remote, there are numerous options in the spectacular Lake Myvatn region, or you could opt for the fabulous, fjord-side Siglo Hotel in the picturesque village of Siglufjordur, just over an hour’s drive north of Akureyri.
Things to see & do in Akureyri
Forest Lagoon
Forest Lagoon (Credit: Visit North Iceland)
Hidden away on a wooded hillside just across the fjord from Akureyri, the Forest Lagoon has earned a reputation as one of Iceland’s best geothermal spas since opening in 2022. It was designed by the same architects behind The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon, with a sleek timber-clad façade that blends seamlessly into its surroundings. It features a main infinity-edge pool heated to around 37°C, a smaller pool at 40°C, a swim-up bar, a Finnish sauna and a cold plunge pool. A free shuttle bus service runs from the town centre to the Forest Lagoon, or you can take a taxi to get there – it’s only a five-minute drive from Akureyri.
Northern Lights
Northern Lights over Akureyri (Credit: Visit North Iceland)
Akureyri lies directly beneath the auroral oval at 65.4°N, making it an ideal place to see the Northern Lights. It’s dark enough to see them anytime from late August until mid-April, with September to March being the prime window of opportunity. The key factor, besides sufficient geomagnetic activity, is cloud cover, as you need clear (or partially clear) skies in order to see the Northern Lights. For this reason, we recommend joining a guided Northern Lights tour, as you’ll be driven out of town to an area with minimal light pollution and the best chances of clear skies based on the weather conditions at the time. If the skies are clear and the Northern Lights are strong enough, however, it’s entirely possible to see them in Akureyri itself.
Akureyrarkirkja (Akureyri Church)
Akureyrarkirkja
Designed by the same architect behind Reykjavik’s famous Hallgrimskirkja, this distinctive Lutheran church is Akureyri’s most prominent landmark, towering over the town centre and the Eyjafjörður fjord from its hilltop perch. Its stark, grey exterior resembles the volcanic basalt columns found throughout Iceland, while its interior is adorned with an impressive 3,200-pipe organ and a model ship suspended from the ceiling – an old Nordic tradition of giving offerings for the safe passage of loved ones at sea.
Hof Cultural Centre
Hof Cultural Centre (Credit: Visit North Iceland)
If the Akureyrarkirkja is Akureyri’s most symbolic historic landmark, then the Hof Cultural Centre is its standout piece of modern architecture. Also inspired by Iceland’s columnar igneous rocks, this disc-shaped building sits right on the waterfront and hosts regular concerts, theatre productions, art exhibitions and conferences. Step inside and you’ll also find a small gift shop, a cafe and a tourist information centre.
Whale watching
Whale watching on the Eyjafjörður fjord (Credit: Visit North Iceland)
Whale watching tours operate all year round from Akureyri. The Eyjafjörður fjord is regarded as one of the best places in Iceland to observe marine wildlife – most notably humpback whales, as well as minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. More rarely, orcas, blue whales, fin whales and sperm whales can occasionally be spotted.
Diamond Circle day trip
Lake Myvatn in winter (Credit: Visit North Iceland)
North Iceland’s answer to the iconic Golden Circle, the Diamond Circle is a driving route that links five of the region’s highlights. These include two mesmerising waterfalls (Godafoss and Dettifoss), the immense, horseshoe-shaped Asbyrgi Canyon, and the Lake Myvatn area, which simmers with volcanic activity. Also part of the route is the village of Husavik, another of the best places in Iceland for whale watching, with a rich variety of species frequently spotted in the nutrient-rich waters of Skjálfandi Bay. The Diamond Circle is around 250 kilometres in total, and can easily be completed as a day trip from Akureyri – either driving independently or on a guided tour.
Akureyri Botanical Garden
LYST cafe in Akureyri Botanical Garden (Credit: Visit North Iceland)
It’s not quite the northernmost botanical garden in the world – that title is held by the one in Tromso, in Arctic Norway – but the Akureyri Botanical Garden certainly warrants a visit. Originally a public park, it was founded as a botanical garden in 1957 and has since expanded its collection to over 7,000 plant species, including over 400 native to Iceland. It’s a delightful spot for a leisurely stroll and perhaps a stop for a drink and a bite to eat at LYST cafe.
Akureyri Art Museum
Akureyri Art Museum (Credit: Visit North Iceland)
For a town of its size (just 20,000 people), Akureyri punches well above its weight when it comes to art and culture. Split across two buildings that used to be a dairy factory, the Akureyri Art Museum showcases an eclectic collection of paintings and photography, both old and new, from distinguished Icelandic and international artists. The pavement leading up to it is painted in all different colours – Akureyri’s own version of Reykjavik’s iconic ‘Rainbow Street’.
What to eat in Akureyri
Akureyri is home to a plentiful and diverse range of restaurants, spanning everything from gourmet Icelandic cuisine and casual dining to Indian, Thai and Japanese fare. Among the standout venues in town are North (high-end, seasonal Nordic cuisine at Hotel Akureyri), Eyja (a cosy wine bar and bistro), Mulaberg Bistro & Bar (at Hotel Kea) and Rub 23 (Icelandic-Japanese fusion). Lamb and fish feature prominently on many menus, alongside potatoes, foraged berries and herbs.
Kaffi Ilmur is another local favourite, a traditional cafe in one of the oldest houses in Akureyri, as is LYST cafe, in the botanical garden – both of which are fine choices for brunch, lunch, or coffee and cake.
There’s also no shortage of bars, especially around Hafnarstræti and Kaupvangsstræti, where you can hang out in the evenings and sample the local craft beer scene. Most bars have happy hours (typically around 4pm-7pm, but it varies) during which you can take advantage of significantly discounted prices.
