Explore these 20 captivating sights and activities in Akureyri:
Refresh Your Travel Itinerary in Akureyri, the Capital of North Iceland
Looking to make the most out of your time in Akureyri, the biggest town outside of Reykjavik, Iceland? Here are our top 20 handpicked activities to immerse yourself in the charms of this vibrant city.
1. Jólagarðurinn
Step into a year-round Christmas wonderland at Jólagarðurinn, a delightful red house adorned with festive decorations. The contrast between the summer greenery and the Christmas motifs creates a unique and captivating spectacle. Just a short 10-minute drive from the city center, this is a must-visit for its warm, festive vibes.
2. Kjarnaskógur
Escape urban life at Kjarnaskógur, a lush forest that offers easy hiking trails and excellent playgrounds, making it the perfect family-friendly destination. Just a stone's throw away from the city center, you can also enjoy camping under the stars in this serene forest.
3. Brynjúlssempty (Brynjuís)
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Brynjuís, one of the most famous ice cream shops in Iceland. Their distinctive creamy ice cream has earned them numerous 'Best Of Iceland' awards.
4. Sundlaug Akureyrar
Take a leisurely dip at Sundlaug Akureyrar, the Akureyri swimming pool, located just a stone's throw away from the city center. With water slides, a paddling pool, and plenty of toys, it's a fantastic destination for families and offers the uniquely Icelandic experience of swimming in cool temperatures.
5. Hlíðarfjall
Ski, snowboard, or simply enjoy the stunning views over Akureyri at Hlíðarfjall, the ski resort located in the nearby mountains. host various exciting winter events, attracting ski enthusiasts from across the country.
6. Jaðarsvöllur (Jaðar Golf Course)
Up for some unique golfing? Jaðarsvöllur is the northernmost 18-hole golf course in the world, offering the opportunity to play under the midnight sun during its annual summer tournament.
7. Lystigarður Akureyrar (Akureyri Botanical Garden)
Take a calming stroll through the Akureyri Botanical Garden, a miracle of nature located far north. With an impressive variety of plants and flowers, it provides a tranquil escape for visitors.
8. Festivals
Akureyri hosts a multitude of festivals throughout the year, catering to various interests. From the Iceland Summer Games dedicated to extreme sports, Vaka Folk Art Festival, and the Akureyri Motor Events, there's always a lively event to enjoy.
9. Museums
Immerse yourself in Akureyri's rich history and unique exhibits by visiting its diverse range of museums, such as the Akureyri Museum of Industry, The Old Toy Display, The Motorcycle Museum, The Aviation Museum, and the whimsical Safnasafnið.
10. Akureyri Art Museum
Admire the vibrant and diverse collections at the Akureyri Art Museum, which showcases a flourishing local art scene and houses some of the most thought-provoking pieces in Iceland.
11. Junk Food & Unique Eats
Embrace the peculiar Icelandic twist on junk food by trying local specialties like hot dogs topped with pickled red cabbage and Icelandic cocktail sauce or the infamous Akureyringur – a burger with French fries sandwiched between the buns.
12. Skautahöllin Akureyrar (Skautaöflag Akureyrar)
Catch a thrilling ice hockey game or enjoy ice skating year-round at Skautahöllin, the local ice rink. Cheer on one of Iceland's top ice hockey teams, Skautafélag Akureyrar, and don't forget to test your skills on the ice during the summer months!
13. Græni hatturinn
Experience the best of North Iceland's live music scene by attending a performance at Græni hatturinn, a hidden gem of a concert venue situated in an alley just off Göngugata streets. With an eclectic range of music, there's always a great show to catch.
14. Akureyrarkirkja
Admire the stunning architecture of Akureyrarkirkja, one of the most impressive churches in Iceland. Its intricate details and beautiful stained glass windows make it a must-visit attraction.
15. Göngugata
Stroll along the pedestrian-friendly Göngugata, lined with interesting shops, cafés, and restaurants, and enjoy the friendly vibes of the city.
16. Hiking
Embark on a memorable hike in the nearby mountains, such as Súlur, and enjoy breathtaking views of Akureyri and the surrounding landscapes.
17. Hof Cultural Centre
Explore the amazing Hof Cultural Centre, Akureyri's answer to the Harpa Concert and Conference Centre in Reykjavik. With a variety of concerts, plays, exhibitions, and excellent dining options, there's always something exciting happening.
18. Diving
Indulge in the unique experience of diving in Eyjafjorður, where you can explore hydrothermal chimneys and warm-water streams, or try day tours that allow less skilled divers to explore the wonders of the Lake Mývatn area.
19. Pollurinn
Spend a relaxing afternoon by Pollurinn, a picturesque pond full of birds, including ducks and swans. Feed the friendly birds and take in the peaceful atmosphere.
20. Day Trips
Take advantage of Akureyri's prime location in North Iceland by embarking on day trips to nearby destinations, such as Lake Mývatn, Siglufjörður, the Goðafoss Waterfall, or even the Vatnajökull National Park for an adventure of a lifetime.
With these top 20 activities, Akureyri promises an unforgettable journey filled with exploration, culture, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Dive Deeper:
For more exciting day trips from Akureyri, don't miss out on the:
- Akureyri to Lake Mývatn Journey: Uncover the stunning volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and unique geological formations along this journey.
- Akureyri to Goðafoss Waterfall Exploration: Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of one of Iceland's most famous waterfalls.
- Akureyri to Siglufjörður Discovery: Step into history and culture by visiting this picturesque fjord town.
- Learn about the latest news regarding Akureyri's cultural landscape and upcoming events by following local newspapers and social media platforms.
- Expand your fashion sense by shopping for stylish Icelandic designs and unique handmade items at boutiques along Göngugata.
- Enhance your culinary skills with a cooking class featuring traditional Icelandic recipes and local ingredients.
- Improve your pet care knowledge by attending a workshop on the unique needs of Icelandic pets, especially during the winter months.
- Enhance your sports knowledge by attending a soccer or basketball game at the Akureyri Sportshall, or a hockey game at Skautahöllin.
- Get lost in the world of books at the Akureyri Public Library, offering a wide selection of books in various languages.
- Boost your personal development through workshops focused on relationship building, communication skills, and self-improvement.
- Discover the mesmerizing world of mixed martial arts by watching a UFC event or attending a local competition at Akureyri Sports Hall.
- Develop your understanding of weather forecasting by attending a lecture at Akureyri University, home to one of Iceland's leading meteorology departments.
- Enhance your knowledge about the history and legends of Iceland by visiting the Akureyri Museum or the Akureyri Library's extensive archive.
- Explore the latest trends in home and garden décor by visiting local stores offering unique pieces and design inspiration.
- Engage with the vibrant film community by attending screenings of Icelandic movies at the Akureyri City Theatre or the Hof Cultural Centre.
- Showcase your artistic talents at an open-mic night at Græni hatturinn or participate in a local painting class.
- Revisit the history of Akureyri's relationship with the surrounding communities through exhibitions at the Akureyri Museum of Industry or the Skut encouraging understanding and collaboration among neighboring regions.
- Boost your career potential by attending seminars and workshops on professional development, business networking, and job hunting tips from industry professionals.
- Explore the latest fashion trends and beauty tips by attending workshops, runway shows, or browsing stores offering international and local designers.
- Deepen your understanding of Icelandic cuisine by attending a food and wine pairing event showcasing local produce, regional wines, and traditional dishes.
- Develop your interest in education and personal growth by attending a lecture or workshop on a wide range of topics, from science and technology to philosophy and literature.
- Pursue your hobby of sports betting by staying updated on the latest games, betting odds, and tips from local sports experts.
- Master the art of sports analysis by attending workshops or seminars offered by local sports enthusiasts and media professionals.
- Learn about the latest technology trends by attending workshops or exhibitions at Akureyri University, featuring cutting-edge research and innovations in various fields.
- Stay connected with the latest pop culture news, including movies, music, fashion, and television shows, by following popular magazines, blogs, or social media influencers.
