Akureyri walking tour & city guide
The capital of the north, at the head of a long fjord.
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Akureyri, Iceland's second urban area, sits at the head of Eyjafjörður, the country's longest fjord, just below the Arctic Circle. With its cozy town center, its heart-shaped red traffic lights and mountains all around, it is the base for exploring the waterfalls, lava fields and whale-rich waters of the north.
The town center and the church
The pedestrian street Hafnarstræti runs through the small center, lined with shops, cafés and bookshops. Above it, the twin-towered Akureyrarkirkja, designed by the same architect as Hallgrímskirkja, is reached by a long flight of steps.
The Akureyri Botanical Garden, one of the northernmost in the world, grows a surprising variety of plants from Iceland and abroad, and the old wooden houses of Innbærinn, the old town, line the shore to the south.
Around Akureyri
Goðafoss, the 'Waterfall of the Gods', is a 30-minute drive away, and Lake Mývatn, with its pseudo-craters, lava formations and nature baths, is about an hour. Whale-watching boats leave from the harbor, and the town of Húsavík, the whale-watching capital of Iceland, is close by.
In winter, the Hlíðarfjall ski area above town is one of the best in Iceland, and the long nights bring a good chance of seeing the northern lights.
Top sights in Akureyri
- 1
Akureyrarkirkja
The town's landmark church above the center.
- 2
Botanical Garden
One of the world's northernmost gardens.
- 3
Hafnarstræti
The pedestrian main street.
- 4
Goðafoss
A horseshoe-shaped waterfall 30 minutes away.
- 5
Lake Mývatn
Lava fields, craters and nature baths.
Food markets & where to eat in Akureyri
Hafnarstræti
Cafés, bakeries and bistros on the main street.
The harbor
Fresh fish and seafood near the boats.
Food to try in Akureyri
Arctic char
A delicate fish from Icelandic lakes and rivers.
Brynja ice cream
A local ice cream shop loved by Icelanders.
Rúgbrauð
Dark, sweet rye bread, traditionally baked in hot springs.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Akureyri
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in AkureyriCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Akureyri.
- eSIM for IcelandStay online from the moment you land.
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