Things To Do in Akureyri – A Guide to the Capital of North Iceland

Discover Akureyri, the North Iceland capital. Explore thermal pools, the fascinating Akureyri Museums, and the iconic Akureyri Church. Visit Goðafoss Waterfall just a short drive away.

Our detailed guide has all you need for your perfect Akureyri itinerary, whether arriving via cruise ship or driving the Ring Road.

Table of Contents

Akureyri Itinerary

People arrive in Akureyri by cruise ship and by car. We’ve created itinerary options to help you make the most of your time in Akureyri no matter whether your cruise ship is docked for the day or you are on a longer Icelandic Ring Road adventure.

Cruise Port Passengers

We’ve got the perfect port day for you. Choose between:

A comprehensive 5 hour shore excursion departing from Akureyri Port. This 5-hour tour visits these popular locations: stunning Goðafoss Waterfall, historic Laufás Turf House, and relaxing Forest Lagoon’s geothermal pools, the perfect end to your day trip.

OR
Spend the day exploring Akureyri on our self-guided walk.

Akureyri in One Day

Our self-guided walk is perfect for both cruise passengers and Ring Road travellers to see Akureyri in one day. We visit all the city’s major attractions.

Enjoy the art at the Hof Cultural Centre and get oriented for a walk around the city.
Browse the local shops in downtown Akureyri.
Climb the long flight of steps to the iconic Akureyri Church on the hilltop.
Find the native Icelandic plants at the Botanical Garden.
Discover local history at the Akureyri Museum.
Learn about local manufacturing history inside the Industry Museum.
End the day, enjoying fresh seafood at one of Akureyri’s downtown Restaurants.

Additional Day in Akureyri

If you have an additional day, visit these nearby attractions.

Start your day with a tour to Goðafoss waterfall, one of the best day trip excursions in the Akureyri region. (It’s a 30-minute drive to the east and perfect in morning light.)
Discover 19^th-century farm life at the Laufás Turf House located northeast of Akureyri, on the edge of the Eyjafjörður fjord.
Enjoy fjord views on the drive back to Akureyri and visit the bright orange Svalbarðseyri Lighthouse.
With time, visit the Sundry Museum and see artistically arranged collections of everyday objects.
Relax in the geothermally-heated waters of Forest Lagoon Geothermal Pool overlooking the fjord.

Akureyri Attractions Map

Use our map to discover all of Akureyri’s must-visit attractions.

Our self-guided walk, beginning at Hof Cultural Centre and ending at the Akureyri Industry Museum, is 3.5 kilometres one-way (7-km round trip). It takes under two hours to walk the loop without stopping. The Hof Cultural Centre is just 500 metres west of the cruise port and it has plenty of parking for Ring Road travellers.

Hof Cultural Centre

The distinctive exterior of the Hof Cultural Centre was inspired by the hexagonal, basalt columns found throughout Iceland. The centre houses a tourist information desk with local information. It’s the perfect spot to get oriented.

Enjoy the locally-owned, arts-and-crafts shop selling a variety of merchandise, mostly by Icelandic designers. Take a moment to explore the small art gallery showcasing regional talent, or relax at the café serving authentic Icelandic favourites.

Opened in 2010, it is the cultural hub of northeastern Iceland, offering a blend of artistic and cultural events for both locals and tourists. Events throughout the year include concert performances from the resident North Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, theatrical productions and vibrant art exhibitions. The Akureyri Music School is on the centre’s top floor.

Curved modern Hof Cultural Centre building with a stone facade and large glass entrance. — The Hof Cultural Centre stands out due to its unique basalt column-inspired architecture. Find tourist information, a local art gallery, and more inside.

Downtown Akureyri

The main shopping street, Hafnarstræti, has lots of local shops and colourful buildings. The area contains numerous cafes, restaurants and bars, many serving Icelandic cuisine and local craft beers.

Look for the heart-shaped red traffic lights installed during the 2008 financial crisis to boost morale. Several 19th-century wooden houses are reminders of the city’s history. Snow-capped mountains and the fjord, Eyjafjörður, are visible from some parts of the downtown area.

Several notable attractions are within walking distance of downtown Akureyri.

Akureyri Art Museum displays contemporary Icelandic and international art. Explore its multiple gallery spaces spread across three levels, with rotating exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations. Many exhibits are interactive, allowing hands-on engagement with the art. Themed displays often focus on Icelandic nature, culture, and society.

The museum is open daily and regularly hosts artist talks, workshops, and guided tours. The museum is in 2 former factory buildings, one a dairy built in the 1930s.

Akureyri Art Museum entrance with outdoor seating. Large art piece displayed on building exterior. — The Art Museum displays contemporary Icelandic and international art. The cafe is in between the two buildings which make up the museum.

Many of the buildings on Kaupvangsstræti (Kaupvangus Street), across from the church, were industrial operations. Today these buildings have been transformed into artist’s workshops, studios and galleries, leading to the street’s nickname, Art Street.

At the top of Kaupvangus Street is a park and playground. Continue west to the popular Akureyri Thermal Pool, a geothermally-heated swimming complex. There are two, 25-metre outdoor pools, multiple hot tubs with temperatures between 37°C and 42°C, a children’s area and more. Its 3 water slides, including Iceland’s longest, are a hit with families. Enjoy swimming with views of mountains and often snow-covered landscapes. Bathing in hot pools is a cherished Icelandic tradition dating back to Viking times.

Two blocks to the north of the pool, on Bjarkarstígur off Helgamagrastraeti, is the Davíð Stefánsson Writer’s Museum, also called Davíð’s House. Born in the area, Stefánsson built this house in 1944 and lived here until his death in 1964. One of Iceland’s most beloved poets, his living quarters were on the upper floor and have been kept as they were at his death.

See his personal library, writing desk, and collection of Icelandic art. Exhibits include original manuscripts, photographs, and his personal correspondence. The lower floor is a residence for visiting artists and scholars. The museum is one of the Akureyri Historical Museums and typically open June through August.

From downtown, across from the Art Museum, climb the flight of 100+ steps up to Akureyri’s Lutheran Church on the hill. Admire the panoramic view of the city and Eyjafjörður from the top.

Akureyri Church

Akureyrarkirkja’s Art Deco-inspired design features twin, 40-metre-tall towers and a crushed volcanic rock facade. This distinctive design and prominent location make it one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Completed in 1940, it was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson who also designed Reykjavík’s stunning Hallgrímskirkja.

Inside, admire the 3,200-pipe organ and the beautiful stained-glass windows. The central window above the altar originated from a church in London, England.

A tall, gray concrete Akureyri Church with a large clock and cross above the entrance, flanked by vertical columns. — The front of the Art Deco-inspired Akureyri Church has distinctive, twin 40-metre towers. Like Reykjavík’s Hallgrímskirkja, which was designed by the same architect, the columns are meant to remind us of Iceland’s natural basalt columns.

Walk about a half kilometre south to the botanical garden, one of the city’s most popular attractions.

Akureyri Botanical Garden

The 3.6-hectare botanical garden contains over 7,000 plant species from around the world. Established in 1912, it’s one of the world’s most northern botanical gardens, located just 50 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle.

We enjoyed our walk through the beautifully landscaped areas including perennial, rock and herb gardens, and around the pond. The southeastern corner is home to more than 400 native Icelandic plant species. The garden’s collection of non-native trees, shrubs, and perennials has adapted and thrives in this northern climate.

Purple thistle-like flowers with spiky petals and dark centers of Eryngium alpinum grow amidst green leaves in the Akureyri Botanical Garden — The garden is one of the world’s northernmost botanical gardens featuring over 7,000 plant species including this sea holly, Eryngium alpinum. It is no relation to the thistle most of us think of when we see it. The plant is endemic to a small region in the Italian/French Alps and obviously thriving in the garden.

Val in a red jacket walks onto a small wooden bridge over a pond in the lush Akureyri Botanical Garden with trees and greenery. — I just had to walk over the pond’s bridge versus going around. We were surprised by the size of the gardens and the number of plants still in flower in September.

There are several interesting museums about a 1.3-kilometre walk south of the garden. This area is where Akureyri began and has many of the town’s oldest buildings. Stopping for ice cream at Brynja is a great break in the middle.

Akureyri Museum

The Akureyri Museum, open year-round, documents the history and culture of the city and Eyjafjörður region. Three floors of exhibits cover the area’s development from settlement times to the present.

The exhibits include a recreated, 19th-century merchant’s store, parlour, and playroom, and an extensive photograph collection. There are artifacts from the Viking era to pop-culture. I really enjoyed the Schulte Collection of antique maps. The collection consists of 187 maps, drawn between 1535 and 1847, with Iceland as either the primary focus or a part of the map.

Akureyri Museum exhibit displays various musical instruments, photos, and artifacts. A blue uniform and several framed pictures are visible in the background. — The three-floor Akureyri Museum has many exhibits like this one with artifacts ranging from Viking era to modern pop-culture.

Antique map of Iceland titled "Islandia," featuring detailed illustrations of the island’s geography, surrounding sea creatures, and ornate border decorations in Schulte Collection at Akureyri Museum — The Akureyri Museum houses the Schulte Collection of antique maps drawn between 1535 and 1847. Each map shows Iceland somewhere on the map,

The treed parkland around the museum is a century-old garden and former tree nursery. Nearby, and worth visiting, are Nonni’s House and the Museum Church.

Nonni’s House (Nonnahús) is the childhood home of renowned Icelandic children’s author Jón Sveinsson, affectionately known as Nonni. Learn about Sveinsson’s life and literary contributions through exhibits of his personal belongings and manuscripts. He wrote 12 popular children’s books about his childhood in Iceland, which have been translated into over 40 languages.

The house was built in 1850 and is one of the oldest buildings in Akureyri. It is furnished with period furniture and includes household items and decorations typical of 19^th century Iceland. Its compact rooms and attic space show how families lived in the 19^th century.

Andy walks toward a traditional black wooden house with white trimmed windows. A second grey house is on the right. A small patch of green lawn is in the foreground. — Andy is walking to the front door of Nonni’s House, the childhood home of renowned Icelandic children’s author Jón Sveinsson. The house is one of Akureyri’s oldest buildings dating to 1850.

A wooden table with books on top is in a room in Nonni's House with wooden chairs, display cases, and a wall-mounted cross. — In the period-furnished rooms, there are exhibits of Nonni’s personal belongings and manuscripts.

In front of Nonni House is a 2.5-metre-tall, bronze sculpture of the author. The Nonni Sculpture was unveiled in 1957 to mark the 100^th anniversary of his birth. Its sculptor, Nína Sæmundsdóttir, is considered one of Iceland’s most prominent, 20^th-century, female artists.

Across the walkway is the simple timber Museum Church, built in 1846 on the Svalbard coast. It was moved to its current location in the 1970s which is also the site of Akureyri’s first church.

Svalbarðskirkja is a typical early wooden rural church, with a modest exterior and simple interior. There are two beautiful artifacts within the church: a 17^th-century lamp-helmet and a 19^th-century altarpiece. Mass is celebrated in the church on Easter and at Christmas. Weddings are also often held here.

Small wooden Museum Church with a cross on the roof and a bell hanging near the entrance. A wreath decorates the white door, and the structure is surrounded by greenery. — This simple timber church, built in 1846, was moved to the museum grounds in the 1970s from the Svalbard coast.

The altar of the Museum Church with a white cloth, unlit candles, and a triptych painting depicting a religious scene. Two panels feature text on either side of the central image. — This stunning 19th-century altarpiece is above the altar in the Museum Church.

We spent about 90 minutes exploring the three buildings.

The Akureyri Toy Museum is several buildings to the north. On display are dozens of 20^th century toys, including dolls, toy cars, cardboard games, muppets, and action figures. The collection includes both Icelandic and international toys, and some are over 100 years old. See how toys have evolved over time and in different countries, from simple wooden playthings to more modern collectibles.

The museum is located in historic Friðbjarnarshús, one of Akureyri’s oldest buildings dating back to the mid-19^th century. The Toy Museum is open from June through the end of August. Unfortunately, on our September visit, it was closed for the season.

Walk about 750 metres south of the Museum Church to our final museums.

Akureyri Industry Museum

The Industry Museum presents the city’s industrial history from the early 20th century to the present day. The museum’s collection shows how the city has evolved from a small trading post to an industrial centre.

There are displays of machinery, products, and historic photographs of people producing everything from food to cloth and construction materials. See vintage printing presses, lathes, sewing machines, and much more.

The top floor has a variety of exhibits. See clothes and shoes produced in Akureyri over the last century and items such as herring barrels, toys, and product packaging from different eras. The city’s fishing industry is also highlighted. We spent an interesting half hour browsing through the museum.

Shelves displaying various shoes and boots in Akureyri Industry Museum. Two vintage sewing machines are in the foreground near a rack of boots. — These shoes, displayed on the top floor of the Akureyri Industry Museum, were produced in Akureyri in the past century. The town has a long history of hosting industries which made everything from food to fashion.

For motorcycle enthusiasts, the Motorcycle Museum of Iceland is just to the south. The museum displays the extensive collection of Heiðar Jónsson, who died in 2007. Learn the history of the motorcycle in Iceland through his collection of bikes and accessories.

This is the last stop on our walking tour. Enjoy the walk back to the Hof, or to downtown, on the multi-use path along the fjord.

Forest Lagoon Geothermal Pool

For the perfect end to your day, enjoy the naturally-heated waters of Forest Lagoon. This stunning geothermal spa is nestled in the Vaðlaskógur forest, with breathtaking views of Eyjafjörður fjord. It’s just a couple minutes drive southeast from downtown Akureyri.

The two infinity-edge pools, with water temperatures between 37°C and 40°C and swim-up bars, are perfect for year-round relaxation. The Finnish dry sauna has views of the surrounding mountains. There’s even an 11°C, cold-plunge pool.

The on-site bistro serves both local and international dishes. Forest Lagoon was designed by the same architects responsible for Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon. The design uses natural wood elements complemented by the surrounding forest environment. Its geothermal water source was discovered accidentally during a construction project in 2015.

The Forest Lagoon shuttle bus runs between Akureyri’s Hof Cultural Centre and the lagoon. Pickup is also available from several local hotels. Advance booking is recommended as there is a maximum capacity for the facility.

About 25 kilometres (20 minutes) north of Forest Lagoon, overlooking Eyjafjörður, is the Laufás Heritage Site.

Laufás Heritage Site and Turf House

The Laufás Heritage Site includes a historic turf farmhouse, a church and visitor centre. The site has been inhabited since settlement (late 9^th century) with records showing a church on the site as early as 1047.

Tour the turf farmhouse, a maze of interconnected rooms, which were constantly rebuilt over the centuries. Most of the current structure was built between 1866 and 1870 by Reverend Björn Halldórsson. The building style is typical of a gable-end parsonage built for a priest with a large household. This one historically accommodated 20-30 people.

The rooms are furnished with period furniture from around 1900. Watch for signs noting each room’s function. The architecture showcases the traditional Icelandic style of connected gabled structures with thick turf walls providing insulation against Iceland’s harsh climate.

The traditional turf house at Laufás with five gabled walls. 3 with doors, grass roofs, red trim, and striped exteriors in a green field, set against a mountain backdrop. — This farmhouse was last rebuilt in the last half of the 19th century. It features multiple interconnected rooms with traditional thick turf walls providing insulation against Iceland’s harsh climate. The carved white bird on top of the central gable is an eider duck.

Interior of kitchen in the traditional turf and wood Laufás Turf House with several large pots on a stone shelf. The space is dimly lit, with a doorway leading to another area. — The Old Kitchen’s main purpose was for cooking. It was also used for baking flatbread, smoking meat and washing laundry. Since this was the warmest room at the farm, people took their semi-annual bath here.

A carved eider duck sits on top of one gable. This indicates the farm’s part in the eiderdown harvesting industry which brought in a considerable income. The down is picked off the nests after the birds leave them. The down was originally used for quilts, duvets and pillows but now it is also used in sleeping bags and clothing.

Adjacent to the farmhouse is the white, wooden church with a small bell tower built in 1865, Laufáskirkja. Inside the church, find the beautifully carved and painted pulpit dating to 1698 and various historic religious artifacts. The church is the sixth religious structure built on this site, with history stretching back to early Christianity in Iceland. The church continues to host occasional services.

Andy stands near the small white Laufás Church with its red roof, set against a mountainous landscape under a blue sky. — The white, wooden Laufás church, behind Andy, was built in 1865. There’s been a church here since early days of Christianity in Iceland.

Colorful carved wooden panels of the Laufás Church pulpit, depicting a bearded figure in red robes holding a spherical object, with the word "Salvator" above. The design features ornate patterns and twisted columns. — This beautiful, pulpit adorned with painted, wood carvings dates from 1698.

The site includes a café and visitor centre with information about local history and Icelandic rural life. Allow about an hour to fully visit. The museum is open June through mid-September and is included in the Akureyri Museum Entrance Ticket program.

On your return to Akureyri, be sure to stop at Svalbarðseyri Lighthouse, just a short drive south.

Svalbarðseyri Lighthouse

The Svalbarðseyri Lighthouse, in the small fishing village of Svalbarðseyri, is a square stone structure, approximately 10 metres high. It is painted bright orange and capped with a red lantern room. Built in the early 20th century, it remains an active guide for ships navigating Eyjafjörður fjord.

The view of Akureyri and the surrounding fjord is excellent from the ground but Andy climbed the ladder on the side of the lighthouse for a higher vantage point.

Also in the village, just off the Route 83, the Svalbarðseyri Art Museum is Iceland’s only museum dedicated exclusively to folk and outsider art. Ten separate galleries are spread across its 500 square meters with exhibitions changing annually. Explore a diverse collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and handcrafts from mid-19th century pieces to contemporary works. The museum is open seasonally (mid-May to early September).

Val stands in front of a bright orange lighthouse, under a clear blue sky. — The platform on top of the bright orange Svalbarðseyri Lighthouse, behind me, offers excellent views of Akureyri and the fjord.

Two weathered boats sit on a grassy area near the shore, with a small orange lighthouse in the background under a clear blue sky. — These fishing boats sit waiting for fishing season in the small village of Svalbarðseyri along Eyjafjörður fjord. The bright orange Svalbarðseyri lighthouse is in the background.

With additional time, and an interest in unusual museums, drive 25 kilometres south of the Akureyri Industry Museum to several interesting sites.

Sundry Museum

Smámunasafnið is a unique collection of everyday objects gathered by carpenter Sverrir Hermannsson, over 50 years of his life and work renovating old houses and churches. Artistic museum exhibits transform these ordinary items into showcases of Icelandic daily life.

See nails, keys, doorknobs, pencil stubs, an extensive collection of plumb bobs tracing the evolution of this carpentry tool and more. A wall is covered entirely in antique hand-forged nails, each with its own unique shape and patina. The collection includes rare items like a dog gun and antique sewing machines alongside more mundane objects.

The museum is open mid-June through mid-August and is included in the Akureyri Museum Entrance Ticket program.

Edda, the iron cow sculpture sits on the hillside, just to the north. Edda is 3 metres high, 5 metres long and constructed of many small pieces of iron. She weighs an impressive 2 tonnes. Beate Stormo, a farmer, blacksmith and artist in Kristnes, based Edda on dairy cows from the region and the magical cow from the Icelandic fairy tale, Búkolla.

The Saurbæjarkirkja church, behind the museum and up the hill, is a turf-roofed structure with thick, turf-and-stone walls. It was built in 1858 and is one of few turf churches still standing in Iceland. Inside it is timber-lined and holds 60 people. This simple style of church construction was used in the countryside until well into the 19^th century. A church has been here since ancient times.

Akureyri Day Trips and Tours

While the city of Akureyri itself offers plenty to do, even more of Iceland’s wonders are nearby, beyond the city limits. We recommend the following two tours (especially for those arriving by cruise ship):

1. Visit Goðafoss (2.5 hours)

Don’t miss the magnificent Goðafoss Waterfall. For cruise passengers short on time, this tour is perfect for you!

Explore the paths around these thundering waterfalls called the ‘Waterfall of the Gods’. The 12-metre-high, horseshoe waterfall is incredible. Tours allow a full 75 minutes for this stop.

After the tour, you still have plenty of time to explore downtown Akureyri before returning to your cruise ship.

2. Visit Goðafoss, Laufás and the Forest Lagoon (5 hours)

This comprehensive 5 hour excursion includes several must-visit attractions in the area. Combining natural beauty and culture, the tour starts at powerful Goðafoss before stepping back in time at the Laufás Heritage Site. Your adventure ends with a relaxing dip at the Forest Lagoon’s geothermal pools.

The tour is perfectly timed for cruise passengers to maximize their day in port, while guaranteeing a stress-free return to the cruise ship.

Downtown Akureyri Restaurants

After a day of exploring, indulge in downtown Akureyri’s excellent restaurants and cafés.

Akureyri boasts a diverse culinary scene featuring local ingredients and international fusion, in historic establishments ranging from cozy cafes to fine dining experiences.

These are the most popular restaurants in downtown Akureyri.

Restaurant	Known For
Bautinn Restaurant	Quality steaks, lamb chops, and lobster bisque in a historic setting with a cozy atmosphere.
Strikið	Fifth-floor restaurant with stunning fjord views and outdoor dining options, using fresh ingredients.
Centrum Kitchen & Bar	Downtown spot offering diverse menu from burgers to pasta with colourful cocktails.
Rub23	Seafood with Asian-American twist, homemade spice rubs, and signature sushi pizza.
Ketilkaffi	Rare iced coffee, vegan options, and natural wines in the rustic décor of the Art museum café.
Taste	Gourmet burgers from local ingredients with vegan options and craft beer pairings.
Ísbúðin Akureyri	Traditional Icelandic soft ice cream, coffee, and sandwiches, with indoor-outdoor seating.
Brynja	Popular ice cream parlour serving cones, sundaes and more.
Eyja	Wine bar offering seasonal tasting menu and intimate dining experience in historic building.
Bláa Kannan Cafe	City centre café serving homemade treats, breakfast, lunch, and variety of beverages.

Akureyri Accommodations

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri?

Make Akureyri your home base while exploring the surrounding area. Check out these great options:

Hotel Akureyri – Fabulous downtown hotel
Hotel Kea by Keahotels – Amazing hotel located at the steps of Akureyri Church
Explore more great hotels in Akureyri

Know Before You Go – Visiting Akureyri

Is Akureyri worth a visit? What is it known for?

Akureyri is definitely worth visiting. Known as the Capital of North Iceland, Akureyri is North Iceland’s largest city.

Akureyi sits at the bottom of Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. The fjord measures over 70 kilometres from Akureyri in the south to its mouth on the North Atlantic Ocean.

Akureyri offers charm and beauty without the crowds of Reykjavík. It is famous for its stunning Akureyri Church and its many museums. The city’s botanical garden is one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world!

While the city itself is lovely, Akureyri is also a base for exploring all of Iceland’s incredible northern attractions including Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss.

Circular fountain with water spraying upward, surrounded by a brick path and lush green foliage in the Akureyri Botanical Garden. — The Akureyri Botanical Garden has a number of beautifully landscaped areas. This perennial garden and fountain were tucked away from the bustle of the main garden.

How many days do you need in Akureyri?

For most travellers, 2 days is the ideal amount of time to visit Akureyri and the surrounding area.

We visited Akureyri as part of our drive around Iceland’s Ring Road. We visited Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss waterfall and the Laufás Heritage Site and turf house, prior to entering the city. The next day, we had plenty of time to explore the city centre and its attractions.

Best Time to Visit Akureyri?

The best time to visit Akureyri is in the summer (June-August) with its long daylight hours and milder temperatures. In Winter (November-March) enjoy nearby skiing opportunities as well as a chance to witness the Northern Lights.

Is Akureyri walkable?

Akureyri is very walkable. You can easily cover the major downtown attractions by foot, though be prepared for some climbs as the city is built on a hill.

Cruise passengers can easily walk from the Hof Cultural Centre (near the cruise port) all the way south to the Akureyri Museum, a bit more than 2.5 kilometres.

The city has four self-guided walking routes ranging from 2.9 to 4.1 kilometres that highlight different aspects of the city.

Three cruise ships docked at the harbor with Akureyri and a mountainous landscape in the background. — Many people arrive in Akureyri aboard cruise ships. These 3 ships are docked at the Cruise Port which is about 500 metres from the Hof Cultural Centre and downtown Akureyri.

How to get around Akureyri without a car

In addition to walking, getting around Akureyri is convenient with several transportation options.

Public Buses: Akureyri offers free city buses (SVA) connecting major points of interest within the city. These buses operate from early morning until late evening, making it convenient to explore the city centre and nearby areas. For route information check Strætó, the public bus system’s website.

Taxis: Several taxi companies operate in Akureyri, providing a reliable option for getting around, especially for locations outside the bus routes or during late hours. BSO-TAXI is the main taxi company in the city.

Can you see whales in Akureyri?

Yes, you can definitely see whales in the Akureyri area. The city sits on Eyjafjörður fjord, which is an excellent location for whale watching. Several companies offer whale watching tours from Akureyri’s harbour, with humpback whales being frequent visitors to the area.

While Húsavík, on the north coast, is often called Iceland’s whale watching capital, Akureyri’s tours boast high success rates for sightings, particularly during summer months when whales feed in the nutrient-rich waters of the fjord.

What are the Akureyri Historical Museums? What is the Entrance Ticket?

There are 5 Akureyri Historical Museums: Akureyri Museum and Museum Church, Nonni’s House, Akureyri Toy Museum, Davið Stefánson’s Writers Museum, and Akureyri Industry Museum.

The Entrance Ticket is a combined ticket valid for admission to 7 local museums for a full year. You cannot purchase entrance to a single museum so try to visit a couple to get your money’s worth. The Entrance Ticket is valid at the 5 Akureyri Historical Museums plus Laufás Heritage Site and the Sundry Museum.

Most museums are open June through August and some into September. The Akureyri Museum and Nonni’s House are open year-round. For full information on opening hours and Entrance Ticket cost, see the Akureyri Historical Museum website.

Explore All of our Iceland Road Trip Guides

Discover our complete series of detailed Iceland Guides to help you plan your perfect 7 to14 day adventure.

Main Article: 7 to 14 Day Iceland Road Trip

Part 1: Reykjavík – Explore the Capital City
Part 2: Golden Circle – Geysers, Waterfalls, and Ancient History
Part 3: Westman Islands – Puffins and Volcanic Wonders
Part 4: South Coast Iceland – Black Beaches, Glaciers and Waterfalls
Part 5: Northern Iceland and the Diamond Circle – Geothermal Wonders and Mighty Waterfalls
Part 6: Akureyri – Capital of the North (You’re reading this guide now!)
Part 7: West Iceland – Mystical Landscapes and Hidden Gems