16 Unforgettable Things to Do in Akureyri, Iceland
Are you planning on visiting Northern Iceland? If you’re heading to this stunning Icelandic city, here are the 16 best things to do in Akureyri!
While many people who visit Iceland flock to Reykjavik, Akureyri is a bit of a hidden gem. Often called the “Capital of the North,” it’s the perfect base for exploring some of Iceland’s most dramatic landscapes.
Surrounded by remote villages, imposing fjords and beautiful mountains, Akureyri is beautiful, and we absolutely loved our time in the northern city.
Considering it’s much less touristy than Reykjavik, there are still loads of great things to do in Akureyrir, from the world’s most northern botanic garden to soaking in geothermal spas.
Akureyri is a destination that surprises most travellers who make the journey north, and we highly recommend a visit, whether you’re driving the ring road in summer or chasing the northern lights in winter.
So, if you’re heading to Northern Iceland, here are the 16 most incredible things to do in Akureyri.
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Akureyri Must-Do’s!
Short on time? You NEED to do these are 5 bucket-list things in Akureyri! ❤️
Where we stayed: Viking Cottages and Apartments
1. Visit Akureyri’s Cathedral
Located in the centre of the city, the cathedral is Akureyri’s most prominent landmark.
Officially known as Akureyrarkirkja, it’s quite iconic and was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, the same architect behind Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik.
It sits up on a hill overlooking the city, and you’ll have to climb a small set of steps to reach it. Inside, the cathedral is quite simply designed with striking stained-glass windows.
But, even if you don’t step inside, you’ll also be rewarded with beautiful views over the fjords on a clear day.
2. Go Whale Watching
Of all the most amazing things we’ve ever done in Iceland, this whale watching tour is very near the top of our list.
North Iceland is one of the best whale watching destinations in the world, and the waters around Akureyri are home to humpbacks, orcas, minke whales, and many other species.
While Husavik is the official whale watching capital in Iceland, Akureyi is just next door and also offers a great opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in the wild.
Plus, because you’re sailing into a fjord and not out on the open ocean, the waters are much calmer, which is perfect if, like me, you get a little seasick!
When we visited Iceland in January, we booked this whale watching tour, and it was the perfect experience.
We had thermal suits on the boats, very knowledgeable guides, and free hot drinks to keep us warm (because it was freezing with the icy air when the boat picked up speed).
And what’s more, we saw a humpback whale called Piccolo, who our guides said often visited the waters in the fjords. It was amazing, and he glided along beside us for a while, frequently coming to the surface.
It was an amazing experience, and we highly recommend booking this tour if you’re in Akureyri.
❤️ We absolutely loved our whale-watching experience – book tickets here before they sell out!
3. Soak in the Forest Lagoon
Another of the absolute best things to do in Akureyri is to visit the Forest Lagoon. Iceland is known for its hot springs, and there are plenty around the country.
The most famous are the Blue Lagoon in Keflavik and the Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik; however, if you head north, we recommend the Forest Lagoon.
Located about 5 minutes outside Akureyri city centre, a trip to the Forest Lagoon is an incredibly relaxing experience. The lagoon is surrounded by tall pine trees and also overlooks Eyjafjörður, one of the longest fjords in Iceland.
As well as the lagoon itself, you’ll find a cold plunge, a sauna, and a swim-up bar which serves delicious cocktails.
We also visited this place during our trip in January, and the contrast between the snowy scenery and the warm lagoon was magical.
❤️ Book tickets to the best thermal spa in Akureyri – we loved our visit!
4. Go Husky Sledding
While many people associate huskies with places like Norway or Finland, did you know you can actually go husky sledding in Iceland in both winter and summer?
There are several places near Akureyri where you can go husky sledding with Siberian huskies. This is another of the bucket list things we’ve done in Iceland that we’ll never be able to forget.
We did this in Akureyri in winter, and it was amazing. There was a lot of snow, and the dogs were very cute – and super excited, bouncing around. We got on the sleds, and the dogs were off, sprinting across the Icelandic wilderness, surrounded by white.
We also got to see how the dogs live, what they eat, and learn about the competitions they do. Our guides also told us that they offer similar tours in summer for husky karting when there’s no snow.
This was another incredible experience and one we highly recommend doing if you’re in Akureyri.
❤️ We recommend this husky sledding tour as they were fantastic!
5. Find the Photo Signs
Everybody loves a travel pic, and Akureyri knows this! The city has several quirky little signs scattered throughout the city in particularly scenic locations.
They’re perfect for grabbing fun shots with the mountains, harbour, or colourful buildings as backdrops. While we were there, we found a heart-shaped one near the church and another yellow one in the town square.
6. Visit Godafoss Waterfall
This spot technically isn’t in Akureyri itself; however, just a 30-minute drive by car and you’ll find one of Iceland’s most magnificent waterfalls.
Literally translating to the “Waterfall of the Gods”, it gets its name from an old Icelandic saga, when pagan statues were thrown into the water as Iceland converted to Christianity.
Godafoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Iceland, and, while it doesn’t quite rival the nearby Dettifoss in terms of power, it’s still very impressive.
There are two sides to the waterfall and several different viewpoints. We think the left side is better, as you can get closer to the falls, and there is also a section where you can walk down to the water’s edge, which you can’t do on the right side.
However, if you have the time, it’s worth visiting both sides. In our opinion, visiting Goðafoss is an absolute must while in Akureyri.
❤️ If you don’t fancy driving, this tour includes Godafoss Waterfall.
7. Discover Akureyri’s Famous Heart Traffic Lights
Another of the more curious things to do in Akureyri is to find the heart traffic lights, which, when they go red, are in the shape of a heart.
The lights were introduced in 2008 as a way to lift community spirits during the financial crisis, but they’ve since become a symbol of Akureyri’s charm.
Pretty much every traffic light in the city has this, so it’ll be pretty hard to miss, especially if you’re driving around the ring road. However, there are also a few touristy traffic lights placed strategically around the city, where you can snap a photo!
8. Visit the Botanical Garden
Akureyri is home to the northernmost botanic garden in the world, and it’s well worth a visit. Inside, you’ll find more than 7,000 species of plants, including many that are native to Iceland.
In summer, it’s a peaceful place for a stroll among the colourful flowerbeds.
They also have a delicious cafe on site called Lyst. It’s known for having a delicious brunch menu and is particularly famous for its fish soup.
9. Explore the Laufas Museum
One of the most interesting museums in Iceland, the Laufus Museum, is located about 30 minutes away from Akureyri’s city centre.
Here, you’ll find a collection of traditional Icelandic turf buildings that date back to the 19th century and get a fascinating glimpse into how Icelanders lived thousands of years ago.
Inside, the preserved interiors showcase furniture, tools, and everyday household items. It’s one of the best places in North Iceland to learn about Iceland’s past.
10. Go on a Day Trip to Myvatn
Of all the places to visit in North Iceland, Myvatn Lake is one of the most well-known. And for good reason.
Honestly, we were really surprised the first time we visited this area, just how beautiful and unique it was, and it’s definitely an underrated part of Iceland.
Myvatn is a haven of geothermal activity. You’ll find the stunning Hverir Geothermal Area with its bubbling mud pots and boardwalks, the Dimmuborgir Lava Field, and the lake itself, which is the 4th largest in Iceland.
There are also volcanic craters in the area, unique caves, and North Iceland’s answer to the Blue Lagoon, the beautiful Myvatn Nature Baths.
This area is so unique, well worth a visit and located just an hour’s drive from Akureyri.
❤️ If you don’t fancy driving, this tour will take you to Lake Myvatn.
11. Explore Downtown Akureyri
After all the time we’ve spent in Reykjavik, we were expecting Akureyri to have the same city feel, but we were pleasantly surprised. Akureyri honestly felt more like a large town than a city.
It’s much smaller, and more beautiful in our opinion, framed by the towering snowy mountains on either side of the Eyjafjordur. The city is a maze of small streets, colourful buildings, restaurants, and shops.
You can walk up to the iconic church, take a photo by the heart-shaped photo frame, admire the heart traffic lights, and nip into 66° North to shop for winter gear.
There are some really great restaurants here (our favourite was Bautinn), and we honestly fell in love with the city. It’s definitely worth going for a wander downtown while you’re in Akureyri.
12. Ride Icelandic Horses
Icelandic horses are the only type of horses in Iceland, and going horse riding here is a bucket-list experience for many.
Akureyri is a great place to do this, as there are several farms just a short distance from the city where you can meet these beautiful creatures.
These small but strong horses are known for their unique gait, which is incredibly smooth and comfortable.
You can book a guided tour, which will usually take you through valleys and along rivers. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced horse riders, and we definitely recommend giving this a try.
13. Go to a Beer Spa
Yes, Akureyri has a beer spa! This is another of the most unique things to do in Akyreyri. Now, unlike the traditional geothermal spas in Iceland, a beer spa is exactly what it sounds like – soaking in a vat full of beer!
Located just outside the city in Árskógssandur, the Bjórböðin Beer Spa lets you soak in a tub of warm beer, water, hops, and yeast.
It’s said to be good for the skin, and you can also enjoy a cold beer on tap while you soak. Afterwards, relax in the saunas or enjoy the fjord views from the spa’s terrace.
14. Take a Trip to Husavik
Located about an hour’s drive from Akureyri, Husavik is a tiny fishing village with a lot going for it. Often called the whale-watching capital of Iceland, it makes a great day trip from Akureyri.
The town is really charming, with colourful houses, a harbour, and the Whale Museum, but the main draw is the chance to see humpback whales, blue whales, and puffins in the summer months.
It’s also home to a Eurovision Exhibition, a beautiful church, and a unique geothermal spa overlooking the ocean, where you can sometimes see whales breaching the surface from the waters.
15. Chase the Northern Lights
The area around Akureyri is known as the Northern Lights capital of Iceland.
Winter in Akureyri offers some of the best northern lights viewing opportunities in the entire country. Because it’s further north than Reykjavik, the chances of spotting the aurora are even higher – if you get good weather, of course!
You also have a much higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights from your hotel.
When we went, we stayed in the perfect apartment for northern lights spotting.
Unfortunately, there was a snowstorm for our entire 3 days in Akureyri, and we didn’t see anything. However, that’s always a chance you take with visiting Iceland in winter!
You can take a guided tour that drives into the countryside for clear skies, or simply head out of the city on your own if you’ve rented a car.
Either way, seeing the lights dance above the fjords is one of the best things to do in Akureyri.
❤️ For the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights, book a guided tour!
16. Visit the Christmas House
Did you know that Iceland has a Christmas house that’s spreading festive cheer all year round? Just a short drive from the city, the Christmas House in Akureyri is cosy, red, and looks like it was plucked out of a fairytale.
You’ll find twinkling lights, wooden decorations, and shelves packed full of Icelandic Christmas goodies. Inside, there’s everything from handmade ornaments and traditional holiday treats to books and gifts inspired by Iceland’s unique folklore.
It’s especially magical to visit if you’re in Iceland in winter when it’s covered in snow, but stepping inside feels like Christmas no matter the season!
How many days do you need in Akureyri?
Whilst you can see the highlights of the city itself with just one day in Akureyri, two to three days are usually enough to explore Akureyri itself and enjoy everything like the Forest Lagoon, the botanic garden, and whale watching.
If you want to take day trips to Mývatn, Goðafoss, or Húsavík as well, plan at least four to five days.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Akureyri?
Yes! Akureyri is one of the best places in Iceland to see the Northern Lights. Its location in the north gives you longer, darker nights than Reykjavik in winter.
You can often spot the aurora just outside the city, or you can join a guided Northern Lights tour for the best chance of spotting them.
Is Akureyri worth visiting in winter?
Definitely, our first trip to Akureyri was in winter. It’s one of our most enjoyable trips to Iceland to date because we crossed some amazing things off our Iceland bucket list.
In winter, Akureyri transforms into a snowy wonderland with husky sledding, skiing, Northern Lights tours, and hot springs like the Forest Lagoon.
It’s also less crowded than Reykjavik and has much more of a town feel than a city. It’s a magical winter destination.
How do you get to Akureyri?
You can reach Akureyri by a 45-minute domestic flight from Reykjavik, or by driving about 5 hours along the Ring Road. The drive is incredibly scenic and lets you stop at sights along the way.
For those living in the UK, easyJet also offers direct flights to Akureyri during the winter months from both London and Manchester. This is how we got there, and it’s a very convenient way to reach the city in the snow.
There is also a bus connecting Reykjavik and Akureyri, but these can be long, and driving offers the most flexibility.
What’s the best time to visit Akureyri?
Summer (June–August) is great for whale watching, hiking, and enjoying long days with mild weather. Winter (November–March) is best for Northern Lights, snow activities, and fewer crowds.
We’ve visited Akureyri in winter and summer, and both seasons offer unique experiences, so it depends on what you want to see and do.
Final Thoughts: Is Akureyri Worth Visiting?
Yes, definitely!. Akureyri might be smaller than Reykjavik, but it has its own charm, and it’s a fantastic base for exploring North Iceland.
We could’ve easily spent another few days at least here when we visited, as there’s just so much to do in the area, and we had an absolutely amazing time.
We also returned to the city in summer when we drove the ring road, and it was just as gorgeous without all the snow.
Regardless of the time of year you’re visiting Iceland, we’d highly recommend a trip to Akureyri.
👉 Wondering where to stay? Here are our favourite places to stay in Akureyri, including the hot tub lodge we stayed at in winter.
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