With 18,000 inhabitants, Akureyri is by far Iceland’s most populated
town outside of the capital area. Full of cafés, restaurants and activities, it remains small enough to offer
the quiet of the countryside. Striking the balance between town and city, it is a favourite among tourists, both foreign and Icelandic.
Activities and facilities
Akureyri has hotels and restaurants to suit all tastes, and an unlimited range of activities and attractions, including:
- one of the northernmost 18–hole golf course in the world
- geothermal swimming pools
- museums – ranging from modern art to folk museums
- outdoor activities – such as skiing, horseback riding and sea angling
- sightseeing excursions
- hiking and guided walks
- farm visits
- local food
- off-shore activities – such as whale watching and sailing
- a vibrant night life
It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the city centre to the most popular ski area in Iceland, Hlidarfjall Ski Resort.
Food and accommodation
Akureyri offers:
- 15 full service restaurants (with capacity of around 2000 seats)
- 14 cafés – as well as bars, music clubs and discos
- 5 hotels (with capacity of 424 rooms during summer and 220 rooms during winter)
- a range of apartment rentals
- three all-year country hotels within a short drive (with 75 rooms)
Hof Cultural and Conference Centre (inaugurated in 2010) also offers excellent facilities for events of various kinds,
including conferences, meetings, receptions, parties and concerts.
Climate and surroundings
Akureyri is surrounded by mountains reaching 1000–1500 m. The Arctic Circle is only 60 km north of Akureyri
but the climate is mild, with summer temperatures up to 25°C and winter
temperatures averaging around 0˚C. Some of Iceland’s best natural treasures are within easy reach.
Travel options
Akureyri International Airport offers up to nine daily scheduled flights between Reykjavik and Akureyri, which take 45
minutes, and direct flights from Copenhagen during the summer. It takes about
4–5 hours to drive from Reykjavik to Akureyri.
