Top 13 Best Things To Do in Akureyri (and Nearby)

Explore the top things to do in Akureyri and nearby areas. Often called the “Capital of the North,” it offers access to some of Iceland’s most unique attractions. Read on to discover the best activities in and around Akureyri, from summer adventures to winter experiences.

Akureyri is Iceland’s second-largest settlement outside the Capital Region, with a population of just around 20,000. Despite its modest size, the thriving cultural scene, stunning landscapes, and wide range of Akureyri tours and experiences make this town a must-visit destination in any season.

Set at the base of snow-capped mountains along a deep fjord, Akureyri feels both peaceful and lively. Its colorful streets lined with accommodations and cafes, a botanical garden just below the Arctic Circle, and a strong cultural scene are worth exploring, especially if you choose to rent a car for a flexible adventure.

Many visitors book self-drive tours, giving them the freedom to explore Akureyri highlights and the North Iceland region at their own pace. For a more hassle-free option, curated vacation packages in Iceland also include Akureyri as part of a wider itinerary.

Let’s take a look at the best things to do in Akureyri, from must-see landmarks to unique local experiences.

Key Takeaways

• Compact and Walkable Town: Most of the top things to do in Akureyri, Iceland, are within easy walking distance.

• Top Akureyri Attractions: Explore highlights such as Akureyri Church, the Botanical Garden, the harbour, Akureyri’s famous heart-shaped traffic lights, and Forest Lagoon.

• Outdoor Activities: Enjoy whale watching, hiking, mountain biking, geothermal swimming pools, and scenic walks along Eyjafjordur throughout the year.

• Great Food Scene: Savor fresh seafood and Icelandic lamb, experience cozy cafes and restaurants, and taste craft beer and Brynja’s famous ice cream.

• Gateway to North Iceland: Akureyri is one of the best bases for exploring the top places to visit in North Iceland.

• Top Nearby Attractions: Popular day-trip destinations include Godafoss Waterfall, Lake Myvatn, Dettifoss Waterfall, Asbyrgi Canyon, Laufas Turf Houses, and the Christmas House.

• Unique Island Excursions: Visit Hrisey for hiking and birdwatching or travel to Grimsey, Iceland’s only territory within the Arctic Circle.

• Easy Guided Tours: Day tours from Akureyri make it simple to explore the Diamond Circle, Lake Myvatn, geothermal baths, and other North Iceland highlights.

• Year-Round Destination: Visit in summer for long daylight hours and outdoor adventures, or in winter for snowy scenery, festive events, and northern lights opportunities.

13. Go Horseback Riding in Akureyri

The countryside around Akureyri, with green river valleys, farmland, and the mountains framing Eyjafjordur, makes for some of the best riding terrain in North Iceland. Several stables just outside town offer guided horseback riding tours, ideal for experiencing Iceland’s landscapes from the saddle.

You’ll be riding the Icelandic horse, a pure-bred descendant of the horses Norse settlers brought over 1,000 years ago. They’re small, sure-footed, and known for a gait most breeds don’t have: the tolt, a smooth four-beat run you can sit to without bouncing. That smoothness is what makes these rides genuinely beginner-friendly, no experience needed.

You’ll typically walk and tolt across open meadows and lava fields, with stops to take in the fjord views and meet the horses up close. Summer rides come with long daylight and wildflowers. In winter, you trade them for snow-dusted hills and crisp air.

A good entry point is a 1-hour horse riding tour from Gasir Farm near Akureyri. The farm sits beside Gasir, a medieval trading site on the fjord, so there’s a little history woven into the setting too.

12. Visit Akureyri During a Festival or Seasonal Celebration

Time your self-drive tour in North Iceland right and you’ll catch Akureyri at its liveliest, when the Capital of the North turns its streets, church, and squares over to music, art, and celebration.

The biggest event in Akureyri is Listasumar (Art Summer), a festival that fills June and July with concerts, exhibitions, dance, theatre, and outdoor art all over town.

On the August long weekend, the family festival “Ein með öllu” brings a fairground, a singalong concert inside Akureyri Church, and a fireworks finale. Meanwhile, Akureyrarvaka or Akureyri Cultural Night rounds off the month, celebrating the town’s birthday.

There are plenty of Akureyri highlights and events beyond summer, too. Over Easter, the Hlidarfjall slopes host open ski competitions, while the Christmas season wraps the town in holiday markets, festive glow, and a visit to the nearby Christmas House.

Check the dates before you go, as slotting a festival into your North Iceland itinerary is an easy way to see the warm, community side of Akureyri that most visitors miss.

11. Savor the Flavors of Akureyri

Eating well is one of the most underrated things to do in Akureyri, Iceland. The region’s cool climate, clean water, and proximity to Eyjafjordur give North Iceland some of the country’s best produce and seafood.

Downtown, you’ll find everything from cozy Akureyri cafes and coffee shops to ambitious kitchens serving local specialties. Check out the best restaurants in Akureyri for fresh-caught fish, slow-cooked lamb, and seasonal ingredients sourced from across North Iceland.

For memorable fine dining experiences in Iceland, Restaurant North showcases creative tasting menus inspired by local ingredients. Meanwhile, LYST has recently expanded beyond its popular daytime offerings with a new dinner menu.

If you’re looking for a slower start to the day, many brunch places in Akureyri offer freshly baked pastries to hearty Icelandic breakfast plates. Beer lovers can also sample North Iceland’s growing craft scene, whether at a downtown bar or out at Kaldi Brewery, one of the best breweries and distilleries to visit in Iceland.

No visit to Akureyri is complete without ice cream from Brynja, an Akureyri institution since 1939. Icelanders happily queue in any weather for its famously smooth soft-serve. Try it dipped in chocolate or as a “bragdarefur” blended with your favorite mix-ins. It’s one of those small, delicious Akureyri highlights that locals are quietly proud of.

10. Enjoy the Outdoors at Kjarnaskogur Forest

It’s hard to picture now, but Kjarnaskogur Forest was bare, treeless land until the first saplings went in during the early 1950s. Today that 1,977-acre (800-hectare) woodland is the town’s favorite outdoor playground, and it’s only about a five-minute drive from the center.

In summer, you’ll find roughly 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) of gravel paths for walking, running, and cycling, plus a dedicated 6-mile (10-kilometer) mountain-biking route through the trees. Families come for the playgrounds, the volleyball courts, and the covered barbecue shelters with picnic tables, while birdwatchers head for the hide by the marshland at the northern edge of the forest.

In winter, Kjarnaskogur turns into the largest woodland cross-country skiing area in Iceland, with around 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) of groomed tracks, alongside a big sledding hill for the kids.

Entry is free, and the forest is open year-round, making a visit among the easiest things to do in Akureyri whatever the season.

9. Visit the Akureyri Christmas House

The Akureyri Christmas House (Jolahusid) is one of North Iceland’s most beloved attractions, bringing the magic of Christmas to life all year round. Located about a 10-minute drive south of downtown Akureyri, it’s easiest to reach by rental car or taxi.

Designed to resemble a storybook Nordic cottage, the bright red house is decorated with colorful ornaments, twinkling lights, and whimsical details, including its candy-covered roof. Inside, you’ll find room after room of Christmas decorations, handcrafted gifts, Icelandic holiday treats, and festive keepsakes.

This house is especially magical during the Christmas season in Iceland, but remains open year-round, so you can enjoy a little Christmas spirit no matter when you visit.

8. Wander Through the Akureyri Botanical Garden

Just shy of the Arctic Circle, the Akureyri Botanical Garden, known locally as Lystigardurinn, is one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world.

Opened in 1912, it holds more than 7,000 plant species, from blooms gathered across the globe to a dedicated section of native Icelandic flowers and plants. Gravel paths wind past flowerbeds, trees, and quiet benches, and entry is free.

The garden is open year-round, with long summer hours (typically until 10:00 PM) that let you visit late into the bright northern evenings.

In the middle of it all sits LYST, a cafe serving coffee, hot chocolate, brunch, pastries, and even a glass of wine, with garden views from the tables. It also hosts events like live concerts that help support the garden, so it’s worth checking what’s on when you visit.

A stroll here pairs perfectly with the nearby Akureyri swimming pool or a walk into the town center, all within easy reach.

7. Discover Akureyri’s Cultural Side

For a town of its size, Akureyri has a remarkably lively cultural scene, and it’s compact enough to dip into between other sights.

The heart of it is Listagil, the “Art Canyon” along Kaupvangsstraeti Street. Once lined with dairies and factories, artists took over the old industrial buildings from the late 1980s. Today, the street is home to studios, small galleries, the Akureyri School of Visual Arts, and the artist-run Deiglan exhibition space.

At its center is the Akureyri Art Museum, set in a former dairy and expanded into the neighboring Ketilhus in 2018. The museum shows contemporary Icelandic and international work across several galleries, with one of the top cafes in Akureyri on site.

For live performances, the Hof Cultural and Conference Center, opened in 2010, hosts concerts, theatre, and exhibitions. It is a good first stop for finding out what’s on around town. Meanwhile, the Akureyri Theatre Company stages regular productions as well. If you’re visiting from abroad, check the current programme for any ongoing English-language shows.

If you can time it, the Listasumar (Art Summer) festival fills June and July with concerts, exhibitions, and outdoor art all over town.

6. Hike Above Akureyri on Mount Sulur

Just outside of Akureyri sits Sulur Mountain, affectionately known as the “town mountain,” which is a great place to go hiking. Just 6 miles (9 kilometers) from Akureyri, it’s a popular destination for those looking to go hiking in Iceland without having to go too far.

Mount Sulur rises at 3,980 feet (1,213 meters) and offers incredible views, making it one of the top things to do in Akureyri in summer. The hike is considered moderate to difficult.

It can be extra challenging in wet weather because of nearby marshlands that can slow you down. It also gets quite steep in some parts. But once you get to the summit, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of Akureyri, the surrounding mountains, and the majestic Eyjafjordur Fjord.

5. Go Skiing at Hlidarfjall Mountain

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Sergejf. No edits were made.

While the ski season in the south of Iceland can be hit-or-miss, the north is a different story. Reliable snow means Hlidarfjall, Akureyri’s ski area, often stays open from late November all the way into early May.

Visiting Hlidarfjall is one of the best things to do in Akureyri in winter. It’s the largest ski area in Iceland, and conveniently close: just 3 miles (5 kilometers) from Akureyri town, about a 10-minute drive.

You’ll find 26 marked pistes served by seven lifts, with a longest run of more than 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometers) and snow cannons to back up the natural cover early in the season.

The mix of terrain makes it work for everyone. Gentle, wide slopes for first-timers, and steeper, faster runs for confident skiers and snowboarders. Rental gear and lessons are available on site, and floodlit slopes mean you can keep skiing into the dark winter evenings, when the northern lights sometimes appear overhead.

If you’re around at Easter, you might catch the Andrésar Andar leikarnir, Iceland’s biggest youth ski meet, which fills the slopes with young skiers from across the country.

4. See the Northern Lights in Akureyri

With its small population and low light pollution, Akureyri is one of the best towns in Iceland for catching the northern lights. Sitting far enough north, you only need to drive a few minutes out of town toward the dark countryside or the shores of Eyjafjordur to escape the glow of the streetlights.

The best time to view the northern lights in Iceland is from September to April, when the nights are long and dark. Two things have to line up: a clear sky and active solar conditions. It’s worth checking the aurora forecast before you head out, as both cloud cover and aurora strength can change night to night.

When the lights do appear, they most often glow green, sometimes shifting into pink, purple, or red during stronger displays. Patience helps, so wrap up warm, give your eyes time to adjust to the dark, and be ready to wait.

If you want to take the guesswork out of it, consider joining a guided northern lights tour from Akureyri. Local guides track the forecast and drive you to the clearest, darkest spots for the best possible chance of a sighting.

3. Explore the Heart of Akureyri

The best way to feel Akureyri’s small-town charm is on foot, and almost everything that matters sits within a 15-minute stroll. You can start at Akureyrarkirkja, the town’s landmark church, which has towered over the center since 1940.

Race a friend up the church’s iconic steps as locals do, and there’s even an annual stair race each July. Then, follow the steps down into the center of Akureyri, where you’ll find many of the town’s best attractions gathered within a compact, walkable area.

At the bottom, you’ll reach Hafnarstraeti, the pedestrian main street lined with cafes, galleries, and shops. Keep an eye on the traffic lights here: Akureyri’s stop signals glow as red hearts. Introduced in 2008 to bring a little positivity to the town, they have since become one of the most photographed Akureyri highlights.

From the center, it’s just a short walk to the harbour in Eyjafjordur, the longest fjord in Iceland. The waterfront is a great place to watch fishing boats and cruise ships come and go while taking in the dramatic mountain scenery that surrounds the town.

If you’re visiting with kids, head behind the church to the Akureyri Swimming Pool, one of the best swimming pools in Iceland. This complex features geothermal hot tubs, water slides, and children’s play areas, making it an easy stop for families after exploring the town center.

2. Relax in Geothermal Waters at Forest Lagoon

Opened in 2022, Forest Lagoon is a geothermal spa set in the birch and pine woods of Vadlaskogur. It’s just across the fjord from Akureyri, about 2.2 miles (3.6 kilometers) from town, right off the Ring Road.

The spa centers on two infinity-edge pools that look out over Eyjafjordur, with the water framed by trees on one side and the fjord on the other. Between soaks, you can warm up in the Finnish dry sauna, brave the cold plunge, or order a drink at the swim-up bar. The on-site Forest Bistro serves food if you want to make a longer visit.

Taking the time to unwind at the Forest Lagoon is one of the best things to do in Akureyri, especially during sunset in summer or under the northern lights on a clear winter night. The lagoon is open year-round and wheelchair-friendly, with a free seasonal shuttle from Akureyri if you don’t have a car.

One practical note: towels aren’t included with a standard ticket, so bring your own or rent one at reception. You can book your Forest Lagoon admission ticket ahead of time, as it can get busy on cruise days and winter evenings.

1. Go Whale Watching in Akureyri

Akureyri sits at the head of Eyjafjordur, Iceland’s longest fjord, whose sheltered, food-rich waters make it one of the best places to go whale watching in Iceland. The calm of the fjord is a bonus, too. The water is gentler here than on the open sea, which helps if you’re prone to seasickness.

The most commonly spotted species during whale-watching tours are humpback whales, minke whales, harbor porpoises, and white-beaked dolphins. Sightings of blue whales and orcas are rare, but not impossible in North Iceland’s waters.

Tours run mainly from spring through autumn, when daylight is long and the whales are most active, though some operate year-round. You’ll usually be out on the water for two to three hours, and most operators provide warm overalls. Still, it’s recommended to dress in layers and bring a hat and gloves.

You can choose the style that suits you, from a classic whale-watching tour with transfer from Akureyri to a faster, more adventurous 2-hour RIB boat whale- and bird-watching tour. For many visitors, getting out on the fjord ends up being one of the best activities in Akureyri.

Top Places To Visit Near Akureyri

Akureyri is more than just a destination in its own right; it’s also one of the best bases for exploring North Iceland. Within a short drive, you’ll find volcanic landscapes, powerful waterfalls, geothermal areas, and many of the famous sights along the Diamond Circle sightseeing route.

Here are some of the top attractions near Akureyri worth adding to your itinerary.

• Christmas House: A festive attraction open year-round, filled with Christmas decorations, gifts, ornaments, and seasonal displays. Even in the middle of summer, you can browse holiday-themed rooms and meet Iceland’s unique Yule Lads.

• Laufas Turf Houses: One of the best-preserved turf homes in Iceland, offering a glimpse into rural life in centuries past. The historic buildings, turf roofs, and museum exhibits make it an easy and rewarding cultural stop near Akureyri.

• Lake Myvatn: A shallow, volcanic lake in northern Iceland renowned for its stunning geothermal landscapes, unique lava formations, and rich birdlife.

• Asbyrgi Canyon: A horseshoe-shaped canyon steeped in folklore and surrounded by towering cliffs. Its peaceful walking trails, forests, and unique geology make it one of the most memorable sights in North Iceland.

• Dettifoss Waterfall: Known as Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss sends immense volumes of glacial water crashing into a rugged canyon below. The sheer force and scale of the falls create a memorable experience in North Iceland.

• Godafoss Waterfall: Often called the “Waterfall of the Gods,” Godafoss is one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls. Its wide horseshoe shape and easy accessibility make it one of the most popular day trips from Akureyri.

For more flexibility, you can rent a car in Akureyri or take a 7-day self-drive tour of North Iceland to take in all the sites.

If you have extra time, consider taking a boat trip to one of the islands off the coast of North Iceland:

• Hrisey: Located in Eyjafjordur, the same fjord that Akureyri overlooks, Hrisey is Iceland’s second-largest island after Heimaey in the Westman Islands. The island is known for its colorful houses, scenic hiking trails, excellent birdwatching, and locally harvested blue mussels. Reach Hrisey via a free 15-minute ferry from Arskogssandur. Check the Hrisey ferry schedule here.

• Grimsey: The northernmost inhabited part of Iceland and the country’s only territory within the Arctic Circle. It is home to dramatic sea cliffs, thriving seabird colonies, and fewer than 100 residents. Reach Grimsey by a 30-minute flight from Akureyri or by a 3-hour ferry journey from Dalvik.

Best Day Trips From Akureyri

If you want to explore North Iceland conveniently without planning routes or driving yourself, day tours from Akureyri are an excellent option. These guided excursions take you to some of the region’s top attractions, including waterfalls, geothermal areas, volcanic landscapes, and hot springs, all while providing local insight along the way.

1. Lake Myvatn Sightseeing & Hot Springs Tour: Discover the volcanic wonders of the Lake Myvatn region, including lava fields, pseudocraters, and active geothermal areas. Plus, unwind in soothing geothermal hot springs surrounded by North Iceland’s dramatic landscapes.

2. North Iceland Waterfalls, Lake Myvatn & Geothermal Nature Baths: Visit beautiful waterfalls, explore the unique volcanic scenery around Lake Myvatn, and finish with a relaxing soak in geothermal nature baths.

3. Diamond Circle Tour with Lake Myvatn & Asbyrgi Canyon: Follow North Iceland’s famous Diamond Circle route and visit several of its standout attractions. Highlights typically include Lake Myvatn, the horseshoe-shaped Asbyrgi Canyon, and scenic waterfalls.

4. North Iceland 4x4 Tour to Dettifoss Waterfall & Lake Myvatn: Travel in a specially equipped 4x4 vehicle to reach some of North Iceland’s most rugged landscapes and enjoy access to areas that many standard tours cannot reach.

5. Sightseeing Tour With Waterfalls & Earth Lagoon: Combine sightseeing and relaxation on this easy day trip from Akureyri. Visit waterfalls and scenic viewpoints before ending the day with a soak at Forest Lagoon.

Your Akureyri Journey Awaits

Akureyri offers a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in North Iceland. Whether you’re exploring local landmarks, enjoying seasonal activities, or venturing into the surrounding landscapes, there are endless things to do in Akureyri.

For those who love flexibility, self-drive tours allow you to explore at your own pace, while multi-day guided tours provide expert insights across more of Iceland. No matter how you choose to experience Akureyri, its charm and stunning surroundings are sure to leave a lasting impression.