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Information about Akureyri

Akureyri, ‘The Capital of the North’ is a town in the fjord Eyjafjordur in North Iceland. It lies just 100 km away from the Arctic Circle. It is Iceland’s second-largest urban area with a population of about 17,800.

Read Akureyri | Iceland's "Capital of the North" for more information.

Economy

Akureyri is an important fishing centre and port, but in the last few years tourism, industry, higher education and services have become the fastest growing sectors of the economy.

An international airport is located about 3 km from the center. A large number of cruisers also stop at Akureyri. One of Iceland's best skiing sites is found by Akureyri, at Hlidarfjall.

Traditionally Akureyri has survived on fisheries and some of Iceland’s largest fishing companies, like for example Samherji, have their headquarters there. Other large companies include Brim, Nordurmjolk, and Vifilfell hf, the largest brewery in Iceland.

FSA/Akureyri Hospital is a major employer in the area and is one of two major hospitals in Iceland.

Akureyri has excellent facilities for travelers and is located a short drive from many of Iceland’s top natural, cultural and historical attractions.

Nature & Landscape

Akureyri is surrounded by mountains, the highest one being Kerling (1538 m). The area around it has rich agriculture and a beautiful mountain ring.

The innermost part of the fjord, Pollurinn ('The Pool') further lends the town a special character. The climate in Akureyri is generally very pleasant.

The islands Hrisey in the middle of Eyfjordur and Grimsey, straddling the Artic Circle, both belong to the municipality of Akureyri. Hrisey is often called 'The Pearl of Eyjafjordur' and Grimsey 'The Pearl of the Artic' and these beautiful and peaceful islands are highly popular with travelers.

History & Culture

During World War II the town was an important site for the Allies and the town grew considerably after the war, as people increasingly moved to urban areas.

Akureyri has a strong cultural scene, with several bars and renowned restaurants. Folk culture in general is more prevalent there than in Reykjavik. During the summer there are several notable festivals in Akureyri and its surroundings.

Sites of interest in Akureyri include the brand-new Hof concert hall and Akureyri’s many museums, The Nature Museum, Nonnahus, a.k.a. Jon Sveinsson Memorial Museum, for the writer, David's house or David Stefansson Memorial Museum, for the poet, Akureyri Art Museum.

Akureyri also has several churches, Akureyrarkirkja being the most notable, as well as beautiful botanical gardens. The old town is particularly charming, ideal for a nice walk.

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Akureyrarkirkja

Akureyrarkirkja is a Lutheran church in the town Akureyri in North Iceland. It is one of the town’s most distinctive landmarks. The...

Information about Akureyri

Economy

Nature & Landscape

History & Culture

Services near Akureyri

All services in 50km radius

Attractions nearby Akureyri

Akureyrarkirkja

Drekagil

Kjarnaskógur

Svalbarðseyri

Súlur

Fnjóskadalur

Hjalteyri

Laufás

Strýtur

Öxnadalur

Goðafoss

Hauganes

Grenivík

Árskógssandur

Saurbæjarkirkja

Svarfadardalur

Svartá

Ullarfoss

Kaldbakur

Hrísey

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