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Information about Akureyri

Akureyri, ‘The Capital of the North’ is a town in the fjord Eyjafjörður in North Iceland. It lies just 100 kilometres (62 miles) away from the Arctic Circle. It is Iceland’s second-largest urban area with a population of about 17,800.

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 airport is located about three kilometres (two miles) from the centre. A large number of cruisers also stop at Akureyri.

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 are also based here, such as Vifilfell hf, the largest brewery in Iceland, which produces the famous Kaldi brand.

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. Additionally, one of Iceland's best skiing sites is found by Akureyri, at Hlíðarfjall.

Nature & Landscape

Akureyri is surrounded by mountains, the highest one being Kerling at 1,538 metres (5,064 feet). The area around it has rich agriculture and a beautiful mountain ring.

The island of Hrísey sits in the middle of Eyjafjörður and Grímsey Island, which straddles the Arctic Circle; both islands belong to the municipality of Akureyri. Hrísey is often called 'The Pearl of Eyjafjörður’ and Grímsey 'The Pearl of the Arctic', and these beautiful and peaceful islands are highly popular with travelers.

Both are also home to many puffins.

Furthermore, Akureyri is a very popular place to stay due to its proximity to the Lake Mývatn. This is one of the country’s most popular destinations, due to its incredible natural beauty, intense geothermal activity, wealth of birdlife and many surrounding sites, including Dettifoss waterfall, the most powerful waterfall in the country.

It is also close to the seal-watching capital of Iceland, Hvammstangi, on the Vatnsnes Peninsula. This peninsula is also home to the popular ‘elephant rock’ formation, called Hvítserkur.

The convenience of Akureyri is added to due to the fact that it sits on the Icelandic Ring Road, a route that encircles the country, passing almost every major destination. This means that reaching it from Reykjavík is little trouble, even in winter, in a journey that takes less than five hours.

History & Culture

During World War II, Akureyri 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 here than in Reykjavík. 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 its many museums.

Akureyri also has several churches, Akureyrarkirkja being the most notable, as well as the world’s northernmost 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

Hrísey

Dalvík

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