Akureyri is one of those towns that makes you feel like you’re in a postcard. I remember stepping out of the bus and immediately noticing the calm vibe. It’s small but not too quiet. It has mountains on one side and the sea on the other. It feels peaceful, fresh, and a bit magical.
I visited Akureyri during late summer. The weather was perfect. Not too cold. Not too windy. If you’re thinking about going there, let me show you the best places to visit and a few spots you may not find in every travel guide.
What Makes Akureyri Special?
First, Akureyri is called the “Capital of North Iceland.” It’s the second-largest urban area in the country, but it doesn’t feel busy. You can walk around the town easily. The buildings are colorful. The people are warm and polite. There’s a lot of art, flowers, and nature everywhere.
The town sits at the end of Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in Iceland. That gives it some seriously beautiful views.
Is the Akureyri Church Worth Visiting?
Yes. Akureyrarkirkja, the main church, is one of the town’s most iconic landmarks. It sits on a hill, and you can see it from almost anywhere in town.
Akureyrarkirkja
I walked up the long set of stairs to reach the church. It’s not a hard climb, but you might want to take your time. Once you reach the top, the view over the town and fjord is stunning. Inside the church, it’s quiet and beautiful. The stained glass windows were shipped from England after World War II.
There’s a peaceful feeling up there. I sat on the steps for a while just looking down at the harbor.
Where Can You Find the Best Views?
Without a doubt, the best views are from the Botanical Garden and the walking trails behind it.
Akureyri Botanical Garden
I was surprised at how beautiful this place was. It’s not huge, but it has plants from all over Iceland and other parts of the world. Entry is free, and you can just stroll through the paths, sit on benches, and enjoy the quiet.
This is one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world. It’s open during summer, and everything was in bloom when I went. A small café inside serves great pastries and hot chocolate.
Can You See Whales in Akureyri?
Yes, and I highly recommend going on a whale watching tour. I booked mine through a local company at the harbor. It was about 3 hours long, and we saw humpback whales several times.
Whale Watching from Akureyri Harbor
The guides were friendly and shared fun facts about marine life. They also gave us warm overalls, which helped a lot. The boat wasn’t crowded, and there was plenty of space to move around.
One of the whales even swam close to the boat. That moment was unforgettable. I still smile when I think about it.
What Museums Are Worth Visiting?
Akureyri may be small, but it has some very interesting museums. I visited two that I think are worth your time.
Akureyri Museum
This one tells the story of the town and the area around it. There are old photos, clothes, and rooms that show how life looked here 100 years ago. It’s good if you enjoy local history.
The Motorcycle Museum of Iceland
I’m not a huge motorbike fan, but this place surprised me. It has bikes from different decades and even some racing ones. The design of the building is modern and clean. It’s a short walk from the center of town.
Where’s the Best Place to Relax?
If you want to soak and unwind, the best place is the local swimming pool.
Akureyri Swimming Pool
This was one of my favorite spots. The pool has hot tubs, a steam bath, slides, and warm pools that are perfect in the cold air. It’s not expensive, and it’s open all year.
The locals go here a lot. It’s a good way to meet people and feel part of daily Icelandic life. I went in the evening, and it felt amazing to sit in a hot pool while looking at the mountains.
Can You Go Skiing Near Akureyri?
Yes. I visited in summer, but I asked locals about winter activities. They all recommended Hlíðarfjall.
Hlíðarfjall Ski Area
It’s just 10 minutes by car from the town. The slopes are good for beginners and advanced skiers. In winter, this area turns into a white wonderland. Some say it’s the best ski resort in Iceland.
Even if you visit in summer, the view from the hill is worth the ride up.
What About Art and Culture?
Akureyri has a strong creative side. I noticed street art all over town. There’s also a great art museum and several galleries.
Akureyri Art Museum
This museum is in the town center. It focuses on Icelandic artists. The exhibitions change often. When I visited, it featured modern sculptures and paintings by young artists from Reykjavík and Akureyri.
The museum isn’t huge, but it’s modern and well-designed. If you like photography or visual art, you’ll enjoy it.
Where Can You Shop for Local Items?
There are a few nice places where you can buy handmade gifts, books, or wool clothes.
Hafnarstræti Street
This is the main shopping street in Akureyri. You’ll find cozy cafés, bakeries, bookstores, and souvenir shops. I bought a wool hat from a small shop where everything was handmade. The owner told me she uses local sheep wool only.
I also found some Icelandic chocolate that was so good, I went back the next day for more.
Is There Nature Close to Town?
Yes. One of the best things about Akureyri is how easy it is to reach nature. You don’t need a car to enjoy it.
Kjarnaskógur Forest
This forest is just outside town. It has trails for walking, running, and biking. It’s good for families too. I saw locals having picnics and walking their dogs. The air here smells clean and earthy. If you like quiet green places, this is a great spot.
Glerárgil Canyon
Another local trail starts near the Glerá river. The canyon walk is lovely and not too hard. You’ll see bridges, waterfalls, and a lot of birds. I went early in the morning and only saw one other hiker. It felt like I had the place to myself.
Are There Good Places to Eat?
Yes. I tried several spots in town. Most of them used fresh and local ingredients.
Strikið
This was my favorite restaurant. It sits above the harbor with a view of the fjord. I had a fish dish made with Arctic char. It was fresh, tasty, and beautifully presented.
Blaa Kannan Café
A cozy café with blue walls and vintage furniture. Perfect for coffee, cake, or soup. I sat here writing postcards for over an hour. The vibe is warm and relaxed.
Best Time to Visit Akureyri?
I went in August. The weather was nice, and everything was open. If you want long daylight hours and blooming flowers, summer is great. For snow activities and northern lights, winter is perfect.
Spring and autumn are less crowded. Some places may be closed, but it’s peaceful.
Stay at least two days. One day is not enough to enjoy everything. Walk slowly. Eat local. Talk to people. Take time to look around.
Akureyri is not about rushing. It’s about enjoying the little things. And trust me, there are many little things here that stay with you long after you leave.
