View of Akureyri, Iceland with ice covered mountains in the background
REACH THE PEAK OF YOUR ARCTIC ADVENTURE

Cruise to Akureyri, Iceland

For a city of 18,000 residents, Akureyri packs a lively punch. Situated at the head of Eyjafjordur, Iceland's longest fjord, the first thing you'll notice is the backdrop of dramatic snow-covered mountains. Take a stroll through the Old Town and admire the 19th-century turf houses. Sample some authentic Icelandic cuisine, or warm up in the steaming Akureyri Thermal Pool. Around the corner, you'll find Akureyri's basalt church, Akureyrarkirkja, with its striking, futuristic facade. Iceland cruises give you access to stroll through Lystigardurinn, the northernmost botanical garden in the world, and breathe in the fresh air and the scent of wild arctic flowers.
National Language Icelandic
Currency Accepted Icelandic Króna (ISK)

Things To Do in Akureyri

Colorful flowers at a botanical garden in Akureyri, Iceland

Stop and Smell the Flowers

Colorful flowers at a botanical garden in Akureyri, Iceland

Colorful flowers at a botanical garden in Akureyri, Iceland

Stop and Smell the Flowers

Find a wealth of plant life at a stone's throw from the Arctic Circle. At Lystigardurinn, the most northerly botanical garden in the world, you can walk along green pathways lined with colorful, sweet-smelling flowers, and take a look at Iceland's native species, as well as 4,000 foreign plants.

Buildings at the Laufas Rectory Farm Museum in Akureyri, Iceland

Turf Tour

Buildings at the Laufas Rectory Farm Museum in Akureyri, Iceland

Buildings at the Laufas Rectory Farm Museum in Akureyri, Iceland

Turf Tour

Take a taxi 23 kilometers to Laufas, where you'll find quaint turf-roofed farmhouses built in the 1860s. They may remind you of the hobbits' houses in "The Lord of the Rings" — but more importantly, they're a window into how Icelanders once lived.

Clear blue water within a cave in Iceland
Clear blue water within a cave in Iceland

Heat It Up

The Akureyri Thermal Pool is one of Iceland's finest. Cruise to Iceland and splash about or relax in the indoor and outdoor pools, which are open year-round. Join the locals for a dip in the geothermal hot spots, the 25-meter pool or the Turkish bath. There are also water slides and a pool for younger children.

Hardfiskur dried fish with a side of charcoal bread and butter
Hardfiskur dried fish with a side of charcoal bread and butter

Local Cuisine

After sightseeing and bathing, you'll probably have worked up quite an appetite. Luckily, Akureyri has lots of restaurants nestled in its downtown center. Icelandic cuisine is based on fish, lamb, dairy, root vegetables and herbs. If you're brave enough, try hakarl (fermented shark). Wash it down with a local craft beer or a taste of Brennivin, the traditional schnapps.

An assortment of wool sweaters at a store
An assortment of wool sweaters at a store

Shopping

You don't need to walk far when shopping in Akureyri: Most shops are in the city center along Hafnarsteti street and in the Glerartorg shopping mall. You'll find trendy designer brands, fun souvenirs and high-fashion labels. The Icelandic Kroner (ISK) is the official currency, and many stores accept credit cards.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 There's a free town bus service on four routes. Look for the yellow buses.
2 Several cafes and museums offer free Wi-Fi.
3 Chances are high that there will be a festival in town, such as the annual Akureyri Art Summer, Local Food Festival or Akureyri Town Festival.

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