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Akureyri is a stunning city in Iceland‘s north. The town is acknowledged for its variety inhabitants and picturesque environment. On this easy-to-follow self-guided Akureyri strolling tour, you’ll discover the city’s historical past, and gardens, and in addition be mesmerized by the attractive panorama and the views of the Eyjafjörður fjord. 

Akureyri metropolis strolling tour: View of Akureyri and fjords

Akureyri has all the trendy facilities from quite a lot of shops, motels, eating places, and cafés in addition to a number of museums and cultural sights to go to. 

Mountain climbing, snowboarding, snowboarding, and different outside actions can be found within the area all yr. 

Akureyri is a superb location to go to any time of yr. Whether or not you’re in search of a winter wonderland or a summer season getaway, Akureyri has one thing for everybody.

Akureyri Strolling Tour: What to do in Akureyri 

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Akureyri is situated in northern Iceland, a few 5 hour’s drive from the capital metropolis of Reykjavik. You may as well get to this little city through a 45-minute flight or a bus journey. 

You possibly can keep in Akureyri and discover extra of the north, from the Lake Myvatn space to the waterfalls of the Diamond Circle route and islands close by. 

View of Akureyri Church

You probably have someday in Akureyri, you may get pleasure from this nature-culture route, as I wish to name it. It’s a mixed heritage and botanical backyard tour. 

You possibly can spend wherever from 4 to six hours alongside this path and take ample images and sightseeing stops. 

On the finish of this Akureyri journey information, additionally, you will discover a helpful Google Maps hyperlink (one I used to navigate town) and verify off your favorites. 

Akureyri Strolling Tour Stops

Begin at IcelandAir Lodge or KEA HotelAkureyri ChurchSt Peter’s Catholic ChurchAkureyri Junior CollegeAkureyri Arctic Botanical Gardens Brynja, an iconic ice cream storeSpítalavegur Road and the house of Akureyri’s first shoe shopOldest Home in Akureyri – LaxdalshusAkureyri Museum & Nonni Home (quarter-hour)Akureyri Waterfront (through Peking Home)Whale watching centerHof Cultural and Convention CenterPort of AkureyriOddeyri DistrictTown Sq. (Financial institution and Indian Curry Home)Landemar Monument (see indicators for Torg visitor home)Akureyri Artwork Museum Akureyri city centre 

Akureyri waterfront and metal sculpture

Are you prepared? Strap your comfy strolling (or climbing) sneakers, seize a bottle of water and your digicam – let’s go!

There are lots of methods to tour Akureyri and I did a couple of permutations and mixtures and this one is my favourite! 

We’ll begin at a centrally situated resort akin to IcelandAir Lodge or KEA Lodge. 

Cease 1: Begin at IcelandAir Lodge or KEA Lodge

For my 3 days in northern Iceland itinerary, I stayed on the IcelandAir Lodge. This was certainly one of my solo journeys to the nation, and I absolutely had a good time. 

After breakfast on the IcelandAir Lodge, I descended in direction of the landmark Akureyri Church. 

As a result of IcelandAir Lodge is situated on an elevated stage, you’ll have to stroll downhill to the church. The views of the Eyjafjörður fjord are simply attractive from right here. 

Stroll to the Church of Akureyri

As you stroll down, you will note the fjord and the church towers. This would be the subsequent cease on this self-guided strolling tour of Akureyri. 

Alternatively, in case you are staying on the luxurious KEA resort, the church complicated might be proper behind you. You’ll have to climb 102 steps to get to the Akureyri church entrance.

KEA Lodge and Akureyri Church are subsequent to one another

Cease 2: Akureyri Church

The Akureyri Church or Akureyrarkirkja is a gorgeous church situated within the centre of the city. It was constructed within the yr 1940 and is without doubt one of the iconic spots in Iceland.

It’s a Lutheran Church and its towers are seen from a distance resulting from its elevation. 

Akureyri Church

The Akureyri Church was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson and boasts a shocking inside with a big organ pipe. 

Exterior the church, there’s a good complicated the place you may take within the views of the encompassing fjords, mountains, and the city beneath.

Relying in your start line, you may absolutely climb up or down the steps while having fun with the view. There are picnic tables close by as effectively the place you may hang around. 

The church is free to enter and is open on weekdays from 10:00 am to six:00 pm (on Friday, it closes at 4:00 pm). 

Steps to the Akureyri Church

Cease 3: St Peter’s Catholic Church

Your subsequent focal point is the enduring Arctic Botanical Gardens, however you’ll go by way of two stops which might be price visiting. 

The space from the Church to Akureyri Arctic Botanical Gardens will take about quarter-hour with out stopping alongside the way in which. 

The views on this route are good with the fjords on one facet and homes/roads on the opposite.

St Peter’s Catholic Church

The pink and white St Peter’s Catholic Church will welcome you first. 

The church is devoted to Saint Peter who’s also referred to as Peter the Apostle, Peter the Rock, Simon Peter, and Simeon. He was one of many Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ and is considered one of many first leaders of the early Church.

Learn: 3 days in Iceland itinerary

Cease 4: Akureyri Junior Faculty

Akureyri Junior Faculty

The Akureyri Junior Faculty is without doubt one of the oldest academic establishments in Iceland. It has a nationwide rating of two. 

The school is ready on a big inexperienced complicated, and the constructing was arrange right here after the unique one was burnt down in 1902.

The roots of the Junior Faculty date again to an historic college in Hólar in Hjaltadalur valley. 

Cease 5: Akureyri Arctic Botanical Gardens 

A must-visit free attraction in Akureyri is its Arctic Botanical Gardens and Public Park. The park dates again to 1912 and later with the assistance of some native girls the backyard was opened in 1957.

Botanical Gardens

Right now it’s a standard spot for locals and guests to discover. There are over 7,000 species of vegetation on show and some greenhouses. The location additionally conducts scientific analysis frequently. 

Take the time to wander the gardens, and take a look at the busts of standard males and picture displays. There are benches in addition to a café and a present store the place you may cease for a bit and relaxation your legs. 

The gardens are open year-round and supply a gorgeous place to loosen up and take within the surroundings. 

Cease 6: Brynja, an iconic ice cream retailer

After the botanical gardens, proceed strolling in direction of Nonni Home and the Akureyri Museum complicated. It should take you about 15-20 minutes to get there. 

However I guess, it will likely be longer because the route is scattered with cute gems and an ice cream store which is a must-visit. 

Brynja

Brynja is a well-liked ice cream parlor on the town – it’s fairly simple to identify from a distance. Be sure you strive some flavors right here!

The realm in and across the ice cream store has a number of the oldest indicators of settlement in Akureyri akin to homes, museums, church buildings, and different websites. 

Cute homes in Akureyri

This includes the previous city space of Akureyri. Additionally, you will discover a little bit informative signal sharing their historical past.

Cease 7: Spítalavegur Road and the house of Akureyri’s first shoe store

As you make your strategy to Museum, you may wander to Spítalavegur Road and take a look at the primary shoe store in Akureyri. 

Spítalavegur Road homes

Additionally, you will discover colourful and cute picket homes which might be so picturesque and excellent for a photograph prop! 

Apparently, additionally, you will discover book-like informative boards the place you may examine every home, and avenue with some historic particulars. 

Data charts in your Akureyri strolling tour

Cease 8: Oldest Home in Akureyri – Laxdalshus

Alongside this route, additionally, you will discover Laxdal Home or the Laxdalshus. That is the oldest home in Akureyri, courting again to 1795. 

Laxdal Home or the Laxdalshus

From right here, you’ll be strolling alongside a scenic pathway with water views. 

Very quickly, you’ll discover a statue in your proper. That is your subsequent cease – Akureyri Museum & Nonni Home. 

Learn: Greatest Iceland guided excursions | 8-day Iceland itinerary

Cease 9: Akureyri Museum & Nonni Home 

Akureyri Museum, Nonni Home, and a Nineteenth-century church are all situated in the identical complicated. To enter the grounds and backyard is totally free. 

Statue of Nonni and Akureyri Museum

However to go to the Akureyri Museum, church, and the Nonni Home interiors, there are set working hours and an entry charge of 2000 ISK per individual. 

The Akureyri Museum has two everlasting exhibitions, and typically additionally they have short-term shows. 

Displays contained in the museum

The everlasting assortment highlights the life and tales of residents from its early settlement days to fashionable instances. 

Throughout my go to, the museum had music and grocery history-related displays.

Cannon on show on the Akureyri museum complicated

As you permit the museum, you will note a pleasant backyard with a cannon on show. 

Close by is the Nineteenth-century church. The church is normally closed/locked, and you need to pay to get in (the identical ticket, paid on the Akureyri museum). 

Lastly, go to the Nonni Home. This picket home dates again to 1850 and is without doubt one of the oldest homes in Akureyri. The home is called after its proprietor, who was lovingly often known as Nonni. 

Nonni Home

Inside the home, you’ll discover furnishings, clothes, and utensils from the Nineteenth century. Every thing is stored in an immaculate situation. There may be additionally a second ground, and you’ll take the steps/ladder to go up and see the bed room upstairs! 

Inside Nonni Home

Cease 10: Akureyri Waterfront (through Peking Home)

After exploring the museum complicated, get pleasure from a stunning stroll alongside the waterfront of Akureyri. 

Now, as a substitute of taking the same old/earlier route, take the trail alongside the pink constructing with – Peking – written on it. 

You will notice the view of fjords. Observe that you need to cross the street to get there. 

The waterfront space had cute wrecked ships, lined wooden bridges, stunning paved areas, and naturally attractive views. 

Take the time to get pleasure from this stroll. Be at liberty to cease for a break or take images. 

As you method the city centre, you will note the church towers in your left (that is the place we started), and in your proper (a bit far-off) you’ll discover a pink workplace – it is a whale watching tour workplace. 

At this level, you may cross the street, and head again to the city centre to finish the strolling tour. The church, KEA resort, and cafes/shops might be just some steps away. 

Cease 11: Whale-watching middle

Now if you happen to want to proceed then head to the whale watching middle. Excursions may be booked on-line or within the workplace. 

Whale watching Heart

The spot across the workplace could be very good, and it’s excellent to snap a photograph or two of the pink coronary heart cease indicators (of the site visitors lights).

Cease 12: Hof Cultural and Convention Heart

As you proceed your stroll, you will note a round-shaped constructing, which is the Hof Cultural and Convention Heart. 

It’s a performing arts and live performance corridor. You possibly can e-book a present, or seize a chunk to eat/drink at their cafe!

Hof Cultural and Convention Heart opened its doorways in 2010. 

Cease 13: Port of Akureyri

The port of Akureyri can also be situated right here. Right here you’ll discover ferries and ships docked for excursions and transport. You might be allowed to stroll round that space, and admire the views!

Port of Akureyri

Cease 14: Oddeyri District

If you exit the Hof Cultural and Convention Heart and the port, you’ll be on the cusp of the Akureyri and Oddeyri districts, the latter being one of many oldest areas in Iceland. 

Oddeyri district

Lots of the settlers right here have been of Norwegian and Danish origins. You possibly can flip proper to discover Oddeyri. 

Or flip left to move to the city sq.. 

Cease 15: City Corridor Sq. – Ráðhústorg sq. (Financial institution and Indian Curry Home)

If you flip left, you’ll cross a taxi stand after which arrive on the City Corridor Sq. boarded by a financial institution and an Indian Curry Home. This website was alleged to have a city corridor, but it surely was by no means constructed. 

The city sq. is the place processions and rallies happen in Akureyri. 

On the sq., you’ll discover indicators for the Monument Landnemar à Akureyri, that is the First Settlers Monument. 

To get to this landmark statue, it’s one other 6-7 minute stroll, with a slight elevation. 

Indicators for Monument Landnemar à Akureyri

From the sq., simply comply with indicators for Monument Landnemar à Akureyri. Be sure to discover Torg guesthouse in your method to make sure you are heading in the right direction. (After a couple of blocks indicators are non-existent).

Learn: Iceland journey suggestions | Greatest scorching swimming pools in Iceland

Cease 16: Landemar Monument 

Monument Landnemar à Akureyri is the First Settlers Statue. It has Helgi, the lean, and his spouse – Þórunn Hyrna. 

Helgi magri (the slim) Eyvindarson was a Norse Viking, and he got here to this space within the ninth century. 

Monument Landnemar à Akureyri

The primary point out of Akureyri in courtroom data is from 1562. 

Since then Danish settlers and merchants have migrated to Iceland. Everlasting settlement at Akureyri began in 1778. It was granted city standing by the king of Denmark (who on the time was additionally king of Iceland) together with 5 different cities in Iceland (1786). 

Monument Landnemar à Akureyri

Again to the Monument Landnemar à Akureyri. The statue is situated on an elevated platform, however it’s a straightforward stroll/climb to get there. 

You can see that the statue is pointing on the city beneath, and overlooking the settlement. 

Learn: Greatest Iceland waterfalls

Cease 17: Akureyri city centre 

From right here, flip again and stroll the identical path to arrive on the city sq.. 

Akureyri Centre

From the city corridor sq., you’ll be on the coronary heart of Akureyri once more. You can see fairly cafes, avenue artwork, and murals alongside the way in which. 

Cease at a restaurant and seize a drink or a hearty soup. 

Cafes in Akureyri

Soup and bread

When you want one thing gentle, go for an Icelandic scorching canine (yup, the identical standard one from Reykjavik – Bæjarins beztu). 

Additionally, you will discover pretty eating places providing seafood and drinks. There are Icelandic delicacies, pizza joints, burger locations, shawarma, and even an Indian Curry Home.

Italian meals stall in Akureyri: Akureyri strolling tour

There are memento and reward shops, and a really good bookstore, Te & Kaffi, and Penninn Eymundsson Akureyri, with espresso/gentle snacks choices. 

Cease 18: Akureyri Artwork Museum 

If you may go to the Akureyri Artwork Museum. This museum faces the Akureyri Church the place we started sightseeing! 

Downtown space: Akureyri strolling tour

The Akureyri Artwork Museum first opened its doorways in 1993. 

The museum homes a group of Icelandic artwork from the Nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It’s open all yr spherical and gives quite a lot of exhibitions and occasions. 

City Akureyri Sightseeing Map

Click on to view the total map

Akureyri Journey Information

Here’s a fast information to Akureyri. This can be a small city situated in northern Iceland. 

Though small (lower than 20,000 inhabitants), it’s the nation’s second-largest city space and fifth-largest municipality. 

Akureyri strolling tour

Akureyri was an vital fishing and farming village. It additionally has certainly one of Iceland’s busiest airports after Keflavik and Reykjavik Metropolis Airports. 

The city is situated on the Eyjafjörður fjord. 

The easiest way to get to Akureyri from Reykjavík is by aircraft. Flights go away every day from Reykjavík’s airport, and the flight takes about an hour (or much less if it’s a direct flight). You may as well take a bus or drive to Akureyri. 

Akureyri Airport

So, 

To get to Akureyri from Reykjavik, you may lease a automotive and drive (5 hours)Hop on a 45-minute IcelandAir flight from Reykjavik airportTake a bus (6.50 to 7 hours)

The place to remain in Akureyri?

Akureyri is a perfect base for exploring northern Iceland. It’s inside simple driving distance of lots of the area’s sights, together with the Lake Mývatn space, the Dettifoss, and the Godafoss waterfall. 

Listed here are some resort suggestions. 

IcelandAir Lodge: This can be a pretty 3-4 star property the place I stayed during my journey, I completely beloved the resort. 

My room had mountain views, a big king-size mattress, a desk space, and a pleasant (huge) washroom. What I beloved most concerning the resort was its foyer and a stunning outside space the place you may hang around. 

There’s a beneficiant parking zone in case you are driving to city. Click on to view availability right here 

KEA Lodge: One other luxurious property situated tremendous near the Akureyri Church and the city centre is KEA Lodge. This resort is centrally situated and inside strolling distance, you’ll discover all of the eating places and sights. Examine availability right here

Lodge Akureyri: That is the proper resort for worth. It has views of Eyjafjörður Fjord, and the rooms are stylish and stylish at an inexpensive value! Examine costs and availability right here

Staying in Akureyri will assist you to get pleasure from this glorious city, and extra. 

The city gives quite a lot of actions and sights for guests. There are a number of museums, together with the Akureyri Artwork Museum and the Icelandic Transport Museum. 

Akureyri Museum complicated

The city can also be house to the world’s northernmost botanical backyard, the Lystigarður Akureyrar.

You possibly can get pleasure from climbing and snowboarding within the close by mountains, chase the northern lights or take a ship tour of the fjord. There are additionally a number of golf programs within the space. 

Different self-guided strolling excursions in Akureyri

The guided tour above was a mixture of historical past, city, and nature trails that I adopted to discover town of Akureyri. However their tourism board has 4 distinct routes that they suggest, plus there are strolling golf equipment too that you could be part of. 

Akureyri strolling tour

Akureyri information recommends the next

Historic Path (blue): This path takes you thru the historic previous city of Akureyri, with its colourful and historic buildings. 

It covers Ráðhústorg sq. aka City Corridor Sq., Hafnarstræti, the ice cream store, Brynja all the way in which to Akureyri Museum. It’s shorter than the self-guided tour now we have lined above.

The First Settlers and city structure (inexperienced): This route begins at City Corridor Sq. once more after which takes you to statues of the primary settlers of Akureyri. Helgi magri and Þórunn Hyrna, look over Eyjafjörður. 

Swimming pool in Akureyri

Then you’ll try Akureyri geothermal swimming pool, adopted by the Botanical Backyard and Akureyri church.

Rivers and Gardens route (orange): This path is throughout nature. Start the stroll from the statues of the primary settlers after which get to the Glerá river that crosses by way of Akureyri. 

Residential areas in Akureyri: Akureyri strolling tour

Comply with the strolling path alongside the river and take within the great surroundings. If you stroll again in direction of the city centre, you’ll go by way of inexperienced areas and playgrounds within the residential areas of Akureyri and finish your stroll again on the Ráðhústorg sq./City Corridor sq..

The Sea and Oddetrin (pink): This quick path is a straightforward strategy to wander by way of components of Akureyri, and the previous neighborhood of Oddeyri by the ocean.

You can see cute and colourful previous homes, outside paintings, and gorgeous views of Eyjafjörður fjord and the mountains. 

Hof and the waterfront space of Akureyri: Akureyri strolling tour

You’ll begin on the Ráðhústorg sq. once more, and stroll east, in direction of the ocean. You’ll go Hof Cultural centre and stroll to the waterfront space. 

This route is the second half of the self-guided tour now we have outlined above – however it’s performed in reverse!

Right here is a few contact info for strolling golf equipment

Súlur Vertical: information@sulurvertical.is (native operating membership)Extensive Open: information@wideopen.is (climbing membership)Stroll and go to: (+354) 623 9595 (guided excursions)

So there you go – now you’ve got all the paths and strolling routes to get began! 

You probably have by no means heard of this little city of Akureyri, we hope this journey information has shed some gentle and inspiration to go to! 

We’ve got extra Iceland guides beneath so be at liberty to select one and get touring!

Pin: Go to Akureyri with a self-guided tour

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