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Planning a visit to north Iceland? Then it’s essential to learn our in the future in Akureyri itinerary. Akureyri is the second largest settlement in Iceland, and it’s a nice cease when exploring the northern a part of the nation. 

There are museums, parks, swimming pools, superb views of the Eyjafjörður Fjord, and superior lodging which makes it a terrific cease in your Iceland journey.

At some point in Akureyri Itinerary: Exploring north Iceland

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Akureyri is dwelling to about 18,000 inhabitants. In fact, it could not sound like quite a bit, however it’s full of cute hearts, cafes, and cultural points of interest that make a go to right here worthwhile. 

This city can also be identified for its pleasant folks and gorgeous landscapes in and round it. 

The attractive city of Akureyri (view of church and KEA resort)

There are a number of outlets, eating places, and cafes in Akureyri, in addition to a variety of museums. 

You’ll be able to get pleasure from mountaineering, snowboarding, snowboarding, and different out of doors actions within the area. And even chase northern lights and go whale watching!

Learn how to spend in the future in Akureyri (church)

This Akureyri in the future itinerary assumes that you’ve got your complete day on this charming city. We are going to share journey tips about learn how to get there, day journeys, and excursions in and round Akureyri and the close by Myvatn space in Iceland. 

Issues to do in Akureyri in in the future: Akureyri itinerary (snapshot)

Begin with a stunning breakfast within the coronary heart of townVisit Akureyri ChurchExplore the Akureyri Botanical GardensVisit the Akureyri Museum and the Nonni HouseWalk alongside the Akureyri waterfrontHang out on the Hof Cultural and Convention Middle and the Port of AkureyriWander the city centre of Akureyri

Learn: At some point in Reykjavik itinerary

Attending to Akureyri: North Iceland Journey Suggestions

As talked about Akureyri is situated within the northern a part of Iceland. It’s a few 5-hour drive from Reykjavik. Basically it covers a distance of 387.3 km or 240 miles – a technique. 

In fact, you can also make this highway journey uber scenic and many enjoyable by stopping alongside the way in which on the Ring Street.

Learn: Learn how to get from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik

If you don’t choose to drive, a great way is to hop on the IcelandAir flight and arrive in Akureyri in 45 minutes or so. As a result of I used to be touring solo (and didn’t need to drive lol) I selected this feature. 

The flight was nice. I departed from Reykjavik Metropolis Airport (not the Keflavik Airport which you may use when arriving from america or wherever in North America) and arrived on the tiny Akureyri airport. 

Akureyri airport

This airport is slowly working worldwide flights to and from London and a few Scandinavian nations. 

There are buses that may take you there. Rides are about 6-7 hours lengthy. 

There aren’t any day excursions from Reykjavik that cowl this route. You’ll be able to e-book guided excursions for 3 days which incorporates Akureyri or be part of a day tour from town to the Myvatn Lake space (extra on this beneath).

Learn: 5 days in Iceland itinerary

The place to remain in Akureyri? 

Akureyri is the right base for individuals who want to discover extra of northern Iceland, and not using a highway journey, and with out hopping from one campsite or lodge to a different. 

Icelandair Lodge

Lodging in Akureyri is definitely tremendous good, and you will see all trendy facilities with views, a pleasant breakfast, and in addition a powerful (free) web connection to proceed your ‘make money working from home!

I stayed on the IcelandAir Lodge for 3+ nights. I completely cherished the resort. My room had mountain views, a big king-size mattress, a desk space, and a pleasant (massive) washroom. Breakfast was additional, nevertheless it was value it.

You’ll be able to e-book excursions, prepare taxis, and extra on the entrance desk. And the employees is tremendous pleasant and useful!

What I cherished most concerning the resort was its foyer and a stunning out of doors space the place you may hang around; plus there was a swimming pool, parks, and strolling trails close to the resort.

There’s a beneficiant car parking zone as properly if you’re driving to city. 

Click on to view availability right here – I’m positive you’ll find it irresistible too! 

Different resort suggestions: Listed here are two extra properties that I used to be taking a look at after I booked my resort. 

KEA Lodge: This can be a beautiful 4-star property situated tremendous near the Akureyri Church and the city centre. I couldn’t discover any rooms with views or a big haunt space, so opted for the IcelandAir Lodge as a substitute. KEA is nice if you don’t want to do numerous strolling, and it has all of the eating places and points of interest in your finger journeys. Verify availability hereHotel Akureyri: Good 3-star property (similar to the Icelandair resort, however cheaper). The property presents views of Eyjafjörður Fjord, and the rooms are fashionable and stylish. Verify costs and availability right here

 Now let’s get the journey itinerary began. 

Begin with a stunning breakfast in Akureyri 

Kickstart your in the future in Akureyri itinerary with a stunning breakfast at your resort or on the city centre. 

Most lodges will present a hearty meal with toast, eggs, sausages, fruits, parfait, cake, and limitless cups of espresso and juices! Or you may go for a pleasant soup and bread!

I loved mine on the IcelandAir Lodge and fueled up for the remainder of the day. Don’t neglect to fill your reusable bottle with water. 

Professional tip: We suggest reserving a resort with breakfast. Nice approach to save money and time if you find yourself on a decent sightseeing schedule!

Go to Akureyri Church

After a pleasant breakfast make your approach to the landmark Akureyri Church. 

Church of Akureyri

The Akureyri Church or Akureyrarkirkja is a phenomenal church situated within the city of Akureyri, Iceland. 

The church was in-built 1940 and is without doubt one of the hottest vacationer points of interest within the area.

It was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson and boasts a shocking inside with a big organ pipe. 

View from the church advanced

Exterior the church is a phenomenal space the place you may soak within the views of the encompassing fjords, mountains, and the city beneath.

The church is free to enter and is closed on the weekends. 

There are about 100+ steps to achieve the church entrance. While you look again you will see superb views of the Eyjafjörður Fjord. 

Steps to the church

If you’re staying on the IcelandAir Lodge you’ll enter the church advanced from the bottom, and that view can also be fairly and it makes for a pleasant photograph spot. 

The advanced is spacious, permitting you to get pleasure from a stroll, sit down and chill out a bit. 

Deal with: við Eyrarlandsveg 600, 600 Akureyri, IcelandOpening hours: Monday to Thursday 10:00 am to 06:00 pm. Fridays they shut at 4:00 pm. Weekends closed

Discover the Akureyri Arctic Botanical Gardens

Up subsequent is the Akureyri Botanical Gardens. They’re situated alongside the route behind the church. It’s going to take you about quarter-hour to get there. 

Arctic Botanical Gardens

As a result of you have got already had breakfast it is sensible to benefit from the gardens and close by points of interest earlier than exploring the city centre.

The Botanical Gardens, or Lystigarðurinn, are thought-about to be the world’s northernmost botanical gardens. They’re solely 50 kilometres (31 miles) away from the Arctic Circle and supply views of the fjords.

The gardens have been established in 1957 and it’s housed inside a public park that dates again to the 12 months 1912. There are over 7,000 species of vegetation on show, in addition to a café and a present store. 

The gardens are open year-round and supply a phenomenal place to chill out and take within the surroundings. 

Botanical Gardens

In the course of the summer season months, the Botanical Gardens are formally open, however within the low season, as gates are technically open you may stroll via and benefit from the stroll. 

Throughout my go to, not numerous flowers have been blooming (I used to be there in late April), and the fountains had all dried up. However the stroll was nonetheless good, and the employees members have been busy within the greenhouses. 

Greenhouses on the Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens conducts scientific analysis frequently. 

Apart from the flowers, there have been a number of busts of outstanding folks comparable to these of the donor Jón Rögnvaldsson, or Matthias Jochumsson, who wrote Iceland’s nationwide anthem.

Cafe on the Arctic Botanical Gardens

I cherished the gorgeous cafe interiors, and spend a while there with my Kindle! I ordered a dear latte and it was scrumptious!

Deal with: MWG4+3J4, Eyrarlandsvegur, 600 Akureyri, IcelandOpening hours: On a regular basis 08:00 am to 10:00 pm

Go to the Akureyri Museum and the Nonni Home

Stroll one other quarter-hour to get to the following cease on this in the future Akureyri itinerary. This time we’re visiting the Akureyri Museum, Nonni Home, and a Nineteenth-century church. 

Brynja ice cream store

Alongside the way in which, you can also make stops on the well-liked ice cream store – Brynja, and cute and colourful homes for images and views!

The Akureyri Museum is a paid attraction and it contains the three objects – the museum itself, Nonni Home, and the church situated within the advanced. 

Museum advanced (3 points of interest to go to)

The entry charge is about 15-20 USD per particular person. With no paid ticket, you may solely discover the advanced from the skin.

The Museum is small, nevertheless it presents a superb perception into the life and folks of Akureyri. 

Reveals inside

There are two everlasting exhibitions depicting the historical past of the world from settlement to trendy instances: “Eyjafjorður from Early Occasions” and “Akureyri – the City on the Bay”. 

Additionally, you will discover artifacts and displays associated to the Viking interval, the Center Ages, faith, and on a regular basis life in Eyjafjörður and Akureyri prior to now. They’re neatly labeled in English, so you may simply comply with alongside. 

On some days, additionally they have momentary exhibitions (musical historical past is what I explored) and your entry ticket contains it. 

The encompassing museum backyard is cute for a stroll, and this may convey you to the previous black church. 

Nineteenth century Church in Akureyri (I’m sporting IceWear headbands I acquired in Akureyri – so heat)

The Nineteenth-century church was initially constructed elsewhere and was introduced right here. You’re allowed to open the church door and enter.

Subsequent stroll to Nonni Home. 

Nonni’s Home or Nonnahús is a small home courting again to the 12 months 1850. This is without doubt one of the oldest homes in Akureyri, and it offers you an incredible alternative to see how life was again then.

View of Nonni Home from the Museum entrance

I used to be impressed by the maintenance of the furnishings and the situations of the rooms general. There was an higher degree with bunk beds. 

Every part was lovely and well-maintained, and for an 1850s home properly stocked (my granny’s home didn’t appear to be this within the Nineteen Fifties – a century later in India), however this home was epic!

Inside Nonni Home

The home is called after a widely known youngsters’s creator and Jesuit priest Jón Sveinsson, who was also called “Nonni”. You will see that his statue as you enter and go away the advanced. 

Deal with:  Aðalstræti 58, 600 Akureyri, IcelandOpening hours: 11:00 am to five:00 pm

Learn: 3 days in Iceland itinerary

Stroll alongside the Akureyri waterfront

Make your approach again to the city centre, and this time select a unique route. 

Akureyri waterfront

You will notice indicators for Peking (crimson home). Head there after which cross the highway to stroll alongside the path with views of the Eyjafjörður fjord.

This can be a beautiful path with a picket bridge, cute deserted ships and iron sculptures (that is just like the Solar Voyager you may see in Reykjavik). 

As you proceed strolling you will see the church towers from a distance. 

As an alternative of constructing a flip right here (site visitors lights) for the city centre head to the Port of Akureyri passing the whale watching workplace (in crimson). 

Whale watching and port of Akureyri, with the Hof centre at a distance

Hang around on the Hof Cultural and Convention Middle and the Port of Akureyri

Hof Cultural and Convention Middle is a phenomenal constructing the place performing arts and musicals are showcased (for a charge). 

Hof Akureyri

The live performance corridor is a well-liked venue for a wide range of occasions and concert events. The corridor is open all 12 months spherical and presents trendy amenities and providers.  

With out catching a present or a live performance, you may nonetheless entry the constructing, seize a espresso or snack and stroll over to the port space for extra lovely views.

What Harpa Live performance Corridor is for Reykjavik, Hof Cultural and Convention Middle is for Akureyri!

Deal with:  Strandgata 12, 600 Akureyri, IcelandOpening hours: Varies

As you come out of the Convention Middle you may be on the township of Oddeyri. This is without doubt one of the oldest neighborhoods and it kinds the northern aspect of the Akureyri basin. 

From right here, make your approach again to the city centre. 

Whale watching workplace on the left

Tip for whale watching excursions: For those who want to add a whale watching tour, now’s the time. You’ll be able to stroll again to the Whale watching middle (crimson workplace) from the Convention Middle. 

Excursions go away at 5:00 pm, and the workplace opens at 4:00 pm for reserving, or you may e-book one right here on-line. They final for 3+ hours, and you may be again on the town within the night by 08:00 pm-ish. 

Wander the City Middle and spot hearts!

The city middle of Akureyri is SUPER CUTEEEE. It is stuffed with colourful cafes, outlets, fairly road artwork, lanes and oh my heartssss all over the place! 

It is vitally simple to navigate and plenty of alleys are pedestrian entry solely. Take the time to wander the city middle, decide a library/bookstore, sit down with a pleasant e-book, seize a espresso or soup and simply have enjoyable!

There are memento shops within the City Centre, the place you should purchase some IceWear goodies or magnets to convey again dwelling. 

City of Akureyri

That is the place you may as well get pleasure from a pleasant meal – there are nice eating choices, informal eateries, and meals stalls together with sizzling canine stands the place you should purchase one thing to eat. 

Don’t underestimate Akureyri as a cutesy small city, this baby has a Shawrma place, Italian delicacies, and even an Indian Curry home (yup all expensive, however you bought choices, you realize!)

In regards to the hearts

As you wander Akureyri or drive via the city, you will see hearts all over the place, together with their site visitors lights. 

Hearts in Akureyri

The cease signal is a crimson coronary heart (my coronary heart!!!!), and there are additionally others from window sills on the airport to flower pots and artwork – there are lots of!

Take the time to identify these, and snap a photograph or two. 

Hearts seen on the Botanical Gardens

The rationale Akureyri has so many hearts is that through the latest years of recession, this little city was below numerous despair and darkness. 

These cute crimson hearts have been speculated to brighten up the moods of the locals, and herald cheer and hope! 

Extra issues to do in Akureyri and close by areas

Ideally, 3 full days in Akureyri is ideal to examine off all of the points of interest listed on this in the future itinerary, after which use the following 2 days to enterprise outdoors. 

Predominant Sq.

For one, the whale watching tour takes place within the night. So you may make the most of the following day to discover the next locations

Go to the newly created Akureyri Artwork Museum, situated on the middle.Put aside 4 hours for exploring Glerárgil or Hrísey – greatest for strolling trails and hikes. You too can swap this for Laufás Museum and heritage web site (situated a couple of minutes away from Akureyri city centre)

Akureyri Swimming Pool

Hang around on the Sundlaug Akureyrar – a geothermal swimming pool. This advanced is situated close to the IcelandAir resort with two out of doors geothermal swimming pools, sizzling tubs, play areas, and water slides.Then within the night, head out for the whale watching tour

Similar to the whale watching tour, you may as well join puffin watching or the northern lights tour. These are seasonal actions, so do examine the provision as you intend your Iceland itinerary.

On the third day in northern Iceland, whereas maintaining Akureyri as a base you may head out to the Diamond Circle route, or discover the Lake Myvatn Space. 

Lake Myvatn Nature Baths

Similar to the Golden Circle tour in southern Iceland, the Diamond Circle covers sizzling springs, waterfalls, and nature baths.

Here’s what you may discover in in the future alongside the Myvatn Lake space

Godafoss waterfall is situated close to the city of Akureyri. The waterfall is without doubt one of the hottest vacationer points of interest within the area. It’s 12 meters excessive and 30 meters large. You’ll be able to get pleasure from mountaineering, picnicking, and different actions within the space. 

Godafoss

Go to Dimmuborgir or Darkish Castles and see the place 13 yuletide lads are and be taught their historical past and people tales!Then discover the world round Lake Mývatn. Go to the boiling mud pits near Námafjall Mountain, together with a cease on the Víti crater which sits by the notorious Krafla Volcano.Get pleasure from an superior soak on the Myvatn Nature Baths, generally known as the Blue Lagoon of the North.From right here, proceed on to the waterfall Dettifoss.

Learn: Finest geothermal swimming pools in Iceland

Extra Akureyri Journey Suggestions

How do I spend my day in Akureyri? – Begin with a stunning breakfast within the coronary heart of city
– Go to Akureyri Church
– Discover the Akureyri Botanical Gardens
– Go to the Akureyri Museum and the Nonni Home
– Stroll alongside the Akureyri waterfront
– Hang around on the Hof Cultural and Convention Middle and the Port of Akureyri
– Wander the city centre of Akureyri How a lot time do you want for Akureyri? To cowl the principle points of interest within the city of Akureyri with a whale watching tour or time on the native sizzling swimming pools, one full day might be good! This fashion you may discover all of the free points of interest, hang around on the city centre, and gardens, get pleasure from a pleasant stroll and extra! Is there free parking in Akureyri? Sure, for many websites parking is free in Akureyri. The place do you cease on the way in which to Akureyri? You’ll be able to cease at Staður, Borðeyri, and Hvammstangi, as you journey from Reykjavik to Akureryi. Are you able to see the northern lights in Akureyri? Sure, you may. Northern lights are seen from October to April in Akureyri. 

Is Akureyri value visiting?

Sure, undoubtedly. I loved my time on this little city. 

Do not forget that Akureyri just isn’t a metro metropolis, and for all sensible functions, it’s a small city with lower than 20k inhabitants. 

View of Eyjafjörður fjord from city

Having mentioned that, Akureyri is soooo cute! It’s a lovely city full of confetti and hearts, fairly cafes, homes, and lanes. 

With a plethora of outlets and lodging choices, Akureyri turns into the right base to discover extra of north Iceland. 

You’ll be able to chase northern lights, go whale watching, puffin watching, snowboarding, and mountaineering within the close by areas. 

There are historic websites, and the city makes it very simple to be taught and navigate them via cultural points of interest, museums, and placards with tales and details about the previous! And that is one thing you gained’t discover on-line and even in guidebooks! 

Akureyri is a superb place to go to all 12 months spherical. Whether or not you’re in search of a winter wonderland or a summer season paradise, Akureyri is the right vacation spot.

Extra Iceland journey guides:

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