Making the most of exploring Akureyri, Iceland

Walking and Hiking

Want to get to know the heart of Akureyri? A guided walking tour is the way to go. The city has several operators who offer a peek inside the lives of local citizens and historical sites rich with history.

There are different options for walking tours, including group walks and private tour options. Family walks are also popular, being around 2-3 hours long with a short ice-cream break in the middle.

Hiking weeks are also a popular choice for a walking activity. Ferðafélag Akureyrar ( Akureyri Touring Club) operates two hiking weeks every summer. These walks average between 2-4 hours and explore around the city of Akureyri.

The scenic fjord that surrounds Akureyri is a must do when it comes to hiking in this beautiful mountainous setting. There are three different walking difficulties including Moderate, Challenging and Demanding, catering to all abilities. These tours are recommended in June, when the weather is at its best.

Boat Excursions and Whale Watching

An old oak boat “Huni II” sails across the Eyjafjörður. This large, oak boat is owned by the Akureyri Municipality and is available for rented excursions out onto the Fjord. Whether it’s a special event, a group trip or work excursion, the Huni II boat is a great way to spend an afternoon atop the water. Capable of a capacity of up to 100 people, the boat departs from the Torfunefsbryggja dock.

Alongside boat excursions is the popular Whale watching activity. From Mink whales, to Bottlenose and Humpbacks, they have been seen deep in Eyjafjörður. Both Keli Seatours and Whale Watching Akureyri are highly recommended boat excursions that will take you on the water to view these spectacular animals.

Unforgettable Experiences

Ever wanted to know what it feels like to soak yourself in a beer spa? Bjórböðin Spa is located just north of the city of Akureyri, and definitely worth a trip. This unique spa experience is just 30 minutes from the city and comes highly recommended as an addition to your stay in Akureyri. 

The experience is approximately 1 hour long with a 30 minute bath and a 20 minute relaxation room included. The spa can accommodate either one or two people in the bath at once and is definitely a must-do for couples. It’s important to remember to not shower for 3-5 hours after the bathing experience, as the rejuvenating effect created from the beer spa gives an emollient finish to the skin. 

The Northern Lights is a major sightseeing must-do when it comes to visiting Akureyri. Also known as Aurora Borealis, it is one of the best natural light displays to be seen with the naked eye. Many different tour operators offer excursions to and from the best spots for sightseeing. 

Easy to reach viewing spots include Héðinsfjörður or Goðafoss, as the altitude needs to be high in order to see the phenomenon. The best time of year for the Northern Lights is usually winter through to spring and most tours start from September and end in April, and tours are taken later on in the evening, around 9pm.