Akureyri
Iceland returnees and aurora chasers who want higher latitude and fewer crowds than Reykjavik
About Akureyri
Akureyri is Iceland's second city and the 'capital of the north', sitting at the head of the long Eyjafjörður fjord at 65.7°N — meaningfully higher than Reykjavik and with significantly better aurora probabilities. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains with minimal light pollution beyond the small city centre, Akureyri offers aurora viewing that can match Norwegian destinations in prime conditions. The nearby ski resort at Hlíðarfjall is Iceland's largest, and the geothermally heated outdoor pools are a must. Húsavík (40min away) is Iceland's whale watching capital. The Dettifoss waterfall and Mývatn geothermal area are easy day trips. Akureyri is genuinely charming — with heart-shaped traffic lights and a compact, walkable centre full of good restaurants. Far fewer tourists than Reykjavik.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | -3°C | 21h | High |
| Feb★ Best | -2°C | 16h | High |
| Mar★ Best | 0°C | 10h | Med |
| Apr | +3°C | 4h | Low |
| May | +8°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jun | +12°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jul | +14°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Aug | +13°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Sep | +8°C | 5h | Med |
| Oct★ Best | +4°C | 12h | High |
| Nov★ Best | 0°C | 18h | High |
| Dec★ Best | -2°C | 21h | High |
Activities
Getting There
Direct flights from Reykjavik (45min) several times daily. Or drive 4h on Ring Road (Route 1). Scenic route through the Hvalfjörður tunnel.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓Boutique Hotels
- ✓Guesthouses
- ✓Northern Lights Lodges
Location
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $160/day in Akureyri. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
🏨Where to Stay(10)
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Saeluhus Apartments & Houses
Sunnutröð 2, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
hotel
Hotel Halond
Heimalandi 5-7, 603 Akureyri, Iceland
hotel
Akureyri - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Þingvallastræti 23, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
hotel
Hotel Akureyri
Hafnarstræti 67, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
hotel
Hotel Sveinbjarnargerdi
Sveinbjarnargerði 2, 601 Svalbarðsstrandarhreppur, Iceland
hotelCentrum Hotel
Hafnarstræti 102 600, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
hotelHótel Kea by Keahotels
Hafnarstræti 87-89, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
hotelHotel Kjarnalundur
Kjarnalundur, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
hotelLava Apartments
Glerárgötu 3b, 603 Akureyri, Iceland
hotelHótel Norðurland
Geislagata 7, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
hotel🍽️Where to Eat(10)
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Ketilkaffi
Kaupvangsstræti 8-12, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
restaurant
Eyja
Hafnarstræti 90, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
restaurant
North Restaurant
Hafnarstræti 67, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
restaurant
Taste
Ráðhústorg 1, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
hamburger restaurant
Strikið
Skipagata 14, 5th floor, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
gastropubCentrum Kitchen & Bar
Hafnarstræti 102 600, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
restaurantRub23
Kaupvangsstræti 6, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
restaurantMulaberg Bistro & Bar
Hafnarstræti 89, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
restaurantGreifinn
Glerárgata 20 600, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
restaurantBautinn Restaurant
Hafnarstræti 92, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
restaurant🎯Things to Do(10)
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Thor Excursions
Hafnarstræti 34, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
point of interest
Icelandic Adventures
Týsnes 2B 108, 603 Akureyri, Iceland
travel agency
Fox Adventure Akureyri
Grenivellir 16, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
tour agency
Special Tours Akureyri
Oddeyrarbót 1, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
tourist attraction
Keli Sea Tours - Whale Watching Akureyri
600 Akureyri, Iceland
tour agencyIceAk Super Jeep Tours
Kaldbaksgata 1, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
point of interestZipline Akureyri
Þingvallastræti 50, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
tourist attractionStar Travel Iceland
Týsnes 2, 603 Akureyri, Iceland
travel agencyElding Whale Watching Akureyri
Oddeyrarbót 2, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
tour agencyAskja & Mývatn Tours - Visit Askja
Strandgata, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
tour agencyNearby Destinations
Húsavík
Wildlife lovers wanting whale watching in combination with excellent aurora viewing
Mývatn
Travellers wanting to combine geothermal bathing under the aurora with Iceland's most dramatic volcanic scenery
Vík í Mýrdal
Landscape photographers wanting volcanic drama and ice caves alongside aurora opportunities
Egilsstaðir
Independent travellers exploring the Ring Road who want authentic Iceland beyond the tourist trail
Related Destinations
Húsavík
Wildlife lovers wanting whale watching in combination with excellent aurora viewing
Egilsstaðir
Independent travellers exploring the Ring Road who want authentic Iceland beyond the tourist trail
Ísafjörður
Adventurous travellers seeking Iceland's most dramatic and remote landscapes with excellent aurora viewing