Akureyri, Iceland

The town is your gateway to the famous "Land of Fire and Ice" - Iceland's dramatic landscape of volcanic craters, extinct lava lakes and majestic waterfalls.

Visitors to Akureyri have a hard time grasping the fact that the town lies just below the Arctic Circle. The climate here is temperate: flower boxes fill the windows of houses, and trees line the neat, well-tended avenues. Thanks to that mild climate, Akureyri's Botanical Gardens provide a home for over 2,000 species of flora from around the world - all surviving without greenhouses. No wonder Icelanders refer to Akureyri as the most pleasant town on the entire island.

Travel Tip - Akureyri rhymes with Tipperary.

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Points of Interest

  • Godafoss Waterfall
  • Botanical Garden
  • Námaskarð Pass
  • Lake Myvatn
  • Laufas Folk Museum
  • Myvatn Nature Baths
  • Husavik Whale Centre
  • Hrísey Island

More about Akureyri, Iceland Points of Interest

  • Godafoss Waterfall

    The 'Waterfall of the Gods' is one of Iceland's most beautiful and popular attractions. The rushing glacial waters of the Skjalfandafljot River its carved canyon

  • Botanical Garden

    This public park possesses samples of most of the Icelandic flora as well as about 7,500 plants from around the world. It's a peaceful retreat where you can get away from the bustle of the town.

  • Námaskarð Pass

    Located near the still active Krafla volcano is a geologic expanse of boiling mud pools and steaming vents that exhibit the sheer power of the earth's natural forces within.

  • Lake Myvatn

    This area is Europe's largest bird sanctuary where there is a magical mixture of lush vegetation set amongst the ethereal lava spires. See an amazing array of species indigenous to Iceland.

  • Laufas Folk Museum

    Built in 1865, these well-preserved turf houses are now museum pieces that offer a glimpse of how people used to live in Laufás during the 17th century.

  • Myvatn Nature Baths

    Experience a dip in the geothermal natural baths that originate from fissures deep within the earth. Enjoy warm, soothing waters claiming to be beneficial for your mind and body.

  • Husavik Whale Centre

    This fishing village is famous for whale sightings, and its Whale Centre features exhibits on Iceland's whaling history, as well as the biology of these gentle giants.

  • Hrísey Island

    Formerly a base for herring processing and export until the herring vanished in the late 1960s, now it's known as an ideal vantage point to view the Midnight Sun in early summer.

11 EXCURSIONS

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Godafoss, Botanical Gardens & Laufas Folk Museum

4 hours | Akureyri | A E Y - 2 1 0
  • Godafoss Waterfall
  • Laufas Folk Museum

This half-day tour takes you to three of Akureyri's most famous attractions: Godafoss Falls and the Botanical Gardens, home to over 2,000 species of plants and flowers, and the Laufas Folk Museum, featuring traditional Icelandic houses with grass roofs.

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Moderate Activity

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$119.95

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Godafoss Waterfall, Lava Labyrinth & Hot Springs

5.5 hours | Akureyri | A E Y - 2 0 0
  • Lake Myvatn
  • Godafoss Waterfall
  • Námaskarð Pass

Explore Iceland's striking natural landscape on a scenic drive, from famed Godafoss Falls to the Lake Myvatn region and the fantastic lava formations at Dimmuborgir, as well as Namaskard's boiling mud pools. A snack is included on this half-day tour.

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Moderate Activity, Includes snack

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$159.95

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Whale Watching Adventure

4 hours | Akureyri | A E Y - 5 1 0

Have a whale of a time searching for these magnificent creatures as you glide through the stunningly beautiful Eyjafjordur Fjord. Have your camera ready as you get up close to these gentle creatures in their natural habitat of ice-blue water and tall, snow-capped mountains.

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Moderate Activity

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$159.95

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Godafoss Waterfall, Lava Labyrinth & Hot Springs (Guided in German)

5.5 hours | Akureyri | A E Y - 2 0 3
  • Lake Myvatn
  • Godafoss Waterfall
  • Námaskarð Pass

Explore Iceland's striking natural landscape on a scenic drive from famed Godafoss Falls to the Lake Myvatn region and the fantastic lava formations at Dimmuborgir, as well as Namaskard's boiling mud pools. A snack is included on this half-day tour.

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Moderate Activity, Includes snack

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$159.95

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Siglufjordur, Herring Era Museum & Salting Show

5.5 hours | Akureyri | A E Y - 2 2 5

Absorb Iceland's unique culture and heritage with a visit to the charming town of Siglufjördur. Learn how herring played an importance part in the country's modern success and enjoy refreshments with a visit to Herring Museum, the country's largest maritime museum.

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Moderate Activity, Includes snack

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$179.95

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Icelandic Horseback Riding

2 hours | Akureyri | A E Y - 4 3 0

Saddle up for a gentle ride through Akureyri's breathtaking landscape atop a horse whose ancestors arrived with the Vikings over a thousand years ago. Ideal for novice and experienced riders, the Icelandic horse is a small and sturdy animal known for its unique, sure-footed gait and friendly nature.

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Moderate Activity

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$179.95

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Best of Akureyri

8 hours | Akureyri | A E Y - 1 0 0
  • Godafoss Waterfall
  • Námaskarð Pass
  • Lake Myvatn

Explore Northern Iceland's dramatic and dynamic landscapes, from majestic Godafoss Falls and Lake Myvatn's geothermal district to Dimmuborgir's lava formations and Namaskard's vaporous, boiling mud pools. Lunch is included on this full-day tour.

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Moderate Activity, Includes meal

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$199.95

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Godafoss Waterfall & Myvatn Nature Baths

5 hours | Akureyri | A E Y - 2 1 5
  • Godafoss Waterfall
  • Myvatn Nature Baths

This half-day tour takes you to Lake Myvatn in the heart of one of Iceland's most active geothermal area for a dip in geothermal baths renowned for their therapeutic benefits. You'll also see Godafoss Falls, the majestic falls where Iceland converted to Christianity.

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Easy Activity

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$199.95

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Akureyri Adventure: Waterfalls & Mountain Views by 4x4

7 hours | Akureyri | A E Y - 4 6 0

Get off the beaten track in a 4x4 super Jeep and explore the stunning wilderness surrounding Akureyri. Drive to Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall, a moonscape of basaltic columns followed by photo stops at Myvatn Lake and the jaw-dropping Godafoss Waterfall, site of Iceland's conversion to Christianity.

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Moderate Activity, Includes meal

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$449.95

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Flightseeing Over Lake Myvatn Area

1.5 hours | Akureyri | A E Y - 8 0 0
  • Lake Myvatn

Soar over some of the country's most mystical and dramatic landscapes on this ultimate flightseeing adventure. Fly over the Lake Myvatn area, the Godafoss waterfall, Vatnajokull Glacier National Park, and Dettifoss (Europe's most powerful waterfall). Once back on land, visit the Flight Museum for a look at Iceland's aviation history.

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Moderate Activity

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$579.95

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