Things to Do in Akureyri: Old Town Museums, Akureyrarkirkja, the Botanic Garden and Whale Watching

Akureyri sits on Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s longest fjords, and the Old Town has historic houses and local museums. Start there, then climb to Akureyrarkirkja, a church known for its architecture and interior design. Whale watching tours leave from the pier just below the town center.

At a glance

• Top sights to see first: the Old Town, Akureyrarkirkja, the Botanic Garden
• Whale watching departures: from the pier just below the town center
• Whale watching season: May to September, daily departures at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
• Hlíðarfjall summer season: July 4 to September 5
• Grímsey Island: 25-minute flight from Akureyri or 3-hour ferry from Dalvík

What are the best things to do in Akureyri?

The Old Town and its museums

The Old Town has historic houses and local museums. Akureyri Museum is at Aðalstræti 58, and Akureyri Toy Museum is at Aðalstræti 46.

The two addresses are on the same street, so they fit into one walk. The Industrial Museum is at Krókeyri, which is a separate stop.

Akureyrarkirkja

Akureyrarkirkja is a striking landmark, known for its architecture and interior design. It stands at Eyrarlandsveg, 600 Akureyri.

Look at the interior as well as the outline, since the interior design is part of what the church is known for.

The Art Museum and Art Street

The Art Museum and Art Street offer local and international exhibitions along a street full of galleries.

The Botanic Garden

The Botanic Garden is home to around 7,000 plant species.

Sundlaug Akureyrar

Sundlaug Akureyrar has two outdoor geothermal pools with hot tubs, play areas and water slides. It suits a break after a day of walking.

Glerárgil Canyon

Glerárgil Canyon has scenic trails through dramatic landscapes. It is a walk for a dry day, so check the weather before setting out.

Hlíðarfjall Ski Area

Hlíðarfjall is open in summer too. The season runs from July 4 to September 5.

Hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It also opens three long weekends, Thursday through Sunday: July 16 to 19, July 30 to August 2, and August 27 to 30.

When is the best time to visit Akureyri for sightseeing?

Winter is quiet and cold, with highs of 37°F (3°C) in January and February and 38°F (4°C) in March, and barely any sunshine in January. April warms to 44°F (7°C) and brings 4 hours of sun a day. The Akureyri Town Festival falls at the end of August.

Day trips from Akureyri

A popular scenic loop runs Akureyri, Goðafoss, Dalsmynni, Laufás and back to Akureyri. It’s around 62 miles (100 km) and about 1.5 hours of driving. Laufás is a preserved turf farm museum. The Diamond Circle has 5 key destinations: Goðafoss, Mývatn, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi and Húsavík. The Mývatn tour includes Skútustaðagígar, Dimmuborgir, Hverfjall, Námaskarð, Krafla and Jarðböðin.

• Goðafoss and Laufás loop: about 1.5 hours of driving · car · for a short day out
• Hof to the waterfall: about 2.5 hours · SBA-Norðurleið bus transfer tour, selected dates · for those without a car
• Grímsey Island: 25-minute flight, or 3-hour ferry from Dalvík · plane or boat · for a longer trip

The loop suits a short day with a car. Without one, the bus tour is the fact-based option, but it only runs on selected dates.

What to eat in Akureyri

Food comes with the festivals. At LYST, food is served in the garden on Saturday, July 18, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Wristband holders get food deals at selected restaurants around town on Friday and Sunday.

Things to do in Akureyri at night

Christmas Holidays at Ráðhústorg run from November 29 to December 23.

Things to do in Akureyri with kids

Whale Watching Akureyri offers a specially designed ship that takes 200 passengers, as well as custom-built RIB speedboats. Special Tours Akureyri runs daily departures at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. from May to September, so a morning departure leaves the afternoon free.

In town, children can photograph the famous traffic light hearts, and Brynja Ice Cream has been a local treat for generations. The Akureyri Town Festival is celebrated every year at the end of August.