Sightseeing and activities in Akureyri: 20 must-sees

Revamped Guide to Akureyri:

Step into the heart of North Iceland, where the charming town of Akureyri promises a plethora of attractions. Here's your ultimate guide to the top 20 things to see and do in this vibrant city:

Jólagarðurinn: Kick off your visit with a whimsical stroll through Jólagarðurinn, the Christmas Garden. This bright red house, adorned with Christmas and candy decorations, creates a magical experience even during the summer months.
Kjarnaskógur Forest: Experience the serenity of Kjarnaskógur, a lovely forest with numerous short hiking trails, great playgrounds, and a camping spot. Perfect for families seeking a day filled with fun and nature.
Brynjuís Ice Cream Shop: Indulge your sweet tooth at Brynjuís, renowned for its delicious, milky, and seemingly never-melting ice cream. A favorite among Icelanders!
Sundlaug Akureyrar: Take a dip at Akureyri's swimming pool—just a short walk from the town center. Known for its water slides, paddling pool, toys, and family-friendliness, it's the perfect place to soak up some fun.
Hlíðarfjall Ski Slopes: Embark on a winter adventure at Akureyri's ski resort, Hlíðarfjall, with stunning views over the town. Popular among locals, it's also the location of the Iceland Winter Games and AK Extreme winter sports festivals.
Jaðarsvöllur Golf Course: Looking for a hole-in-one under the midnight sun? The northernmost 18-hole golf course in the world, Jaðarsvöllur, plays host to a summer tournament.
Akureyri Botanic Garden: Marvel at the lush, thriving plant life at Akureyri's Botanic Garden, a testament to the town's unique climate.
Festivals: From the Vaka folk art festival to the Akureyri Motor Events, Iceland Summer Games, and Akureyrarvaka, there's no shortage of happening events throughout the year.
Museums: Delve into local history and whimsy at museums such as Akureyri Museum of Industry, The Old Toy Display, The Motorcycle Museum, The Aviation Museum, and Safnasafnið, just a short drive outside Akureyri.
Akureyri Art Museum: Feast your eyes on the diverse, ever-changing exhibitions at this vibrant art museum, located in the heart of the town.
Junk Food: Akureyri puts a unique spin on junk food, with local favorites like hot dogs adorned with pickled red cabbage and Icelandic cocktail sauce. Don't forget about the Akureyringur—a burger with French fries sandwiched inside!
Skautahöll Akureyrar: Catch a thrilling ice hockey game or test your skating skills during the summer at the local rink.
Græni hatturinn Concert Venue: Located in a charming alley off Göngugatan, this small yet mighty venue hosts a wide variety of concerts showcasing music from across the country.
Akureyrarkirkja Church: Take a moment to admire this towering, distinctly beautiful church that stands as one of Akureyri's most iconic landmarks.
Göngugatan: Stroll through this pedestrian-friendly street, lined with unique shops, café's, and lively street performers.
Hiking: Lace up your boots and explore the stunning mountains surrounding Akureyri, such as Súlur Mountain for a picturesque hike with panoramic views.
Hof Cultural Centre: Experience the cultural scene at Hof, Akureyri's own music and arts hub offering concerts, plays, and exhibitions.
Diving: Plunge into the crystal-clear waters around Akureyri for an unforgettable diving experience, exploring the unique hydrothermal chimneys and warm-water caves.
Pollurinn Pond: Spend a peaceful afternoon at Pollurinn, feeding the ducks and enjoying the picturesque scenery of the old houses nearby.
Day Trips: With spectacular destinations like Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss Waterfall, and Dettifoss Waterfall just a short drive away, Akureyri serves as the perfect base for exploring the wonders of North Iceland. Embrace the opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, whale watching, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights.

Discover the charm and diversity of Akureyri, where every corner reveals hidden gems and unique experiences.

1.While strolling through Göngugatan, take a break at a local café to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle.2. On sunny days, exploring the culture and news of Iceland could be activities you might combine with a travel day trip from Akureyri to experience vibrant festivals such as the Akureyrarvaka.3. The weather in Akureyri allows for varied travel activities, like hiking by day and enjoying a hot bowl of local specialty, such as Icelandic lamb stew, by night at a cozy restaurant, followed by a visit to the Akureyri Art Museum to appreciate the lifestyle and culture showcased in its exhibits.