Itineraries for Your Trip to Akureyri
2 Days in Akureyri for First Timers
I first visited Akureyri as a stop on an Iceland circumnavigation cruise and was quickly smitten. I explored the charming city from the harbor and hiked up to Akureyri Church. Inside, someone was practicing on the massive organ, and I felt at peace listening to its sounds.
When you have two days in Akureyri, you should plan to get out on the water at least once. The whale-watching season runs for about half the year, and I'd never seen so many whales on my whale-watching cruise. The hot springs are the perfect way to end your day, especially if you've walked a lot. Here's how to make the most of your two days in Akureyri.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a whale-watching excursion.
Like the rest of Iceland, Akureyri is frigid in winter and mildly chilly in summer.
Akureyri is a thriving Icelandic city, so you'll also want to get out and explore the area. Hike from town up to Akureyri Church (Akureyrarkirkja), an imposing Lutheran church designed by the same architect as Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík. Nearby, you'll find the Akureyri Botanical Garden, one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world.
Akureyri is also a great place to go whale watching, as the city is located along Eyjafjordur, the longest fjord in Iceland. Here, humpback and other varieties of whales can be spotted from May through September. Whale-watching excursions are available, leaving from Akureyri and nearby Húsavík. You can even find some that use traditional Icelandic fishing boats made of oak.
You only have to drive a short distance out of town for a chance to see the Northern Lights when you are in Akureyri. Of course, you'll need to visit in winter to get the best chance of catching the phenomenon. Choose from Northern Lights cruises, 4WD tours, and private excursions with hot chocolate and Icelandic donuts to keep you going.
Many visitors come to Akureyri for its proximity to Godafoss, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. The "Waterfall of the Gods" is an impressive natural wonder, approximately 100 feet (30 meters) wide, cascading down into a tumultuous pool and the river beyond. You can get to Godafoss in about 30 minutes from Akureyri, so it's an easy option if you have a few hours to explore.
Once back in Akureyri for the afternoon, set out to see some of the natural areas nearby. A zipline experience can take you over canyons and across rivers. If you want a more relaxing experience, you can visit many hot springs in town (such as the Forest Lagoon), where the warm waters will eliminate any Arctic chill you might be feeling.
An evening walking or bike ride around Akureyri is your final activity for the day. You'll find many cozy restaurants and wine bars where you can sit and chat about the day's adventures. Strikid offers a stunning fjord view alongside simply prepared and delicious food. Eyja is another favorite spot, with shareable plates perfect for a group.
