Top Akureyri Outdoor Activities

Watch for harbor porpoises, white-beaked dolphins, and whales on a whale-watching tour in Akureyri—unlike tours by open boat, this tour offers both outdoor decks and heated, indoor seating where you can stay cozy and dry. It's great for travelers with limited time, too. The whale-watching boat departs right from the city center, near top sites and hotels.

Explore North Iceland's volcanic beauty on this 6-hour shore excursion from Akureyri. Begin with a scenic drive through stunning landscapes and stop at the iconic Goðafoss waterfall, known as the Waterfall of the Gods. Discover the unique Mývatn craters and the mysterious lava formations of Dimmuborgir. This tour is designed for cruise passengers, ensuring a comfortable experience with guaranteed return to the port before your ship departs. Please note that food is not included in the tour, so we recommend bringing your own snacks or lunch to stay comfortable throughout the day. - 6-hour guided tour perfect for cruise ship passengers - Visit Goðafoss waterfall and explore the Skútustaðagígar craters - Discover Dimmuborgir, the “Dark Castles” of Iceland - Includes scenic stops, comfortable transport, and an English-speaking guide

Embark on an unforgettable whale watching tour in Húsavík with a guide who knows the very best places to see them. Cruise along the bay to take in captivating scenery, local wildlife, and the diverse range of whale species including blue, fin, and killer whales. Learn more about Iceland’s marine life as you see the incredible creatures up close.

Discover Akureyri from a perspective few have seen, even locals. This small-group zip lining tour takes you on an adventure trail through stunning scenery with five zip lines. You will cross over the river canyon of Glerárgil, a hidden natural wonder that runs straight through the middle of Akureyri town.

Watch for nimble humpbacks and massive blue whales on this whale watching adventure from Húsavík on a traditional Icelandic oak boat. Enjoy stunning views of the Skjálfandi Bay and Vík mountains as you explore the coastline, a thriving pilgrimage place for marine mammals in the summer season. Learn about Iceland’s wildlife and culture with live commentary from your experienced guide.

Maximize your chances of seeing whales in the wild on this half-day boat cruise from Akureyri. Iceland’s longest fjord is known for attracting humpback whales; travel aboard a specially adapted ship that covers all the likely viewing areas to increase the odds of seeing them. Choose from several departure times to fit your schedule, and stay cozy on board with thermal overalls, and raincoats or blankets.

Make the most of your time on land with this shore excursion from Akureryi Port. This comprehensive tour takes you to see some of Iceland's most picturesque natural wonders at Lake Myvatn and Godafoss waterfall. It also includes an optional stop at the Myvatn Nature Baths, if your cruise schedule allows.

Skip the hassle of navigating the Diamond Circle alone by booking this group tour with round-trip transport from Akureyri. Hit top spots including Lake Myvatn, Godafoss waterfall, the charming fishing village of Husavik, and other photo-worthy locations. Along the way, enjoy fascinating local insights and fun facts from your guide. As a bonus, a packed lunch is included to keep you fueled for adventure.

Sometimes whale watching cruises on huge boats make it hard to be able to actually see the ocean life unless you board first and claim the best spots. This whale watching tour from Husavik is on board an RIB boat limited to just 12 passengers, so you’re never in competition for the best vantage points. Plus, its easy to stay warm and safe with an included warm suit and life jacket.

This is more than a whale watching tour, it’s a personal experience built on passion, family, and a deep connection to the ocean. Your company is family-owned and operated, created from a lifelong dream of sharing the beauty of Eyjafjörður with others. With over 15 years of experience at sea, your captain knows these waters inside out and is dedicated to giving you the best possible experience. We focus on small groups, creating a relaxed and personal atmosphere where every guest feels welcome. This is not a crowded tour, but a chance to truly connect with nature and experience whales in their natural environment. Every trip we run is personal to us. The boat is even named after the son, making each tour a reflection of the family, story, and the love for the ocean. When you join us, you’re not just booking a tour, you’re becoming part of something genuine, meaningful, and unforgettable.

Discover Iceland’s most iconic wildlife with a 2 hour whale and puffin tour from Húsavík on an RIB speedboat. Enjoy views of the Skjálfandi Bay as you skim along the coast, covering an expansive territory in the high-powered craft. Watch for massive blue whales and acrobatic humpbacks, and learn about life beneath the surface from your experienced guide. During the breeding season of mid-April through mid-August, visit ‘Puffin Island’ to find a thriving colony of brightly-colored birds before returning to Húsavík.

Explore the natural wonders of Northern Iceland on this full-day tour from Akureyri. Enjoy spectacular views of Godafoss waterfall, then visit Lake Myvatn and enjoy free time to soak in the Myvatn Nature Baths (entrance fees not included). Along the way, marvel at natural wonders including the Dimmuborgir Lava formations and Hverir mud pools, visit Grotcaja cave, and see filming sites from hit TV show Game of Thrones.

Experience the northern Icelandic landscape at its rawest on this small-group wintertime horseback-riding tour. You'll follow in the steps of Vikings as your trusty Icelandic horse leads you along old farmers’ trails toward the impressive Reykafoss waterfall. Suitable for all levels of horseback-riding experience.

Hike through an Akureyri forest with a working husky—greeting the dogs then walking a scenic trail surrounded by scenic mountains, coast, and fields. Unlike traditional tourist experiences, this is an opportunity to meet a genuine Icelandic family and their dogs, and to gain insight into life in an Icelandic home.

On this exceptional all-seasons tour, you‘ll take home beautiful photos next to impressive Reykjafoss Waterfall as well as a memory of riding our mighty Icelandic horse. Our reliable and strong horses will carry you directly into nature’s tranquility and won’t mind frozen ground or scrunching snow in winter as well as the soft grassy path in the summer.

Experience some of the best the North has to offer during winter time on our Forest Lagoon & Northern Lights tour. The evening starts with a short drive to the Forest Lagoon geothermal baths where you'll get the opportunity to relax in the warm water. With views overlooking one of Iceland's longest fjords, Eyjafjörður, the spa's unique location surrounded by birch and pine trees truly sets it apart. During the visit to the Forest Lagoon guests will experience the view, the tranquility and the energy of Vaðlaskógur, the forest that surrounds the baths. For the second half of the tour our experienced guides will take you outside Akureyri to see nature's most fascinating displays of artistry, the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights as we like to call them. The Northern Lights viewing for this winter is looking to be very active and there are few better places to see them than in the North around Akureyri.

This wonderful tour takes you hunting for Northern lights with an expert top rated Northern Lights guide through the winter night. Our hunt takes you out of town to the countryside, away from the bright lights of the city so that the Northern Lights can be seen in all their beauty and colours. The local guide will share Icelandic tales during the journey on this magical tour. Please note the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and are also dependant on weather conditions therefore we cannot guarantee they will be sighted however if the guide confirms no lights were seen, we do offer a free retry the next day if we are running a tour the next day.

Skip the hassle of exploring Lake Myvatn alone by booking this full-day group tour with hotel pickup and round-trip transfers from Akureyri. Stops include Namafjall Hverir geothermal area, the Skútustaðagígar craters, and other photo-worthy locations. Take in dramatic volcanic landscapes, lava sculptures, and glacial caves as you enjoy an informative commentary from your local guide.

Spotting the Northern Lights is notoriously difficult. Rather than simply counting on getting lucky, you can hugely improve your chances by joining this tour that takes you into the countryside, far from light pollution, in the company of an experienced aurora-hunter guide.

Discover two scenic wonders of the Icelandic coast on a half-day excursion from Akureyri to Godafoss Waterfall and Eyjafjordur—the longest fjord in northern Iceland. It’s not all about the views, though: Onboard commentary throughout this tour adds fascinating context, culture, and history. And by combining the two sites, you’ll make the most of every minute in port.

Race through the Eyjafjörður fjord between the mountains in search of whales on this guided small-group tour. From inside a powerful rigid inflatable boat (RIB) get panoramic views of Akureyri in northern Iceland. Be on the lookout for puffins and other seabirds and search for whales in the fjord during this adventure.

Come face to face with the world’s largest mammals on this half-day whale watching excursion from Akureyri, Iceland’s scenic northern port city. Listen to stories about the history and culture of the region from your guide. Then, enjoy comfortable, first-class amenities as you cruise through Torfunefsbryggja Harbor, including an on-site bar with hot and cold drinks for purchase.

Enjoy dog sledding through Akureyri's snowy landscapes on a thrilling small-group tour. Feel the power of huskies as they pull you across the countryside. After sledding, spend time cuddling the dogs and taking photos in a cozy setting. This tour offers a relaxed way to experience Icelandic nature and husky affection, suitable for families and groups.