Iceland
Akureyri is the capital of the north and the best base in Iceland for waterfalls, whales and volcanic landscapes without the Reykjavik crowds.
A compact fjord town of colourful houses, a hilltop church, a botanical garden near the Arctic Circle and a ski mountain ten minutes from the centre, it sits an easy drive from Goðafoss, the steaming craters of Lake Mývatn, the thunder of Dettifoss and the whale watching harbour of Húsavík. Winter adds northern lights, huskies and hot lagoons under the stars. This guide pairs the town with the best excursions in the region and matches you to the right hotel, from central Akureyri to a lakeside stay at Mývatn.
Goðafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods
A wide horseshoe waterfall on the Skjálfandafljót river, about half an hour east of Akureyri on the Ring Road. Easy viewpoints on both banks, a famous conversion story and the simplest big-name sight in North Iceland.
Lake Mývatn and Its Volcanic Landscapes
A shallow lake ringed by lava formations, pseudocraters, steaming mud fields and cave pools. The most varied day trip from Akureyri, about an hour and a quarter east.
Húsavík Whale Watching on Skjálfandi Bay
Iceland's whale watching capital, with humpbacks, minkes and dolphins in the bay and a choice of traditional oak ships and fast RIB boats. About an hour and a quarter from Akureyri.
Forest Lagoon, a Geothermal Spa above Akureyri
A woodland geothermal lagoon across the fjord from Akureyri, with infinity-edge pools, steam rooms and views back to town. The most relaxing way to end a day in the north.
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
A wide horseshoe waterfall on the Skjálfandafljót river, about half an hour east of Akureyri on the Ring Road. Easy viewpoints on both banks, a famous conversion story and the simplest big-name sight in North Iceland.
A shallow lake ringed by lava formations, pseudocraters, steaming mud fields and cave pools. The most varied day trip from Akureyri, about an hour and a quarter east.
A raw, thunderous wall of glacial water in Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, with Selfoss and Hafragilsfoss nearby. A long but unforgettable day from Akureyri, best as part of a Mývatn trip.
A classic northern route linking Goðafoss, Mývatn, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi canyon and Húsavík. The best way to see the headline sights in one long day or an easy overnight.
Iceland's whale watching capital, with humpbacks, minkes and dolphins in the bay and a choice of traditional oak ships and fast RIB boats. About an hour and a quarter from Akureyri.
Humpbacks and dolphins in Iceland's longest fjord, with boats leaving right from the harbour in town. The easiest whale trip for anyone staying in Akureyri.
Fjord-mouth departures with oak boats and speedboats, often adding puffins and sea angling. A short drive from Akureyri and closer to the open water than the town harbour.
A woodland geothermal lagoon across the fjord from Akureyri, with infinity-edge pools, steam rooms and views back to town. The most relaxing way to end a day in the north.
A mineral-rich geothermal lagoon near Lake Mývatn, often called the Blue Lagoon of the north. The natural finish to a Mývatn day, with steam baths and views over lava.
A free, century-old garden in the middle of town with thousands of plant species, including a remarkable collection of Arctic and alpine plants. Open in summer and a lovely, easy break between big excursions.
A striking concrete church on a hill above the main street, with a long flight of steps, stained glass and some of the best views in town. Free to visit and an easy first stop.
A guided walk through the town centre with several tastings of Icelandic specialities and stories about local life. A relaxed way to understand the capital of the north.
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Town centre
A long-established hotel in the heart of Akureyri, steps from the main street, the church and the harbour. The classic central base with a restaurant and bar.
Check rates →Near the town centre
A comfortable full-service hotel close to the centre of Akureyri, formerly known as the Icelandair Hotel Akureyri. Practical rooms, a restaurant and an easy walk to the town.
Check rates →Town centre
A central Akureyri hotel with straightforward comfort and an easy walk to the main street, harbour and restaurants. Good value for a short stay in the north.
Check rates →Town centre
A modern small hotel in the centre of Akureyri, within a short walk of the main street, cafes and the harbour. A neat, contemporary choice for couples and short stays.
Check rates →Near the pool and botanical garden
A seasonal summer hotel in school buildings near the Akureyri swimming pool and botanical garden. Simple, good-value rooms within walking distance of the town centre.
Check rates →Eyjafjörður countryside
A countryside hotel on the shore of Eyjafjörður just outside Akureyri, with fjord views and a quiet, nature-focused feel. Ideal if you have a car and want calm over convenience.
Check rates →Húsavík harbour area
A well-known hotel in Húsavík, close to the harbour, the whale museum and the whale watching departures. The practical base for a whale trip and the east side of the Diamond Circle.
Check rates →Siglufjörður harbour
A stylish harbourfront hotel in Siglufjörður, set among the old herring houses with mountain views. A memorable overnight for the Arctic coast, about an hour and a half from Akureyri.
Check rates →Skútustaðir, south shore of Lake Mývatn
A friendly hotel at Skútustaðir on the south shore of Lake Mývatn, close to the pseudocraters and the lake. A comfortable base for exploring the volcanic area at a slower pace.
Check rates →Laxá river, Mývatn area
A countryside hotel by the Laxá river near Lake Mývatn, a quiet base for birdwatching, hiking and the volcanic sights. Peaceful, with a restaurant and a friendly local feel.
Check rates →A practical first-visit guide to Akureyri: how the town is laid out, what to see on foot, which day trips matter and how to plan around daylight and weather.
A three-day plan for Akureyri and North Iceland: town sights, a Mývatn and Goðafoss day, and a whale trip, with seasonal swaps and practical tips.
Choose the right base for North Iceland: central Akureyri, a countryside hotel, Húsavík, Mývatn or Siglufjörður, with the pros and cons of each.
How to enjoy Akureyri in winter: northern lights chances, skiing, huskies, lagoons, daylight, driving and what to wear.
When to visit Akureyri and North Iceland: summer light, autumn colour and aurora, winter snow and spring quiet, with what is open in each season.
The best day trips from Akureyri: Goðafoss and Mývatn, the Diamond Circle, Húsavík whales, Siglufjörður, Askja and a few easy half-day options.
