Hotel Natur

Hotel Natur sits in the countryside near the fjord, a short drive from Akureyri rather than in the middle of it. It is the kind of hotel that suits travellers who come to North Iceland for the landscape and want to wake up to it, with views across the water to the mountains of the Tröllaskagi peninsula and the sense of space that town hotels cannot offer. The name hints at its character: nature is the main attraction, and the hotel is designed to give you easy access to quiet shores, farmland and big skies. Rooms tend to be modern and light, with a calm Scandinavian style, and the property typically includes a restaurant that makes use of local ingredients. Because it lies outside the town, evenings are peaceful, with little traffic or noise and a good chance of seeing stars and, in winter, the northern lights without leaving your doorstep. Check the current facilities and room types when you book, as offers vary between seasons.

The location shapes the experience. Without a car, you will depend on taxis and arranged pickups for trips into Akureyri, which is a short drive, and tour operators may collect from the hotel if arranged in advance. With a car, the location is excellent for day trips, since it sits on the eastern side of the fjord, closer to Goðafoss, Laufás and the Forest Lagoon than the town centre, and the Ring Road is easy to reach.

Many guests use the hotel as a base for exploring the east side of the fjord and the road toward Mývatn.

Dining on site is a major part of the stay, because options nearby are limited. A dinner of local fish or lamb, followed by an evening walk on the shore, is a lovely way to end a day of sightseeing. Breakfast gives you a calm start before an early tour. If you prefer a lively restaurant scene, you can drive into Akureyri for dinner, but check the timing and plan a designated driver, as evening roads can be dark and icy in winter.

The hotel is good for couples looking for a romantic, quiet break, for travellers who want to photograph the aurora away from town lights and for families who enjoy space. It is less suited to guests who want to wander out for coffee, shops and nightlife on foot. Facilities such as hot tubs or terraces vary, so ask about what is available if that matters to you. A camera, binoculars and a warm jacket make the most of the setting.

Booking tips are the same as elsewhere in the north: reserve early for summer and the winter holidays, and consider a longer stay if you want to relax rather than rush. Compare it with the town centre hotels in this guide for price and convenience. If you value quiet and scenery, the trade-off of a short drive is often worth it. For couples who want to watch the northern lights from the hotel grounds before sleeping, there are few better bases within reach of Akureyri.