Akureyri

Province ·🇮🇸 Iceland

Population 20,050

Area 135 km²

Time zone Atlantic/Reykjavik

Official website www.akureyri.is

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Explore Akureyri

Akureyrarkaupstaður Essentials

Akureyri, the northern hub of Iceland, sits at the base of the Eyjafjörður fjord. The town features the landmark Akureyrarkirkja church, designed by architect Guðjón Samúelsson, and one of the world's northernmost botanical gardens. Cultural sites include the Hof Cultural Center and the Akureyri Art Museum, while the geothermal Sundlaug Akureyrar offers year-round swimming. The area serves as a gateway to the Arctic Circle via Grímsey island and provides access to the 1,213-meter Súlur peak and historic aviation exhibits at the local airport.

10 places

Peaks and Glaciers

This collection features the prominent high-altitude landmarks surrounding Akureyri and the Glerárdalur valley. It includes Kerling, the highest peak in the Tröllaskagi Peninsula at 1,538 meters, and the iconic twin-peaked Súlur. The list also covers Hlíðarfjall, home to one of Iceland’s premier ski resorts, and the Bægisárjökull glacier. These geological formations offer diverse terrain ranging from accessible hiking trails to technical climbs, providing panoramic views across Eyjafjörður and the northern highlands.

15 places

Winter Sports in Akureyri

Hlíðarfjall, located five kilometers from Akureyri, is Iceland's premier ski resort, reaching elevations up to 1,014 meters. This collection features the mountain's essential infrastructure, including the Fjarkinn four-person chairlift and several drag lifts like Strompur and Hólabraut that serve varied terrain. The area also includes Gönguhús, a dedicated facility for cross-country skiing. The resort is characterized by its high-quality snow, floodlit slopes for night skiing, and views over Eyjafjörður fjord.

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Places to Stay

Accommodations in Akureyri range from central boutique hotels to remote mountain shelters. Modern options like Icelandair Akureyri and Hótel Akureyri offer proximity to the town's cultural center, while Hotel Kjarnalundur is situated within the Kjarnaskógur forest area, featuring outdoor hot tubs and access to woodland hiking trails. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Glerárdalur valley provides basic wilderness huts like Lambi and Gönguhús. Budget-friendly lodging is available at the HI Youth Hostel, located a short distance from the municipal swimming pool.

6 places