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Akureyri travel guide

The capital of the north, near Mývatn and whales

Akureyri and the Eyjafjörður fjord. Photo: Kaldbakstindur, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2h 45mflight from London
AEYnearest main airport
7° in Julwarmest month
-7° in Jancoolest month

Akureyri is Iceland's second town, a friendly place at the head of a long fjord, with a botanical garden, cafés and a good ski slope.

It's a base for Lake Mývatn's volcanic landscape, Goðafoss waterfall and whale-watching at Húsavík. Direct UK winter flights run with easyJet.

Good forWhale watchingNatureSkiingNorthern lights

What Akureyri is known for

  • Goðafoss

    The waterfall of the gods.

  • Lake Mývatn

    Craters and lava fields.

  • Húsavík

    Iceland's whale capital.

  • Red traffic lights

    Shaped as hearts.

Top things to do in Akureyri

  1. 1

    Goðafoss

    A wide, horseshoe-shaped fall.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Mývatn Nature Baths

    A quieter Blue Lagoon.

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  3. 3

    Húsavík whale watching

    High chance of humpbacks.

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  4. 4

    Forest Lagoon

    Hot pools in the trees.

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See all tours and tickets in Akureyri

Where to stay in Akureyri

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Best time to visit Akureyri

Best value: Sep–May. June to August; winter for skiing and the aurora.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
-6.7 C-7°J-6.4 C-6°F-5.7 C-6°M-3.4 C-3°A-0.6 C-1°M4.8 C5°J6.8 C7°J5.7 C6°A2.5 C2°S-1.8 C-2°O-5.2 C-5°N-6.5 C-6°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Akureyri, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 2h 45m from London to AEY, and flights from most UK airports.

A car is best. Buses link to Reykjavík (6 hours) or fly in 45 minutes.

Find flights to Akureyri (AEY)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Mývatn means "midge lake", so bring a net in summer.
  • Winter flights from the UK land here.
  • Roads north can close in storms.
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Akureyri FAQ

How do I get to Akureyri?

Fly from Reykjavík, or direct from the UK in winter.

Is it worth going north?

Yes, it's quieter and wilder.

More places in Iceland

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