Region
Northeast Iceland
At the head of Eyjafjordur, Iceland's longest fjord
Akureyri: Capital of the North
The capital of North Iceland: a town at the head of Eyjafjordur, Iceland's longest fjord, known for skiing, culture, and as a gateway to the Diamond Circle.
Population
~19,000
Northeast Iceland • Second largest city
Akureyri sits at the head of Eyjafjordur, sheltered by mountains that give it a mild microclimate. Despite being just 100 km from the Arctic Circle, it has the northernmost botanical garden in the world and an active cultural scene.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-03-03
Akureyri is the best base for exploring North Iceland, including Godafoss, Myvatn, Husavik, and the Diamond Circle route.
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Official sources to check
Population
~19,000
Iceland's second city and northern hub
From Reykjavik
390 km / 45 min flight
Ring Road or daily flights from Reykjavik
Top Attractions in Akureyri
Akureyri Church
Modernist church overlooking the town
Botanical Garden
World's northernmost botanical garden with 7,000 plant species
Hlíðarfjall Ski Resort
Iceland's main ski resort, 10 minutes from town
Akureyri Art Museum
Contemporary Icelandic and international art
Christmas House
Year-round Christmas shop and garden
Sundlaug Akureyrar
Geothermal swimming pool complex
How to Get to Akureyri
By air: Akureyri Airport has multiple daily flights from Reykjavik (45 minutes). Icelandair and other domestic carriers operate the route.
By car: Take Route 1 (Ring Road) north from Reykjavik, about 390 km (4.5-5 hours). The scenic route passes through Borgarnes and along the coast.
By bus: Strætó operates scheduled buses between Reykjavik and Akureyri, though the journey takes 5-6 hours.
Best Time to Visit Akureyri
Winter (December-April): Skiing at Hlíðarfjall, Northern Lights viewing, and the town's Christmas season, which is a local tradition worth seeing.
Summer (June-August): Midnight sun, the botanical garden in full bloom, and good conditions for the Diamond Circle. Warmer temperatures and longer days.
Year-round: The sheltered fjord location means Akureyri often has better weather than Reykjavik, with more sun and less wind.
Planning help
Akureyri FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.