Wildlife
Whales
Humpbacks are frequently seen here, even in winter.
Northeast Iceland
Eyjafjörður: Iceland's Longest Fjord
Known as the Island Fjord, Eyjafjordur is Iceland's longest fjord at 60km. Home to Akureyri, the Capital of the North, plus whale watching, Hrisey island, the Beer Spa, and the Arctic Coast Way along its shores.
Main City
Akureyri
A major hub with airport and full services.
Quick Answer
Iceland's longest fjord is a grand corridor leading to the 'Capital of the North.' The drive along Eyjafjörður is lined with high peaks that hold snow late into summer, while the sheltered waters are one of the most reliable places in the world to see humpback whales surfacing near the shore.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Eyjafjörður is well-connected, but winter snow can be heavy in Akureyri and the surrounding mountains.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Island
Hrísey
Take a short ferry ride to this peaceful island nature reserve.
Access
Easy
Route 1 runs right to Akureyri; coastal roads are paved.
Experience
Beer Spa
Soak in warm beer at Bjórböðin in Árskógssandur with views over the fjord.
Culture
Akureyri
Iceland's second city has botanical gardens, museums, restaurants, and an active arts scene.
Scenic Route
Arctic Coast Way
Follow this 900km coastal route along both shores of the fjord.
What to Expect
- Humpback whale watching with year-round sightings close to shore
- Akureyri , the Capital of the North, with botanical gardens and an active cultural scene
- Hrísey island ferry ride to the peaceful Pearl of Eyjafjörður nature reserve
- Beer Spa at Bjórböðin in Árskógssandur with warm beer baths and fjord views
- Arctic Coast Way driving along both shores with snow-capped peaks reflected in calm waters
- Goðafoss waterfall only 45 minutes east on Route 1
How to Get to Eyjafjörður
Driving from Reykjavik
Akureyri is 390km (4.5-5 hours) from Reykjavik via Route 1 (Ring Road). The drive is entirely paved and passes through Öxnadalur valley. Alternatively, fly from Reykjavik to Akureyri airport (45 minutes).
Road Conditions
All main roads around Eyjafjörður are paved and well-maintained. The Ring Road to Akureyri is excellent year-round, though winter snow can be heavy. Coastal roads to Dalvík and Ólafsfjörður are part of the Arctic Coast Way. Check road.is for winter conditions.
Best Time to Visit Eyjafjörður
Summer (June-August)
Peak season for whale watching, Hrísey island visits, and Beer Spa. Midnight sun provides 24-hour daylight. All services fully operational. Weather is mildest (10-18°C in Akureyri, one of Iceland's warmest towns).
Shoulder Season (May, Sept)
Good whale watching continues. Fewer tourists. Northern lights visible in September. All major attractions open. Expect 5-12°C temperatures with occasional rain.
Winter (Oct-April)
Whale watching operates year-round. Excellent northern lights. Akureyri has skiing and Christmas festivities. Heavy snow possible but roads maintained. Only 4-5 hours daylight in December.
Nearby Attractions
Akureyri Botanical Garden
The world's northernmost botanical garden, free to enter, with over 7,000 plant species growing near the Arctic Circle.
Hrísey Island
The 'Pearl of Eyjafjörður': a peaceful island reached by a 15-minute ferry, good for birdwatching and quiet walks.
Beer Spa (Bjórböðin)
Bathe in warm beer at Árskógssandur, with fjord views from hot tubs on the hillside.
Dalvík & Whale Watching
Fishing village on the western shore with whale watching tours that report high sighting rates.
Goðafoss Waterfall
The 'Waterfall of the Gods' is just 45 minutes east on Route 1, one of Iceland's best-known waterfalls.
Christmas House (Jólahúsið)
Year-round Christmas shop and garden in Akureyri devoted to Icelandic Yule traditions.
Look beyond the shoreline
NASA’s account of Eyjafjörður uses a July 26, 2017 Landsat image to show the long glacial valley, the fjord and the farmland continuing south of Akureyri. Glaciers carved the valley before rising sea level filled its lower part.
The same account points to shallow hydrothermal vents studied in the fjord. A whale-watching boat and a specialist dive therefore reveal different parts of the same environment. For an ordinary road visit, choose the west or east shore around your booked activity and allow the return drive; there is no road across the fjord mouth.
Planning help
Eyjafjörður FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
How do you pronounce Eyjafjörður?
It's pronounced 'AY-ya-fyur-thur.' The name breaks down as Eyja (island) + fjörður (fjord).
What does Eyjafjörður mean in English?
Eyjafjörður translates to 'Island Fjord' in English. The name refers to the island Hrísey located in the middle of the fjord.
Is Eyjafjörður worth visiting?
Yes. Iceland's longest fjord at 60km, it has Akureyri (the Capital of the North), whale-watching departures, Hrísey island, and the Beer Spa.
How long should I spend at Eyjafjörður?
Plan 2-4 days if you want to see most of it. This allows time for Akureyri, whale watching, visiting Hrísey island, the Beer Spa, and driving the Arctic Coast Way along both shores.
Can you drive around Eyjafjörður?
Roads follow both shores but do not form a loop across the fjord mouth. Plan western-shore stops such as Dalvík separately from the eastern shore toward Grenivík, returning around the head of the fjord as needed.
What is Eyjafjörður famous for?
It's famous for being Iceland's longest fjord, home to Akureyri (the Capital of the North), whale watching, Hrísey island ('Pearl of Eyjafjörður'), and the Beer Spa.
What whales can I see at Eyjafjörður?
Humpback whales are the most common and can be seen year-round. Other species include minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and occasionally orcas. Whale watching tours run from Akureyri, Dalvík, and Hauganes.
Where is the Beer Spa at Eyjafjörður?
The Beer Spa (Bjórböðin) is located in Árskógssandur on the western shore of the fjord, about 30 minutes north of Akureyri. You bathe in warm beer with views over the fjord.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.