Region
Northeast Iceland
At the head of Eyjafjordur, Iceland's longest fjord
Akureyri Iceland: Capital of the North Travel Guide
The Capital of North Iceland—a charming town at the head of Eyjafjordur, Iceland's longest fjord, known for skiing, culture, and as a gateway to the Diamond Circle.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Population
~19,000
Northeast Iceland • Second largest city
Akureyri sits at the head of Eyjafjordur, sheltered by mountains that create a surprisingly mild microclimate. Despite being just 100 km from the Arctic Circle, it has the northernmost botanical garden in the world and a thriving cultural scene that rivals much larger cities.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Akureyri is the best base for exploring North Iceland, including Godafoss, Myvatn, Husavik, and the Diamond Circle route.
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
Iconic modernist church overlooking the town
Botanical Garden
World's northernmost botanical garden with 7,000 plant species
Hlíðarfjall Ski Resort
Iceland's best skiing, 10 minutes from town
Akureyri Art Museum
Contemporary Icelandic and international art
Christmas House
Year-round Christmas shop and garden
Sundlaug Akureyrar
Excellent 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): Excellent skiing at Hlíðarfjall, Northern Lights viewing, and cozy town atmosphere. Christmas in Akureyri is especially charming.
Summer (June-August): Midnight sun, botanical garden in full bloom, and perfect 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.