• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-264118560132
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "iceland/the-north/akureyri",
      "destination": "Akureyri",
      "title": "akureyri",
      "type": "City",
      "city": "Akureyri",
      "country": "Iceland",
      "region": "North-Iceland",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }

Akureyri

Iceland

Iceland Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.


Shop Book
x-default

Getty Images

Overview

Akureyri (pronounced ah-koo-rare-ee) stands strong as Iceland’s second city, but a Melbourne, Manchester or Montréal it is not. And how could it be with only 18,600 residents? It’s a wonder the city (which would be a ‘town’ anywhere else) generates this much buzz. Expect cool cafes, quality restaurants, a handful of art galleries and even some late-night bustle – a far cry from other rural Icelandic towns.

Meet your new travel partner

Stay connected in Akureyri

Get unlimited data while you travel with Holafly eSIM. Peace of mind and no hidden fees wherever you go.

LEARN MORE

Take your Iceland trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Road-Tripping the Ring Road: Natural and Cultural Wonders of Iceland

highlights

  1. 1Hiking along the volcanic craters, lava flows, and waterfall bases around Lake Mývatn
  2. 2Searching for puffins and whales on a guided wildlife cruise across Iceland’s glacial lakes
  3. 3Visiting the Golden Circle’s Geyser Geothermal Area, Strokkur Geyser, and Thingvellir National Park
from $2,000

per person

Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Must-see attractions

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-896104872846
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "iceland/the-north/akureyri",
      "destination": "Akureyri",
      "title": "akureyri",
      "type": "City",
      "city": "Akureyri",
      "country": "Iceland",
      "region": "North-Iceland",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Iceland’s second city of Akureyri offers art, cool cafes and easy access to nearby natural wonders. Here are the best things to do in Akureyri, Iceland.


Read full article
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-964377678980
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "iceland/the-north/akureyri",
      "destination": "Akureyri",
      "title": "akureyri",
      "type": "City",
      "city": "Akureyri",
      "country": "Iceland",
      "region": "North-Iceland",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Akureyri

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-328313145571
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "iceland/the-north/akureyri",
      "destination": "Akureyri",
      "title": "akureyri",
      "type": "City",
      "city": "Akureyri",
      "country": "Iceland",
      "region": "North-Iceland",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }