Street in Akureyri
The compact harbor area and surrounding old wooden houses form the walkable core of Iceland’s “Capital of the North.” Free to explore, the colorful houses, quirky shops, and heart-shaped traffic lights give Akureyri a charm that contrasts with the raw landscapes outside town.
Nearby
Other places worth the walk, and what each one costs.
The landmark Lutheran church perches above the town with a distinctive Art Deco facade and a stained glass window salvaged from the old Coventry Cathedral. Free to enter, the hilltop location delivers views over the fjord that make the steep walk worthwhile.
The "Waterfall of the Gods" is a 30-minute drive from Akureyri and completely free to visit. According to saga, Viking chieftain Þorgeir threw his Norse idols into these falls when Iceland converted to Christianity in 1000 AD.
The world's most northerly botanical garden (just 100 km south of the Arctic Circle) is free to enter and surprisingly lush for its latitude. Over 7,000 plant species thrive here in Akureyri's sheltered microclimate, and the garden is a peaceful escape from the wind.
Working out what Akureyri costs?
The whole of Akureyri