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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Akureyri Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Iceland – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type F
Type F:
 Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Icelandic Króna (ISK) £1 ≈ ISK 163 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are highly common in Iceland, especially in cities. Most businesses accept credit and debit cards, including smaller establishments. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are popular.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not common in Iceland and not expected in restaurants. A service charge is usually included in the bill. Tipping taxi drivers or hotel staff is appreciated but not necessary. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed, especially in designated areas during festivals or outdoor events. Alcohol is also available at licensed venues. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces and on public transport. Designated smoking areas are available outside of many restaurants and public buildings. |
| Icelandic National Day (June) |
Expect parades and celebrations throughout the country. Hotels and tourist spots can get busy. |
|---|---|
| Christmas (December) |
Christmas is widely celebrated, and it’s a great time to visit for festive markets, but accommodation can be more expensive. |
| Þorrablót Festival (January) |
A festival celebrating Icelandic cuisine, it’s a popular time to visit, though some businesses may have reduced hours. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Hreyfill, Reykjavik Taxi |
| Other: | Iceland's weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to prepare for sudden changes in climate. Always check weather forecasts before venturing into nature. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Akureyri, Iceland
Ski season at Hlíðarfjall runs December to April; northern lights season runs September to early April
Whale watching in Eyjafjörður runs April to October, best June to August
Highland roads and some Mývatn area attractions are reachable only in summer; many winter day trips depend on road conditions
Don't miss
- ⛪ Visit the iconic Akureyri Church with stunning stained glass
- 🌿 Explore the northernmost botanical garden in the world
- 🎨 Discover Icelandic art at the Akureyri Art Museum
- ♨️ Relax in geothermally heated Akureyri Thermal Pools
- 🥾 Take a scenic hike up to the 100+ city hill steps
- 🌊 Witness thundering beauty at nearby Goðafoss Waterfall
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Akureyri?
Akureyri is perfect if you want a taste of Icelandic city life without the crowds of Reykjavik and it’s a brilliant base for exploring North Iceland’s wild landscapes. The city itself is packed with charm: stroll the compact downtown, visit the iconic Akureyrarkirkja church and unwind in the world’s northernmost botanical garden. There’s a thriving cultural scene, with art museums, music and quirky festivals. Just outside town, you’re close to epic sights like Goðafoss waterfall, Lake Mývatn’s volcanic wonders and whale-watching in Eyjafjörður. But a few cautions: Akureyri is very cloudy, with long, dark winters and barely any sun between November and February – so be ready for moody weather and limited daylight. Snow and ice are common from October to April and while the city is walkable, sidewalks can be slippery. Some attractions close or have reduced hours in winter. Prices for food and accommodation are high by European standards and while crime is very low, police presence is limited at night. Still, Akureyri’s friendly vibe, scenery and easygoing pace make it a highlight of any Iceland trip.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🎈Events
-
Medieval Festival (summer)
-
Akureyri Art Summer
-
Winter Lights Festival (February)
-
Eistnaflug Music Festival
-
Akureyri Pride
-
Christmas Village (December)
-
Arctic Open Golf Tournament
-
Easter Ski Festival
-
First Day of Summer Parade
-
Northern Lights tours (winter)
Knowledge before you go
- Pack layers and waterproofs; North Iceland weather changes fast.
- Use Akureyri as a base for Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn day trips nearby.
- In winter, expect icy roads and limited daylight; drive cautiously or join guided tours.
- Visit the Botanical Garden and harbor area; summer whale-watching and winter skiing make seasons feel very different.
How to travel to Akureyri
Akureyri has its own airport with domestic flights from Reykjavik (45 min). Long-distance buses connect to Reykjavik and other towns, but driving (4–5 hours from Reykjavik) gives you the most flexibility for exploring North Iceland. Ferries run to Hrisey Island from nearby Árskógssandur. The airport is 3 km from downtown – take a taxi or local bus.
Access summary
- From Akureyri Airport (AEY): Taxi or transfer, around 5–15 minutes.
- From Reykjavík: Domestic flight about 35–45 minutes, several daily departures.
- From Reykjavík: Ring Road self-drive about 4.5–6 hours, scenic route.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Akureyri
Akureyri offers everything from boutique hotels and guesthouses to hostels and cozy apartments. Most accommodation is in or near downtown. Book early for summer and festival weekends. For a local touch, try a guesthouse or farm stay outside town. Camping is possible in summer, but sites close in winter.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Akureyri
Akureyri is compact and walkable, with most sights close together. Local buses connect neighborhoods and the airport. For day trips, rent a car or join tours – roads are well-maintained but can be icy in winter. Taxis are available, but limited at night. Cycling is possible in summer, but be cautious of weather and hills.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Akureyri are around 59% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot more on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to ISK) is 6% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Akureyri is extremely safe, with very low crime. Usual precautions apply: keep valuables secure in busy areas and watch for icy sidewalks in winter. Police presence is limited at night, so avoid walking alone in deserted areas late.
Health & Medical
Medical care is excellent, with a major hospital and pharmacies in town. Tap water is safe to drink. No special vaccinations are needed. Weather can change quickly — dress warmly and watch for icy paths in winter.
Accessibility
Most main attractions, hotels and public transport are accessible, but some streets are hilly and can be icy or slippery in winter. Wheelchair access is good in modern buildings but limited in older sites — check ahead for specific needs.
Tap water
Tap water in Akureyri is safe, pure and delicious. Public fountains exist in parks and squares, but carrying a refillable bottle is handy, especially for hikes or exploring outdoors.
Packing recommendations for Akureyri
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🕶️
Sunglasses
summer
🎒
Small rucksack
🔦
Torch
winter
🩱
Swimwear
👛
Cash in small denominations
for small shops
👜
Anti-theft bag
🔋
Power bank
👒
Sun hat
even in summer
🧤
Warm gloves
even in summer
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
Type F
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
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