The second-largest city in Iceland, sitting just behind Reykjavik in terms of population, Akureyri is located in the northern part of the island and has about 20,000 residents. While the city is rather small in terms of population, it does offer a considerable amount of natural attractions for visitors to see. Of course, the self-proclaimed “Capital of North Iceland” is itself a beautiful city that offers plenty of conveniences for tourists, but its true attraction is the incredible land that it is located.
One way to see much of the beautiful countryside that surrounds the city is by taking a horseback ride from one of the several farms that offer this service. It is a great way to spend the day relaxing, seeing the sights, and even enjoying meals cooked from local ingredients. Your adventure may include a sauna or hot tub and stroll along the beach thanks to the nearby lake that offers plenty of incredible sights.
Akureyri is truly the gateway to the northern part of Iceland which holds natural wonders which draws in many thousands of tourists every year. In addition to the natural beauty is the noteworthy attractions that have been constructed by the residents of Iceland, featuring their remarkable history on this island of the north. What follows are five such places that with highlight your trip and make you want to come back and see more.
Akureyri Church
If there is one man-made structure that is a must-see in the city, it is the Akureyri Church. Set atop a hill, the church dominates the surrounding area, which is the center of the city. Built in 1940, this stunning piece of architecture catches the eye and lifts the spirit by its mere sight. You can take in this marvelous sight on your way to or from a natural destination or enjoy a good workout by jogging up and down the stairs that lead to the entrance.
It’s also a great place to meet up if you are travelling with friends or family that want to spend the day shopping or seeing the sights around town.
Arctic Botanical Gardens
Another popular destination during the summer, the Arctic Botanical Gardens is a treasure-trove of flora and fauna that offers stunning colors amid the Icelandic terrain. You can hear the birds singing as you approach this popular destination, the botanical gardens started as a public park over a century ago, but the botanical area was added in 1957 to highlight the many different natural sights.
The gardens are the perfect place to relax and enjoy a few hours of rest as you recover from seeing the many incredible sights that this part of Iceland has to offer. Plus, it is free to enter, and you can get a snack or meal at the restaurant located on the grounds for a reasonable price.
Eyiafiordur Fjord
The fjord of Eyjafjordur is long, narrow, and set between the mountains which makes for a stunning sight to behold. The fjord is also a perfect place to see the many whales that migrate to the area during the summertime. This includes the majestic humpback whales, along with minke whales which are common sights in the fjord.
Of course, there are plenty of other marine life that calls the fjord home, including dolphins and harbor porpoises. A rarer sight is the killer whale, but they might be seen from time to time in the fjord. The good news is that you can take one of the many whale watching tours which are quite popular. Some travel to the middle of the fjord for the best view of the whales while others let you see the many different species of birds that also inhabit the region.
Lake Myvatn & Hot Springs
One of the nearby natural wonders is beautiful Lake Myvatn and the hot springs that have become legendary in this part of Iceland. You can rent a car, but it is better to take one of the eight-hour tours that lets you see this incredible location. In addition to seeing the lake and hot springs, you will revel in the wonder of the volcanos which continue to shape the countryside.
Among the many places to see is the beautiful Godafoss or “Gods Waterfall”, which is one of the first stops on the tours. Next, you can visit the south shore of the lake that features the scars from ancient lava flows. Known as the “Dark Cities”, Dimmuborgir is the place where you will see formations of lava, including many pillars that seemingly come from another world. There are also underground hot springs, pits of boiling mud, and steaming fumaroles which are unforgettable.
Laufas Turf Homes
Constructed around 1865, the homes are beautifully preserved and demonstrate how the people of Iceland lived during a time before electricity. The homes themselves are constructed from the rock and natural materials that are found on the island as well as those imported from other countries. Simple, sturdy, and beautiful, the turf homes which feature roofs covered in soil were renovated about a century ago.
You can visit these large turn homes that were designed to hold about 20 residents each just outside the city. It’s not far away and makes for an excellent first stop or last destination if you are visiting Iceland.
There is no question that Akureyri is the gateway to some of the most incredible sights in all of Iceland. For those who visit, they will find a friendly, beautiful town that offers plenty of amenities for being the launching point of their sight-seeing tours.
However, you are not limited by the roads as the city also offers tours that reach out to the northern tip of the island. A 30-minute flight from the city offers you a tour of Grimsey, located on the north shore of Iceland. This provides you with a spectacular tour of some of the most impressive scenery in the world. For those who visit Iceland, Going to Akureyri should be part of the adventure that will take you into places you never dreamed of before.
