As the name says, Akureyri is popularly known as the country’s north capital because of its exceptional beauty and cold winters. Iceland is known as the Land of Fire and Ice because it has an equal number of volcanoes and glaciers, waterfalls and icebergs. Let us know more about this beautiful town Akureyri in Iceland! You can go on whale watching, Northern lights tour, river rafting and many more exciting activities! Here goes the list of 10 things to do in Akureyri!

10 Amazing things to do in Akureyri

Whale watching from a boat
Visit the Christmas House
Trip to Godafoss
Skiing at Hlidarfjall
Northern Lights tour
Visit Arctic Botanical Gardens
White water rafting
Explore Akureyrarkirkja
Dive to explore the only accessible Hydrothermal Chimney on Earth
Horse back riding

1. Whale watching from a boat

Whale watching from a boat, 10 things to do in Akureyri — Image credits- Unsplash

Firstly, let us know that Iceland has the most famous whale watching facilities and is known as the land of whales. To do a proper whale watch, proper weather conditions and ocean conditions are a must. The guides on the boat take you into the arctic oceans and wait till the whales show up. When the whales make a contact, all you have to do is stay calm and enjoy the moment. Make sure not to shout or scream because it might trigger the whales. The most commonly encountered whales are humpback whales, sperm whales and blue whales.

How much does the ticket cost?

Approximately 10900 ISK (6580 INR) per person.

You can also book tickets at a lower price when you travel in groups.

2. Visit the Christmas House

Christmas means joy and happiness. Christmas house in Akureyri is a typical house, open at all times of the year! In this house, you can buy many souvenirs, Christmas gifts, firecrackers, Belgian waffles, buns, bread, and many more. As the aroma of cinnamon and other spices welcomes you inside firstly, you will tour the whole house and choose your favourites. When you just roam inside the house, it automatically gives you the Christmas feel, no matter what month or date it is. This is one of the most peaceful yet engaging things to do in Akureyri.

There is no entry fee or tickets for this house because all you have to do is travel into the city and hunt for this little house and enjoy your time!

3. Trip to Godafoss

Trip to Godafoss. 10 things to do in Akureyri — Image credits- Unsplash

As you must be knowing by now, Iceland is famous for its breathtaking waterfalls. Godafoss is no exception from this. Situated in North Iceland, it flows from a river called Skjalfandafljot. As the water, falls from a height of 12 metres with a width of 32 metres, Godafoss is one of a kind. It gets its name because it is known as the Waterfall of the Gods. As a result, history says that people who settled here in the 900 ADs might have thrown statues of gods into the river thus, giving the name to the waterfall. This profound story is also a unique attraction to these falls! And yes, Godafoss definitely is one of the 10 things to do in Akureyri.

How do I get to the Falls?

A 20-minute drive from downtown Akureyri will take you to the falls.

Yes. You can book tickets per person or for a group of tourists and the ticket cost will change accordingly.

How much does one ticket cost?

Per person- 5000 ISK (2954 INR) Approx

Per group – 20600 ISK (12780 INR) depends upon the group size

4. Skiing at Hlidarfjall

Skiing at Hlidarfjall, 10 things to do in Akureyri — Image credits- Unsplash

Hlidarfjall in Akureyri is one of the safest skiing spots in town. 15 kilometres from downtown Akureyri, the perfect winter skiing spots arrive. With all safety precautions and protection, you can ski on the slopes that stretch for 14 kilometres. Then, you can find a number of food spots there to have your lunch or evening hot cup of tea admiring the plain white and mesmerizing mountain peaks. There are 7 to 8 transport lifts designed to carry the tourists up to the ski point. There are also options for sledging activities.

How much does one ticket cost to Ski at Hlidarfjall?

3 hours ticket for Adults- 4500 ISK (2658 INR) approx

3 hours ticket for children (from age 6 to 17)- 1400 ISK (835 INR) approx

There are also 2 hours pass, full-day pass, 3 days pass and 7 days pass for which the ticket prices vary.

5. Northern Lights Tour

Northern Lights Tour, 10 things to do in Akureyri — Image credits- Unsplash

Iceland and Northern Lights are inseparable for a lifetime. Because of this naturally occurring phenomenon, Iceland and its beautiful towns have gained international recognition resulting in a booming increase of tourists from all over the world. Some of the best spots in Akureyri to observe the Northern Lights are Godafoss falls and any rooftop restaurant. The lights are easy to see when the sky is dark and clear. You can see the bluish-green lights lining the sky like a trail to heaven. Though this phenomenon lasts for just a few minutes, it is absolutely worth the wait! Northern Lights are hands down one of the best 10 things to do in Akureyri!

6. Visit Arctic Botanical Gardens

Visit Arctic Botanical Gardens, 10 things to do in Akureyri — Image credits- Unsplash

The Arctic botanical gardens are one of the famous attractions in Akureyri with uncountable species of flora. It is very special because it is located just 50 kilometres south of the Arctic circle. Let us know about the history of this garden. Firstly, in 1910, the women of Akureyri city formed a small garden to beautify their village. Later, it was developed into a beautiful garden with a 4.5-hectare spread of land. By the year 2007, there were more than 7000 species of plants, flowers and small fauna.

How much is the entry fee?

The entry fee is free on all days of the year!

7. White water rafting

White water rafting, 10 things to do in Akureyri — Image credits- Unsplash

Have you heard of rafting? It is one of the most adventurous and thrilling experiences one can witness. Viking rafting in Akureyri is one of the best organizers that offer you many day trips that include sightseeing, exploration and rafting packages at the best prices. You will go rafting with a small group of people and a guide who will head the boat. Rafting in the Akureyri river is as thrilling as it looks. It definitely goes into our list of 10 things to do in Akureyri!

How much does the ticket cost to raft in Akureyri?

Per person 8100 ISK (4839 INR) approx

A group of 6 people- 24900 ISK (14960 INR) approx

8. Explore Akureyrarkirkja

Akureyrarkirkja, 10 things to do in Akureyri — Image credits- Unsplash

Akureyrarkirkja is a famous church/cathedral in Akureyri. It is one of the famous attractions and landmarks of Iceland. It is a Lutheran Church that was designed by Sir Guojon Samuelsson and the construction was completed in 1940. What makes this church a famous one is that the fine architecture and altarpiece inside the church. Firstly, the large 3200 pipe organ dates to 1863. Secondly, the windows were made in Britain and marbles from Italy. As a result, the church has a very fine structure. The angel baptismal font is said to be a replica of a piece of work created by a Danish sculptor, whose original piece is now in Copenhagen. Visiting this architectural marvel is one of the best 10 things to do in Akureyri.

9. Dive to explore the only accessible Ystuvíkurstrýtur Hydrothermal Chimney

Dive and explore the one and only accessible hydrothermal chimney on earth on your trip to Akureyri. Firstly, book your tickets in advance to avoid last-minute confusion and uncertainty. Secondly, equip yourself with proper clothes and eat clean during your deep-sea dive. Therefore you can avoid nausea. Thirdly, all the external safety precautions, oxygen tanks, scuba diving suits and swimming shoes will be provided to you. At the last, dive into the deep sea in a geothermal sea and explore the Ystuvikurstrytur Hydrothermal Chimney. As a result of diving into the sea, you can see natural sea animals and reefs. Though the water might look great, they are not rich in minerals because there are a lot of chemical reactions happening internally.

Therefore, this place stands as one of the topmost attractions of Akureyri and one of the best and unique things to do in Akureyri.

How much does it cost to dive and explore the Hydrothermal Chimney?

Around 40,000 ISK (23,540 INR) approx

10. Horse back riding

Horse back riding, 10 things to do in Akureyri — Image credits- Unsplash

Horseback riding is a famous sport and also a popular tourist attraction. In Akureyri, you can find many such farms because, horse farming and cattle farming. Therefore, you can just sit back and enjoy the ride for an hour and a half and also grab your favourite lunch and have a pleasant time at the farms. So, that is everything about Akureyri!

So, why wait? Book your best trips with Pickyourtrail for a smooth vacation and check out the various pre-customised Iceland tour packages and you can even customise your Iceland package according to your needs! Akureyri page will be of great use and everything you need to know about the place is there! So enjoy your vacation and have the best of times!