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Akureyri, Iceland

Things to Do in Akureyri

Top sights, the tours and tickets travellers book most, hidden gems and day trips.

Most booked:Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

Most booked tours and tickets in Akureyri

Lake Myvatn, Hot-Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri

Lake Myvatn, Hot-Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri

4.5565 reviews6h
Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port

Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port

4.5547 reviews5h
Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

Big Whales & Puffins RIB boat tour from Húsavík

4.9527 reviews2h
Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

4.8493 reviews2h
Iceland's #1 Grade 4 Rafting – Glacial Canyon & Drysuits

Iceland's #1 Grade 4 Rafting – Glacial Canyon & Drysuits

5.0483 reviews6h
Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company

Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company

4.4449 reviews3h
Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik

Traditional Oak Ship Whale Watching Tour From Husavik

4.6392 reviews3h

Tickets and tours by attraction

The best options for each of Akureyri's top sights, compared.

Top sights in Akureyri

  1. 1Whale Watching
  2. 2Goðafoss Waterfall
  3. 3Botanical Garden
  4. 4Lake Mývatn
  5. 5Akureyri Church
  6. 6Húsavík
  • Unparalleled Whale Watching: Akureyri sits on one of Iceland's prime whale-watching fjords, Eyjafjörður, where you can reliably spot humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and even the elusive blue whale on tours departing directly from the city harbor.
  • Gateway to Arctic Adventures: Use Akureyri as your base to explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Lake Mývatn geothermal area, the powerful Goðafoss 'Waterfall of the Gods,' and the volcanic craters of the Krafla area, all within a 90-minute drive.
  • A Vibrant Cultural Hub: Experience a thriving arts scene at the Hof Cultural Center, admire the unique architecture of Akureyrarkirkja, and explore the free Akureyri Art Museum, all set within a picturesque, walkable downtown with charming cafes and boutiques.

Tickets and passes in Akureyri

Northern Lights Classic MiniBus Tour from Akureyri

Northern Lights Classic MiniBus Tour from Akureyri

4.383 reviews2h
Private Tour in Northern Iceland from Akureyri

Private Tour in Northern Iceland from Akureyri

4.915 reviews7h

from €2,080

Check availability
Kerlingarfjöll Highlands Day Tour in a 4X4 from Akureyri

Kerlingarfjöll Highlands Day Tour in a 4X4 from Akureyri

5.011 reviews12h

Food and drink experiences in Akureyri

Akureyri Food Walk With 4-5 Tastings and a Local Guide

Akureyri Food Walk With 4-5 Tastings and a Local Guide

4.980 reviews2h 30m
Akureyri Weekend City Break Northern Lights and Whale Watching

Akureyri Weekend City Break Northern Lights and Whale Watching

72h

Hidden gems in Akureyri

Places most visitors miss, many of them free.

The Aviation Museum (Flugsafn Íslands)

A fascinating museum located in an old airport hangar at Akureyri Airport, detailing Iceland's aviation history with well-preserved aircraft and artifacts.

Súlur Mountain Hike

A challenging but rewarding hike up the twin-peaked mountain that dominates Akureyri's skyline, offering unparalleled 360-degree views of Eyjafjörður and the highlands.

Laufás Turf House Museum

A beautifully preserved 19th-century vicarage and turf farmstead located about 25 minutes east of Akureyri, near the town of Grenivík.

Kristjánsbraut 9 - The 'Piano House'

A unique private residence in the Þingholt neighborhood, its exterior wall is built to resemble the inner workings of a grand piano.

Hrafnagil's Microbrewery (Ölgerðin Árskógssandi)

A small, family-run microbrewery located in the village of Hrafnagil, a short 15-minute drive south of Akureyri.

Day trips from Akureyri

Lake Mývatn Geothermal Area

Approx. 1 hour by car

A surreal landscape of volcanic craters, bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and unique pseudo-craters formed by lava meeting water. It's one of Iceland's most geologically active and fascinating regions.

Goðafoss Waterfall & Historical Sites

Approx. 30-45 minutes by car

Visit the powerful 'Waterfall of the Gods,' where Iceland's lawspeaker symbolically threw pagan idols into the water upon the country's conversion to Christianity. Combine it with other significant historical sites in the area.

Húsavík Whale Watching Capital

Approx. 1 hour by car

Known as Iceland's whale watching capital, this picturesque town offers some of Europe's best chances to see whales, including blues and humpbacks, from traditional oak boats. The town itself is charming and museum-rich.

Plan your Akureyri trip

Things to do in Akureyri: FAQ

What are the best things to do in Akureyri?+

Top sights include Whale Watching, Goðafoss Waterfall, Botanical Garden and Lake Mývatn. Away from the crowds, try The Aviation Museum (Flugsafn Íslands) and Súlur Mountain Hike.

What are the most popular tours in Akureyri?+

The most booked experiences on Viator are Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri (4.6 stars, 1,100 reviews); Lake Myvatn, Hot-Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri (4.5 stars, 565 reviews); Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port (4.5 stars, 547 reviews).

How much do tours in Akureyri cost?+

The tours and tickets on this page start between €82 and €2,080 per person, depending on length and what is included.

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.