Akureyri, with a population of around 19,000 (2019), is the largest town in Iceland outside the Southwest region, and the unofficial capital of North Iceland.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
The weather in Akureyri (and Northern Iceland in general) is often colder than in the capital, Reykjavík, but precipitation is lower; however, snow begins to fall earlier in Akureyri than in Reykjavík. As in the whole country the weather is unpredictable. January is the coldest month. Snow is very common in December to February, 80-85% of the days in those months have some snow coverage. Sunshine hours in Akureyri are fewer than in its surroundings due to its location between two mountains to the east and west.
Being Iceland's northern capital doesn't mean Akureyri is a huge metropolis. Although it can get a bit hilly leaving the waterline, walking distances are reasonable for a fit person. Akureyri has a public bus system, called SVA, which is free for all. The buses are not very frequent, each line has a bus every hour or so as of Jun 2026. They all start and end at the main town centre stop (Miðbær). On weekdays, the buses start running from 06:30 and most routes stop around 18:30 to 19:30, with only one route (A6) ending shortly after 22:00. A6 is the only route running on weekends and some holidays, and it only runs between 12:00 and 18:00.
Akureyri is a very picturesque town with its location by a scenic fjord, eclectic building styles and streets winding their way through gorges. Spend some time walking around the city centre, see the impressive church and check out Listagilið (literally: "the art canyon"), home to a number of arts and crafts galleries and shops. The tranquil municipal botanical garden, Lystigarðurinn, is worth visiting, as are the several small museums dotted around town. Be sure to visit Nonnahús, childhood home of author Jón "Nonni" Sveinsson, as well as Sigurhæðir and Davíðshús, the former homes of poets Matthías Jochumsson and Davíð Stefánsson.
1 Akureyri Drama Society (Leikfélag Akureyrar), Strandgata 12, ☏ +354 460 0200. The only professional theatre in Iceland outside of Reykjavík. 2 Akureyri Swimming Pool (Sundlaug Akureyrar), Þingvallastræti 21 (Close to the city centre), ☏ +354 461 4455. 28 May-1 September: M-F 06:45-18:00, Sa Su 08:00-19:30; 2 September-27 May: M-F 06:45-21:00, Sa Su 10:00-18:30. Two pools for swimming, several hot tubs, three water slides and a children's pool. kr 450. 3 Hof, Strandgata 12, ☏ +354 450 1000. Akureyri's house of culture, home to the North Iceland Symphony Orchestra (Sinfóníuhljómsveit Norðurlands) and regularly host to other performances.
While you're in Akureyri, be sure to get ice cream from the locally famous 1 Brynja. Eating on a budget in Akureyri is about as difficult as in the rest of the country, though there are some options. 2 Domino's Pizza, Undirhlíð 1, ☏ +354 581 2345. This is the world's northernmost Domino's pizza. It is popular with the locals. On Tuesdays, you can buy a medium pizza for kr 1000. Be prepared to wait if ordering in the evening. (updated Dec 2020) 3 DJ Grill, Strandgata 11, ☏ +354 462 1800. Burger joint. (updated Dec 2020) 4 Sprettur-Inn, Kaupangur, ☏ +354 464 6464. Pizzeria and grill. You can eat at the restaurant or order by phone or online.
A nice bar is across the street from the main movie theatre. It seems that people in the city enjoy an 'early' movie theater around 20:00 or so, and, as customary in Iceland, go clubbing/barhopping after midnight. Keep in mind that the clubs close at 01:00, at least during the weekdays. A strange wheel-of-fortune with shots, beer, and nothing, is there, for kr 1500. 1 Einstök Brewer’s Lounge, Kaupvangsstræti 23 (located in the back room of the Ölstofa Akuryrar bar as well as the back of the burger/grill joint next door). As there is no tasting room at the brewery, this is the second best bet. Flights available for kr 2500..
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Akureyri typically sees ~18°C daytime highs and 18 rainy days.
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