Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city, has recently become one of the hottest travel destinations in the country thanks to its unspoiled natural beauty and burgeoning food scene. Home to an active volcano and surrounded by the famous Eyjafjordur fjord, this northern town offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities and exciting cuisine choices to make your trip a memorable one. Here are 7 reasons to visit it.
7 Reasons to Visit Akureyri, Iceland’s Hottest Geothermal Destination
1) Akureyri is warm
Situated in northern Iceland, the town of Akureyri is blessed with a warmer climate than most of the country. This is thanks to its location near the Gulf Stream, which keeps temperatures relatively mild all year round. Even in winter, when temperatures can dip below freezing, it’s not unusual to see people walking around town in short sleeves. And in summer, when temperatures can climb into the mid-20s Celsius (mid-70s Fahrenheit), Akureyri is downright balmy. There are plenty of outdoor pursuits to enjoy in the warmer months: hiking, fishing, horseback riding, golfing, and mountain climbing and biking.
2) Nature
Any travel guide to Akureyri has to include the wide range of nature options it has. With its mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, and lava fields, Iceland is a nature lover’s paradise. And Akureyri is one of the best places to experience the country’s natural beauty. The town is surrounded by mountains, and you can find glaciers and waterfalls just a short drive away. Plus, there are plenty of geothermal pools to relax in after a long day of exploring. In fact, Akureyri has some of the most powerful geothermal sources in all of Europe. You’ll find more than twenty spas scattered throughout the city, including steam baths, hot tubs, saunas, and outdoor pools.
3) Food and Drinks
If you’re looking for amazing food and drink options, Akureyri is the place for you. With its abundance of fresh seafood, locally-sourced produce, and craft beer, you’ll be in culinary heaven. And don’t forget to try the traditional Icelandic dishes like lamb stew and skyr (a type of yoghurt). Akureyri also has some great eateries that feature a wide variety of cuisines from around the world such as Indian, Ethiopian, Mexican, or Thai. You can never go wrong with pizza either. If it’s drinks you’re after, there are many bars and pubs serving local beers on tap as well as hard liquor or wine. The annual North Iceland Beer Festival features dozens of breweries from around the world with all sorts of different flavours to choose from.
4) The World in Iceland
From the stunning landscapes to the amazing people, there are so many reasons to visit Iceland. And one of the best places to experience all that this country has to offer is Akureyri. The landscape is out of this world. The people are some of the most friendly and welcoming you’ll ever meet. There’s always something to do, whether it’s exploring the great outdoors or checking out the vibrant nightlife scene.
5) Activities
There are plenty of things to do in Akureyri. The town is home to many museums and cultural institutions, as well as being a popular tourist destination. Thanks to its location near some of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, Akureyri is also one of the best places in the country to see geothermal activity. If you want to explore the area’s rich history and culture, head on down to the Akureyrarkirkja Church or the Hof Cultural Centre. Or if your interests lie more in the arts, visit the Siggi Eggertsson Museum. Those interested in natural beauty will love Akureyri Botanical Garden while those who enjoy shopping can find plenty of options at Aðalstræti Street Market Hall. You can even experience Icelandic nature without leaving town by taking a hike around Lake Tjörnin or visiting Álftavatn Lake Nature Reserve where you’ll find hiking trails, picnic spots, and stunning views of mountains reflected on the water. Finally, no trip to Akureyri would be complete without a stop at Gullfoss waterfall for an awe-inspiring view of nature’s power.
6) Culture and History
From its humble beginnings as a small trading post in the 14th century, Akureyri has come a long way. Today, it is a bustling town with a population of over 18,000 people and is known as the Capital of the North. The city also has a long history dating back to the 9th century when it was first settled by the Vikings. Today, Akureyri is a popular tourist destination for those looking to experience Icelandic culture and history.
7) Fun Facts About Akureyri
Akureyri is one of the oldest settlements in Iceland, founded in 874 AD. The town was nearly destroyed in an earthquake in 1874, but was rebuilt and now has a population of over 18,000 people. One interesting fact about Akureyri is that it has more hot springs than any other city in the world. There are 17 of them and they can be found all around the city – they are not always easy to find because many of them have been closed off by private owners or have been blocked by buildings.
