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Town and Municipality in Northeastern Region, Iceland
Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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.
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Listasafnið á Akureyri
Flugsafn Íslands
A church
Medieval trading post
Gásir is the site of a medieval trading post, located 11 km north of Akureyri. In July, locals stage medieval reenactments here. At other times of year, it is a sparse area. It is also a reasonably good place to view the Northern Lights if you do not want to drive a long distance from town. You can pull into a parking area after dark.
Flugsafn Íslands
Opened in 2000, it is in a large hangar at Akureyri Airport. It has static display of aircraft, helicopter and the history of aviation in Iceland.
Leikfélag Akureyrar
The only professional theatre in Iceland outside of Reykjavík.
Sundlaug Akureyrar
Two pools for swimming, several hot tubs, three water slides and a children's pool.
Akureyri's house of culture, home to the North Iceland Symphony Orchestra (Sinfóníuhljómsveit Norðurlands) and regularly host to other performances.
Indoor ice rink (ice hockey, figure skating and curling).
Night club, live music.
Another cinema.
Industrial Museum
Elding hvalaskoðun Akureyri
Whale watching, midnight sun cruises (summer), northern lights cruises (winter).
A PADI diving centre
Amtsbókasafnið
Cheap Internet connections are available here for kr 300/hour.
Internet access, wireless hotspot, VAT refund, currency exchange, information centre, café and ticket sales for FAB Travel tours.
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.
Burger joint.
Pizzeria and grill. You can eat at the restaurant or order by phone or online.
A travel-themed bar/restaurant. Connected to a hostel but open to all.
Famous for its pizza, but everything on the menu is worth trying. For a unique take on pizza consider ordering the salt-fish pizza. Free parking.
Indian restaurant.
The Hamburger Factory
Icelandic hamburgers.
High quality restaurant with a good chocolate cake. Mostly fish and lobster.
Fish restaurant.
As there is no tasting room at the brewery, this is the second best bet.
Dorms from kr 2900.
Hotel in Akureyri centrum.
Rooms, showers, guest kitchen, lockers, washers/dryers, bar/restaurant, hangout, and more.
Very basic, very cheap (€28 in an 8-person dormitory). Don't confuse the hostel (entrance B) with Acco guest house (entrance A).
Attractive exterior, nice clean rooms inside with views of the fjord. Breakfast included with room.
By plane
Bus service to/from the airport is offered by Sysli for kr 1300, and the schedule appears to be timed to easyJet's departure and arrival.
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.
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Akureyri · International · AEY
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