What are the best things to do in Akureyri?
Top picks in Akureyri include Akureyri Art Museum, Aviation Museum of Iceland, Akureyri Botanical Garden, Icelandic Aviation Museum. See the full list and itinerary on this Akureyri travel guide.
Photo: Kaldbakstindur · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Akureyri
Travel guide for Akureyri, Iceland — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Akureyri is a stop in Iceland, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Akureyri Art Museum, Aviation Museum of Iceland, Akureyri Botanical Garden instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 170–340 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds
Weather
Temperate, with warm summers and cool winters
Experiences
Things to do in Akureyri
1
Akureyri Art Museum
2
Aviation Museum of Iceland
3
Akureyri Botanical Garden
4
Icelandic Aviation Museum
Plan your trip
Akureyri itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Akureyri Art Museum
- Visit Aviation Museum of Iceland
- Visit Akureyri Botanical Garden
- Eat at Domino's Pizza
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Icelandic Aviation Museum
- Eat at DJ Grill
Budget
Akureyri trip cost
Budget
USD 75–130
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 170–340
per person / day
Luxury
USD 390–645+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Akureyri, Iceland. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Akureyri
Estimated total (USD)
$3,860
≈ $1,930 per person · $551 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $255/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Akureyri mid-range ground costs (budget 75–130 · mid 170–340 · luxury 390–645+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Domino's Pizza
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 prep
DJ Grill
Burger joint.
Sprettur-Inn
Pizzeria and grill. You can eat at the restaurant or order by phone or online.
Backpackers restaurant
A travel-themed bar/restaurant. Connected to a hostel but open to all.
Greifinn
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 par
Indian Curry House
Indian restaurant.
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Hotel Kea
Hotel in Akureyri centrum.
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri
- $
Hotel Akureyri
Attractive exterior, nice clean rooms inside with views of the fjord. Breakfast included with room.
Nightlife
- Einstök Brewer’s Lounge
Museums & culture
- Akureyri Art Museum
- Aviation Museum of Iceland
- Icelandic Aviation Museum
In pictures
Akureyri gallery
Photos: Kaldbakstindur, Jon Gretarsson, Sigfús Eymundsson (1837 - 1911), Debivort at English Wikipedia, Bob T — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Akureyri travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Akureyri?
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds.
How many days do I need in Akureyri?
Plan at least 2 days in Akureyri for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Akureyri?
Popular stays in Akureyri include Hotel Kea, Icelandair Hotel Akureyri, Hotel Akureyri. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Akureyri cost?
On the ground in Akureyri (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 75–130 per person per day, mid-range about 170–340, and luxury about 390–645+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Akureyri, Iceland. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
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