Ultimate 3-Day Akureyri Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See

Start your Akureyri adventure at the iconic Akureyri Church, perched above the city with panoramic views and striking modern architecture.

Akureyri Church

Wander down the lush Akureyri Botanical Garden, a surprisingly diverse Arctic oasis showcasing native Icelandic and exotic flora.

Akureyri Botanical Garden

Immerse yourself in local heritage at the Akureyri Museum, where exhibitions chronicle the town’s rich history from Viking settlement to modern times.

Akureyri Museum

Enjoy a cozy lunch at the beloved Bláa Kannan, a charming blue house café known for homemade cakes, Icelandic soups, and excellent coffee.

Bláa Kannan

Unwind in pure Icelandic bliss at the Akureyri Swimming Pool, a geothermal complex with outdoor hot pots, steam baths, and waterslides for a perfect local experience.

Akureyri Swimming Pool

For dinner, savor fresh Icelandic fish and lamb dishes at Strikið, boasting stunning fjord views from its rooftop terrace.

Strikið

Embark on a whale-watching tour from Akureyri Harbor, where minke and humpback whales are frequent visitors to Eyjafjörður.

Akureyri Harbor

Stroll the creative Listagil (Art Alley), filled with galleries, street art, and local artisan shops, capturing Akureyri’s vibrant art scene.

Listagil

Refuel with lunch at Brynja, Iceland’s legendary ice cream shop, serving velvety soft-serve since 1939 and beloved by locals year-round.

Brynja

Dine at Rub23, a stylish eatery famed for inventive seafood, sushi, and Icelandic fusion cuisine in the city center.

Rub23

End your evening with a craft beer or local cider at R5 Microbar, Akureyri’s cozy microbrewery and a favorite among locals for its lively atmosphere.

R5 Microbar

Take a scenic drive to the surreal landscapes of Goðafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” famed for its dramatic horseshoe shape and Viking legends (approx. 30 min from Akureyri).

Goðafoss

Head to Forest Lagoon for a soothing soak in geothermal pools surrounded by a birch forest, an immersive, new spa destination just outside Akureyri.

Forest Lagoon

After your soak, enjoy lunch at the on-site restaurant at Forest Lagoon Restaurant, offering seasonal Icelandic fare with a view over Eyjafjörður.

Forest Lagoon Restaurant

Cap your Akureyri adventure with a sunset walk along the Eyjafjörður Promenade, watching boats drift by and soaking up the magical Arctic twilight.

Eyjafjörður Promenade

For your final dinner, feast at Kaffi Ilmur, a historic wooden house turned family-run restaurant, serving comforting Icelandic classics and homemade cakes.

Kaffi Ilmur