WELCOME TO AKUREYRI

Known as the Capital of the North, Akureyri is a town with a rich history, surrounded by stunning landscapes and natural wonders. The colourful town is made up of steep streets. It had only one direction to grow from its origins as a tiny harbour village by the sea: uphill! The result is a town filled with spectacular views, with Akureyri church towering over it as the crowning jewel.

AKUREYRI AT A GLANCE Akureyri is a popular tourist destination both for short and long visits. The town offers a wide range of activities and exciting destinations, including notable museums, the world’s northernmost botanical garden, luxurious swimming pools and spas, an 18-hole golf course, the best skiing area in the country, and great hiking trails. To top it all off, the public bus system in Akureyri is free of charge, making it easy to get between these attractions!

THE CAPITAL OF THE NORTH Akureyri is also a great base camp for travellers interested in exploring the many natural wonders of the north of Iceland. Snowy mountaintops, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and canyons surround the town. The area offers numerous exciting activities, such as skiing, rafting, hiking, caving, whale watching and horseback riding. Enjoy the culture and bustling life in town, only a short drive from some of the most magnificent natural sights Iceland offers. THE GREAT OUTDOORS For lovers of the outdoors, Akureyri is heaven. Those fond of hiking or cycling can enjoy its many trails and routes; Glerá river offers scenic walks along its banks, Mt. Súlur is great for a hike, and Hlíðarfjall is one of the best places in the country to go skiing. Strolling by the harbour or along the coastal path offers a refreshing breeze from the ocean, while Kjarnaskógur forest will fill you with peace and serenity.

Akureyri has two geothermal swimming pools, perfect for kids and excellent for striking up a conversation with locals. Additionally, the surrounding area offers luxurious spas. Perhaps the most important attraction of Akureyri and the north is the people. The locals are friendly and proud of their town. Even stopping at a traffic light will bring a smile to your face: the red lights in Akureyri are all heart-shaped.

AKUREYRI IN FACTS & FIGURES

1. In 1863, more than fifty years before

Icelandic women won the right to vote, a woman in Akureyri voted in the municipal elections. Her vote was accepted because of a loophole created by a translating error in the original Danish law.

2. Many of the older houses in town have a quilted exterior, unlike the corrugated iron ubiquitous elsewhere in Iceland. The houses are tiled with pre-pressed iron plates imported from America in the 1930s.

3. With a population of around 20.000, Akureyri is the largest town in North Iceland and the third-largest urban area in Iceland after

Reykjavík and Keflavík.

4. Since Akureyri is so far north, it’s a prime spot to experience the midnight sun. Around the summer solstice, the sun doesn’t set at all. 5. Akureyri is only about 90km south of the

Arctic Circle.

6. The town’s Botanical Garden contains almost every plant that grows in Iceland and several species from other countries like

Greenland.

7. In Akureyri, stopping at a red light is much more pleasant than elsewhere; the red lights are heart-shaped! Stopping for a selfie in the middle of traffic is dangerous, but you’ll find a heart-shaped red light by the cultural centre, Hof!

8. Akureyri sits at the head of the longest fjord in Iceland: Eyjafjörður.

A SHORT HISTORY OF AKUREYRI

The history of the Akureyri area goes back to the 9th century when the Norse Viking Helgi magri (Helgi the lean) and his wife, Þórunn hyrna, settled there. However, the name Akureyri isn’t mentioned until several hundred years later, in 1562.

Akureyri started growing in the 16th century when Danish merchants established a summer trading post there. At the time, Icelandic law required everyone to make their living farming their land or work for someone else. Therefore, merchants were not permitted to live there year-round until 1778. A few years later, Akureyri was recognised as an official marketplace, although it didn’t start to blossom until the mid-19th century.

Since then, Akureyri has become a vital hub of commerce, production, arts, culture, and education in North Iceland. The town has produced poets and artists, politicians, and businesspeople who have put their stamp on Iceland as it transformed from a Danish colony to a prosperous independent nation. Akureyri’s history is embedded in the town itself. From the charming houses of the oldest neighbourhood, through the more modern centre to its more recently developed south side, Akureyri’s architecture showcases the different periods of its development.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Akureyri, a trip to Akureyri Museum is a must. The homes of notable local poets from different periods have been preserved, so you can visit the house of poet Davíð Stefánsson or that of children’s author Jón Sveinsson, known as Nonni, the author of several autobiographical books about growing up in Akureyri. Finally, taking a historical walk through the town centre and the oldest part of town is a great way to get to know the spirit of Akureyri. Check out pages 78-79 for more information on the historical walk!

DOWNTOWN AKUREYRI

Downtown Akureyri is best enjoyed on foot. Taking a stroll through the town centre is perfect if you’re looking to stop by a shop, a café or a restaurant. If you want to get acquainted with the roots of the town, walking through the old town and stopping by a museum or two will give you a glimpse of days gone by.

THE CENTRE This is the beating heart of the town, where you’ll find the greatest density of cafés, restaurants and shops – everything from sushi to local design and the latest in Icelandic music. Although most shops line Hafnarstræti and Skipagata, you’ll find smaller shops, bistros, and galleries if you wander out into the residential areas. The centre is also where you’ll find bus stops and taxi stands.

ODDEYRI AND THE HARBOUR The second oldest part of town is Oddeyri, a spit of land formed by Glerá river sediment. The name Oddeyri was first mentioned in the sagas in the 13th century but became part of the town in 1866. The area is now home to Akureyri’s thriving seafood industry and several picturesque houses and buildings evoking the history of Akureyri. The Hof concert hall has a lovely café, a perfect stop on your stroll along the water.

THE ART STREET The centre of cultural life in Akureyri is on Kaupvangsstræti, nicknamed Art Street, which curves through Grófargil in the middle of Akureyri. The buildings on Art Street used to house industrial operations, but when they gradually moved elsewhere, it freed up a lot of housing that turned out to be ideal for the artistic crowd. The impressive Akureyri Art Museum, small galleries, exhibition spaces, and shops have now taken residence there instead.

THE OLD TOWN Strolling south from Akureyri’s centre is a walk through the town’s history. The narrow strip of flat land between the water and the mountains is where Akureyri began, with picturesque rows of old wooden houses in every colour of the rainbow. Stopping for ice cream in Brynja, one of the oldest shops in Iceland, is practically a requirement for every visit to Akureyri and a glass of wine in the town’s most recentlyopened wine bar. Dine at the oldest building in town, Laxdalshús, built in 1795, and have a chance to visit several museums, such as the former home of author Jón Sveinsson (Nonni) and Akureyri Museum, giving a glimpse into what life was once like in Akureyri.

HRÍSEY ISLAND

Hrísey, the pearl of Eyjafjörður, is known for its beautiful nature, diverse birdlife, and pleasant improved paths and trails - complete with informative signs along the way. A good way to get to know the island is to hike around it., enjoying the sights with nothing but the sounds of the seagulls to keep you company.

The culture that develops on the islands off the coast of Iceland is fascinating. Close-knit and close to nature, surviving off the land and the sea has given the communities unique opportunities as well as challenges. You can learn about the history of the inhabitants of Hrísey by visiting the island’s recently revamped exhibition on shark fishing at the House of Shark Jörundur. While the adventures of the shark fishers are exciting, Hrísey also has a museum documenting the more domestic side of life. Holt, the memorial museum of Hrísey resident Alda Halldórsdóttir, showcases a typical Icelandic home in the 20th century, where the old and new ways of life meet. Hrísey is the second-largest island off the coast of Iceland, and it has been continuously inhabited since Iceland’s settlement in the 9th century. It has some options for accommodation, so you can spend a night or two on the island to really immerse yourself in the culture, restaurants serving fresh and delicious food, and there’s a lovely swimming pool. For the real heroes, take the steps down to the beach and bathe directly in the North Atlantic! The island’s famous for being a birdwatcher’s heaven; since there are no natural predators on the island, it’s become a bird sanctuary with forty native species of birds, including ptarmigan, arctic tern, and eider duck. The ptarmigan, a bird in the grouse family, is common there. Its snow-white winter colouring is particularly impressive, as are its feathered legs: a rare characteristic for birds.

To get to Hrísey, you can take a 15-minute ferry ride from Árskógssandur (35km, 22mi from Akureyri), which leaves every two hours. For more information, check out www.hrisey.is.

PERLA

MúsarhóllMúsarhóll EYJAFJARÐAR LaugarkamburLaugarkambur

Gönguleiðir / Trails:Gönguleiðir / Trails: Hrísey er önnur stærsta eyjan við 6,7 km / 2+ klst/hrs6,7 km / 2+ klst/hrs Ísland. Hún er um 7,5 km að lengd og 6,8 km / 2+ klst/hrs6,8 km / 2+ klst/hrs 2,5 km að breidd þar sem hún er 4,1 km / 1+ klst/hrs 4 km / 1+ klst/hrs 4,1 km / 1+ klst/hrs 4 km / 1+ klst/hrs breiðust að sunnanverðu. Eyjan Vegur / RoadVegur / Road Viti / LighthouseViti / Lighthousemjókkar til norðurs og þar rís hún hæst í um 110 m.y.s. þar sem stendur viti sem reistur var á svonefndum Bratta árið 1920. Vitinn er einn af sjö friðlýstum vitum á YstibærYstibærÍslandi. Byggð hefur verið samfelld í Hrísey allt frá landnámi Eyjafjarðar um 890. Ekki eru til öruggar heimildir um hver nam Hrísey en þar voru lengi vel fimm landnámsjarðir. Þrjár þeirra, Miðbær, Saltnes og Hvatastaðir, fóru BorgarbríkBorgarbrík í eyði upp úr Svarta dauða, eftir HvatastaðirHvatastaðir aldamótin 1400. Tvær jarðir, Syðstibær og Ystibær, héldust áfram í byggð. Það má segja að sjávarútvegur og þéttbýlismyndun í Hrísey hafi hafist fyrir alvöru þegar Jörundur Jónsson (Hákarla-Jörundur) fluttist til Hríseyjar ásamt fjölskyldu sinni árið 1862. Þá var einungis búið á jörðunum tveimur, Syðstabæ og Ystabæ, og íbúar voru um tuttugu til þrjátíu. Fram að því hafði sjávarútvegur einungis verið aukabúgrein með landbúnaði í sveitasamfélagi sem hafði haldist óbreytt í Hrísey um aldir. Smám saman hóf að myndast lítið þorp í kringum aukin umsvif útgerðar í landi Syðstabæjar. Fjöldi íbúa óx jafnt og þétt og náði hámarki um 1940 en þá bjuggu 337 manns í Hrísey. Árið 2021 voru um 160

Hlið / GateHlið / Gate Stóri boliStóri boli

Litli boliLitli boli

KríunesKríunes

LambhagatjörnLambhagatjörn HáborðHáborð LangamýriLangamýri

BeinalágBeinalág

Þorpið / VillageÞorpið / Village Orkulindin / Energy ZoneOrkulindin / Energy Zone

Hús Hákarla-JörundarHús Hákarla-Jörundar

SyðstibærSyðstibær Holt Holt

d land, marked with a line of trees (dotted line on the Norðurhluti Hríseyjar, Ystabæjarland, er alfriðað land í einkaeign, afmarkað með trjálínu, þvert yfir eyjuna (sjá Norðurhluti Hríseyjar, Ystabæjarland, er alfriðað land í einkaeign, afmarkað með trjálínu, þvert yfir eyjuna (sjá strikalínu). Leyfi landeigenda þarf til að fara um einkalandið. Við landamörkin er hlið og á því skilti með símanúmeri strikalínu). Leyfi landeigenda þarf til að fara um einkalandið. Við landamörkin er hlið og á því skilti með símanúmeri til að óska eftir leyfi.til að óska eftir leyfi. The northernmost part of Hrísey is privately owned and protected land, marked with a line of trees (dotted line on the The northernmost part of Hrísey is privately owned and protected land, marked with a line of trees (dotted line on the map). Permission must be obtained to enter through the gate on the road.map). Permission must be obtained to enter through the gate on the road.

Grímsey is the northernmost settlement in Iceland, situated 41km (26mi) north of the mainland. It’s situated on the Arctic Circle, 66° north, the only part of Iceland that’s actually above the Arctic Circle! An outdoor artwork celebrating the Arctic Circle stands proudly on the island, marking the exact spot where it cuts across the island. It’s called Orbis et Globus and consists of a three-metre (ten-foot) concrete sphere, which is meant to be moved along with the movements of the Arctic Circle.

Despite being so far north, Grímsey’s summers are generally mild, and the island has rich vegetation. People have been living there for at least eight centuries, and today, it has around sixty residents. Up to sixty species of birds and one of the biggest puffin colonies in Iceland make Grímsey ideal for bird-watching. The comical-looking puffin, with its multicoloured beak and jaunty walk, is a welcome sight when it arrives in the spring. Puffins are a symbol of summer on the island since they only stay on land from mid-April to early August. If you’re interested in hiking around the island, sailing or even snorkelling with puffins, check out the selection of Grímsey tours available.

The historic Grímsey church was recently lost in a tragic fire, but the island’s residents are already working on getting a new one built. Grímsey lighthouse is another notable building, constructed in 1937. For the history buffs, a new exhibition on American librarian and scholar Daniel Willard Fiske has opened at Grímsey Airport. The exhibition is focused on Fiske’s visit to Grímsey and his gift of chess sets to every home on the island, along with a monetary donation to the community, in the 1870s. A monument to Fiske was built to commemorate his gift. On the eastern side of the island, is the dramatic coastline where the islanders climb down the sheer rock cliffs with a rope, at great personal risk, to collect seabird eggs for their families in early spring. The island also has some beautiful basalt column formations.

Grímsey island is small, but it still has options for accommodation for curious travellers who want to spend more time exploring the island. The most popular time of year to visit is around the summer solstice, when the Arctic sun stays in the sky all night long. There’s a shop on the island where you can get all your necessities, as well as a restaurant if you don’t feel like cooking on your own.

To get to Grímsey, you can take the ferry from the village of Dalvík (a 40-minute drive from Akureyri), or take a flight from Akureyri. For scheduled flights, consult www.grimsey. is. Sightseeing flights and tours are also available, with a stop on the island to cross the Arctic Circle before heading back to Akureyri. For more information on activities, services, and transportation, go to www.grimsey.is.

Auðvelt er að ganga um Grímsey, margt að sjá og skoða og miklar andstæður í grýttum fjörum, mikilfenglegum björgum og grasi vöxnum móum. Á sumrin iðar eyjan af fuglalífi og til að verjast ágangi kríunnar er gott að hafa meðferðis prik eða vera með húfu á höfði. Allar gönguleiðir byrja og enda við þorpið og eru uppgefnar vegalengdir og

ore. There are many contrasts in this landscape of rocky shores, dramatic cliffs and grassy moorland. In summer the island is teeming with bird life and to protect to carry a stick or wear a hat or cap. All footpaths begin Gönguleiðir / Trails: 7,9 km / 3.5+ klst/hrs 4 km / 2 klst/hrs 6,5 km / 3+ klst/hrs 6,9 km / 3+ klst/hrs Vegur / Road Aldamótasteinar / Century Stones Sandurinn Sandvíkurbjarg Vænghóll Miðgarðabjarg

Básabjarg

Stekkjarvík Básasker Langavík Gjögur Skollalautarás Flatasker

Hringur og kúla Orbis et Globus Arctic Circle Grímsey er nyrsta byggða ból Marker (current) Íslands, um 41 km norður af meginlandinu. Eyjan er 4,5 ferkílómetrar að flatarmáli; 4,8 km að lengd og 2 km á breidd þar sem hún Básavík er breiðust. Hún er mynduð úr blágrýti og myndar það víða afar fallegt stuðlaberg. Grímsey hallar frá austri til vesturs. Að austan ganga Sveinsstaðabjarg há björg í sjó fram og er bjargbrúnin Brúin og vegvísarnir Arctic Circle Marker (original)105 m yfir sjó þar sem hún er hæst. Básar Byggð hefur verið í Grímsey frá landnámi um 890 og var eyjan jafnan talin matarkista vegna hins gjöfula lífríkis sem þar er að finna – fiskur, fuglar og egg. Íbúafjöldi í Grímsey hefur verið mjög breytilegur í Hólatjörn gegnum tíðina. Flestir urðu íbúarnir 125 í kringum árið 1930. Nú hafa innan við sjötíu manns búsetu í eyjunni (2021). Þjóðsaga tengir nafn eyjarinnar við landnámsmanninn Grím frá Sogni í Noregi. Eyjan var til forna í eigu Munkaþverár- og Möðruvallarklaustra í Eyjafirði. Bændur í eyjunni voru leiguliðar hjá klaustrunum og greiddu leiguna í skreið/harðfisk. Aðalatvinnuvegur eyjarbúa hefur verið og er fiskveiðar og fiskverkun enda mjög gjöful fiskimið allt í kringum eyjuna. Landbúnaður til heimilisnota hefur verið stundaður frá upphafi en mjög hefur dregið úr honum á síðustu árum á meðan ferðaþjónusta hefur farið vaxandi. Engin heitavatnsuppspretta er í Grímsey en hins vegar er nægt kalt neysluvatn sem dælt er upp úr

þremur borholum. Vatnsveitan tók til starfa 1971 en fram að því var öllu Gönguleiðir / Trails: neysluvatni safnað, meðal annars af 7,9 km / 3.5+ klst/hrs þökum húsanna í eyjunni. 4 km / 2 klst/hrs 6,5 km / 3+ klst/hrs Raforka í Grímsey er framleidd með 6,9 km / 3+ klst/hrs Vegur / Road díselrafstöð og var sú fyrsta tekin í Aldamótasteinar / Century Stones gagnið árið 1947. Kælivatn frá díselrafstöðinni er notað til að hita Sandurinn Sandvíkurbjarg upp sundlaugina en húsin í eyjunni eru hituð með olíu og/eða varmadælu. Í skoðun eru aðrir orkugjafar eins og vindmillur og sólarorkuver. Grímsey var sjálfstætt sveitarfélag til Vænghóll Miðgarðabjarg ársins 2009 þegar það sameinaðist Akureyrarbæ.

Básabjarg

Stekkjarvík Básasker Langavík Gjögur Skollalautarás Flatasker

Hringur og kúla Orbis et Globus Arctic Circle Marker (current)

Básavík Sveinsstaðabjarg

Brúin og vegvísarnir Arctic Circle Marker (original) Básar

Hólatjörn

Þorpið/VillageÞorpið/Village

MúliMúli

MiðgarðarMiðgarðar

SveinagarðarSveinagarðar GrenivíkurbjargGrenivíkurbjarg

BorgirBorgir

StuðlabergStuðlaberg Basalt columnsBasalt columns

GrenivíkGrenivík FlesjarFlesjar

Auðvelt er að ganga um Grímsey, margt að sjá og skoða og miklar andstæður í grýttum fjörum, mikilfenglegum Auðvelt er að ganga um Grímsey, margt að sjá og skoða og miklar andstæður í grýttum fjörum, mikilfenglegum björgum og grasi vöxnum móum. Á sumrin iðar eyjan af fuglalífi og til að verjast ágangi kríunnar er gott að hafa björgum og grasi vöxnum móum. Á sumrin iðar eyjan af fuglalífi og til að verjast ágangi kríunnar er gott að hafa meðferðis prik eða vera með húfu á höfði. Allar gönguleiðir byrja og enda við þorpið og eru uppgefnar vegalengdir og meðferðis prik eða vera með húfu á höfði. Allar gönguleiðir byrja og enda við þorpið og eru uppgefnar vegalengdir og tími miðuð við það.tími miðuð við það. It is easy to walk around in Grímsey and plenty to see and explore. There are many contrasts in this landscape of It is easy to walk around in Grímsey and plenty to see and expl ore. There are many contrasts in this landscape of rocky shores, dramatic cliffs and grassy moorland. In summer the island is teeming with bird life and to protect rocky shores, dramatic cliffs and grassy moorland. In summer the island is teeming with bird life and to protect yourself against the aggressive arctic terns it is a good idea to carry a stick or wear a hat or cap. All footpaths begin yourself against the aggressive arctic terns it is a good idea to carry a stick or wear a hat or cap. All footpaths begin and end in the village and quoted length and time of the walks are based on this.and end in the village and quoted length and time of the walks are based on this.

HIGHLIGHTS OF AKUREYRI

Check out the map on pages 94-95 for the locations!

1 AKUREYRI THERMAL POOL One of Akureyri’s most popular attractions, the Akureyri Thermal Pool is a great place to take your family, group, significant other, or yourself. Whether relaxing in the warm water or splashing around with the kids, you’re bound to leave the pool feeling energised and refreshed. The hot tubs and outdoor pools and the brand-new waterslides ensure everyone can find something to their liking.

AKUREYRI CHURCH Akureyri church is one of the most recognisable landmarks in town. This Lutheran church was designed by renowned architect Guðjón Samúelsson, and the bas-reliefs on the nave balcony are by sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson. The church steps are a particular highlight, and walking up the 100+ steps should be on everyone’s checklist of things to do when visiting Akureyri.

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3 THE BOTANICAL GARDEN The garden is one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world and is equally popular with locals and visitors. The public park was opened in 1912, and the botanical section in 1957. There are about 6,600 foreign species and over 400 native species, making the Botanical Garden an excellent choice for those wishing for a break from day-to-day stress.

LITERARY HOMES Akureyri has been home to many a respected poet and author. Two of the more celebrated ones have earned the honour of having their homes preserved as museums. They are Jón Sveinsson, an author of autobiographical children’s books better known as Nonni; and Davíð Stefánsson, one of the most famous poets of the 20th century. Even if you’re not familiar with their work, their homes are still worth visiting for their historical value.

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ART STREET The street leading down from Akureyri church is colloquially known as Listagilið (Art Street) in Akureyri. It’s home to several artist workshops and studios and the newly renovated Akureyri Art Museum. The buildings that line the street used to house factories and industrial operations but have since been taken over by local artists and Akureyri Art Museum. Their work continues to enrich the vibrant cultural scene of Akureyri. THE MUSEUM CHURCH The largest artefact in the collection of Akureyri Museum is the black-tarred church that stands on the hillside below the museum. Initially built in 1846, the church was moved from Svalbarð on the opposite side of Eyjafjörður fjord. Unlike the architecturally impressive Akureyri church, this simple wooden church with a lone white cross indicating a house of worship is an excellent example of a rural 19th-century church.

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7 HOF CULTURAL CENTRE The conference centre and concert hall is a spectacular landmark. Its halls host everything from parties and exhibitions to theatrical events, meetings, and receptions. It’s located only minutes away from downtown. Inside Hof, you can find Icelandic design and gifts at Kista and enjoy some delicious refreshments at the recently opened Garún Bistro. Hof is also home to a tourist information office.

8 KJARNASKÓGUR South of Akureyri is Iceland’s most visited forest, Kjarnaskógur. The recreational area has a 7km (4mi) lit trail, a vast network of backcountry trails, and a 10km (6mi) long designated mountain bike trail and crosscountry skiing options. This summer, new hiking trails from Kjarnaskógur to Glerárdalur connect to hiking trails up Mt. Hlíðarfjall. There are two playgrounds, picnic areas, barbecue facilities, a volleyball course, and restrooms, making Kjarnaskógur the perfect outdoor space for nature lovers.

KROSSANESBORGIR Krossanesborgir nature reserve centres on 10,000-year-old basalt rock formations formed by glaciers during the last Ice Age. With diverse birdlife in the area, Krossanesborgir is a bird-watcher’s paradise. Over 27 different birds, or about 35% of all Icelandic bird species, nest in the area, including a large number of ptarmigan. Bird lovers can view them from hiking trails and bird-watching cabins.

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HLÍÐARFJALL Hlíðarfjall is one of the best skiing areas in Iceland. The hallmarks of Hlíðarfjall are highquality snow, extensive cross-country trails, and exciting ski slopes with breathtaking views of Eyjafjörður fjord. Equipped with snowmaking machines and fully floodlit main runs, Hliðarfjall promises excellent conditions throughout winter, from the end of November to early May. From July until early September, the chairlift Fjarkinn is operated for hikers and bikers, opening Mt. Hlíðarfjall for recreational activities in summer, too.

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GLERÁRDALUR & MT SÚLUR The mountain Súlur rises above Akureyri to its southwest. Hiking to the peaks and back takes about five to six hours, and the hiking trail is popular with locals. There are two peaks, the highest one reaching about 1,213m (3,980ft). The peaks are mainly made of light rhyolite (liparite), a volcanic rock created during volcanic eruptions some eight to nine million years ago.

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AKUREYRI ALL YEAR ROUND

When visiting Iceland, it’s essential to consider the weather and the seasons. Iceland in the summer is an entirely different beast from Iceland in the winter, and Akureyri is no exception. Each season has its charms and season-specific activities!

SPRING As spring arrives, so do north Iceland’s most popular residents, the migrant birds that populate the surrounding area. Particularly good places for bird-watching include Krossanesborgir, the estuary of the river Eyjafjarðará, and the islands Grímsey and Hrísey. Grímsey is home to one of the most significant puffin colonies in Iceland, and in Hrísey, ptarmigan and arctic terns are quite common.

In the Botanical Garden, Akureyri’s flora starts bursting into life. Inhabitants of Akureyri also start blooming as many dig up their running shoes, drag out their bikes for a ride, or fire up their barbecues. If you want to join in the excitement, head to the Akureyri thermal swimming pool and join in the spring fever! After a good soak in the geothermal water, a nice walk through the historic centre of town will give you a feel for the town’s history.

It can still get a bit nippy in spring in Iceland, so if the weather doesn’t exactly match your sunny mood, head to Akureyri Museum and learn how this town in the north developed. On the First Day of Summer, a holiday that usually falls in April, the locals celebrate their museums on the Eyjafjörður Museum Day. SUMMER Summer is the most popular season to visit Akureyri, and for a good reason! At night, the midnight sun is a magical experience, and during the day, Akureyri summer weather is unbeatable. The town’s surroundings are lush and green, and the weather is on its best behaviour. Favourite summertime activities include golfing, visiting the Botanical Garden, and sitting outside a café on a sunny day soaking up the rays. To encounter nature at close range, hop on a boat for a whale watching tour. Feeling more active? The slopes might be empty of snow, but the ski lift is still used by hikers. Hike up the magnificent Mt. Súlur or follow one of the many newly marked biking trails! In the mood for relaxing? A long soak in the thermal pool will leave you refreshed, and if you’re feeling luxurious, a dip in the nearby Forest baths is a must.

Suppose you’re up for a drive through the countryside. In that case, the surrounding region has some terrific museums, such as the Herring Era Museum in Siglufjörður, the Great White Plague Centre in Kristnes, and the Sundry Museum in Eyjafjarðarsveit.

Arctic Circle, making it the perfect spot to experience the midnight sun. Sunglasses at night are par for the course in the weeks around the summer solstice! Summer is also a great season to visit Akureyri as it feels like there’s always something going on. Summer celebrations include the Icelandic National Day (June 17), Hiking Week, the Art Museum’s summer-long arts festival, and the Hrísey festival, to name a few.

AUTUMN Akureyri has a lively culture with impressive year-round theatre and concert programming. Not only does the town have the only professional theatre outside of Reykjavík, but it’s also filled with concert venues big and small. You can catch everything from Iceland’s top bands playing at intimate venues like Græni Hatturinn to the North Iceland Symphony Orchestra at Hof concert hall and cultural centre.

Akureyri Cultural Night, celebrating Akureyri’s official anniversary in late August, kicks off the town’s autumn festival season. Other events include A!, a performance art festival organised by the Akureyri Art Museum, featuring both young and established artists.

The Akureyri Art Museum, the Akureyri Museum, and the Toy Museum offer a great way to spend the day. If you want to learn more about local culture, art, and the artists who make it, stroll down Art Street or visit Flóra, a souvenir shop/cultural events venue/artist workshop. WINTER Akureyri truly becomes a winter wonderland in the winter season, when the snow covers everything and the northern lights twinkle overhead. Come for the skiing at one of Iceland’s best ski resorts but stay for the northern lights excursions, one of the most popular wintertime activities, with the season lasting from the end of August until the end of March.

For everyday pleasure, soaking in the hot tubs at the Akureyri swimming pool is great when it’s cold outside, but for excitement, activities such as snowmobiling, winter horseback riding and even dogsledding are popular options. Mt. Hlíðarfjall, arguably the best skiing and snowboarding resort in the country, is only a five-minute drive from the city centre, and within the city, you can go skating at the skating rink.

Cross-country skiing in Kjarnaskógur is popular, the best time of year being from roughly November until the end of April. For those on the hunt for a slightly less conventional outing, there’s snowshoeing and heli-skiing.

For the highly adventurous, there’s the option of arctic diving! Extreme types will not want to miss AK Extreme in April. In addition, there is a full in-town calendar of concerts, plays, and exhibitions.

Finally, New Year’s Eve in Akureyri is not to be missed. Not that you can forget it when visiting, the town practically explodes with colourful fireworks!

TRANSPORTATION

GETTING TO AKUREYRI Icelandair offers multiple daily flights between Reykjavík and Akureyri, and NiceAir runs international flights to Akureyri. The airport is located 3km (2mi) south of the town centre. We recommend a taxi or renting a car. Strætó, the public bus system, has daily scheduled departures between Akureyri and Reykjavík. Check www.straeto.is or download the Strætó app for more information.

During summer, a daily highland route is available with SBA Norðurleið between Reykjavík and Akureyri over the Kjölur route, see www.sba.is. GETTING AROUND AKUREYRI Akureyri by scooter – Renting an electric scooter is a great way to get to know Akureyri. There are a number of paths along the coast (including Glerárgata to the north and Drottningarbraut to the south). Check out www.hopp.is bike for more information about electric scooter rentals.

Akureyri by bus – The Akureyri Citybus is free of charge and will take you anywhere you need to go in town. Just figure out the route you want to take and step on the bus! Each bus route starts and ends in the town centre. Information is available at www.straeto.is and the Strætó app. Most bus stops with a shelter include a route map.

Taxis – If you need to get around after the buses stop running, or the buses don’t suit your needs, you can always take a cab. You can stop by the taxi station in the town centre or call for a cab (+354 461 1010).

Busses run daily from 06:25 to 23:03 on weekdays and from 12:49 to 18:36 on weekends and holidays. Schedules during weekends depending upon the time of year, for further information check www.bus.is or call +354 462 4929. There is no bus service on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

GETTING FROM AKUREYRI Norlandair operates flight services within the vicinity of Akureyri and also to East Greenland. For trips to Grímsey island, on the Arctic Circle, contact Norlandair. Go to www.grimsey.is for more information. If you want to get to the islands of Hrísey or Grímsey, you could take a ferry or a day tour from Akureyri. Ferries leave from Dalvík or Árskógssandur. Go to www.hrisey.is or www.grimsey.is for more information.

Strætó also runs to some of the towns in the Eyjafjörður and Tröllaskagi regions, including Dalvík, Siglufjörður, Húsavík, and Blönduós. The buses run a few times a day, allowing you to explore the town but still get back to Akureyri at the end of the day. Get more information at www.straeto.is.

While there is no fare for buses inside the town limits of Akureyri, the buses taking you out of town will charge a modest sum for the fare. It’s a great option if you feel like exploring the north but aren’t comfortable with driving in unfamiliar circumstances. VAÐLAHEIÐI TUNNEL When driving east from Akureyri, you’ll encounter the Vaðlaheiði tunnel, a 7.5 km (4.7 mi) tunnel allowing drivers to bypass the precipitous Víkurskarð mountain road. A safer option during the winter months, the tunnel also shortens the route by 16km (10mi), saving drivers 15 minutes off their route. You won’t need to stop at toll booths or pay machines by the tunnel to pay the toll. Instead, travellers can pay the toll online at www.tunnel.is via card. Drivers can pay the toll 24 hours before driving through the tunnel and up to 24 hours after passing through.

INFORMATION

AIRPORTS/AIRLINES

Akureyri Municipal Airport Air Iceland +354 570 3000 | www.airicelandconnect.is

Niceair +354 560 2100 | www.niceair.is

Norlandair +354 414 6960 | www.norlandair.is

TAXIS FERRIES

Ferry Sæfari to Grímsey +354 853 2211 | www.landflutningar.is/saefari/

Ferry Sævar to Hrísey +345 695 5544 | www.hrisey.net

BUS TERMINALS

Hof Cultural Centre Strandgata 12, Akureyri +354 540 2700 | www.straeto.is