Top Akureyri Tours & Vacations 2024/2025 [reviews & photos]

Akureyri Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 55 most popular Akureyri trips. Compare tour itineraries from 36 tour companies. 95 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

Small Group Akureyri Tours

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Top Akureyri Attractions & Experiences

Top Akureyri Experiences

  • Going heli-skiing through fresh powder from the top of a mountain to the ski, and being in a small group of skiiers on a barren landscape.
  • Seeing a humpback whale up close on a whalewatching tour.
  • Cycling through the dramatic northern Icelandic countryside to get to a massive colony of puffins.
  • Indulging in warm and hearty Icelandic delicacies after a long day exploring glaciers and geysers.

Akureyri Tours & Travel Guide

Akureyri Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Although Akureyri only has 18,000 residents, it is still Iceland’s second largest city! Unlike Reykjavik, Akureyri is located in the north of the country, and provides access to a whole new set of scenic views and Icelandic culture.

Akureyri Winter Tours

While the most popular tourist season in Iceland is the summer, there are still plenty of things to do in the winter, especially in Akureyri. Part of this has to do with the fact that although Iceland is so close to the Artic, its temperatures are relatively consistent year round.

Although temperatures do drop in the winter, the only go (on average) slightly below freezing, meaning that there is more snow but doing outdoor activities are still enjoyable.

Some of the main winter activities in Akureyri include heli skiing (getting dropped from a helicopter to go ski), ice climbing, ice fishing, and going on husky rides. Heli skiing in particular has only become more popular in Akureyri, with unlimited ski hours in the almost unending sunlight meaning you ski from the top of a mountain all the way to the sea in a single run. The closest ice climbing location is the frozen waterfalls of Kaldakinn.

Winter is also the best time to see the Northern lights in Iceland. When you aren’t searching for this once-in-a-lifetime natural wonder, however, you should explore the beautiful winter landscape. During the brief hours of sunlight, go see the barren snowscapes on a snowmobile or snowshoeing tour, and warm up at the end of the day by going for a soak in one of the many thermal pools near Akureyri.

Ecotourism in Iceland

Akureyri is a very small city, and most of what compels visitors to come stay in it are the vast highlands of Northern Iceland. This part of the country is beautiful and more remote than some of the attractions on the Golden Circle, and definitely worth visiting. One thing to keep in mind, however, is the effects of your tourism and being a good traveler.

Iceland’s environment -- and especially the area around Akureyri -- are incredibly delicate, and one of the negative impacts of increasing tourism has been some environmental damage. When in Iceland, remember to never drive off road and try to stay on paths. Also, be respectful and do not litter!

Keeping these things in mind, Akureyri is a spectular place to go on a wildlife tour. Whether you are birdwatching, whalewatching, climbing between the cracks of a massive glacier, or just soaking in the vast, harsh landscapes, visiting Akureyri can be an otherwordly experience. 

Things to do in Akureyri

  • Catch the Orbis et Globus. This moving piece of art is a giant cement sphere located on nearby Grímsey Island, and moved each year to follow the North-South part of the Arctic Circle.
  • Go Birdwatching. The combination of wetlands, rivers, and coastal habitats in Iceland attract a wide variety of birds, and there are several areas in and around Akureyri well known for birdwatching. Highlights include puffin, eider, and razorbill colonies, arctic terns, and the great northern diver.
  • Whalewatching. Off the coast of Akureyri is some of the most incredible whale watching this planet has to offer. The clear artic waters surrounding this northern capital of Iceland are the perfect home for humpback whales, and the calm ocean means that it's especially easy to get into a smaller craft and get close to these amazing animals. 
  • Museums. Akureyri is home to a surprising number of art galleries, including the beautiful Akureyri Art Museum. There are also various other museums to visit and learn more about this fascinating city, from the Akureyri Museum (which focuses on history), the Museum of Industry, a memorial museum for the Icelandic poet David Stefansson, and an Aviation Museum. 
  • Go(ne) Fishing. Soak in Iceland’s peaceful outdoor atmosphere while fishing its pristine rivers and lake for brown trout and arctic char. In the winter, you can even go ice fishing!

Akureyri Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
95  Reviews
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Excellent
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AVOID AVOID AVOID. Go with G-Adventures

Aug 2016

Written on

They don't care about your comfort, safety or time. For that reason alone, avoid this company!

There's a lot both good and bad I can say about this trip. But the number one reason I will never travel with Intrepid again is their complete lack of caring for the...

A

Adam

Oct 2015

Written on

Excellent tour guide. Good group of people

Excellent tour guide. Good group of people on the tour. Well organised. I ca...

P

Peter

Oct 2015

Written on

Harpa was a great guide. Everything went

Harpa was a great guide. Everything went super smoothly, and the trip was fantastic.

F

Fiona

Oct 2015

Written on

Lived up to my expectations

Lived up to my expectations

C

Casandra

Sep 2015

Written on

I was very happy with the itinerary

I was very happy with the itinerary, standard of accommodation and tour leader.t

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