Things to do in Akureyri

Experience the majestic beauty of the Eyjafjord's humpback whales and other marine life in their natural habitat on a cruise trip from Akureyri. Listen to your guide's commentary and discover how the warmth of the summer sun brings vibrant life and plenty of food for the larger-than-life mammals.  Benefit from the services of specially-trained whale watching guides who are experts at spotting the animals. Listen as they tell you about the behavior of the whales and answer any questions you may have. Journey aboard the only specially-modified, high-speed whale watching ship in Iceland. Capable of carrying 200 people, it provides spectacular views from its cinema-style viewing platforms. Relax aboard the boat and enjoy the ample indoor and outdoor seating. Purchase drinks and snacks along the way from the onboard bar and cafeteria. Experience a pleasant and comfortable ride, even at speed, and share your adventure live on social media with free Wi-Fi.

Benefit from pick-up from your cruise ship in Akureyri Port, and then drive to Lake Mývatn and the surrounding wetlands area near Krafla volcano. Stop at Goðafoss waterfall and hear about its important role in the history of Iceland. Continue to the pseudo craters of Skútustaðagígar, formed when hot flowing lava met with ice-cold water from the lake. See the lava fields of Dimmuborgir, rich in mythical sagas and stunning to look at for the lava pillars and rock formations.   Discover the thermal waters of an underground river at Grjotagja, where you will stand on the continental rift between Europe and America. End with a look at the boiling mud pools of Hverir and gaze in awe at the steaming fumaroles and sulfur pits. Return to Akureyri Port at least 1 hour before your ship’s departure for the end of the tour services.

Explore the natural beauty of Iceland during a day tour of Goðafoss Waterfall and Lake Mývatn. Visit a local hot spring and bathe in the soothing water of the nature baths. Leave Akureyri and drive along the scenic coast of Eyjafjordur, one of the longest fjords in the country. The first stop will be Goðafoss, a breathtaking 39-foot-tall waterfall, located in the Skjálfandafljót River. Next, head to Lake Mývatn, whose landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms due to a lava eruption 2,300 years ago. Continue on to the cave of Grjótagjá and stop at the hot spring area at Hverarönd in Námaskarð. Take advantage of the opportunity to relax in the steam baths and geothermal water of Mývatn Nature Baths. On the way back to Akureyri, see the unique lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the pseudocraters of Skútustaðagígar. The last stop will be in Eyjafjordur where you will have time to take plenty of photos with the fjord as your backdrop.

After being collected from your nearby hotel, you will drive out to the countryside or up to the mountains, away from electric glow and city sounds. Out here you will be able to enjoy the beautiful night sky at the best possible situation, of course depending on the weather. Also called Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon visible only in the far northern hemisphere. They are a unique display of light caused by a particle collision in the magnetic field of the polar caps. Your goal is not only to find the right sights for best photograph, but also to take your time to enjoy this fragile single moment that will never come again, but you may well remember for the rest of your life.

Your Icelandic adventure begins with pickup from Reykjavik and heads out along the Golden Circle. Marvel at the natural landmarks of Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir and Þingvellir National Park, admire hot water spouting from the earth, and learn about the history of Iceland while you travel. Spend your first night at a cozy hotel on the South Coast. On day 2, visit the waterfalls of Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the cascades for a truly breathtaking experience. From here you'll embark on a hiking tour to a nearby ancient glacier before heading back to the black sand beach at Reynisfjara. Spend the night in the small village of Vík, and enjoy free time in the evening to explore the local area or mingle with your fellow travelers. On day 3, discover Skaftafell National Park, where glistening white sheets of ice contrast against the stark black sand. Afterward, take a tour of a stunning ice cave and see huge blocks of ice floating in the glacier lagoon of Jökulsárlón. Spend the evening looking for the world-famous Northern Lights, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Day 4 takes you on a wildlife exploration through the East Fjords in search of wild reindeer and other native animals. Next, learn about the culture and way of life of nearby local villages then pass by Lake Lagarfljót, where a monster is said to live! Marvel at the forests of Hallormsstaðaskógur before spending the night at a sleepy village. Explore the geothermal region of Lake Mývatn on day 5 and see the lava pillars of Dimmuborgir. Continue to the Námaskarð Pass to gaze at the earth boiling and bubbling before your eyes, then spend the night in Akureyri, the Capital of the North. Finally, on day 6, wander along the breathtaking fjord of Eyjafjörður and visit Kaffi Kú to get to meet local farmers. You'll stop by Hauganes for a whale watching tour, included in this adventurous getaway. At the end of a busy and exciting 6-day trip, travel back to Reykjavik where your adventure comes to an end.

Day 1: Golden Circle and South Coast The adventure begins with a pickup in Reykjavik then visit the popular Golden Circle attractions of Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss. Experience spouting geysers, historical and geological wonders, and the beautiful golden falls of Gullfoss. Then make your way to the impressive South Coast where you will be greeted by the magnificent waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss before reaching your accommodation for the night. Day 2: Vik, Skaftafell, and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon After breakfast at your hotel, journey further south towards the charming village of Vik. Make a stop at the unique and photogenic black sand beach of Reynisfjara. After visiting Vik, make your way to the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon with its floating icebergs. The nearby Diamond beach is also on today's agenda. See icebergs that have washed ashore glistening like diamonds on the black sand beach, leaving you feeling like you just stepped into a movie scene. Your accommodation for the night will be in the Hofn area, known for delicious lobster. Day 3: East Fjords Today is all about exploring the East Fjords of Iceland. Driving along the coastline is an experience like no other. It is characterized by narrow roads and remote peninsulas. Before reaching Egilsstadir town, where you will be spending the night, visit Djupivogur fishing village. Take a hike to Hengifoss waterfall and stop by the towering Litlanesfoss waterfall. Day 4: Dettifoss, Myvatn, and Akureyri Drive through the wilderness of Modrudalur to make your way to the capital of the North, Akureyri. Today's highlights include a visit to Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall. Then Lake Myvatn, where you can enjoy a relaxing bath in the hot spring pools of Myvatn Nature Baths. Finally, see the dreamy Godafoss waterfall. Your accommodation for the night will be at a country hotel near Akureyri.  Day 5: Whale Watching, Siglufjordur, and Trollaskagi The day starts with a drive through the charming town of Akureyri towards Dalvik for a whale-watching adventure. Humpback and minke whales are a common sight and sometimes you might even be able to spot a majestic blue whale. After your adventure at sea, try out your sea angling skills then enjoy a team barbeque with your catch of the day. Make your way to your accommodation for the night in the Bifrost area. Drive through the fishing village of Siglufjordur, which is a charming village rich in history, and the Trollaskagi peninsula, with some of the best ocean scenery you will see.  Day 6: Visit the West Iceland region The day begins with a short hike up to Grábrók, a volcano crater. Stop at Deildartunguhver hot spring, the legendary waterfall, Barnafoss, (the Children´s Waterfall), and the Hraunfossar cascade. You'll also visit Reykholt, home to Snorri Sturluson, the Icelandic historian, lawyer, politician, poet, and the author of some Icelandic Sagas. On the way back to Reykjavik you'll drive around the scenic fjord, Hvalfjörður (Whale Fjord).

Enjoy a 2-hour whale and bird watching tour starting from the floating pier in Akureyri. Experience and get close to the incredible humpback whales of the Eyjafjord, starting from the capital of North Iceland, Akureyri. With only 12 passengers on each boat, take part in an adventure of a lifetime on an intimate whale watching tour.   The specially made RIB boats allow you to get closer to the whales and wildlife than any other boat can offer. The RIBs are fast and small boats that will also get you quicker to the whales and cover a bigger area as you search for the wild life. This means a bigger chance of spotting whales, dolphins and bird life with out disturbing them in their natural habitat. If you have a passion for nature and love for adventure, this is the tour for you.

Spend 4, 5, 6 or 7 days on a road trip around the land of Ice and Fire. Explore and see the best attractions of Iceland and experience an adventure without having to worry about getting around. The maximum number of passengers on this tour is 19 which creates a more personal and enjoyable experience. Day 1 – South Coast of Iceland Departing from Reykjavík, see the Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss and Glubrabui waterfalls and admire the black-sand shores of Reynisfjara Beach. Take in the views on a glacier hike. Day 2 – Adventure in the East Start the day in style with a visit to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon (a boat tour between icebergs is included) and the nearby Diamond Beach. Drive to the Vestrahorn and Studlagil canyons before continuing along the dramatic east coast which boasts long, narrow fjords with steep sides and jagged peaks. At the end of the day, take a soak in Vök Geothermal Floating Pools. Day 3 – Lake Mývatn and waterfalls Today, discover the unique natural volcanic environment of Lake Mývatn. Encounter geothermal hot springs, caves with steaming blue waters, imposing rock formations, unique birdlife, and fauna. Explore highlights such as the magnificent Dettifoss, which is Europe’s most powerful waterfall and Góðafoss - the waterfall of Gods. Relax at the end of the day with a visit to Mývatn Natural Geothermal Spa and plunge into silky, blue waters rich in skin-healing minerals. Day 4 – Northern Iceland Start your day at Akureyri, the capital of the North. Here you will enjoy the atmosphere of this charming town and take part in whale-watching boat tour. While driving through the North Coast towards Reykjavik you will have a moment to enjoy the Hvítserkur and Kolugjufur Canyon. Day 5 (optional) – Borgarfjörður and Lava Caving Admire the great Hraunfossar, a series of waterfalls formed by rivulets streaming over a distance of almost 300 ft. Afterwards, see the majestic Barnafoss waterfall and Reykholt Historic Site. Later, head inside the biggest lava cave in Iceland, Viðgelmir, before finishing the day at Deildartunguhver, the highest flowing hot spring in Europe. Day 6 (optional) – Snæfellsnes National Park Spend the day exploring Snæfellsnes National Park. This park has often been referred to as "Iceland in miniature", due to its many varieties of geology. Don't miss a visit here if you want to capture the true spirit and beauty of the island. Day 7 (optional) – Golden Circle Finish your time in Iceland with a journey along Iceland's most popular route. Spot Geysers, The Golden Waterfall, Thingvellir National Park, and Kerið Volcano, all of which are must-sees for visitors. You may also choose to add a visit to the Blue Lagoon to your tour today.

Explore the natural beauty of Iceland during a day tour of Goðafoss Waterfall and Lake Mývatn. The tour starts with a drive and photo stops along the scenic coast of Eyjafjordur, one of the longest fjords in the country. The first stop will be at Goðafoss, a breathtaking 39-foot-tall waterfall, located in the Skjálfandafljót River. From Goðafoss Waterfall the tour continues to Lake Mývatn driving around the lake stopping at Pseudo Craters, Lavafields, Geothermal mud pools and the Divergent Plate Tectonics. A lunch stop at a local restaurant before continuing the sightseeing around the Lake Depending on the Cruise Ship's departure time from Akureyri Port an additional option can be to stop at the Myvatn Nature Baths for a relaxing soak in the geothermal pool.

Your 8-day Icelandic adventure begins with pickup from Reykjavik, then sets out along the Golden Circle, passing by Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir, and Þingvellir National Park. As you admire the hot water spouting from the earth, learn about the history of Iceland from your expert guides. On day 2, visit the waterfalls of Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss where you can walk behind the cascades, and hike on an ancient glacier. The highlight of the day is a trip to the world-famous black sand beach at Reynisfjara. Explore Skaftafell National Park on day 3 and marvel at the white sheets of ice as they contrast against the stark black sand. Afterward, explore an Ice Cave and blocks of ice floating in the glacier lagoon of Jökulsárlon. Spend the evening looking out for the stunning Northern Lights, a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. On day 4, follow your guides through the East Fjords in search of native wildlife such as wild reindeer. As you pass by Lake Lagarfljót, where a monster is said to live, learn about the culture and way of life in the nearby small villages. After a cozy night’s stay in a sleepy Icelandic village, explore the geothermal region of Lake Mývatn and see the lava pillars of Dimmuborgir. Then continue to the Námaskarð Pass where the earth boils and bubbles in front of your eyes. On day 6, visit the fjord of Eyjafjörður, spend some time getting to know local farmers at Kaffi Kú, and stop by Hauganes for a Whale Watching Tour. Try some Icelandic delicacies if you fancy it, then stay overnight in Borgarnes. On day 7, explore the capital of the north at your own leisure, before heading out to the Saga Trail to visit Reykholt where the medieval poet Snorri Sturluson lived. On day 8, see the incredible Snæfellsjökull glacier on Snæfellsnes Peninsula and marvel at the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you. Enjoy an optional underground tour of the Vatnshellir Lava Cave. In the evening, you’ll return back to Reykjavik, where your 8-day adventure ends.