Akureyri is the northern capital of Iceland and the second largest city (15 thousand inhabitants). From here it is convenient to make trips to the picturesque surroundings – to Husavik, the Godafoss waterfall and to the island of Grimsey – the only piece of Iceland beyond the Arctic Circle, where a plane flies from Akureyri. The nightlife in Akureyri cannot be compared to Reykjavik, but here you can taste excellent whale meat. See CITYPOPULATIONREVIEW for weather information.
The city is located at the bottom of the western part of the Eyjafjörður fjord (Eyjafjörður) and is surrounded by mountains, which is why it has an inland climate with significant temperature differences (warm summers, cold winters). The sea coast of the city is a narrow flat strip in front of a steep low hill. The river Glerau (Glerá) flows through the city.
How to get to Akureyri
The city can be reached by own car or bus along the 1-Ring Road, which encircles almost the entire country. In addition, the city has a small airport that receives flights from Reykjavik (Air Iceland, several times a day, from 73 EUR, 45 minutes on the way) and Copenhagen.
Air Iceland also flies from Akureyri to Grimsey (from 70 EUR, 25 minutes on the way) and Vopnafjordur (from 85 EUR, 45 minutes on the way). The airport is located 2 km south of the city center.
Buses from the capital go to Akureyri from May to September twice a day (departure at 8:30 and 17:00, from 6600 ISK, travel time 5.5 hours), the rest of the year – once a day. In addition, from mid-June to August, buses depart to Reykjavik along the picturesque Kjölur road (6600 ISK, travel time 10 hours, departure at 8:00).
In addition, in the summer, buses depart from Akureyri every day to Eglisstaðir (Egilsstaðir, from 8,640 ISK, 5 hours on the way), Mývatn (Mývatn, 3,600 ISK, 1.5 hours on the way).
Car rental
There are several rental-a-car offices in Akureyri, where rental prices are much lower than in the capital. For example, a small car with unlimited mileage and insurance will cost 100-130 USD. For an additional fee, it will be possible to take a car in Akureyri and return it in Reykjavik. Office addresses: Avis (461 2428, 591 4000; airport), Budget (660 0629; airport), Hertz (461 1005; airport), National (461 6000; Tryggvabraut 12).
Money
You can exchange currency in banks from 9:00 to 16:00 (they take a commission, there are round-the-clock ATMs), after this time – at the KEA hotel. Bank addresses: Íslandsbanki (460 7800; Skipagata 14), KB Banki (444 6000; Geislagata 5), Landsbanki Íslands (460 4000; Strandgata 1), Sparisjóður Norðlendinga (460 2500; Skipagata 9).
Transport
The easiest way to move around the city on foot, but lazy tourists can also use public transport – buses. Opening hours: 6:20-23:30, do not go to the airport.
The BSO taxi rank is located at the corner of Strandgata and Hofsbot, and taxis can be ordered 24 hours a day at tel. 461-1010.
In the northwest of the city (tel. 462-1713, address Fjölnisgata 4b) you can rent a bike for 3500-4900 ISK per day.
Entertainment and attractions in Akureyri
The Lutheran Church of Akureyri (Akureyrarkirkja, 1940), located on a hill in the center of the city, is interesting. The design of the Art Nouveau building was created by the famous Icelandic architect Gudjoun Samuelsson.
Not far from Akureyri is the famous Godafoss waterfall, where during the baptism of the inhabitants of Iceland they dumped pagan idols-gods. Hence the name Godafoss – “waterfall of the gods”.
