If you are planning how to spend one day in Akureyri Iceland, this guide will help you understand what to visit in Akureyri, how to organize your time, and what’s actually worth it.
I arrived in this little town during a 10-day Northern Europe cruise on the Norwegian Prima, and we had around 10 hours to explore. One of the best parts is that the port is right in the city, so you can step off the ship and start exploring immediately, without thinking about transport.
Akureyri was actually the third stop of the cruise, after Reykjavik and Isafjordur, and it came right before Alesund in Norway. By this point, I was already getting used to the rhythm of the cruise, early mornings, full days, and trying to see as much as possible in just a few hours.
From the ship, you can actually see the whole town framed by mountains, which makes the arrival feel even better. Snowy mountain peaks in the background, colorful rooftops, and that calm Icelandic atmosphere that somehow makes everything feel more relaxed.
Akureyri is the second largest city in Iceland, located at the end of Eyjafjordur, one of the longest fjords in the country. Even if it’s small, it feels lively, with people walking around, sitting at terraces, and enjoying the day.
If you’re wondering whether a day in Akureyri is enough, I would say yes for a first visit. You can explore the city, see the main attractions, and still have time to experience some of the incredible landscapes nearby.
Fun facts about Akureyri
Before getting into the itinerary, here are a few things that make this place different:
- Akureyri has around 19,000 residents
- It is located about 100 km south of the Arctic Circle
- Eyjafjordur is one of the longest fjords in Iceland
- The city has a milder climate compared to other northern regions
- It is one of the best places in Iceland for whale watching
Where to stay in Akureyri
Akureyri is not a large city, but choosing where to stay can still make your experience easier, especially if you want to explore more than just Akureyri in one day.
- Budget options
Guesthouses and small apartments close to the center, simple and practical. Check out Torg Guest House and North Inn – Guesthouse and Cabin - Mid range options
Hotels with fjord views and easy access to the main attractions. Check out Hotel North and Hotel Natur - Luxury options
Boutique hotels with Scandinavian design and more comfort. Go for North Mountain View Suites or maybe Bryggjan Boutique Hotel
How to spend one day in Akureyri Iceland
This itinerary is based on my experience and focuses on the best things to do in Akureyri in a limited amount of time.
I spent the first part of the day on a guided tour booked through GetYourGuide, which lasted until around 2–3 PM. After that, I came back to the city and explored Akureyri at a slower pace.
It felt like a good balance between seeing the landscapes around and actually experiencing the city itself.
Morning: explore the area around Akureyri
If you only have Akureyri in one day, I highly recommend starting with a tour outside the city. This is where you see some of the most impressive places in northern Iceland.
Booking in advance is important, especially in summer, because tours fill up quickly.
Admire the stunning Godafoss waterfall
Godafoss was easily one of the highlights of the entire day.
The waterfall is located about 30 minutes from Akureyri and is one of the most famous in Iceland. It’s not very tall, around 12 meters, but it’s quite wide, about 30 meters, and has that curved shape that makes it look more dramatic than you’d expect.
The name comes from an important moment in Iceland’s history. Around the year 1000, when the country decided to convert to Christianity, it is said that Þorgeir, the lawspeaker at the time, threw statues of the old Norse gods into this waterfall.
I liked the story as much as the place itself. And overall, it’s one of those spots that really stays with you after you leave.
Explore the surreal landscapes of Lake Myvatn
From there, we continued towards Lake Myvatn, one of the most unique volcanic areas in Iceland.
The landscape here feels completely different. It was shaped by volcanic activity thousands of years ago, and everything looks raw and almost unreal.
This was one of those places where you just look around and try to take everything in without rushing.
Walk on the unique Skútustaðagígar craters
These craters are part of the Myvatn area and are known as pseudocraters.
They were formed around 2,300 years ago, when lava flowed over wetlands and trapped gas exploded through the surface. That’s why they don’t have a direct volcanic vent, even if they look like classic craters.
There are several of them spread across the area, with different sizes, and a few marked paths that allow you to walk up and around them.
I climbed one of them and it was surprisingly easy. From the top, you get a great view over the surroundings, and there were also horses nearby, which made the whole experience even better.
It’s one of those places that would probably look even more impressive from above, especially with a drone.
Get lost among the lava formations in Dimmuborgir
Dimmuborgir was one of the most interesting stops of the tour.
The area is full of unusual lava formations that look like ruins or strange shapes you can interpret however you want. I only walked part of the trail, but it was enough to understand the place.
The name means “Dark Fortress”, and according to Icelandic folklore, this is where trolls used to live. In local legends, trolls turn into stone if they are caught by sunlight, which is why many of these rock formations are said to actually be frozen trolls.
Dimmuborgir is also linked to the Icelandic Yule Lads, a group of mischievous troll-like characters that come down from the mountains before Christmas. They are part of old Icelandic stories and are still popular today.
I actually liked that part. It made everything more interesting to explore, especially when some of the formations really do look like creatures if you stare at them long enough.
Experience the raw geothermal power at Hverir (Námaskarð)
This is where things got intense.
Hverir, located in the Námaskarð geothermal area near Lake Myvatn, is one of the most active geothermal fields in Iceland. You’ll see steam vents, boiling mud pools and ground colored in shades of orange, brown and yellow.
This is also where the sulfur smell was the strongest. At some point I had to cover my nose, and it instantly reminded me of Chouara Tannery in Fes Morocco, where I had to do the same thing with mint just to handle the smell.
It’s one of those places that looks completely different from anything else in Iceland, almost like another planet.
Afternoon: explore Akureyri
After the tour ended, I came back to the city and spent a few hours exploring it.
Akureyri is small, and you notice that immediately. Everything is close, easy to walk, and you don’t need any plan.
There were more people than I expected, walking around, sitting at terraces and going into shops. It didn’t feel empty at all.
Around 19,000 people live here, and it’s considered the main city in the north of Iceland, even if it looks more like a quiet town at first.
You have the fjord right next to you, mountains all around and colorful houses that make the place feel more alive.
Walk around the city and Hafnarstræti
Start with the center. It’s compact, easy to explore, and perfect for walking.
Hafnarstræti is the main street in Akureyri and basically the heart of the city. It connects the harbor area with the upper part of the town and is lined with shops, cafés and small local businesses.
Most of the buildings are low, colorful and well kept, which gives the street a cozy feel. You’ll find a mix of souvenir shops, Icelandic design stores and places where you can stop for coffee or something sweet.
I went into a few shops and quickly noticed that trolls are everywhere. There was even a huge troll in front of a store, impossible to miss.
I ended up buying a few small troll souvenirs and something from a bakery, a vanilla pastry that disappeared faster than expected.
The street felt lively, with people walking around, stopping at cafés and just enjoying the day.
Climb up to Akureyrarkirkja for the best views
Akureyrarkirkja is one of the main places to visit in Akureyri.
Yes, I climbed all the stairs. It’s worth it.
The church was built in 1940 and reminded me of the one in Reykjavik. It sits on a hill and gives you a nice view over the city and the fjord.
I also went inside. It’s simple and quiet, and it fits perfectly with the atmosphere of the city.
Things to do in Akureyri if you have more time
If you have more than one day in Akureyri Iceland, there are a few experiences worth adding.
Whale watching is one of the most popular things to do in Akureyri. Eyjafjordur offers great conditions to see humpback whales, and it’s considered one of the best places in Iceland for this.
I didn’t have time for it, but I would definitely include it next time, especially if the tours are done responsibly.
The Botanical Garden is another place to consider. It is one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world and has thousands of plant species adapted to this climate.
Things to know before visiting Akureyri
Is one day in Akureyri enough?
For a first visit, yes, a day in Akureyri is enough to see both the city and some of the main attractions nearby.
At the same time, the day can feel quite full, especially if you choose to do a tour in the morning. If you prefer a slower pace, 2 to 3 days would make the experience much more relaxed.
Is Akureyri a good cruise stop?
Yes, and actually one of the easiest ones.
The port is right in the city, which means you can get off the ship and start exploring immediately. No transfers, no wasted time, which makes a big difference when you only have a few hours.
What is the best way to spend Akureyri in one day?
From my experience, the best option is to split your day.
Start with a guided tour in the morning to see places like Godafoss and Lake Myvatn, then come back and explore the city in the afternoon. This way, you cover both nature and the local vibe without feeling like you missed something important.
Do you need to book tours in advance?
Yes, especially if you are visiting during summer or arriving by cruise.
I booked my tour through GetYourGuide in advance, and it was the right decision. Spots can fill up quickly, and you don’t want to waste time looking for last-minute options when you only have one day in Akureyri Iceland.
Can you explore Akureyri on foot?
The city is small and walkable, so you can see most of the main places to visit in Akureyri without needing any transport. A few hours are enough to explore the center at a relaxed pace.
What is the weather like in Akureyri?
Unpredictable, even in summer.
I visited in June and had sun and relatively pleasant temperatures, but that can change quickly. It’s best to dress in layers, because you might experience different weather conditions in the same day.
Are tours around Akureyri worth it?
Yes, especially if you want to see more than just the city.
Places like Godafoss, Dimmuborgir or the geothermal areas are some of the most interesting places to visit in Akureyri Iceland, and they are not within walking distance. A guided tour is the easiest way to see them if you’re short on time.
Is Akureyri expensive?
Yes, like the rest of Iceland.
Food, souvenirs and tours are all on the expensive side, so it’s better to expect higher prices. I still bought troll souvenirs, so clearly I accepted my fate.
What would I do differently?
If I had more time, I would stay at least one extra day.
I would add whale watching, spend more time in the Myvatn area, and explore the city at a slower pace without trying to fit everything into Akureyri in one day.
Final thoughts
Akureyri turned out to be more than just a quick stop on a cruise.
It’s a place that combines a small, lively town with some of the most unique landscapes in Iceland, all within a short distance.
If you’re planning how to spend one day in Akureyri Iceland, this kind of itinerary gives you a bit of everything without feeling like you missed out.
