Trip to Akureyri, Iceland

Day 1: Get Acquainted with Downtown Akureyri

Upon arriving in Akureyri, check into your hotel, relax for a bit and then start your journey by exploring the downtown area where most of the shops and restaurants are located. Take a stroll through Hafnarstræti and Glerárgata streets and discover all the fascinating Scandinavian-designed stores offering handmade artisanal products, clothing, unique souvenirs and authentic Icelandic cuisine with an international flair.

Day 2: Visit Goðafoss - Waterfall of the Gods

Spend the day visiting the spectacular Goðafoss waterfall. Legend has it that in the year 1000, a law speaker named Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði declared Christianity to be the official religion of Iceland and threw his Norse Gods’ statues into the Goðafoss waterfall. Walk the path down to the lower falls and enjoy the awe-inspiring power of the water dropping about 12 meters, spray misting up the view. Afterward, you can take a scenic drive to the Lake Myvatn area and stop to visit the geothermal area of Hverir which is located near the Krafla volcano area.

Day 3: Relax in Akureyri’s Botanical gardens

In the morning take a leisurely stroll through Akureyri’s Botanical Garden, which is one of the northernmost botanical gardens in the world and boasts an impressive collection of plants from about 6000 different species. The garden is idyllic and is surrounded by woodland and hills where you can find quiet places to relax. Then, head to Hof Cultural and Conference Center in Holar, an innovative center of Icelandic culture and learn about Iceland’s history and culture.

Day 4: Visit the Whale Watching Museum

Today, you can spend the day learning about and observing the fascinating world of whales. The Whale Watching Museum is located near the harborfront and is an educational and fascinating look at all things related to whales. The museum features whale skeletons and models, interactive exhibits, and educational videos that showcase the history of whaling in Iceland and what is being done to preserve these majestic animals in the wild. Afterward, take a whale watching tour from the harbor.

Day 5: Explore the Arctic Coastline

Today, take an exciting day trip exploring the Arctic coastline of Akureyri. This tour takes you to the tiny villages of Siglufjörður and Hofsós. While driving along the coast, you will witness the peacefulness as well as the incredible natural beauty of the area. While in Siglufjörður you will visit the Herring Museum that tells the story of the once flourishing herring industry in Iceland.

Day 6: Relax at Mývatn Nature Baths

Today, head to the north of Iceland to relax in the Mývatn Nature Baths. This is a lesser known, but equally impressive counterpart to the well-known Blue Lagoon. Take a relaxing soak in the mild alkaline and nutrient-rich water, surrounded by a magical and scenic view of the surrounding mountains and lava rock formations.

Day 7: Nightlife in Akureyri

End your trip with a night out in Akureyri’s nightlife, the perfect way to experience Iceland. Enjoy a local Icelandic beer in one of the many bars and breweries, listen to music in one of the popular live music venues, or take a walk and enjoy the city’s beauty illuminating the night. You’ll never forget the amazing ambiance of this thriving town. If you want, you can also chase the appearance of Auroras since Iceland is a favorite location for glimpses of the beautiful Northern Lights.