Akureyri — Iceland’s Second City

March 23, 2019 - 3 minutes read

One of the major stops on IPC’s popular “Iceland Circumnavigation” cruises, Akureyri sits above the Arctic Circle on Iceland’s rugged north coast. The Island’s second largest city — first settled in the 9th century by Norse migrants — has a lot to offer. Starting with the fact that it’s an important port and fishing center due largely to its ice-free harbor.

Akureyri boasts a subarctic climate with snow cover from late October to April, while the surrounding mountains are likely to be covered with snow year-round. There’s always something happening in this city of about 18,000 people — like 40 annual events and festivals.

In and around town are an Arctic flavored botanic garden, churches, museums, historic areas, monuments and nature areas and as well as bars and restaurants.

Iceland ProCruises offers a number of shore excursions in and around Akureyri:

MÝVATN MAJOR

This eight-hour adventure visits one of the most beautiful areas of Northern Iceland. The local unique landscape would be fascinating on its own. However, the area around Lake Myvatn is also home to many bird species.

The excursion also stops at the impressive black lava formations of Dimmuborgir, the spectacular Godafoss waterfall and Myvatn Nature Baths (a thermal bath with a unique composition of minerals, silicates and geothermal microorganisms). Be sure to bring a bathing suit and a towel (provided by the ship).

ICELANDIC NATURE AND CULTURE

This half-day excursion combines scenic highlights like the Eyjafjord, Vikurskard mountain pass and the spectacular Godafoss waterfall with intriguing Icelandic history and culture. There’s another stop at Laufas, a well-preserved 1850s farmhouse museum that reflects 19th-century living conditions in rural Iceland.

GOLF SOUTH OF THE POLAR CIRCLE

Play an unforgettable round on the world’s northernmost 18-hole golf course, a natural setting that provides spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The Akureyri course provides a venue for the annual “Arctic Open” and has also been ranked as one of Europe’s best 100 courses. This shore excursion includes green fee, equipment (clubs and trolley) and transfers.

FLIGHT ABOVE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN ICELAND

Experience Northern Iceland from a completely different perspective on a 1.5-hour scenic flight that provides bird’s-eye-views of Godafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls as well as Lake Myvatn. Combinable with some of the other Akureyri shore excursions.

Tags: Akureyri, Iceland's Second City, Things to do in Akureyri