Akureyri, one of Iceland’s most popular cruise destinations, is situated at the end of Eyjafjördur, the country’s longest fjord. This vibrant town, despite having only 18,500 residents, is often referred to as the woodland town due to its proximity to a forest. It is also celebrated as a cultural and educational hub, offering comprehensive education from kindergarten to university.

The town boasts a variety of museums, art galleries, international exhibitions, conference facilities, music venues, theatres, and cinemas. The Cultural House HOF is a notable venue hosting diverse events and featuring a concert hall that seats 500 guests. Akureyri’s culinary scene includes over 20 restaurants that serve both Icelandic and international cuisine, with top chefs emphasizing local ingredients. The town is also home to numerous specialty cafés, local micro-breweries, and farms offering food tastings.

Akureyri caters to both groups and individuals with a wide range of activities and events. Local companies provide tours for all group sizes, including fishing, caving, flying, hiking, whale and bird-watching, horse riding, and visits to Iceland’s elves or ‘hidden people’. The town itself offers attractions like the old town, botanical garden, art trails, and outdoor areas. It also serves as a convenient base for exploring Iceland’s natural wonders, such as Lake Mývatn, the volcanic areas of Krafla and Námaskarð, and the majestic waterfalls Goðafoss and Dettifoss, the latter being Europe’s most powerful waterfall.

Additionally, Akureyri includes two islands worth visiting: Hrísey, located in the middle of the fjord and known for its tranquil and healing atmosphere, and Grímsey, situated further out in the Atlantic Ocean, straddling the Arctic Circle and home to vibrant puffins.

Whale-watching
The whale-watching place, Hofsbót, is in the city centre and only 200 meters from the main cruise pier.
Eyjafjörður is the longest fjord in Iceland and is greatly sheltered with high mountains on both sides.
That means you won’t be affected by the high and heavy swells you are more likely to experience in the open ocean.
The calm seas of the morning, the arctic sunset and the beautiful mountains rising above Eyjafjörður, all help to make whale watching here a truly memorable experience.

Goðafoss Waterfall
Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Godafoss, one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls.
The waterfall is historically significant and boasts outstanding natural beauty, a must-see attraction for anyone visiting North Iceland.
The surroundings are truly magnificent — the volcanic and geothermal features succeed in reminding the admiring tourist of the incredible forces that surge below the ground.

The grotesque lava formations of Dimmuborgir have been forged into a maze of towers, castles and caves that resemble a fantastic giant’s playground.
The area is considered one of the world’s natural wonders and is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist resorts.

Lake Mývatn and Mývatn Nature Baths
Located in the heart of Northeast Iceland, about 105 kilometres (65 miles) south of the Arctic Circle, Lake Mývatn, with its unique nature and rich birdlife, is one of Europe's greatest natural treasures.

At Mývatn, you will find Mývatn Nature Baths, which has grown to be one of the biggest companies in Mývatn area.
Drawing on a centuries-old tradition, the tastefully designed complex offers bathers a completely natural experience that begins with a relaxing dip amidst clouds of steam rising from a fissure deep in the Earth´s surface and ends with a luxurious swim in a pool of geothermal water drawn from depths of up to 2.
500 meters.
The use of geothermal water for bathing and steam baths has been a part of the lives of locals in Mývatn area since the settlement of Iceland.
According to the Icelandic Sagas, Guðmundur the Good, a bishop in Iceland, consecrated a steam bath in the early 12th century and recommended bathing there - as well as Bishop Gísli Oddsson, who claimed it to be cleansing and very healthy.

Forest Lagoon
The Forest Lagoon is a luxury bath resort with a Scandinavian charm.
It opened its (wooden) doors in 2022 and uses geothermal heat discovered during the construction of the nearby Vaðlaheiðar Tunnel.
The main leisure pool, where guests relax with a drink in hand, has a cold plunge and a sauna attached.
The baths are well connected with walking paths through the surrounding forest, as well as to the centre of Akureyri about a 4 km (2.
5 mile) distance.

The Beer Spa
The idea of taking a bath in a load of beer isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind.
However, when you dig a little deeper into some of the unbelievable things you can do in Iceland, you realise it isn’t any ordinary country.
Step into a soaking beer bath.
The bathtubs are made from Kambala wood, and the water is a mixture of beer, water, hops, and yeast.
This treatment is both cleansing for the skin and is proved to provide a positive effect on health.
It’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else, and sitting in this beautiful, quiet and natural setting, it’s an activity you won’t want to miss.

The Christmas House
The Christmas House is a quaint little gift shop that will get you into the Christmas spirit any time of the year.
It looks like a cross between a traditional Nordic house and a gingerbread house, with candy adorning the roof.
It's painted red and features various Christmas ornaments hanging everywhere.
Regardless of the time of year you visit, you can always buy Christmas gifts, decorations, and even traditional Icelandic Christmas food.

Kjarnaskógur Forest
When visiting Kjarnaskógur forest, you'll be amazed to know that back in the early 1950s, this area south of Akureyri had no trees.
That's when the first trees were planted in this 800-hectare area, aiming to create a green area near Akureyri.
Today, Kjarnaskógur forest is a popular leisure area among locals.
There, you can find several hiking trails, family playgrounds, grilling facilities, and even a 6-mile (10-kilometer) mountain biking trail.