Akureyri, Iceland
Description
The town is your gateway to the famous "Land of Fire and Ice" - Iceland's dramatic landscape of volcanic craters, extinct lava lakes and majestic waterfalls.
Visitors to Akureyri have a hard time grasping the fact that the town lies just below the Arctic Circle. The climate here is temperate: flower boxes fill the windows of houses, and trees line the neat, well-tended avenues. Thanks to that mild climate, Akureyri's Botanical Gardens provide a home for over 2,000 species of flora from around the world - all surviving without greenhouses. No wonder Icelanders refer to Akureyri as the most pleasant town on the entire island.
Travel Tip - Akureyri rhymes with Tipperary.
Points of Interest
- Godafoss Waterfall
- Botanical Garden
- Námaskarð Pass
- Lake Myvatn
- Laufas Folk Museum
- Myvatn Nature Baths
- Husavik Whale Centre
- Hrísey Island
More about Akureyri, Iceland Points of Interest
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Godafoss Waterfall -
The 'Waterfall of the Gods' is one of Iceland's most beautiful and popular attractions. The rushing glacial waters of the Skjalfandafljot River its carved canyon
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Botanical Garden -
This public park possesses samples of most of the Icelandic flora as well as about 7,500 plants from around the world. It's a peaceful retreat where you can get away from the bustle of the town.
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Námaskarð Pass -
Located near the still active Krafla volcano is a geologic expanse of boiling mud pools and steaming vents that exhibit the sheer power of the earth's natural forces within.
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Lake Myvatn -
This area is Europe's largest bird sanctuary where there is a magical mixture of lush vegetation set amongst the ethereal lava spires. See an amazing array of species indigenous to Iceland.
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Laufas Folk Museum -
Built in 1865, these well-preserved turf houses are now museum pieces that offer a glimpse of how people used to live in Laufás during the 17th century.
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Myvatn Nature Baths -
Experience a dip in the geothermal natural baths that originate from fissures deep within the earth. Enjoy warm, soothing waters claiming to be beneficial for your mind and body.
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Husavik Whale Centre -
This fishing village is famous for whale sightings, and its Whale Centre features exhibits on Iceland's whaling history, as well as the biology of these gentle giants.
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Hrísey Island -
Formerly a base for herring processing and export until the herring vanished in the late 1960s, now it's known as an ideal vantage point to view the Midnight Sun in early summer.
Best of Akureyri
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
From $239.95
Godafoss Waterfall, Lava Labyrinth & Hot Springs
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
From $199.95
Godafoss Waterfall, Botanical Gardens & City Drive
Moderate Activity
From $119.95
Godafoss, Botanical Gardens & Laufas Folk Museum
Moderate Activity
From $149.95
Godafoss Waterfall & Myvatn Nature Baths
Easy Activity
From $239.95
Siglufjordur, Herring Era Museum & Salting Show
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
From $214.95
Akureyri Adventure: Waterfalls & Mountain Views by 4x4
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
From $579.95
Whale Watching Adventure
Moderate Activity
From $214.95
Flightseeing Over Lake Myvatn Area
Moderate Activity
From $854.95