Travel Guide to Akureyri - Iceland’s Second City
Welcome to Akureyri, Iceland's capital in the north. It’s always such a pleasant surprise to arrive in town and get an unexpected dose of bigger civilization after traveling through landscapes, wilderness, and small villages. If you’re arriving here after looping around the south and east of the country, then you’ve probably been on the road for a while while, and are in good need of the comfortable services of the city.
Or, if you’ve shot up here from Reykjavik through West Iceland, then you’ll likely still be comparing Akureyri to Iceland’s capital, and while much smaller, it’s similar in that it also packs a punch when it comes to things to see and do.
Akureyri sits in the middle of North Iceland, with some of the country’s most volcanic landscapes on either side ready to be explored. The city itself feels very rural and has a population of around 20,000, but when you consider the wider Eyjafjörður region, with satellite villages and farms, that population swells to something that feels quite big.
I’ve visited Akureyri several times – stopping for a night, spending a week here for work, and exploring the city and the surrounding countryside on leisure trips. If you think Reykjavik’s relaxed pace of life is refreshing, wait until you experience Akureyri. The northerners really love their slow, intentional lifestyle.
Compact, pleasant, and surrounded by some fabulous scenery, Akureyri makes a great base for a few days of exploring northern Iceland. Let’s dive in.
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Table of contents
Why visit
Where is Akureyri
How to get here
Best time to visit
How long to spend
Where to stay
What to see and do
Dining & restaurants
Why visit
Apart from the fact that everyone driving the ring road you will have to pass through Akureyri regardless, the town also has a few distinct pulls going for it, which I’ve provided a quick overview of below.
Located in the heart of northern Iceland, the city was largely off the radar as a tourist destination in its own right, until recently, when it’s started to become somewhere that people seek out and base themselves in for a few days of exploring the surrounding landscapes.
Here are what I consider to be its two main draws:
Amazing natural scenery in every direction
This is Iceland after all, so there’s always going to be some otherworldly landscapes near to wherever you find yourself. But Akureyri stands out as a great place to base yourself if you’re after the comforts and services of a town while still being within easy reach of some truly spectacular areas for sightseeing.
First up are the volcanic sights of Lake Mývatn, where the shifting tectonic plates and volcanoes have created an area of astounding beauty.
Venture past Mývatn and you’ll find yourself in the northernmost territory of Vatnajökull National Park, containing the geological wonders of the Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon, home to Europe’s largest waterfall, Dettifoss.
North of Akureyri is the Tröllaskagi Peninsula, offering up the perfect coastal road trip, with three historic fishing villages strung along its eastern coast, all backed by some of the largest mountains in the country.
Then there are more remote expeditions that leave from Akureyri, including to the Askja Caldera in the Highlands, or even catching a flight to Grimsey Island, a speck of an island far north of the coast that’s intersected by the Arctic Circle.
History and culture
I’ve already mentioned Akureyri’s rural charms, but it’s also a place with a significant history and culture that I find contrasts nicely with the laid-back, rural atmosphere. Settled by the Vikings when they first arrived in the 9th century, the city has gradually evolved into North Iceland’s central hub, and the fairly impressive arts scene and relative wealth of museums are a welcome surprise to most visitors.
The city itself also wears its history on its sleeve, with some historic houses along the waterfront (built during its days as a Danish port) lying alongside newer, modern glass buildings.
Where is Akureyri and how to get here
Akureyri is in north-central Iceland on the western side of Eyjafjörður, the country’s longest fjord. Here, a narrow strip of land hugs the western shore of the fjord, smushed between the sea and the mountains which rise sharply up behind you.
Akureyri is located about 243 miles (391 kilometers) from Reykjavik along the Ring Road, and the drive to get here from Iceland’'s capital will take you around 6 hours.
Also referred to as “Iceland’s Capital of the North”, this is the largest town outside of the Reykjavik area, and its a crucial hub for the more rural villages scattered throughout the vast region of North Iceland.
And like most other places in Iceland, the city is also surrounded by stunning nature; mountains, more fjords, verdant farmland, and the barren Northern Highlands.
How to get here
By Car: My recommendation is to drive to Akureyri as part of a larger self-guided road trip through Iceland, giving you plenty of freedom to take as many detours along the way as you like. Icelanders like to impress each other with how fast they can get from Reykjavik to Akureyri; that’s not recommended though. Simply take it easy, stick to the speed limit, and you’ll be there in about five to six hours.
If you’re heading north of Reykjavik, you’ll be lucky enough to pass through the gorgeous scenery of West and Northwest Iceland. Home to glistening fjords, towering mountains, and beautiful countryside filled with horse farms, there aren’t that many big-name sights along the route, but the scenery unfolding from behind the windshield is always a pleasure to admire no matter the weather.
By Plane: Thanks to its status as the second-most important city in Iceland, Akureyri enjoys a regular flight service between the capital. The airline Air Iceland Connect (operated by Icelandair) offer three to five flights per day from Reykjavik, with the short 45-minute journey whisking you over the Highlands. It’s a great option if you’re planning on using Akureyri as a home base while exploring the surrounding region, and there are also car rentals at Akureyri airport.
Note that flights depart for Akureyri from Reykjavik’s domestic airport, which is in the city itself. International flights land at Keflavik, 45 minutes away on the Reykjanes Peninsula, so there’s no direct connection to Akureyri through international flights.
By Bus: Like the flights, there’s also a regular bus connection between Reykjavik and Akureyri, a couple of times per day. The journey takes about seven hours, but without having to do any driving, you’ll be free to kick back and admire the scenery from the comfort of the bus.
In Reykjavik, route 57 departs from the Mjódd terminal, but you’ll also need to catch a bus here from downtown Reykjavik. In Akureyri, you'll arrive at the Cultural House Hof on Strandgata 12, just across the road from the main downtown area.
Best time to visit
Photo: Hansueli Krapf This file was uploaded with Commonist., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Over the years, I’ve come to see Iceland’s weather as an attraction in and of itself, rather than a hinderance. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for the best time to visit Akureyri, I think September comes closest to hitting the sweet spot.
This is the beginning of the shoulder season, meaning lower prices, fewer crowds, and the dark skies returning, allowing for a potential glimpse at the northern lights. The trade-off to this is that there’s a higher chance of rainfall, but I think that’s preferable to a slow spring thaw where snow lingers throughout the northern countryside, potentially hindering any travel plans you may have.
Fall in Akureyri is beautiful since there’s quite a lot of foliage that changes color in the countryside. The city is home to the Hamrar forest, a beautiful recreation area that is lovely at this time of year, and hiking trails also lead directly out of the city into beautiful nearby valleys.
September is also the time when the annual sheep roundup occurs (the réttir), which is when the farmers charge off into the countryside on horseback, herding sheep down from wherever they might have found themselves over the summer. Average temperatures range between 34°F to 50°F.
So, while September/the fall more broadly would be my top pick, other times of year have their positives as well, so below is a quick seasonal overview.
Summer
The long summer days so far north in Akureyri are beautiful, and like the rest of Iceland, this is the most popular time to visit. The town buzzes with energy, café and bar terraces spilling out onto the downtown streets, and temperatures are mild, with temperatures averaging between 46°F to 57°F (8°C to 14°C).
Summer is when all roads are open and clear, you can adventure into the Northern Highlands on the F-roads, and the endless daylight makes for some incredible late-night adventures in the surroundings.
Akureyri’s wonderful Botanical Garden is also in full bloom, showcasing the beauty of the flora so close to the Arctic Circle. Whale watching and birdwatching are also in full swing in nearby Húsavík and Lake Mývatn.
Winter
I’ve visited Akureyri once in the winter, and absolutely loved it. The town was blanketed in snow while Reykjavik was suffering under rainy gray skies, and the twinkling lights put up for Christmas made the whole town come alive.
Winter is the best time to come if you’re keen to try your hand at some of the winter sports at Hlíðarfjall Ski Resort or any of the resorts along the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. And of course, winter is prime time for Northern Lights viewing.
The dark, clear skies provide the perfect backdrop for this spectacular natural phenomenon. Temperatures range between 23°F to 30°F (-5°C to -1°C).
Spring
Spring would usually be a lovely time to visit, but in my experience there’s always at least one final dump of snow, sometimes as late as May. This can make things difficult if you’re not expecting it, but otherwise it’s a mild and great time to be in the north.
Increasing daylight, milder temperatures, and blooming gardens all help the city shake off its winter coat. The Botanical Garden is particularly beautiful at this time of year, and you can still see snow dusting the nearby mountains, which is always a pleasant view.
In spring, temperatures range between 30°F to 47°F (-1°C to 8°C)
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How long to spend
You can comfortably see all that Akureyri has to offer in just a couple of days, but if you’re interested in exploring any of the gorgeous nearby areas as well, I’d recommend basing yourself here for around 4 days.
This will give you ample time to explore the city, do some excursions to the surrounding natural areas, and just soak up the charm of cruising around rural northern Iceland, one of the few places in the country where you can still get away from the crowds.
Here’s a rough itinerary:
Day 1: Akureyri proper
After arriving in town, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the city with a walk through the compact downtown area. Check out the Akureyri Church, a striking cathedral designed by the same architect behind Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik.
Then, I’ll always stop by the city’s main hot dog stand on the main street Hafnarstræti for an Akureyri-style hot dog, served with red cabbage, fried and raw onion, ketchup, cocktail sauce, remoulade sauce, and a tangy mustard.
Across by the harbor is the Hof Cultural Center, a striking modern building worth a look inside, before heading back into town to spend the afternoon at the Akureyri Art Museum, the best cultural institution in town.
Day 2: Lake Myvatn
On your second day, it’s time to drive over to Lake Myvatn to check out the sights. Along the way, stop off at the Goðafoss Waterfall, and then spend the day checking out the lava fields, volcanic craters, and geothermal areas that surround the lake.
You can end the day with a soak in the Myvatn Nature Baths before heading back into the city for dinner.
Day 3: Whale watching tour and more time in Akureyri
Start off your morning with a whale watching tour departing from the harbor. Whisking you out along Eyjafjörður, the scenery is out of this world.
After lunch back in town, stop by the Botanical Garden, and then choose between the Akureyri Art Museum or the Akureyri Museum for a relaxed afternoon.
Day 4: Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon
On your final day in town, once again drive to the east, this time shooting past Lake Myvatn toward the Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon, part of Vatnajökull National Park. Make your way up its western side to stop by Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and then the Vesturdalur area, where walking trails take you along the canyon and river to several areas of zany volcanic geology.
Then, at the top end of the national park is Ásbyrgi, a spectacular horse-shoe shaped canyon that’s another great destination for some pleasant walks through the forest at its base of more challenging hikes along the canyon rim.
Where to stay
Photo: Kaldbakstindur, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Akureyri isn’t a big place, so pretty much all the hotels within the city proper are within walking distance of the downtown area. This means that where you choose to stay should really just be based on your budget and how much you like any given hotel - you don’t need to worry about the “area”. Everything’s close by.
Now, in the city isn’t the only option though: as I’ve mentioned, the countryside surrounding Akureyri is lovely and there are plenty of accommodation options all throughout the fjord. So, if you’ll have your own car and aren’t worried about being able to walk to downtown, your options expand considerably.
Here are some of my preferred hotels/accommodation in the city itself and in its surroundings.
Options in the city
Akureyri Backpackers
For a more budget-friendly option, Akureyri Backpackers is a popular choice. This hostel-style accommodation offers a lively and social atmosphere, ideal for solo travelers and those looking to meet others. Located in the city center, it’s within walking distance of everything you need, and the on-site restaurant and bar is one of my favorites in town. Both dorms and private rooms are available.
Expect to spend around $40 – $100 USD.
Hotel Akureyri Dynheimar
The best boutique hotel option in town is the Hotel Akureyri Dynheimar. The interiors here are chic and elegant, with dark tones that suit the often-moody weather. The intimate atmosphere is made even more elegant thanks to the attached restaurant, North, helmed by Gunnar Karl Gíslasson, the chef who won Iceland’s first Michelin Star with his restaurant Dill in Reykjavik.
Double rooms usually go for $120 – $180 USD.
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri
Another one of the ever-reliable Icelandair hotels, their Akureyri premises is stylish and nice, located near the Botanical Gardens. Cozy, modern, and with stunning views over the mountains and fjord, it’s also a solid choice for Icelandair Hotel Akureyri is a stylish and contemporary hotel situated near the town’s ski resort and botanical gardens.
The hotel features a hot tub and a garden area for relaxation, as well as an on-site restaurant, Aurora, which serves fresh, locally sourced dishes.
Rates run from $130 – $200 USD.
Hotel Kea by Keahotels
Located right in the heart of Akureyri, Hotel Kea is one of the city's most iconic hotels. It offers a blend of traditional Icelandic charm and modern amenities, with comfortable rooms and excellent service.
Mulaberg Bistro & Bar on the bottom floor is also a top choice for eating out in Akureyri, featuring creative and high-end Icelandic cuisine.
Average Nightly Price: $150 – $250 USD
Accommodations outside of town
Hotel Sveinbjarnargerdi
Hotel Sveinbjarnargerdi provides a charming countryside escape just a short drive from Akureyri on the eastern side of the fjord. The hotel overlooks Akureyri and is an ideal base for quick access to Lake Myvatn or the nearby Forest Lagoon Hot Spring.
Prices are typically from $110 – $160 USD.
Hotel Kjarnalundur
Hidden away in the forest a few kilometers south of Akureyri, Hotel Kjarnalundur is a tranquil retreat surrounded by trees – rare in Iceland. The hotel is modern, comfortable, and quite affordable, with a hot tub in the forest outside for relaxing and easy access to walking trails.
A double room runs for around $120 – $170 USD.
Hotel North
Hotel North is another establishment located on the eastern side of the fjord, just below the Forest Lagoon. Offering a stylish stay and great views over the water, it’s a nice choice for a stay near the city but still within the natural landscapes.
Average Nightly Price: $130 – $200 USD.
What to see & do in town
1. Akureyrarkirkja Church
Just like Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavik (hope you’re not sick of the Reykjavik comparisons yet!), Akureyri’s church is its most iconic landmark. It was designed by the same architect who designed Hallgrímskirkja, so there are some similarities, namely the inspiration from Iceland’s hexagonal basalt columns.
Walk the stairs up to the main entrance and you’ll also get to enjoy a bird-eye view over the downtown area and the glittering fjord beyond.
2. The Akureyri Botanical Gardens
Next up is the Akureyri Botanical Gardens, a true oasis in the heart of the city. In summer, it’s a pretty and relaxing spot in the city, ideal for a wander. On show is a diverse collection of plants (over 7000 of them), all of them thriving in Iceland’s cool climate.
Whenever in town, I always stop by the restaurant and café that’s now called LYST for a coffee and a pastry.
3. Hof Cultural Center
If you’re hanging around Akureyri on an extended stay, it’s worth popping into the Hof Cultural Center to see what’s on the program. Art exhibitions, performances, and cultural events take place here throughout the year, so it’s a great place to get a taste of Akureyri’s vibrant arts scene.
4. Whale watching tours
Húsavík might lay claim to the whale watching capital of Iceland, but tours departing from Akureyri’s harbor are also highly rated. Not only will you get to see Iceland’s longest fjord on a ship, but you’ll also pass by the island Hrísey on your way to spot humpbacks, minke whales, and sometimes even orcas.
Plus, the dramatic Tröllaskagi Peninsula on one side also makes these tours seriously scenic.
5. Hike into Glerárdalur Valley
Akureyri is so compact that you can simply stroll out of town and very quickly leave the buildings behind and find yourself in a remote and scenic valley called Glerárdalur. Peaceful and picturesque, this valley stretches southwest from town, following alongside a river and culminating in a waterfall at the base of some very large mountains.
6. Skiing at Hlíðarfjall
If you're visiting in winter, chances are you already have the Hlíðarfjall ski resort on your radar. This is Iceland’s most famous ski resorts, mostly thanks to the fact that Akureyri gets far more reliable snow in the winter than down in Reykjavik.
Last time I was here in early 2024, the town was hushed in secrecy with a potential world record attempt for the world’s longest ski jump (which was successful!).
7. The Forest Lagoon
Akureyri now has its own luxury hot spring: The Forest Lagoon. One of the newer hot springs in the country, it’s built into the hillside on the eastern side of Eyjafjörður, nestled within a small forest. The atmosphere is laid-back and luxurious, and it’s a lagoon that is still flying under the radar as most travelers have their sights set on the Myvatn Nature Baths.
8. The Akureyri Museum
For an overview of Akureyri’s history, the aptly named Akureyri Museum offers a comprehensive look at the city. The museum’s exhibits include artifacts, photographs, and stories that trace Akureyri’s growth from a small fishing village to the city you see today.
9. Akureyri Art Museum
Akureyri is above all known as a bit of an artist hub, and the center of all things creative is the Akureyri Art Museum. Located inside a charming early 20th-century building in downtown, the museum showcases some of the best contemporary Icelandic art as well as works from the local and international art scenes.
Paintings, sculptures, and large installations are all here, and they also have lots of activities for children in the summer if you’re visiting with kids.
10. Laufás Museum (Icelandic Folk Museum)
If you’re driving into Akureyri from the east, you’ll pass by a beautifully preserved 19th-century turf house that is now a wonderful folk museum called The Laufás Museum. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional Icelandic rural life, showcasing how people lived in the past through well-preserved artifacts, period furniture, and the unique turf architecture of the house.
11. The Aviation Museum
I’ll admit, without a big interest in planes, I was quite skeptical of coming to visit the Aviation Museum. But I should have maybe considered my inner child, as I was blown away by the fantastic collection of historic airplanes here. Located at the city’s old airport, it’s an engaging look at the interesting history of aviation in Iceland.
12. The Christmas House (Jólagarðurinn)
Even if it’s nowhere near Christmas, I always make sure to stop by the Christmas House in Akureyri when I’m nearby. This whimsical place is a shop filled with the most unique Christmas decorations and memorabilia, all laid out with precision on the rickety shelves.
It’s a delightful spot to pick up some unique Christmas decorations and get in the festive spirit, even in the middle of Summer.
Day trips and nearby sights
1. Goðafoss Waterfall
Between Akureyri and Lake Mývatn right on the ring road sits one of Iceland’s prettiest waterfalls. If there’s one waterfall I never tire of seeing, it’s this one. The water spills over a semi-circle of basalt cliffs, churning into the river below before being carried away through the canyon.
There are viewpoints on both sides of the waterfall – for me, the east is superior. All you need here is a quick 20–30 minutes on your way to Lake Mývatn.
2. Lake Mývatn
A short drive from Akureyri, you'll find Lake Mývatn, a stunning volcanic lake that's a must-visit for nature lovers. Its unique, otherworldly landscape is unlike anything you've seen before thanks to its location sitting over the top of the rift in the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
That also means that you can visit in the depths of winter and the heat means that you can still visit some spots like the Hverir Geothermal Area and Krafla crater.
3. Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon
This northern territory of the Vatnajökull National Park is another gorgeous day trip from Akureyri. About halfway up the canyon is Dettifoss Waterfall, the most powerful in Europe, where the ground trembles beneath your feet and a wall of misty spray floats up from beneath the waterfall as it crashes down a huge step.
Further north is the Vesturdalur area, where the glacial floods that carved out the canyon combined with some of the volcanic features of the area, leaving behind some zany rock formations and beautiful colors. At the northernmost end is Ásbyrgi Canyon, a giant u-shaped canyon imprinted into the earth with a verdant forest and pond at its base.
The entire area is ideal for hiking; you can even hike from Dettifoss to Ásbyrgi in one or two days. However, in winter, the roads aren’t maintained, the higher altitudes meaning that there’s a lot of snow.
4. Tröllaskagi Peninsula
The rugged Tröllaskagi Peninsula, north of Akureyri, is one of Iceland’s most mountainous areas, and in recent years has become a bit of a hot spot for some backcountry skiing. If you feel like splashing out, you can also book onto a heliskiing tour in winter, where you’ll be dropped on a remote slope by a helicopter, left to ski yourself back down to the coast.
If you’re not into skiing, don’t worry. The peninsula is also a very nice road trip to take, with the road skirting between the mountains and rugged coastline and providing plenty of great views. There are three fishing villages strung along home to charming fishing villages and breathtaking coastal landscapes. It's a great place to experience traditional Icelandic life.
5. Hrísey Island
Located in the middle of Eyjafjörður, Hrísey is a small but beautiful island that’s home to a small population of around 160 people. There are no cars allowed on the ferry that whisks you to the island in 15 minutes from the small village of Árskógssandur, so if you’re staying overnight the locals will transport your suitcase in a wheelbarrow to your accommodation.
There’s not much in the way of services here, but there is a nice geothermal swimming pool (of course) and stunning views of the fjord.
6. Grimsey Island
Another island sits much further north and makes for another darling day trip from Akureyri: Grimsey Island. This is the only Icelandic territory that intersects with the Arctic Circle, and its home to a hardy bunch of fishermen and their families who live here year-round.
To get here, you can either catch the ferry from Dalvik or fly from Akureyri’s airport.
The main draw is to say you’ve crossed the Arctic Circle, which on Grimsey is marked by a giant metal sphere at the far north of the island. Other than that, there’s a pretty lighthouse, some rugged cliffs, and in summer, millions of puffins and other seabirds.
Restaurants and dining in Akureyri
Outside of Reykjavik, Akureyri is the best place to eat in Iceland. In town there’s a clutch of great restaurants, many of which would be at home in the dining scene of downtown Reykjavik.
Aside from the Akureyri hot dog that comes with pickled red cabbage on top, the traditional foods here are the same as everywhere else. Expect lots of fish and lamb.
The farm-to-table movement is also alive and well in Akureyri, with fresh local ingredients flowing into the city from the surrounding region. Expect most restaurants to
My favorite restaurants
Rub 23: Rub 23 is Akureyri’s best fine-dining restaurant, a popular choice in town thanks to its innovative and high-quality dishes. Fresh local ingredients grace the menu that spans everything from seafood and sushi to steak, lamb, and pizza.
Akureyri Backpackers: If you’re after something lower key but still of high quality, I recommend checking out the restaurant and bar at the Akureyri Backpackers. There’s always such a nice vibe here, and every time I’ve been here, I’ve ended up at a table with other travelers swapping tips for the region.
It’s a pub menu, so expect burgers, pizzas, and pastas, but none of them boring. Happy hour beers here are also recommended.
Strikið: The rooftop terrace at Strikið is the city’s most scenic location for a meal, offering views over Eyjafjörður that make you forget about the city at your feet. The restaurant specializes in seafood and sushi and has things like reindeer carpaccio and locally caught salmon.
Greifinn: Greifinn is one of the longest-standing restaurants in Akureyri; I remember eating here when I first arrived back in 2015. It’s still going strong and is the go-to for local families looking for a comfortable place to eat a meal out in a nice environment. Classic meals like hamburgers, fish and chips, lamb, and pizzas are all on the menu.
Cafes to check out
Kaffi Ilmur: Kaffi Ilmur is Akureyri’s coziest and most charming café, located in a historic house on the main street downtown. Inside, wooden floorboards and a staircase creak, and the coffee is top notch.
Their menu also features hearty soups and sandwiches if you’re after something more substantial and satisfying, or you can opt for the buffet menu and help yourself to whatever’s on offer that day.
Bláa Kannan: Inside one of downtown Akureyri’s more distinctive buildings is Bláa Kannan, which is a great café that’s well-known for its homemade cakes. It’s a great spot for a sweet treat and coffee, and the décor features a light touch of vintage décor that gives it loads of character.
Café Berlin: The brunch crowd will love Café Berlin, which is a bit more contemporary when compared to the other two cafés on this list. The coffee is great, as are the meals, which are favorites like sandwiches, burgers, and salads. For a lighter snack, there’s also a great selection of cakes and pastries on offer.
Bars in town
Græni Hatturinn: Græni Hatturinn is Akureyri’s premier live music venue, the location where all the Icelandic artists will play when touring around the country. It’s a bit of an Akureyri institution, so make sure to check the gig guide if you’re in town to see who’s playing when you’re around.
Götubarinn: Really the only true bar in town that gets packed with locals on a Friday and Saturday night. The vibe is fun, and there’s a piano downstairs if you fancy playing a bit. The bartenders make a good cocktail as well if you’re craving one and want to venture outside the main hotel bars. A local favorite with a cozy, vintage atmosphere.
R5 Micro Bar: Great for beer enthusiasts with a wide selection of local brews (a lot of the major Icelandic breweries are in Akureyri and the surroundings). Cozy atmosphere for a pint, and the happy hour for a couple hours each evening makes it a great spot to hang out before dinner.
Ölstofa Akureyrar & The Einstök Brewer’s Lounge: More beer can be sampled at both Ölstofa Akureyrar and The Einstök Brewer’s Lounge. Ölstofa Akureyrar is a cozy, rustic pub known for its warm atmosphere, and will always have any important football matches on television.
Upstairs is where you’ll find The Einstök Brewer’s Lounge, a wood-lined room dedicated to the famous Einstök beers brewed in Akureyri, where you can order a flight of their beers to sample the different varieties.
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