Akureyri

Often referred to as the capital of north Iceland, Akureyri, is located 387 km from the capital city and about 100 km from the Arctic Circle, at the base of Eyjafjörður. Settled in the 9th century, it also has a small international airport. Landnámabók, the Book of Settlement confirms that Irish Viking, Helgi Magri Eyvindarson was the ‘founding settler’ of Akureyri. By the 17th century merchants from Denmark gradually began setting base here, while permanent settlement began in 1778. 

Often referred to as the capital of north Iceland, Akureyri, is located 387 km from the capital city and about 100 km from the Arctic Circle, at the base of Eyjafjörður. Settled in the 9th century, it also has a small international airport. Landnámabók, the Book of Settlement confirms that Irish Viking, Helgi Magri Eyvindarson was the ‘founding settler’ of Akureyri. By the 17th century merchants from Denmark gradually began setting base here, while permanent settlement began in 1778.

In 1786 the King of Denmark granted the municipal charter to Akureyri. There is a lot to see and do in this city, which has various exciting places of tourist interest, museums, parks, hotels and restaurants. The striking church of Akureyri, Akureyrarkirkja, completed in 1940, which was designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, is among an important attraction. The church has a 3000-pipe organ, with stained-glass windows and has a ship hanging from the ceiling. 

Akuyeyri also boasts of being home to the world’s northernmost botanical gardens, which has over 430 different Icelandic plant species. The vibrant city is active culturally too with various festivals, including the Vaka Folk Festival, the ‘Ein með Öllu’ family festival and the Cultural Night, which celebrates Akureyri’s anniversary. The city is also popular as the world’s northernmost 18-hole golf course and hosts the ‘Arctic Open’ golf tournament. Various museums are also situated here, including the Icelandic Industrial museum, Art museum and the Icelandic Aviation Museum. What’s more, Akureyri also has a Christmas House that is open all the year round.

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