Iceland, the mysterious Nordic island country, attracts tourists from all over the world with its unique natural landscape. Vast volcanic plains, magnificent waterfalls, majestic glaciers and abundant geothermal hot springs, each exudes the charm of nature. Akureyri, as the second largest city in Iceland, is located beside a magnificent fjord in northern Iceland. It has unique natural resources and is an ideal starting point for visiting various natural attractions in northern Iceland.
From hot springs to volcanoes, from glaciers to waterfalls, Akureyri and its surrounding attractions are dazzling. Whether enjoying the quiet lake scenery or exploring the volcanic area, it provides a rich and diverse travel experience. Akureyri is a perfect place for tourists to experience the unique charm and tranquility of northern Iceland while exploring the natural wonders.
1. Hevitas Waterfall (Goðafoss Waterfall)
Location: About 50 kilometers southeast of Akureyri
Hevitas Waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland, located about 50 kilometers east of Akureyri. Its name “Goðafoss” means “Waterfall of the Gods”. Legend has it that when Iceland was Christianized, priests threw local gods into the waterfall, hence the name. The water of this waterfall rushes down from a height of 35 meters, forming a wide semicircle. The surrounding scenery is magnificent and is perfect for taking pictures and sightseeing.
Opening hours and recommended visit time:
Hvita Falls is open all year round and is a popular choice for tourists, whether it is sunny in summer or covered with snow in winter. The recommended visit time is 1-2 hours, enough for you to enjoy the full view of the waterfall, take photos and walk around the surrounding trails.
Transportation route:
From Akureyri, drive along the Ring Road 1 for about 50 kilometers to reach it, which takes about 40 minutes. The road is in good condition and suitable for self-driving tours.
Booking platform and cost:
Although Hvita Falls is a natural attraction and usually does not require advance reservations, if you plan to join a guided tour, it is recommended to book through GetYourGuide. The cost is generally between 5,000 and 10,000 Icelandic kronor, depending on the tourist season and the size of the group.
2. Lake Mývatn
Location: About 90 kilometers northeast of Akureyri
Lake Mývatn is a natural lake in northern Iceland, about 90 kilometers from Akureyri. Surrounded by volcanic landforms, the lake is home to many unique birds and abundant geothermal activity, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. The Myvatn area is rich in attractions, including hot springs, volcanic geothermal areas, and breathtaking lava caves.
Opening hours and recommended visit times:
Myvatn is an all-weather attraction, and the best time to visit is in summer and autumn, when the natural landscape around the lake is particularly charming. The recommended visit time is 3-4 hours, during which you can visit the natural landscape around the lake and choose to relax in the surrounding hot springs.
Transportation route:
From Akureyri, drive along Highway 1 to Myvatn, which takes about 1.5 hours. There are multiple parking lots around the lake area, which is convenient for tourists to park and explore on foot.
Booking platform and fees:
Some activities in the Myvatn area, such as hot springs or volcano tours, usually need to be booked in advance. You can make reservations through travel agencies or third-party platforms such as Viator or GetYourGuide. The cost of a hot spring experience is about 3,000 to 6,000 Icelandic kronor, while a guided volcano tour usually costs around 10,000 Icelandic kronor.
3. Akureyri Botanical Gardens
Location: Akureyri City Center
Akureyri Botanical Gardens is a quiet urban oasis located in the city center, a great place for locals and tourists to relax. It has a rich variety of plant species, including many native Icelandic plants and plants from other places. Especially in summer, the flowers in the botanical garden are colorful and charming.
Opening hours and recommended visiting time:
The botanical garden is open all year round, but the best viewing season is from May to September. The playing time is about 1-2 hours, and you can walk here, take pictures, or even enjoy a quiet picnic.
Transportation route:
The botanical garden is located in the center of Akureyri. You can choose to walk there or drive to the parking lot near the city center.
Booking platform and cost:
Akureyri Botanical Garden is free to open, and visitors do not need to pay an entrance fee. If you wish to take part in a special guided tour of the botanical garden, you can book it through a local travel service platform or travel agency, the cost is about 2000 Icelandic kronor.
4. Eyjafjordur
Location: Near Akureyri
Eyjafjordur is one of the most famous fjords in northern Iceland, located near Akureyri. The natural scenery here is magnificent, and the strait is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and green hillsides. It is an ideal place for activities such as kayaking, whale watching, hiking and photography. Eyjafjordur is also the main shipping route in northern Iceland and has rich wildlife resources, especially dolphins and whales.
Opening hours and recommended time to play:
Eyjafjordur is open all year round, but the activities are most abundant in summer. The recommended time to play is 2-3 hours. If you choose to watch whales, you can arrange half a day.
Transportation route:
From Akureyri, drive along the Ring Road 1 for about 30 minutes to the main tourist spots of Eyjafjordur. You can also choose to take a local tour bus or join a whale watching tour to enjoy a worry-free travel experience.
Booking platform and cost:
Whale watching in the Gorse Strait can be booked through third-party platforms such as GetYourGuide and Viator. The cost of whale watching is generally around 12,000 Icelandic kronor, and the specific price varies according to the season and the size of the group.
5. Akureyri Hot Springs
Location: Near the center of Akureyri
The hot springs area around Akureyri is a relaxing place you can’t miss in northern Iceland. The hot spring water here is rich in minerals and helps to relax the body and mind. You can choose to go to the hot springs in the Myvatn area, or you can enjoy a warm spa experience in some small hot spring pools near Akureyri.
Opening hours and recommended play time:
The hot springs are generally open all day, especially at night, when the steam from the hot springs fills the night sky, the experience is particularly unique. The recommended play time is 1-2 hours.
Transportation route:
The hot spring pools in the city of Akureyri can usually be reached by walking or a short drive. The hot spring area of Myvatn is about 1.5 hours drive from Akureyri, suitable for a day trip.
Booking platform and cost:
Hot springs usually do not need to be booked in advance, but if you plan to join a guided hot springs tour, it is recommended to book through a local travel agency or a third-party platform. The cost is usually between 3,000 and 6,000 Icelandic kronor, depending on the location and season of the hot springs.
6. Things to note when traveling
The weather is unpredictable, so dress carefully
The weather in Iceland changes very quickly, and even in summer, the temperature can drop suddenly. When traveling to Akureyri and its surrounding attractions, it is recommended to wear clothing suitable for changeable weather, especially windproof and waterproof jackets. Even on warm days, don’t neglect to bring warm clothes.
Pay attention to traffic safety when driving
Most of the roads around Akureyri are single lanes or mountain roads, so you need to be extra careful when driving. Especially in winter, some sections of the road may be icy. When driving to remote attractions, be sure to check the weather forecast in advance and make sure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires. If you have no experience, it is recommended to choose a local tour group to avoid unnecessary risks.
Respect the natural environment
In Iceland’s major natural attractions, especially waterfalls, lakes and hot springs, please be sure to comply with local environmental regulations to avoid damaging the ecological environment. Do not litter in the protected area, maintain the natural appearance of the scenic area, try to follow the signs and instructions, and keep a safe distance.
Book popular activities in advance
Some activities such as whale watching, hot springs and volcano tours may need to be booked in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. It is recommended to make reservations through a reliable booking platform to avoid being unable to find a seat at the last minute.
As the gateway to northern Iceland, Akureyri offers a wealth of natural attractions and activities suitable for all types of adventure travelers. From Hvita Waterfall to Lake Myvatn, from the Botanical Garden to the Gors Strait, each attraction showcases the unique natural wonders of northern Iceland.
With reasonable transportation routes and third-party booking platforms, you can easily arrange a trip full of natural wonders to make your Iceland adventure more memorable. Whether it is a self-driving tour, whale watching or hot springs experience, Akureyri can provide you with a perfect adventure trip to northern Iceland.
