Akureyri is the main town of North Iceland, with a population of around 20,000. It sits at the head of Eyjafjordur, Iceland's longest fjord, and lies only about 100 kilometres from the Arctic Circle. Permanent settlement began in 1778, and the town received its municipal charter in 1786.
What and where Akureyri is
Akureyri is an important port and fishing centre in North Iceland. The town stands at the head of Eyjafjordur, with mountains around the fjord. Its position places it only about 100 kilometres from the Arctic Circle.
The capital of the north
Akureyri is often called the capital of the north. It has a population of around 20,000, which makes it the second-largest urban area in Iceland after the Reykjavik region. In practical terms, that means it functions as the main town of North Iceland.
A town on Iceland's longest fjord
Eyjafjordur is Iceland's longest fjord, and Akureyri sits at its head. This fjord setting is a basic part of the town's geography, with the settlement and port tied closely to the water and the surrounding mountain landscape. The sheltered fjord is also a productive whale-watching ground, and boats run whale tours from Akureyri through the season.
History and culture
Permanent settlement at Akureyri began in 1778. The town received its municipal charter in 1786. In more recent town life, the botanical garden has grown since 1957, and the Hof cultural and conference centre opened in 2010.
Visiting Akureyri in North Iceland
Akureyri is a useful place to compare options for exploring this part of the country. You can compare North Iceland tours if you want to see current choices connected with the region.
As a town, Akureyri combines its role as an important port and fishing centre with cultural landmarks such as the botanical garden and Hof. Its location at the head of Eyjafjordur also makes it the natural base for the region's headline sights, from the waterfall at Godafoss to the volcanic landscapes around Lake Myvatn.
Estimate the road time
Use the Driving Distance Calculator to work out how much driving time to allow around Akureyri in North Iceland: What to Know.
