
The town of Akureyri at distance, seen from the Forest Lagoon.
Akureyri: The capital of Iceland’s north
The hub of Iceland’s north is booming with new activities after the carrier Nice Air began offering direct flights between Akureyri and Europe. From the hot Forrest Lagoon to the cold waters of whales, here are some of the top things to do in Akureyri.

The sundlaug in Akureyri is among Iceland's most popular
The Public Pool in Akureyri
Sundlaug Akureyrar – the public pool in Akureyri – is a huge place designed for children and their pool-guardians. Three badass new water slides rise from the kids’ pool with varying age limits. Young children can enjoy a shallow leisure pool with a water playground. The large outside pool area – one of the largest in Iceland – has two swimming pools and five hot tubs of varying temperature.

Guests, young and old, on a guided tour at the Akureyri Art Museum
Akureyri Art Museum
The art scene in Akureyri takes a high road – the long, steep hill off Main Street is lined with galleries and craft stores. The Ravine, as the street is known, centers around the ambitious Akureyri Art Museum.
The museum covers four floors, and showcases classic and contemporary pieces, from photography to performance pieces, Icelandic to international.

A trip into the woods that is nothing but comfort
The Forest Lagoon
The Forest Lagoon
The baths are well connected with walking paths through the surrounding forest, as well as to the center of Akureyri in about 4 km (2.5 mile) distance.

Humpback whales are a common sight in Eyja Fjord
Whale watching in Eyja Fjord
Whale watching ships dock by the downtown harbour for tours in the Eyja Fjord. Narrow and long, sailing conditions tend to be smoother in Eyja Fjord than out on the open seas. Tours are also shorter than in most other places known for whale watching – about two hours, over summer. Expect to see humpback and minke whales.

The popular Hlíðarfjall on a day in January. Photo: Hlidarfjall.is
Skiing in Hlíðarfjall
Akureyri is a popular weekend getaway for Icelanders, especially over winter. The ski slopes of Hlíðarfjall, the mountain looming over the town, are considered Iceland’s best – and they typically stay open for longer than elsewhere due to the volume of snow. Skíðaþjónustan
In recent years, service for cross country skiing has improved along with its popularity. Most slopes start inside the Kjarnaskógur forest, by the edge of town. Some are litd up, but fortunately not all: darkness brings out the Northern Lights.

Is it the time for ice cream? The people of Akureyri are happy to weigh in
Brynjuís ice cream
The Brynjuís ice cream
If you happen to order bragðarefur – an enourmusenormous candy mix – please know there are 92 steps leading up to the Akureyri church.