Akureyri: Art, History and Landscape

If you are looking for a hotel in Akureyri, you can plan your stay around the themes that interest you: the city’s history, art, museums, the Glerá River or the Botanical Garden each offer a different starting point. This way, you can get to know the city from various perspectives—from its preserved historic layout to its walking paths and exhibitions.

Garden, Bus and Riverside Paths

The Akureyri Botanical Garden is open year-round and fully accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. Seasonal facilities may vary, so take this into account when planning. Akureyri also has a free public bus service. If you plan to use it to get around, check the routes and operating details before your trip.

The Glerá runs through Akureyri, mostly through a steep gorge, with walking paths alongside it. The river and gorge give walks here a distinct natural setting. The riverside paths therefore offer a different focus from the city’s cultural attractions. When planning your time outdoors, you can consider this landscape alongside a visit to the garden.

The Old Town and Architectural History

Many of Akureyri’s oldest houses have been preserved in the old town, along with the original street layout. This means that the focus is not only on individual buildings, but also on the historic street pattern. Laxdalshús offers a specific point of reference: it is the oldest building in Akureyri and was built in 1795. The preserved old-town layout and this dated building offer two different ways to explore the city’s history.

Art in the City

Kaupvangsstræti, also known as Art Street, is considered the center of the city’s cultural life and runs through Grófargil. You can also view and learn about numerous works of public art on a walk. Art is therefore not just a subject for exhibitions: the city itself can also be part of a culture-focused stay.

Museums on the City and Aviation

The Akureyri Museum has two permanent exhibitions on the history of the region, from settlement to the present day: “Eyjafjorður from Early Times” and “Akureyri – the Town on the Bay”. The two exhibitions focus on different aspects of this period. If you are planning a visit, check the exhibition details in advance.

The Icelandic Aviation Museum is located at Akureyri Airport and documents Iceland’s aviation history. Exhibits include photographs, videos, artifacts, models and historic aircraft. The subject is explored through a range of exhibits and media.

A Different Kind of Day at the Swimming Pool

Akureyri Swimming Pool has two heated 25-metre outdoor pools for lap swimming, water jets, three waterslides, a paddling pool and a small indoor pool. There are also four hot tubs, a Jacuzzi, a cold bath, a steam bath and a large sunbathing area. All pools and tubs are heated using natural geothermal energy. Check the operating details before visiting.

When choosing a hotel, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: the historic city layout, public art, museum exhibits, the riverside landscape or the swimming pool each offer a different way to spend your time in Akureyri.

Discover more destinations: Dalvík, Svalbard, Ólafsfjördur, Hallbjarnarstaðir, Myvatn, Bakki, Hrisey, Siglufjörður

For the wider travel overview: Nordurland Eystra.