waterfall
Goðafoss
The 'Waterfall of the Gods' where Norse statues were reportedly thrown when Iceland converted to Christianity in 1000 AD.
25 km · about 30 min drive
EuropeIcelandNortheast
Akureyri
Northeast, Iceland · Europe
About Akureyri
Akureyri is worth a stop: 40 minutes from Laugar, 51km from Mývatn.
Akureyri is in Northeast, Iceland, with about 19,000 people. You drive on the right here. The nearest town is Laugar, about 33 km away.
Akureyri (Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈaːkʏrˌeiːrɪ], locally [ˈaːkʰʏrˌeiːrɪ] ) is a town in northern Iceland, the country's fifth most populous municipality (under the official name of Akureyrarbær [-ˌeiːrarˌpaiːr̥], 'town of Akureyri') and the largest outside the Capital Region. The municipality includes the town'sRead more
neighbourhood at the head of Eyjafjörður and two farther islands: Hrísey at the mouth of Eyjafjörður and Grímsey off the coast.
Nicknamed the "Capital of North Iceland", Akureyri is an important port and fishing centre. The area where Akureyri is located was settled in the 9th century, but did not receive a municipal charter until 1786. Allied units were based in the town during World War II. Further growth occurred after the war as the Icelandic population increasingly moved to urban areas.
The area has a relatively mild climate because of geographical factors, and the town's ice-free harbour has played a significant role in its history.
Where to Stay in Akureyri
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Akureyri?
Within an hour or so of Akureyri: Goðafoss (25 km), Aldeyjarfoss (49 km), Mývatn (51 km), Húsavík (53 km).
Are there any good drives near Akureyri?
The nearest famous roads are Kjölur Highland Route (F35).
Where is Akureyri?
Akureyri is in Northeast, Iceland, about 33 km from Laugar.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 19,219
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Iceland
- Region
- Northeast
- Timezone
- Atlantic/Reykjavik
- Coordinates
- 65.6835, -18.0878
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in Iceland
F-roads (mountain roads) require 4x4 and are closed much of the year. Safetravel.is for conditions.
Full driving guide for IcelandTags
Worth the detour from Akureyri
6 notable places within an hour's drive.
waterfall
Aldeyjarfoss
The Skjálfandafljót river plunges 20 m through a ring of twisted basalt columns at the north end of the Sprengisandur highland road. Far quieter than Goðafoss downstream; a gravel road leads to the rim.
49 km · about 55 min drive
natural wonder
Mývatn
A shallow volcanic lake surrounded by lava formations, pseudocraters, steaming vents, and the Mývatn Nature Baths in northeast Iceland.
51 km · about 60 min drive
landmark
Húsavík
Iceland's whale watching capital on Skjálfandi Bay, where humpback whales are spotted on nearly every tour alongside the Whale Museum.
53 km · about 60 min drive
film location
Grjotagja Cave (Jon Snow and Ygritte)
The lava cave with a hot spring near Myvatn is where Jon Snow and Ygritte's love scene was shot. Bathing is now prohibited.
56 km · about 65 min drive
natural wonder
Námaskarð / Hverir
A Mars-like geothermal area of bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and sulphur-stained earth near Lake Mývatn.
58 km · about 65 min drive
When to drive here
May to September
Far northern latitude: short daylight hours outside summer make long drives harder.
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