Akureyri tours

Things to do in Akureyri

Welcome to Akureyri, a small town that feels grand in its embrace of nature and culture. Nestled amid Iceland's fjord landscapes, it offers a unique blend of serenity and vibrancy, earning its title as the "Capital of the North." With a local guide, you can explore this charming town beyond the surface, immersing yourself in its Viking heritage and contemporary pulse. On a private tour, skip the usual crowd and discover Akureyri's spirit, whether by wandering its quaint streets or sampling its culinary delights. Your guide will uncover hidden paths and local haunts, making your visit as memorable as the northern lights that occasionally grace the sky. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Akureyri. Explore Akureyri your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Akureyri tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Akureyri for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Cruise from the Akureyri harbour on a private boat to spot humpback whales in Eyjafjörður, then continue to Goðafoss and the lava fields near Lake Mývatn to walk the Skútustaðagígar pseudocraters and watch waterfowl along the shore. In winter, your guide can time an aurora hunt at dark viewpoints near Ljósavatn or the Súlur foothills for clear photos and quiet skies. History tours: Step into the 19th‑century turf houses at Laufás to learn how farm families lived, then visit Akureyrarkirkja and the small Nonni House museum to trace local stories. Your tour can also include the Icelandic Aviation Museum by the airport and a stroll through the old harbour to see restored warehouses and public art. Layover tours: With 3–6 hours between flights or a cruise call, your guide can zip you to Goðafoss, fit in a Forest Lagoon soak with fjord views, and stop for Brynja ice cream. If time is tight, keep it close with the Botanical Garden, the Art Museum, and a harbour‑side coffee before returning to the terminal. The town centre is easy to walk, and local buses cover main stops with regional Strætó links for nearby areas; for Goðafoss, Mývatn, winter aurora, or scattered trailheads, distances and weather make private transport practical—ask your local guide about chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Akureyri inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Explore Akureyri with a private walking tour and discover its unique neighborhoods with a local guide. There's no better way to get to know the area than with someone who truly understands it. - City Center: A compact area ideal for families and those interested in local culture. Stroll through charming streets, visit local shops, and enjoy the vibrant cafe scene. - Old Town: Perfect for history enthusiasts, this neighborhood offers a glimpse into Akureyri's past with its traditional wooden houses and historic sites. It's a window into the city's heritage. - Botanical Gardens Area: Great for nature lovers and families, this area offers serene walks and beautiful gardens. It's a peaceful escape and a chance to enjoy Iceland's unique flora. Day trip ideas from Akureyri From Akureyri, short drives bring you to volcanic landscapes, fjord towns, and big-name waterfalls that fit cleanly into day trips, and private tours help you pivot with weather and daylight. Lake Mývatn Area: Explore lava fields at Dimmuborgir, steam vents at Hverir, and pseudocraters at Skútustaðir; if geothermal sights and easy walks appeal, your tour can pick stops with the best conditions for the day. Goðafoss: A wide, photogenic waterfall right off the main road, often paired with Mývatn; photographers and first-time visitors get a strong payoff fast, and your tour can time the stop for softer light. Tröllaskagi Peninsula (Siglufjörður and Dalvík): Follow a coastal route through tunnels and high headlands to herring-era Siglufjörður; scenery lovers and history fans get a classic fjord drive, and your tour can set a slower pace with short harbour walks. Húsavík: Known for whale watching and a tidy harbour, with views back to snow-tipped peaks; if marine life is your thing, tours here focus on responsible sightings, and your tour can add a warm bakery stop in town. Dettifoss and Ásbyrgi: See Europe’s most powerful waterfall and a horseshoe canyon inside Vatnajökull National Park; geology-minded travellers and hikers get raw nature, and your tour can choose routes based on road openings and trail conditions. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Akureyri most travellers miss.