The North, Iceland
Iceland has three main mobile providers: Síminn, Nova, and Vodafone. All feature good coverage in and around Akureyri and along the Ring Road.
Wi-Fi: Widely available and generally free in hotels, guesthouses, cafes, restaurants, and some public spaces in Akureyri. This makes staying connected straightforward.
English is widely spoken, so communication is rarely an issue. For deeper engagement, try a few Icelandic phrases. Learn Icelandic with Rosetta Stone
Essential information for seamless airport experiences.
Consider airport lounge access for a comfortable travel experience, especially during layovers or before flights.
For flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding, services exist to help passengers obtain compensation.
Beyond lounges and compensation, airports typically present various amenities like baggage services, duty-free shopping, and information desks.
Typical Operating Hours for Different Businesses: Shops: Typically Monday-Friday 10:00-18:00, Saturday 10:00-16:00. Sunday hours are often limited or closed, especially for smaller boutiques. Larger supermarkets might stay open until 20:00-22:00. Restaurants/Cafes: Lunch generally served 11:30-14:00, dinner 18:00-22:00. Cafes often open earlier for breakfast and close later in the evening.
Many tour operators, guesthouses, and restaurants outside Reykjavík (including some in the Akureyri region) operate on reduced schedules or close entirely during the low season (late autumn to early spring). Always check opening hours and availability in advance, especially for specific tours or smaller attractions. Highland roads (F-roads) open only in summer.
Seasonal variations affect business hours; verify schedules ahead of time, especially outside peak season. Plan airport services with travel disruptions in mind.
Understand local customs for a respectful journey.
A simple "Halló" or "Góða daginn" works for greetings. Handshakes are typical for formal introductions. Eye contact is common.
Tipping is not customary; service is included in the price. Do not feel obligated to tip. It is polite to finish your plate. Icelanders often eat dinner later than in some other countries, typically starting around 7-8 PM.
Cultural norms to be aware of.
Iceland is a very progressive and tolerant country.
Embrace local customs for a positive visit. Respect for privacy and the environment are aspects of Icelandic etiquette.
Information for travelers with diverse needs.
Akureyri generally shows more accessibility than older parts of Reykjavík. Newer buildings, like the Hof Cultural Center and many hotels, are built with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps and elevators. Older buildings might have steps.
Public Buses: Akureyri city buses are wheelchair accessible. Akureyri Church: Has a ramp for wheelchair access, though the grand staircase is not. Hof Cultural Center: Fully accessible with elevators. Akureyri Botanical Garden: Paved paths are generally accessible, but some areas might be uneven or have slight inclines. Many major waterfalls (like Goðafoss) have designated accessible viewing platforms, but access to the very edge or more rugged viewpoints might involve navigating uneven terrain.
Specialized infrastructure for travelers with visual or hearing impairments appears less developed than in major European cities. Assistance animals are generally accepted. Inquire with tour operators or attractions directly about specific accommodations.
Contact the Akureyri Tourist Information Center for specific accessibility details on attractions and recommendations.
Contact the Akureyri Tourist Information Center for specific accessibility details. Organizations like Sjálfsbjörg (Icelandic Federation of the Physically Disabled) may give advice or resources for accessible travel in Iceland.
