Day Trips from Akureyri. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Accessible Locations Within Day-Trip Distance

The Diamond Circle is a popular tourist route in North Iceland, typically including Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss, and Húsavík. One may complete this as a long day trip from Akureyri.

Húsavík, the "Whale Watching Capital of Iceland," also has a Whale Museum and the GeoSea Sea Baths for an unique geothermal ocean experience. Húsavík is approximately a 1-hour drive from Akureyri. Dalvík is a small fishing town, a gateway to Grímsey Island. It features whale watching tours and the annual Fish Festival (Fiskidagurinn Mikli) in August. Dalvík is approximately a 40-minute drive north of Akureyri. Siglufjörður, a charming fishing village and former herring capital, houses the award-winning Herring Era Museum. Siglufjörður is approximately a 1.5-hour drive north along a scenic route. The Tröllaskagi Peninsula, with its stunning coastal drives, charming villages, and impressive mountain views, may be a full or half-day trip.

Transportation Options for Each

Rental Car: The most flexible choice for exploring these areas at one's own pace. A rental car makes stops wherever one wishes and deviations from main routes possible.
Organized Tours: Many tour operators in Akureyri run full-day excursions to the Diamond Circle, Lake Mývatn, Húsavík, and other regional sights. These trips come with transport and often a knowledgeable guide. Find Day Trips on GetYourGuide
Public Bus (Strætó): Limited long-distance routes exist (e.g., to Húsavík, Dalvík), but service frequency is less than organized tours or self-driving. Check schedules carefully.
Time Required and Suggested Itineraries: Goðafoss: Allow 2-3 hours (including travel from Akureyri). Lake Mývatn Area (Highlights): Allocate 4-6 hours. Húsavík (Whale Watching & Town): Plan for 6-8 hours, including travel and a whale watching tour. Diamond Circle (Full Loop): This is a long day, often taking 10-12 hours, typically done as an organized tour or a full day of self-driving. Siglufjörður: Allow 5-6 hours, including travel and museum time.

Natural Escapes

North Iceland features many opportunities for immersion in stunning natural landscapes.

Parks and Nature Reserves

Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon (part of Vatnajökull National Park) is home to Dettifoss (Europe's most powerful waterfall) and Ásbyrgi Canyon, a horseshoe-shaped depression. It lies east of Mývatn and has incredible hiking opportunities. Kjarnaskógur Forest, just south of Akureyri, is a local favorite for hiking, picnicking, and outdoor recreation. It offers a rare chance to walk through trees in Iceland.

Scenic Landscapes

Tröllaskagi Peninsula: This area has dramatic coastal scenery, deep fjords, and high mountains. Drives like Route 82 (past Dalvík) and Route 76 (to Siglufjörður) are beautiful, winding through picturesque landscapes.
Eyjafjörður: The fjord itself displays endless scenic views from various points along its length. Drive along the coastline roads for different perspectives.
Black Sand Beaches: A small local black sand beach exists near Akureyri, for a quiet, unique coastal experience. Rural Valleys: Explore inland valleys like Fnjóskadalur for peaceful agricultural landscapes, rivers, and a sense of rural Icelandic life.

Organized Tour vs. Independent Travel Comparison

Consider different travel approaches.

Organized Tour Benefits

Hassle-free, with transport, guide, and itinerary handled.
Often includes multiple stops and local context from guides.
Suits solo travelers or those preferring not to drive.

Independent Travel Benefits

Maximum flexibility, control itinerary and pace.
Often more cost-effective for groups due to shared costs.
Access to lesser-known spots.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Northern Lights

Best viewed from dark locations outside city lights (e.g., up Hlíðarfjall or rural areas).
Observe during winter months.
Seek areas away from light pollution.
Midnight Sun: During summer, experience continuous daylight, enabling extended exploration and unique late-night activities.

Midnight Sun

Continuous daylight during summer.
Night activities possible.
Great for photography.
Extended exploration.

Travel Metrics

Distance to Húsavík:60 km
Distance to Dalvík:45 km
Distance to Siglufjörður:75 km
Diamond Circle Duration:10-12 hours

Whale Watching Season:Apr-Oct
Ski Season:Nov-Apr
Midnight Sun (peak):Jun-Jul
Northern Lights (peak):Sep-Mar

Travel Insight

Rental cars allow for independent travel, but guided tours handle logistics. Choose the option matching your travel style and group size.

Cultural Excursions

Broaden your cultural understanding with historical sites and rural villages outside Akureyri.

Historical Sites Outside the Main Destination

Glaumbær Farm & Museum, a well-preserved turf farm and open-air museum, gives deep insight into traditional Icelandic life from past centuries. It lies in Skagafjörður, approximately a 1.5-2 hour drive west of Akureyri. Víðimýrarkirkja, one of the few remaining turf churches in Iceland, is near Glaumbær. Its unique construction glimpses historical Icelandic religious architecture.

Rural Villages and Agricultural Areas

Hauganes is a small fishing village known for its hot tubs on the black sand beach and a local restaurant. It gives a relaxed atmosphere and coastal charm. Grenivík, a fishing village northeast of Akureyri, has a glimpse into local life and scenic views of Eyjafjörður.

Pilgrimage Sites

No major pilgrimage sites appear in the North Iceland region. Religious sites are mainly local churches.

General Guidelines for Responsible Travel

Be aware of animal welfare concerns. Choose tour operators that prioritize animal well-being, especially for whale watching or horse riding tours. Inquire about their practices. Do not engage in illegal activities like off-road driving. This damages fragile ecosystems, carries heavy fines, and harms Iceland's reputation. Avoid purchasing items made from protected or sensitive natural resources.

Carbon Offset Options

Consider choosing airlines that offer carbon offset programs when booking flights. Offset your carbon with Terrapass
Opt for longer stays in fewer locations to reduce internal flights or long drives, minimizing your carbon footprint.
When renting a car, consider electric or hybrid vehicle options if available.

Cultural Preservation Efforts

Support local museums and cultural centers that actively preserve Icelandic heritage. Respect historical sites and nature; do not climb on fragile rock formations, historic structures, or disturb sensitive natural areas like moss.

Respectful Interaction Guidelines

Be polite and patient in your interactions.
Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially children, to respect their privacy.
Do not compare Iceland to other countries in a derogatory way. Appreciate Iceland for its unique qualities. Be mindful of noise levels, especially in quiet residential areas or natural settings.

Traveler's Advice

Local Customs & Etiquette:When interacting with locals, polite conduct shows respect.

Photography Permissions and Restrictions:Always ask permission before photographing individuals.

Respect the Environment:Do not litter; preserve Iceland's unique nature.

Sustainable Practices:Consider local purchases.

Road Safety:Drive with care, especially on unpaved roads.

Emergency Contacts:Keep emergency numbers handy.

Cultural Consideration

Respect historical sites; do not climb on fragile structures.
Support local museums.
Appreciate local traditions.
Engage respectfully with communities.
Learn a few Icelandic phrases.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider extending your trip beyond Akureyri to explore more of Iceland's diverse regions.

Recommendations for Adding 1-3 Days

Continue east from Akureyri along the Ring Road (Route 1) to explore the Eastfjords. This region has stunning fjords, waterfalls, and charming towns like Seyðisfjörður. Add 2-3 days for a relaxed exploration.

Westfjords

A remote and wild region, requiring at least 3-4 days from Akureyri due to long driving distances and slower, often gravel roads.
Known for dramatic landscapes, towering bird cliffs (Látrabjarg).
Features secluded hot springs.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Located west of Reykjavík, but reachable from Akureyri via the Ring Road. Called "Iceland in Miniature" due to its diverse landscapes, including a glacier, black beaches, basalt columns, and picturesque fishing towns. Add 1-2 days for transit and exploration.

East Iceland

Continue east from Akureyri along the Ring Road (Route 1).
This region has stunning fjords, waterfalls, and charming towns like Seyðisfjörður.
Add 2-3 days for a relaxed exploration.

Transportation Connections

The Ring Road (Route 1) connects all these regions, giving a comprehensive driving route around the country.

Domestic Flights

Flights from Akureyri Airport (AEY) link to Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV).
For onward travel to other parts of Iceland.
Saves considerable driving time.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Akureyri is a stop on a full Iceland Ring Road trip, which typically spans 7-14 days. From Akureyri, head east through Mývatn to the Eastfjords and then south, or head west towards Snæfellsnes and Reykjavík. Plan based on interests and time.

Logical Next Destinations

Reykjavík & South Coast: The most common next step for travelers, heading south along Route 1.
Major attractions include the Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss).
Iconic waterfalls (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss), and black sand beaches (Reynisfjara).

Important Safety Notes

Road Conditions

Weather conditions change rapidly. Always check road.is for updates before driving, especially outside urban areas or in winter.

Emergency Services

The emergency number in Iceland is 112 for all police, fire, and medical services.

Wildlife Encounters

Keep a respectful distance from wildlife, including birds and marine animals. Do not feed animals.

Planning Ahead

For multi-day extensions, careful planning for accommodation and routes makes for a smooth journey.

Day Trips from Akureyri