Getting to Akureyri

Akureyri is about 390 km from Reykjavík. By road it takes about 5 hours, and Visit Akureyri gives 4.5 to 6 hours; by plane it takes about 45 minutes, with Icelandair flying several times daily (Visit Iceland). A flight leaves more time on the ground for a short trip; the full comparison of options is in how to get around Iceland. The town is a regional hub for services, culture, education and transport, and it is known for the town centre, the Botanical Garden, Akureyri Church and the Hlíðarfjall ski area.

Why sleep in town

The town offers the widest range of rooms, and tours leave from here: the 3-hour whale-watching tour by ship is rated 4.6 out of 5 from 3,844 reviews, from €92 on 6 November 2026 (see Akureyri and whale watching in Iceland). A 15-minute ferry goes to Hrísey, and Grímsey is known for puffins and the Arctic Circle. In June the town has nearly 23.5 hours of daylight. In late November and December a Christmas market opens on Ráðhústorg. Visit Iceland says the northern lights season in the north runs from late August to mid-April, with November to March the darkest.

Mývatn and Húsavík

Mývatn formed in a major volcanic eruption more than 2,000 years ago. Hverir has bubbling mud pots, the Krafla area has the blue Víti crater lake, and most accommodation is in and around Reykjahlíð. Midges swarm mainly in early June and August. Húsavík is the main base for whale watching: tours run from about April to October, with June to August the best months. Gentle Giants' 3-hour boat tour costs ISK 12,490 for adults in 2026 (see Húsavík). The Diamond Circle loop from Akureyri is about 310 km, more than 4 hours of driving before stops, and Goðafoss lies along the Ring Road on the way to Mývatn.

How to choose

  • Two nights or fewer: stay in Akureyri and take a day trip.
  • Three nights or more: one night in Akureyri, one at Mývatn, one in Húsavík.
  • Winter: keep to Akureyri, because daylight is short and roads can close; see Iceland in winter.

Book early for summer, when the popular stays fill first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Driving from Reykjavík and back in a weekend: it is 390 km each way.
  • Staying at Mývatn in early June or August without thinking about midges.
  • Choosing Húsavík in winter for whale watching: tours run from about April to October.
  • Forgetting that the north is a separate trip from the South Coast; see the 10 days in Iceland itinerary.

FAQ

How far is Akureyri from Reykjavík?

About 390 km, 5 hours by road or 45 minutes by plane.

Where should I stay for whale watching?

Akureyri or Húsavík; Húsavík is the main base.

When can I see the northern lights in the north?

From late August to mid-April, with November to March the darkest.

How many days does Akureyri need?

Visit Iceland suggests one to two days.

The Iceland Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.