Iceland Travel
Discover the amazing and enchanting winter paradise of Akureyri in North Iceland. Enjoy unforgettable activities like hot spring bathing and northern lights hunting, spectacular fjords and a vibrant arts and culture scene in this charming town near the Arctic Circle
If you’re looking for a unique winter paradise without the tourist crowds look no further than Akureyri and North Iceland. Just a short distance away by air, North Iceland is a world of magical landscapes from a Nordic fairy tale. This region close to the Arctic Circle is filled with spectacular fjords, charming villages, and enjoyable activities like hot spring bathing and northern lights quests. Friendly and culturally vibrant Akureyri town is a perfect base for North Iceland. It’s a favourite winter getaway with Icelanders, and we think you’ll agree when you visit.
You can choose two package options in the Arctic North: 4 days or 5 days.
-Fewer visitors means you have more of Iceland’s peaceful beauty to yourself.
-Akureyri has a surprisingly moderate winter climate for its location (average high temperature is 0°C/ 32°F).
-Its far northern location is ideal for northern lights viewing on cold, clear nights.
-North Iceland often gets more snow than the south, adding to its winter wonderland vibes.
-North Iceland is breathtaking with its rugged fjords, distinctive mountains, and mystical lava formations.
-Akureyri is close to dramatic wilderness wonders like Mývatn Nature Reserve, Ásbyrgi Canyon and the alpine Troll Peninsula.
-Akureyri offers a blend of small-town friendliness and amazing museums, dining, nightlife, galleries, and shopping.
-North Iceland is a paradise for outdoor activities like winter whale watching, horseback riding, skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoe hiking.
-It is an ideal destination for discovering fascinating history, local culture, and some of Iceland’s best cuisine.
-Easy access with direct flights on easyJet from the UK and Icelandair from Reykjavík.
Welcome to North Iceland! An airport shuttle driver will meet you at Akureyri Airport for a transfer to your hotel.
During the transfer you will have an information meeting about your itinerary. The rest of the day is open to explore Akureyri. The town’s Nordic architecture is very charming, and it’s a delight to take a stroll in the town centre. Akureyri has a wonderful variety of shops...
Enjoy a delicious and wholesome North Iceland style breakfast at your hotel. The morning is open to enjoy Akureyri’s charms or perhaps an optional whale watching tour.
This afternoon, you’ll take a transfer shuttle from your hotel to a beautiful woodland retreat, the geothermal Forest Lagoon (Skógarböð). Opened in 2022, the Forest Lagoon is cradled in Vaðlaskógar forest, just a few minut...
Breakfast at your hotel. We’ve left today open for you. We have some delightful tours available to show you more of North Iceland’s natural wonders and culture. Here are some suggestions.
-Marvel at the volcanic wonders of Lake Mývatn nature reserve (a Game of Thrones filming location.)
-Board a boat for a whale watching safari in the scenic area of Eyjafjör...
Breakfast at your hotel. We’ve left today open for you. We have some delightful tours available to show you more of North Iceland’s natural wonders and culture. Here are some suggestions.
-Marvel at the volcanic wonders of Lake Mývatn nature reserve (a Game of Thrones filming location.)
-Board a boat for a whale watching safari in the scenic area of Eyjafjör...
Breakfast at your hotel. All good things come to an end, and it’s time to say farewell to Akureyri and North Iceland (for now). Today you’ll be transferred by shuttle from your hotel to Akureyri Airport for your departure flight.
Welcome to North Iceland! An airport shuttle driver will meet you at Akureyri Airport for a transfer to your hotel.
During the transfer you will have an information meeting about your itinerary. The rest of the day is open to explore Akureyri. The town’s Nordic architecture is very charming, and it’s a delight to take a stroll in the town centre. Akureyri has a wonderful variety of shops, dining establishments and museums. If you enjoy art, we recommend checking out Listagil, the town’s art and gallery street. Dinner is on your own, and we’re sure you’ll have fun choosing from the many restaurants.
Overnight in Akureyri.
Please note that most hotels start check-in around 14:00 – 16:00 (2:00pm 4:00pm.)
Enjoy a delicious and wholesome North Iceland style breakfast at your hotel. The morning is open to enjoy Akureyri’s charms or perhaps an optional whale watching tour.
This afternoon, you’ll take a transfer shuttle from your hotel to a beautiful woodland retreat, the geothermal Forest Lagoon (Skógarböð). Opened in 2022, the Forest Lagoon is cradled in Vaðlaskógar forest, just a few minutes’ drive from town. The Forest Lagoon’s 1.300 square-meter (13,993 sq. ft) complex includes two infinity pools with swim-up bars, a cold tub, a sauna, and a bistro restaurant. While you relax in the hot-spring fed water, you can enjoy inspiring views of Eyjafjörður fjord and the surrounding forest.
After your relaxing bath, you’ll be picked up from the Forest Lagoon so you can take part in a guided northern lights bus tour. Head into the dark countryside away from the town lights. Your driver guide will find the best location for northern lights viewing, based on forecasts. You’ll have plenty of time to photograph the northern lights and to warm up with hot beverages during the evening. The tour’s duration is 2.5 hours.
Note: Northern lights are a natural phenomenon, and we cannot guarantee sightings. If the lights don’t make an appearance tonight, you can join tomorrow’s tour.
Overnight in Akureyri.
Breakfast at your hotel. We’ve left today open for you. We have some delightful tours available to show you more of North Iceland’s natural wonders and culture. Here are some suggestions.
-Marvel at the volcanic wonders of Lake Mývatn nature reserve (a Game of Thrones filming location.)
-Board a boat for a whale watching safari in the scenic area of Eyjafjörður.
-Visit a traditional fishing village, where you’ll meet a handicrafts artist, taste local treats, and tour a family-owned microbrewery.
You’ll find there is plenty to enjoy and experience in the Arctic North!
Overnight in Akureyri.
Breakfast at your hotel. We’ve left today open for you. We have some delightful tours available to show you more of North Iceland’s natural wonders and culture. Here are some suggestions.
-Marvel at the volcanic wonders of Lake Mývatn nature reserve (a Game of Thrones filming location.)
-Board a boat for a whale watching safari in the scenic area of Eyjafjörður.
-Visit a traditional fishing village, where you’ll meet a handicrafts artist, taste local treats, and tour a family-owned microbrewery.
You’ll find there is plenty to enjoy and experience in the Arctic North!
Overnight in Akureyri.
Breakfast at your hotel. All good things come to an end, and it’s time to say farewell to Akureyri and North Iceland (for now). Today you’ll be transferred by shuttle from your hotel to Akureyri Airport for your departure flight.
Acccommodation is at KEA Hotel Akureyri (Quality standard) or similar