A Cruise to Akureyri: Excursions and Tips
What to see and do in Akureyri, Iceland, during a cruise: tips and informations from Cruising Journal.
Have you decided to finally treat yourself to a cruise around Iceland? Perhaps you’ve been searching the web for ideas on what to see and do throughout the country. This article will help you discover Akureyri, a city located in northern Iceland at the very edge of the fjord of Eyjafjörður.
Located just under 100 km from the Arctic Circle, Akureyri is known as the “city of the Midnight Sun”. During the summer period, due to the inclination of the earth’s axis, the sun does not set in this region, offering you the chance to experience a day that never ends.
Along with the charm of the Midnight Sun, the city offers plenty of activities and attractions. From the moment you step off the port, you can go on a horseback tour or explore the city on foot to see its architectural wonders, museums and the magnificent Botanical Garden.
How to get to Akureyri
There are many companies, such as MSC, Norwegian Cruise Line and Costa, that organize tours around Northern Europe with stops in Akureyri.
If you prefer to forego the multi-country cruise and would rather explore Iceland on its own, there are plenty, there are plenty of local companies offering a variety of options. A 10-day tour is available between May and September; it departs from the port of Reykjavik at 17:00 and will show you the entire island with various stops at the main points of interest. Alternatively, an 8-day tour will take you to the ports of Isafjörður, Grimsey, Akureyri, Seyðisfjörður and Heimaey, before finishing up in Reykjavik. For a more extended cruise, Eagle-Eye Tours offers an 11-day tour, departing from Reykjavik on July 5th.
Each of these cruises will take you around the island, offering incredible opportunities, such as sightseeing, whale watching, and learning more about the history of the island of Iceland. All options include a full-day stop in Akureyri.
Tours by horseback
If you want to take a break from walking through the beautiful streets of Akureyri, you could enjoy a wilderness tour on horseback. Many cruises already offer this option in the package, but, if not, you can book your own horseback tour with one of the many riding centres in the city, such as Polar Hestar, Hestaleigan Katuror Skjaldarvik.
The riding centre staff will introduce you to the animals you are riding before guiding you on a two-hour walk through the enchanting Icelandic woods. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced rider who wants to venture into the most challenging trails, the centre will provide you with all the necessary equipment and instructions to take part in this adventure safely.
Not only will you get to see the beautiful landscapes and scenery this island has to offer, but you will also get to ride the Icelandic thoroughbred horses, a small yet sturdy breed with a fascinating history. After almost becoming extinct during a volcanic eruption, these animals have managed to survive the test of time and are still used for horseback riding and in agriculture today.
Botanical Garden
Maybe your idea of nature is less “endless wilderness” and more “well-kept flora.” If so, you can visit the Akureyri Botanical Garden.
Situated on a hill overlooking the city, the Garden offers a magnificent view of the gulf and the city it surrounds, as well as, of course, the opulent and well-kept flora, which includes over 430 native species and 6600 imported species. Though the climate is not exactly welcoming to these exotic plant species, the Botanical Garden is able to thrive thanks to the care and constant attention of its gardeners.
Inside the Garden, there are small cottages, which can be visited during the opening period from June 1st to September 30th. While the internal structures close for the winter months, the park area is open year-round for the public to enjoy.
akureyri botanical gardens
City centre
Just a few minutes from the Botanical Garden, the city centre offers visitors the chance to see fascinating architectural monuments, such as the Akureyri Church (Akureyrarkirkja), an impressive concrete structure that stands in the heart of the city. The church’s architect aimed to represent the appearance of the Icelandic landscape in the building, thus giving the church the nickname “The Ice Cathedral.”
Another intriguing building is the Lögmannshlíðarkirkja church. Built of wood and situated on top of a hill overlooking the city, this magnificent church is characteristic of Akureyri with its contrasting red roof and white structure.
Akureyri – Hof – Akureyrarkirkja –
If architecture is not among your interests, you could always take a cultural tour of the various museums of the city, such as the modern art museum or the natural art museum, which displays the plants and animals of the region. There is even the ecomuseum dedicated to the history of Eyjafjörður, the fjord in which Akureyri is located.
With its rich culture and stunning scenery, stopping by this town to admire its beauty and snap some unforgettable photos is a must during any Icelandic cruise. It may be small, but Akureyri has everything you need for an amazing adventure.
If you’ve been on an Icelandic cruise or you will soon, don’t forget to leave a review on Cruising Journal to share your experience with our community!