9 Best Things to Do During Winter in Akureyri, Iceland

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Last updated: 14th March 2025

We decided on a last minute trip to Akureyri in Northern Iceland as it’s just a 3 hour flight from our home in Manchester. We LOVE Iceland and were excited to visit a new town we’ve not been to before. We can tell you Akureyri in the winter transforms this “other capital of Iceland” into a snowy Artic wonderland, it’s really quite magical and perfect for a short winter break.

 

About Akureyri In Winter

Nestled at the base of the Eyjafjörður fjord, Akureyri is the capital of Northern Iceland, 60 miles south of the Artic Circle. Akureyri is very small, picturesque town with a population of around 18,000. Easily walkable with lots of colourful buildings, cute shops and cozy cafés. In the winter months Akureyri is popular with locals for skiing and snowboarding. Winter is December-February and is the coldest season in Akureyri. It has super cold temperatures, an average -5°C, some days -20°C and just 4-5 hours of daylight each day. The sun rises around 11am and sets around 4pm so there’s long periods of darkness. When we visited in January the coldest temperature we experienced was -10°C on one night.

 

 

9 Best Things to Do During Winter in Akureyri

We visited Akureyri in January, their sleepy winter season. Winter transforms Akureyri into a snowy magical wonderland, offering a variety of unique activities and unforgettable experiences. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Akureyri during the colder winter months.

 

 

1. Akureyrarkirkja Church

Akureyri’s landmark and modern architectural gem is the Akureyrarkirkja Church. It has two towers with steps rising above the town. Built in 1940 perched at the top of a hill it’s become an icon of the town. It’s a Lutheran church – similar in design to the Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik. Well that’s no coincidence because they were both designed by the same architect, Gudjon Samuelsson. Check out the iconic columns resembling basalt columns like you find in Icelandic nature, just like the columns we saw on the beach in Vik.

Inside the interior is simple and perfect for contemplation and reflection. There’s a large organ and modern stained glass windows in a kaleidoscope of colour. The clock face outside reminded us of the one on the Liver Building in Liverpool.

 

 

2. Stop for The Red Heart Traffic Lights

Akureyri’s red heart shaped heart traffic lights are so cool, they are a unique and heartwarming feature of the town, which symbolise warmth and positivity. These lights were introduced in 2009 following Iceland’s 2008 financial crisis as part of an initiative to lift the spirits of the community. Originally artist Hákon Guðbjörnsson created cardboard heart cutouts to attach to the standard red lights, encouraging drivers when they stopped a right light to smile at person in the car next to you. “Brostu með hjartanu” or “Smile with your heart” was a way to spread kindness during tough times when many had lost homes and savings.

The local government later made these heart-shaped lights permanent, and they’ve become an iconic symbol of Akureyri. They certainly made us smile and created perfect photo opportunities! The best spot to snap a picture is by the Hof Cultural House, Google Maps location here, where a heart-shaped traffic light was installed, ensuring tourists can safely capture the moment. ❤️

 

 

3. Kaupvangsstræti Art Street

Next to the church you’ll find Kaupvangsstræti nicknamed “Art Street” it’s a vibrant, creative space in the heart of the town, featuring a collection of artist shops, studios, murals and the Akureyri Art Museum. It’s a hub for local artists to showcase their work, offering visitors a chance to explore Icelandic art in a charming, outdoor setting. We loved the colourful rainbow pavement and the window displays of unique artworks, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the town’s cultural scene.

 

 

4. Akureyri’s Main Shopping Street

Hafnarstræti is Akureyri’s main shopping street, a picturesque avenue lined with boutiques, cozy cafés and lots of souvenir shops. This pedestrian friendly street is the heart of the town’s retail scene, offering everything from handmade Icelandic wool sweaters (lopapeysa) to stylish Icelandic home décor and unique gifts.

Along Hafnarstræti, you’ll find a bookshop, outdoor gear stores perfect for Arctic adventures, and cafés we really liked Kaffistofan where you can take a break with a cup of locally roasted coffee or a traditional Icelandic pastry. In winter, twinkling lights and seasonal decorations add a magical touch, making it a delightful place to wander, shop, and soak in the atmosphere of Iceland’s ‘Capital of the North’.

 

 

5. Forest Lagoon Spa – Geothermal Pools

A short 10 minute drive or a 50 minute walk from Akureyri you’ll find the Forest Lagoon Spa. This is seriously one of the most loveliest places on earth. Forget Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon, this place is not only much cheaper but it’s much more intimate and special. 

Situated in the Vadlaskogur – one of the few forests to be found in North Iceland, this geothermal thermal spa resort is surrounded by birch and pine trees. It an idyllic and tranquil setting with spectacular views of the fjord and Akureyri. We loved it here as it felt romantic and super relaxed with its 2 swim up bars. We loved the energy of the surrounding forest, really special.

As well as the warm pools, there’s also a cold pool, a Finnish dry sauna and a fine dining bistro next to an indoor fireplace. A perfect way to finish off your Forest Lagoon experience.

We went at 11am and we were the only people there for an hour or so. So nice to have it to ourselves and great for taking pictures.

You have to shower naked before you go in but you then put your swim shorts on. There are private shower cubicles that Garth discovered after he had exposed himself to the world. Towels can be rented if you don’t bring your own. There is a very hot pool that spills over to the main pool meaning that is the hot end. The water in the main pool cools slightly as you move away from it so you can always find a slot that meets your comfort zone. There’s also an icy cold pool which Phil tried to get Garth to go in, telling him it was hot but he soon sussed him out! 🤣

TIP: If you want something cheaper, more basic, and family friendly activity go and warm up in the steamy waters of Akureyri’s geothermal pool in the town centre. The complex features hot tubs, a sauna, and water slides.

 

 

6. Explore Akureyri’s Old Town

While Akureyri is best known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, the town itself has a charming Old Town (Innbærinn) filled with history, culture, and unique architecture. Strolling through this area feels like stepping back in time, with colorful wooden houses, old fishing cottages, and well-preserved buildings dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries

The architecture in Akureyri’s Old Town reflects a strong Scandinavian and Icelandic heritage, with brightly painted wooden houses that have been carefully maintained over the years. Many of these buildings were constructed using timber imported from Norway, as Iceland lacked large forests for wood supply. One of the best examples of this style is Laxdalshús, built in 1795, which is one of the oldest houses in Akureyri and now a protected heritage site.

 

Brynja

We stopped off at Brynja in the old town where people describe this as the best ice cream shop in Iceland. Well it’s not exactly gelato from Italy, if you’re from England it’s like a Mr Whippy soft ice cream, super sweet and made from milk instead of cream. Options to have dips in various chocolate and toppings. Garth loved it!  It’s also cheap by Icelandic standards. We shared a classic tub sprinkled with nuts and chocolate. Weirdly they don’t sell coffee or any drinks, only milkshakes.

 

Akureyri Botanical Gardens (Lystigarðurinn)

While it may seem unconventional in winter to visit the Akureyri Botanical Garden, it’s actually enchanting under a blanket of snow, and quite magical offering a tranquil retreat.  It’s completely free making it one of the best free things to do in Akureyri. It’s located at the top of the hill overlooking the old town, in winter, the snow blankets the 430+ native Icelandic plants and over 6,00 foreign species planted here, so you won’t see much, but the trees will look incredibly photogenic as they lean under the weight of the snow decorated in fairy lights. The cafe here is an absolute hidden gem of Akureyri, really classy with a stunning interior and windows.

 

 

7. Taste Icelandic Winter Delicacies

Indulge in hearty Icelandic cuisine at local restaurants. Try a bowl of Icelandic lamb soup at Kaffi Ilmur, fresh seafood at Rub 23, or sip on hot chocolate at Bláa Kannan. We wanted to try a couple of Akureyri’s tasting menus having seen and read about them on Instagram, so we splashed out a fair bit of money! but hey, you only live once as Garth says!

 

Múlaberg Bistro & Bar

Located at Hotel Kea is the Múlaberg Bistro & Bar which offers various tasting menus that showcases the best of Icelandic ingredients with a modern twist. The menu, which changes seasonally, is carefully crafted to highlight local seafood, lamb, and wild game, often paired with fresh vegetables from nearby farms. We decided to go for the 6 Course Surprise Tasting Menu. We started with some lovely cocktails followed by fresh warm bread and whipped Icelandic butter.

1st course was seafood soup with scallops, king prawns, spring onions and crème fresh. The seafood broth was served at the table and poured over the cooked seafood. 2nd course was beetroot carpaccio with aioli, crushed hazelnuts and goats cheese. 3rd course consisted of goose breast with blueberries, celeriac purée and mustard seeds. 4th course was tuna tartar, pickled fennel, baked grapes and a citrus puree.

We realised by this time, half the fun was guessing what might come next! Our 5th course was a big one, beef tenderloin, roast carrots, leeks served with a demi-glaze and bacon jam. Finally our 6th course was a rhubarb torte, with vanilla crème and a chocolate crumble. 10/10 incredible, highly recommend!  We finished our evening with a couple of sweet rum cocktails.

 

Located at Hotel Akureyri the North Restaurant is a hidden gem that takes diners on a culinary journey through Iceland’s rich landscapes. Offering a meticulously crafted 7 course tasting menu, this intimate dining experience highlights the freshest local ingredients, seasonal flavours, and the creativity of the chefs. Each course of the tasting menu is designed to showcase the best of Icelandic produce, with a strong emphasis on locally sourced seafood, lamb, and wild herbs. They only served one tasting menu, there’s no options for vegans or menus free from milk protein. It’s expensive but worth it for the experience.

We sat at the chef’s table at the bar, Phil thought it was really good being able to watch up close the chef’s prepare all the dishes.

We started our North Menu experience with the 1st course – cured Artic Char, dill, ryebread, reindeer parfait, pancake and plums. The 2nd course was Marias fried bread, 3rd course was cured haddock, buttermilk, wasabi, cucumber, crab sauce and tomato. 4th course – Potato, tindur, egg and lardo. 5th course – Reindeer, chives, barley and mushroom. 6th course – Pork shoulder, grilled onion, lovage belly, currants and pak choy. 7th course – Black currants, white chocolate and brown butter. The 8th and final course was custard filled bollas. Everything was divine!  another 10/10!

 

 

Eyja Restaurant

For a lovely dining experience in the evening with a focus on fresh, local ingredients we tried Eyja, and were not disappointed. It’s a small bistro and wine bar with a modern and stylish ambiance pairs perfectly with the menu, which blends traditional Icelandic flavours with contemporary twists. Garth ordered the salmon and capers to start, followed by salted cod, pumpkin puree and baby potatoes. Phil ordered flatbread to start followed by the Beef tenderloin, pumpkin puree and potatoes, everything was top notch and delicious! Speedy and attentive service too.

 

Akureyri Backpackers Café

For food that’s a lot cheaper, go to the Backpackers Cafe, where we ate a reindeer burger and fries. It’s located on the main shopping street, you can’t miss it. Backpackers Café is a welcoming spot, popular with both travellers and locals. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a cozy bar area that makes it a great place to unwind or meet fellow adventurers. The menu is good offering a mix of hearty comfort food and lighter options, including cod and chips, chicken nachos, or a vegan lentil burger.

 

 

 

8. Akureyri Northern Lights Tour

We’ve been lucky enough to see the Northern Lights in Iceland when we previously visited Reykjavik. But we decided to try seek them out again! Akureyri’s location near the Arctic Circle and low levels of light pollution, provides ideal conditions for witnessing and photographing the magical aurora borealis. The Northern Lights are visible in Akureyri and surroundings from September to April, but the weather can be unpredictable. You need a clear night with good solar activity, so there’s no guarantee that you will see the lights. We visited in January when the nights are longest and the skies are darkest. We were very lucky and timed it just right!

We booked our Northern Lights tour with Imagine Iceland Travel, we couldn’t be happier as our guide Armann was amazing. He was super fun and helped out taking photos of the two of us. He also showed others in our small minibus tour how to get the best from their iPhones and take cool pics. He said forget video it’s just too dark!

Armann kept driving to find quiet spots away from city lights and on our way back to the hotel we got another chance to see this magical phenomenon, this time much brighter where you could see the colours dance in the night sky, so magical!

Our Pro Tip: Use a DSLR camera with a low ISO setting (800–1600), a wide-open aperture (f/2.8 or wider), and a long exposure time (10–20 seconds). Adjust these settings based on the brightness of the aurora for the best results.

 

 

9. Day Trip to Lake Mývatn

We booked the Lake Mývatn full day tour again with Imagine Iceland Travel to visit Lake Mývatn. It’s an area offering some of North Iceland’s most unique landscapes from lava fields, geothermal hot springs, to volcanic craters. The day trip is a great way to discover some other major sights close to Akureyri.

Our day trip started with a 45 minute drive from our hotel pick up in Akureyri to the first stop – Goðafoss Waterfall. Our guide was the brilliant Armann again, the same guy we had on the Northern Lights tour. He’s so knowledgable about the geology of Iceland as well as general culture and folk law. Armann’s minibus was clean and tidy each seat has a seat belt which is compulsory to use in Iceland. Crampons were also available for those that wanted to use them.

 

Goðafoss Waterfall

First stop is one of Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls, Goðafoss is a breathtaking sight in winter. Icy formations add an otherworldly touch to the cascading water. This 30-meter-wide cascade, located along the Skjálfandafljót River, is known for its horseshoe shape, (which reminded us of Niagara Falls) and dramatic water flow, especially after heavy rainfall or during the spring melt. Its name, meaning “Waterfall of the Gods,” comes from a legendary tale in which Iceland’s chieftain threw pagan idols into the falls after converting to Christianity in the year 1000 AD. In winter, the waterfall is surrounded by frozen cliffs and shimmering ice, making it even more magical. Whether you visit at sunrise, sunset, or under the Northern Lights, Goðafoss is a must-see stop on any North Iceland itinerary. 🌊❄️

 

Skútustadagigar Pseudo Craters

Skútustadagígar is a stunning area of ‘pseudo craters’ located along the southern shore of Lake Mývatn. These unique formations were created by volcanic eruptions beneath the lake’s surface around 2,300 years ago. It caused steam explosions and left behind striking craters we see today, although it’s a bit hard to make them out covered in snow. The landscape here is otherworldly, with mounds and volcanic rocks scattered across the area. It’s a popular spot for visitors to hike, offering panoramic views of the lake, nearby lava fields, and the surrounding volcanic landscape. The calm beauty of Skútustadagígar makes it a must-see stop for anyone exploring the Lake Mývatn region. 🌋🌿

 

 

Dimmuborgir – Iceland’s Dark Lava Labyrinth

Dimmuborgir, meaning “Dark Cities,” is a mysterious lava field near Lake Mývatn, known for its dramatic landscape. The area is filled with towering, jagged lava formations, including natural arches and caves, created by ancient volcanic activity. The eerie, maze-like terrain is a popular spot for hikers and photographers, offering a sense of adventure and magic. According to Icelandic folklore, Dimmuborgir is home to trolls and elves, called the Icelandic Yule Lads adding to the mystical atmosphere. Dimmuborgir’s lava fields is also where Game of Thrones was filmed. Whether hiking amongst the unique rock formations or simply taking in the surreal surroundings, it’s a must-see for nature lovers. 🌋✨

 

 

Grjótagjá Geothermal Cave

Grjótagjá sits along a dramatic volcanic rift, part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates slowly pull apart. The ridge is marked by deep fissures, jagged lava formations, and cracks in the earth. Grjótagjá is a small geothermal cave, this natural hot spring is tucked away inside a volcanic rock cavern. It gained fame after being featured in the Game of Thrones series as a romantic bathing location for Jon Snow and Ygritte.

Unfortunately being too snowy, the cave was too slippery to go in, our guide, Armann said it would be too dangerous. 

 

 

Mývatn Nature Baths

Our final stop was for an hour at the Mývatn Nature Baths, a lesser-known but equally stunning alternative to the Blue Lagoon, where you can soak in warm, mineral-rich waters while admiring the snowy surroundings. Just like the Forest Lagoon you have to shower totally naked before you’re allowed to go in the water.

We would say it’s ok, but a bit tired and old fashioned, but the surrounding landscape is awesome. The water is hot and incredibly hot when go wade past the hot steam points in the water. They have a swim-up bar, and our ticket included a couple of drinks, so we ordered some beers and sat back and relaxed.

 

 

Hverir Geothermal Area

Our final stop was Hverir – a surreal geothermal area where the earth hisses, bubbles, and steams. This Mars like landscape is filled with boiling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and vibrant mineral-stained ground, creating an eerie but mesmerising atmosphere. The strong sulfuric scent might take some getting used to, but the sight of the constantly shifting, geothermal activity is unforgettable.

Walking through Hverir feels like stepping onto another planet—perfect for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone fascinated by Iceland’s volcanic power. Just don’t forget to stay on the marked paths—the ground is very slippery and the hot springs are deadly with temperatures over 100ºC! 🔥🌋

 

 

Akureyri Viewpoint

On the way back to Akureyri we did a bonus stop at a viewpoint which is located just after the long tunnels on the way into the town. It offers one of the most striking panoramic views of Akureyri and its surrounding landscape. Akureyri is doing some seriously building and the expectation is the population will double, so get here quick before it becomes the next big tourist destination.

We were so lucky as we took in the view to see some humpback whales breaching, how cool was that!

 

 

Other things to see around Akureyri in winter

• Whale Watching in Eyjafjörður – Winter whale-watching tours depart from Akureyri, offering a chance to see humpbacks and other marine life against the backdrop of snowy peaks. 🐋
• Jólagarðurinn Christmas House – Step into a festive wonderland at this year-round Christmas shop just outside Akureyri. It’s packed with ornaments and even a life-sized advent calendar. 🎄
• Snowmobiling and Ice Fishing – For adventure lovers, guided snowmobiling tours and ice fishing expeditions offer thrilling ways to experience the Icelandic winter landscape. 🎣
• Hlíðarfjall Ski Resort – Akureyri is a top destination for skiing and snowboarding. Hlíðarfjall, located just outside, boasts well-groomed slopes with stunning views of the surrounding fjord. ⛷️
• The Beer Spa – offers a unique experience where you can soak in beer-infused baths for relaxation and skin rejuvenation, all while enjoying a cold beer. A fun way to unwind in North Iceland! 🍺
• Hof Cultural and Conference Center: This modern building hosts a variety of events and exhibitions throughout the year. 🖼️

 

 

Akureyri Travel Advice & Useful Information

Phil and Garth’s Top 5 Akureyri Tips

• • Buy crampons or take some with you. Pavements are super slippery even with decent hiking boots on.
  • The best time to see the Northern Lights in Akureyri is from September to April.
  • Dress in layers – thermal base, fleece, and a waterproof outer layer incase it snows.
  • Days are short (few hours of daylight), so you need to plan activities wisely.
  • Wear insulated, waterproof hiking boots, you’ll be grateful if you do tours in the snow.

 

How We Did It

• We booked a package holiday with EasyJet Holidays, they turned out to be the cheapest after looking up separate flights and hotels deals.
• It cost us £650 for flights for 2 and 4 nights accommodation. Such a bargain!
• We visited at the end of January.
• We booked a day trip to Lake Mývatn with Imagine Iceland Travel which cost £135 per person.
• Our Northern Lights tour we also booked with Imagine Iceland Travel and cost £91 per person.

 

Our Akureyri Accommodation

• We stayed at 3 star Hotel Akureyri for 4 nights including bed and breakfast. The breakfast was a continental buffet, no egg station, but a wide variety of meats, cheeses, cereals and a toaster for hot toast with fresh whipped Icelandic butter. Really nice.

 

Final Thoughts on Akureyri in Winter

Visiting Akureyri in winter is like stepping into a real-life winter wonderland. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, skiing down Arctic slopes, or relaxing in a geothermal lagoon, this charming Icelandic town offers a magical and unforgettable experience.

Would you visit Akureyri in winter? Let us know in the comments!

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