Cheap flights to Akureyri
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Quick summary
Country
Iceland
Continent
Europe
Airport
AEY
Currency
Icelandic krona (ISK)
Time zone
UTC+0 all year
Deals already spotted to Akureyri
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Why track Akureyri with SniperAir
The capital of North Iceland, at the head of a fjord
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Akureyri is the largest town in north Iceland and the largest outside the Reykjavik area, with about 20,000 inhabitants according to Wikipedia (EN, DE). Nicknamed the "Capital of North Iceland", it is a busy port at the head of the Eyjafjörður fjord, ringed by mountains. Its climate is relatively mild for the latitude thanks to its sheltered position, and its harbour stays ice-free, according to Wikipedia (EN, ES). The town is a base for Lake Mývatn, the Goðafoss waterfall, whale watching at Húsavík or Dalvík, and the island of Grímsey on the Arctic Circle. Flight prices to Iceland vary a lot with the season, and a SniperAir alert saves you from comparing every day: you set your budget, we compare new fares with the real price history of the route and notify you.
Airport and getting into town
Akureyri Airport, 3 km from the centre
Akureyri (AEY)
Akureyri Airport (AEY) is about 3 km south of the town centre according to Wikipedia (EN); Wikivoyage (EN) gives 3.5 km. It handles domestic flights, notably from Reykjavik's domestic airport (RKV) several times a day, as well as regional flights to Grímsey and Greenland, according to Wikipedia (EN) and Wikivoyage (EN). Seasonal international flights from the United Kingdom, Switzerland and the Netherlands are offered; the list changes from year to year, so check it when you book. Most international visitors arrive via Keflavík (KEF) and continue to Akureyri by domestic flight or by road.
AEY to centre distance: 3 km (Wikipedia EN) or 3.5 km (Wikivoyage EN). International links are seasonal and may change. No transfer fare is given.
From Reykjavik the bus takes about 6.5 hours according to Wikivoyage (EN); flying is much faster but can be cancelled by bad weather. Travellers planning several cities can also track Reykjavik (KEF), Tromsø (TOS) or Bergen (BGO).
Landmarks
A fjord, mountains and a working port
Akureyri is a mid-sized town that is easy to walk, with a compact centre and views over the fjord. The six places below are illustrated with photos; other sights are described further down in text only.
The town and the fjord
Akureyri stretches along the western shore of the Eyjafjörður fjord, at the foot of mountains rising above 1,000 m, according to Wikipedia (ES, FR). Its houses scattered among greenery give it the look of a small northern resort.
The harbour
Akureyri's harbour, ice-free all year, has played a major role in the town's history and remains a fishing centre and a port of call for cruise ships, according to Wikipedia (EN, ES). The quays offer good views of the mountains.
The mountains across the water
Above the town rise massifs that are snow-covered for much of the year. According to Wikipedia (DE), the town is a good starting point for trips to the waterfalls and volcanic landscapes of the north.
Eyjafjörður at dusk
Eyjafjörður is one of the longest fjords in north Iceland. With its long summer evenings it is especially beautiful at sunset; Wikivoyage (EN) mentions midnight-sun cruises in summer and northern-lights trips in winter.
Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods
This horseshoe waterfall lies about 50 km from Akureyri on the road to Mývatn. It takes its name from the legend that when Iceland converted to Christianity in the year 1000, statues of the gods were thrown into the falls, according to Wikipedia (DE).
The fjord and boat trips
From Akureyri, Dalvík or Húsavík, boat trips let you watch whales in the northern fjords, according to Wikivoyage (EN) and Wikipedia (DE). Departures are seasonal; we name no operator.
The large Lutheran church Akureyrarkirkja dominates the town centre; its stained glass illustrates the history of Christianity in Iceland according to Wikipedia (DE). The Lystigarður botanical garden, high above the fjord, can grow plants without a greenhouse thanks to the relatively mild climate, per Wikipedia (EN). Listagil ("the art canyon") groups galleries and craft shops according to Wikivoyage (EN). Eleven km to the north, Gásir is a former medieval trading post, with re-enactments in July according to Wikivoyage (EN).
Museums and culture
Museums and the culture of the North
Akureyri Art Museum
The Listasafnið á Akureyri presents contemporary Icelandic art, according to Wikivoyage (EN). Check opening hours before you go.
Writers' houses
Wikivoyage (EN) lists several house museums devoted to Icelandic writers, including Nonnahús, the childhood home of author Jón Sveinsson, Sigurhæðir and Davíðshús. A joint ticket with the Akureyri Museum exists.
The aviation museum
The Icelandic Aviation Museum, on the airport grounds, opened in 2000 and presents the history of flying in Iceland according to Wikivoyage (EN). It is open longer in summer.
Hof and the theatre
The Hof culture house hosts the North Iceland Symphony Orchestra, and Akureyri's theatre is the only professional theatre in Iceland outside Reykjavik, according to Wikivoyage (EN).
Food and drink
Fish, lamb and northern ice cream
Fish and seafood
Fish and seafood take pride of place in restaurants around the Eyjafjörður, according to Wikivoyage (EN), which lists several places focused on fish and lobster. We give no addresses, as they change.
Hot dogs and simple food
Hot-dog stands are cheap; you order one "with everything" (eina með öllu), as in Reykjavik. Grocery stores and supermarkets help keep the bill down.
Ice cream and bakeries
Wikivoyage (EN) recommends trying the local ice cream, much loved by residents. Bakeries in the centre offer pastries and coffee, often the simplest option for a break.
Getting around
Getting around: on foot, by bus and by car
On foot
The centre is easy to cover, though there are a few hills away from the fjord, according to Wikivoyage (EN).
City buses
Wikivoyage (EN) says the SVA city bus network is free for all, with about one bus an hour; service is reduced in the evening and at weekends. Timetables change, so check them.
Car and excursions
Route 1 links Akureyri with the rest of the country. For Mývatn and Goðafoss, a rental car or an organised tour are the usual options; the Vaðlaheiði tunnel (2018) shortens the road by 16 km according to Wikipedia (EN).
Budget and precautions
Budget: Iceland is an expensive country
Price level
Iceland is one of Europe's most expensive countries, especially for eating out and accommodation, according to Wikivoyage (EN). Akureyri is no exception; supermarkets and hot dogs help keep the bill down.
Excursions and entry fees
Boat trips, museum entry and excursions vary with the season; we publish no prices. Check the official sites before booking.
Precautions
Akureyri is a safe town. The weather changes fast and mountain roads can close in winter; check forecasts and road conditions before heading out. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere.
When to go
Milder than expected, but with long winters
Spring
Cool and changeable, with days lengthening fast. Mountain roads reopen gradually.
Summer
Long bright days, ideal for Mývatn, Goðafoss and boat trips. It is the most expensive and busiest season.
Autumn
Vegetation changes colour, days shorten and flight prices drop. Northern lights can appear under clear skies.
Winter
Long and cold, with little light, but a beautiful setting under snow and chances of northern lights. Roads can be difficult.
Akureyri has a relatively mild oceanic climate for its latitude, thanks to its position in a sheltered fjord, according to Wikipedia (ES, EN). June to August suits excursions; from late September to March you come mainly for snow and northern lights. May and September offer a compromise between weather and price.
By length of stay
How many days to spend in Akureyri
Town and fjord
Two days are enough for the centre, the church, the botanical garden, a museum and a walk by the fjord.
Mývatn and Goðafoss
With three days, add Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn with its volcanic landscapes, or a boat trip to watch whales.
Grímsey and the north
With five days, add Húsavík, Dalvík and the island of Grímsey, on the Arctic Circle, by air or ferry.
In pictures
Akureyri in pictures
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about flights to Akureyri
Where is Akureyri Airport?
Akureyri Airport (AEY) is about 3 km south of the centre according to Wikipedia (EN); Wikivoyage (EN) says 3.5 km. It is linked with Reykjavik by domestic flights.
Can I fly to Akureyri internationally?
Seasonal international flights exist, but most travellers arrive at Keflavík (KEF) and continue by domestic flight or by road.
What is there to see around Akureyri?
Lake Mývatn, the Goðafoss waterfall, the medieval site of Gásir, Húsavík for whales and the island of Grímsey on the Arctic Circle.
Where can I watch whales?
Boat trips run from Akureyri, Dalvík and Húsavík seasonally, according to Wikivoyage (EN).
When can I see the northern lights?
Mostly under clear skies from autumn to early spring, away from city lights.
How many days should I plan?
Two days for the town, three with Mývatn and Goðafoss, five with Húsavík and Grímsey.
How much does a flight to Akureyri usually cost?
The price depends mainly on your departure city, the time of year and how far ahead you book. The "opportunities" section above shows real examples of prices SniperAir has already detected to this destination.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Akureyri drops below my budget?
Create an alert profile with your departure airport, Akureyri (AEY) as the destination and your maximum budget. You are notified automatically as soon as a matching price is detected. SniperAir monitors and alerts, it does not sell or book tickets.
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