Where to Stay in Akureyri?

So, you've decided to visit Akureyri in Iceland soon? In that case, you'll need to think about where to stay. That's convenient, as in this guide, I'm sharing my selection of places to stay in Akureyri! This city, known as the capital of the North, is becoming an increasingly popular destination! To prepare for your trip, finding accommodations is an essential step, especially in Iceland, which is known for its high cost of living

From whale watching, nature hikes, winter sports, to boat excursions in the fjords, Iceland is clearly a land of possibilities. Although the term "city" is a bit generous to define Akureyri, it remains a good starting point for exploring the area, which is 100 km from the Arctic Circle...

Iceland is a spectacular vacation destination, with vast green valleys, stunning waterfalls like Godafoss, and beautiful lakes. I'm thinking in particular of Lake Myvatn! Watching the Northern Lights or whale watching in Iceland are must-do activities

In other words, going to Iceland is a great travel idea when you want to discover the Nordic countries... However, Akureyri, like many other cities such as Reykjavik and Husavik, is known for its high prices, so keeping an eye on the budget is important when planning your stay!

When you start planning your vacation in Iceland, especially once you reach the accommodation stage, it's important to prepare your budget and decide on the location that suits you best. This will primarily depend on what you want to do during your stay: taking boat trips, whale watching in Iceland, and other activities like kayaking and rafting, for example. In this case, you'll find accommodations in the city center and near the port, but book as soon as possible, as they fill up quickly!

As a second option, you can move away from the center to stay in the great outdoors. The Icelandic countryside also offers wonderful accommodations while being close to the port. Again, it's important to consider what you're expecting from your stay. Sleeping outside of Akureyri will open doors to beautiful hikes, horseback riding, visits to lakes and waterfalls... For more details on what to do in Iceland, I invite you to read my article dedicated to this question

Finally, the type of accommodation also plays a crucial role in your search. Generally, you will find many rental houses and apartments, as well as guesthouses or homestays. These are very common accommodation options in Iceland, even though some hotel rooms do exist.

By choosing to stay downtown, you can enjoy lovely walks, visit museums, taste Icelandic culinary specialties, enjoy the pubs, and take in the view from the port.

Staying in the downtown area will also give you the chance to get closer to the departure points for sea excursions, particularly for whale watching, exploring the most beautiful fjords, and visiting legendary waterfalls!

Akureyri is not a huge city, so finding accommodation can be a bit more complicated, especially if you wait too long. In this part, I will share some great addresses where you can settle in! I reassure you right away, there's a wide variety, so you will have options

The Berjaya Iceland is a superb 3-star establishment located in the city center! It features a restaurant, a bar, and free parking for travelers. The rooms offered are quite spacious, bright, and comfortable, with private bathrooms. Expect to pay around $154 to enjoy this; the on-site restaurant is excellent, and the staff will provide you with a warm welcome

The K16 Apartments offer independent accommodations in the center of Akureyri and are just a few minutes' drive from the airport. You can easily reach the Godafoss waterfall in 30 minutes while enjoying a fully equipped, comfortable, well-furnished apartment for just $117 per night! The value for money is excellent, free parking is nearby, and you will sleep soundly as the accommodations are well soundproofed.

In addition to being close to Akureyri Airport, the Acco Ice Apartments offers large, modern, and comfortable 50 m2 apartments. These accommodations feature a bedroom with two beds and three futons, a sofa bed, a bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony. You will be just 400 meters from the cultural center and will have parking on site. Expect to pay around $200 per night for 6 travelers. Ideal for families and groups of friends!

The Centrum Hotel is located in the heart of Akureyri and offers beautiful modern rooms starting from $166 per night. For the comfort of travelers, the establishment features a bar and restaurant while being conveniently close to all the city's shops. The staff on-site is very welcoming and friendly, and free parking is available near the hotel. You'll be just a few steps from the port to head out on excursions

If you are looking for affordable accommodation in Akureyri, there are some options that might suit you, but you will also need to make a small effort on the budget! This city is still touristy, so establishments charge high prices for the quality of their rooms, services, and the ambiance

In the following lines, you will discover new addresses of establishments offering more affordable rates. Each accommodation has been carefully selected based on traveler reviews regarding room quality, services, location, and cleanliness

If you have a medium budget, then the Acco Guesthouse could suit you! The establishment offers comfortable beds in modern rooms starting from $117 per night. It has a great location close to downtown, near shops and green spaces in Akureyri. This guesthouse also offers family rooms and a shared kitchen The staff is friendly and accommodating, and parking is also available if needed.

The FE Gisting is another interesting establishment offering good value for money! For $143 per night, you will enjoy a comfortable double room with a private bathroom. Ideally located in the city center, you will have easy access to all the shops, restaurants, and bars in Akureyri The welcome at this accommodation is warm, the staff is very available, and you will enjoy a relaxing stay.

The Akureyri Backpackers establishment boasts a superb location, close to the bars, restaurants, cafés, and shops in the center. Various services are offered on-site: car rentals and activity organizing such as horseback riding, rafting, and more!

The hostel has a restaurant, a bar, and parking, and you can also enjoy a hot tub just a few steps away, as well as access to a shared bathroom. A night starts at $85. At this price, you will get a room with a large double bed, with the option to add a buffet breakfast for $15 per day

Staying outside of Akureyri offers a different, but not unpleasant experience! The surroundings are filled with accommodations that will connect you to Icelandic nature I think it's a great option if you want to enjoy beautiful hikes or benefit from a more authentic environment!

Located about 10 minutes by car from downtown, Hotel Halond offers very large, elegant, comfortable, and well-equipped rooms starting at $133 per night. By staying here, you will enjoy a superb setting in the Icelandic countryside while being close to the Godafoss waterfall. In terms of value for money, this establishment is excellent! It features free private parking, a pleasant garden, and a terrace. The staff will greet you with a smile and friendliness

The Aurora Dream - Lodges offers an exceptional setting in nature and is just a few minutes drive to reach the airport Located 5 km from Akureyri, you will stay in a tranquil environment where you will enjoy a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor pool, a free sauna, and a terrace. The rooms offered are elegant, spacious, and comfortable, and are accessible from $164 per night.

The best time to visit Akureyri is undoubtedly in the summer ☀️ During this season, Iceland dons its vibrant green coat, and all of nature is flourishing. You can see beautiful species of birds like the famous puffins, a true symbol of the country. If you want more details on the best time to visit Iceland, I invite you to check out my article on this topic

If you choose to visit Iceland in the summer, you will enjoy warmer temperatures than the rest of the year, with long sunny days to explore the surroundings. On average, expect temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees, with peaks reaching up to 20 degrees on certain days, but this is pretty rare. Below, find a graph of temperatures in Iceland during the summer ☀️

The summer months also represent the high season, which affects rates. If you want to keep an eye on your budget, I recommend visiting Iceland in May or June. Although these months are a bit cooler compared to summer, the temperatures remain pleasant, and the landscapes are lush! If you want to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, then the best season will obviously be in winter. Know that you can catch them from September to April

Akureyri has an airport, which is excellent news! The best option is to take a flight from Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, to Akureyri Airport. Domestic flights are quite frequent and relatively short, taking about 45 minutes to connect Reykjavik to Akureyri. I encourage you to check flight prices on Ulysse for the best deals! ✨

Another option is to drive from Reykjavik to Akureyri. However, the drive can be quite long, taking between 5 and 6 hours of travel. Although the landscapes in Iceland are exceptional and spectacular, prepare for the weather and check the climatic conditions on the official website of the Icelandic Meteorological Institute

My article on the best places to stay in Akureyri is coming to an end. I hope I have shed some light on the subject. If you are going on a road trip in Iceland, feel free to read my articles on my selections of places to stay in Reykjavik and where to stay in Husavik!