THIS IS IT 2023

from Akureyri & the North Guide 2023-2024

EVENT CALENDAR

plant. Your way back to town takes you past nature landmarks such as Lake Mývatn, with its unparalleled beauty, and Goðafoss, the scenic waterfall with historical connections to Iceland’s conversion to Christianity in the year 1,000 AD.

Whale Watching And Boat Trips

No visit to the north of Iceland is complete without seeing the giants of the ocean, whales. The clean, clear waters are full of life, whales, as well as other creatures of the sea, mainly birds, with the puffin being the most sought after. Akureyri and the nearby towns of Dalvík and Húsavík are all great for whale watching, especially for seeing the giant humpback whales. Other whales one could expect to see are minke whales, fin whales as well as an assortment of dolphins and porpoises.

Rafting

Akureyri is very close to Iceland’s two best rafting rivers: the East and West Jökulsá rivers. The east river is generally regarded as one of the top five rafting rivers in Europe – some even claim it’s simply the best. This is an actionpacked river, not for the faint of heart but sure to provide a great time. Day trips are available but also three-day expedition-style trips, going straight from Hofsjökull glacier, the source of the river, running every rapid on the river. The West Jökulsá River is an adventure suitable for families and kids as young as six years old. It has a riverside hot spring that’s used for mixing hot cocoa on the trip, so despite being less demanding than the east river, it promises enjoyable family fun.

Snowmobiling

Some of the biggest adrenaline rushes one can imagine come from the thrill of riding a snowmobile. Incredibly powerful machines, yet surprisingly easy to manoeuvre, a ride on a snowmobile (or a ski-doo if you like) is bound to be one of the highlights of your visit to the north.

You don’t need any specific experience to confidently ride, though be sure to drive carefully! Note: a driver’s license is needed!