SKIING IN AKUREYRI

Some of Iceland’s best ski slopes can be found in the Tröllaskagi region in northern Iceland. With vertical descents of up to 1,500m (4,900ft), thousands of peaks and slopes for all beginners, as well as experienced skiers, Akureyri and the surrounding region are a paradise for skiers and mountaineers.

Hlíðarfjall mountain is home to the Akureyri ski resort, situated just 5km (3mi) outside of town. With 23 alpine slopes, it’s Iceland’s most popular and most advanced ski resort. The ski area has a vertical drop of 537m (1,762ft), and the longest trail is more than 2.5km (1.6mi) long. It is equipped with eight ski lifts, and “snow cannons” ensure an early opening of the season, which extends from the end of November until early May. For those who want to go skiing during the shortest days of the year, floodlights make night skiing possible. The resort also has cross-country ski trails of varying length.

If the crowds at Hlíðarfjall are too much for you, you’ll find some smaller ski resorts in the villages of Dalvík and Siglufjörður. Check out www.skiiceland.is for more information.

Greniv K Snowcat Tours

By the village of Grenivík, snowcat tours are offered to the top of Mt. Kaldbakur (1,173m). Aside from the wonderful view from the top, you also get the chance to skip the ride back down and put your skis on instead.

In The Summer

From July until early September, chairlift Fjarkinn is operated for hikers and bikers, opening Mt. Hlíðarfjall for recreational activities in summer, too. The ski lift will be open Thursdays & Fridays from 5 pm to 9 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. A ticket costs 1,100 ISK, a day pass 4,400 ISK, and a weekend pass 10,800.

HELI-SKIING

Why use a ski lift to get to the top of the slopes if you can get a helicopter to ferry you to a fresh, untouched slope with stunning views of the surrounding mountains? The season runs from around mid-March until the beginning of June, with generally excellent corn skiing and the occasional powder dump.

Hiking Around Akureyri

You do not have to go far outside of Akureyri for a great hike. Hiking trails range from family-friendly to challenging and unique, offering options for those looking for a leisurely stroll as well as avid hikers. Always check the weather forecast before you set off, as Icelandic weather can change in a heartbeat, and it is good to be prepared. Ensure you have the right equipment and leave your travel plans on www.safetravel.is if you are going far.

Gler Rdalur

Glerárdalur is an uninhabited valley southwest of Akureyri, named after the river Glerá. There is an 11km hiking trail with a gentle slope leading down the valley to mountain hut Lambi, which needs to be booked beforehand if you want to use it. Newly developed trails connect the valley to the recreational area Kjarnaskógur and Mt. Hlíðarfjall. Take the ski lift up Mt. Hlíðarfjall for easy access to the Glerárdalur hiking trails.

Krossanesborgir

Krossanesborgir is a nature reserve north of Akureyri with beautiful coastal trails and lots of bird-watching opportunities in summer. No less than 27 bird species nest there, including the arctic tern, black-headed gull, herring gull, and black-tailed godwit. With 190 plant species, vegetation is also diverse. In autumn, locals like to pick berries in the area.

Naustaborgir And Kjarnask Gur

Naustaborgir is a nature reserve southwest of Akureyri with lots of family-friendly tracks. Some of them will take you into the nearby Kjarnaskógur forest, another popular outdoor area. During the summer months, Naustaborgir offers a fun and easy walk to a bird-watching shelter overlooking a low-lying wetland with grassy vegetation. Often sighted bird species include the whimbrel, godwit, common snipe, several species of gulls, the white wagtail, and the meadow pipit.

Sk Lavar A

Skólavarða (School cairn) is a cairn in the Vaðlaheiði mountain range on the eastern side of Eyjafjörður fjord, opposite Akureyri. A popular round trip to the cairn takes two+ hours on a straight but steep path, starting from the parking lot. From the cairn, you can see Akureyri, Eyjafjörður fjord, and Fnjóskadalur Valley if you walk east up on the mountain.

Hr Sey

Hrísey is a small island of 11,5 square kilometres close to Akureyri, with high cliffs on the east coast and sand beaches on the west and south coast. Access to the island’s northern side is limited as it is privately owned and protected because eider ducks breed there, but the south side, where the village is, has plenty of good hiking options. You can read more about Hrísey on page 14.

MT. SÚLUR

Mt. Súlur is Akureyri’s much-loved “town mountain”. The hike up Mt. Súlur takes about 4.5 hours from the parking lot by the mountain and has an elevation of 800m. From the top, you get beautiful views of Akureyri and Eyjafjörður fjord. It is also possible to start this hike from downtown Akureyri, adding two hours each way to the hiking time.

HISTORICAL T (BLUE)

4,1km/2,5mi

The historic old town of Akureyri, with its colourful and historic buildings, is characterised by steep slopes and stunning views it offers.

Start your walk at Ráðhústorg Square. The name translates to Town Hall Square, although the planned town hall was never actually built! Walk south, through the centre of town, into the oldest part of Akureyri, with its vividly coloured houses. Walking along Hafnarstræti street, you’ll pass historic buildings, such as the 1906 Akureyri theatre and Sigurhæðir, the former home of poet Matthías Jochumsson (who wrote the national anthem), now home to artist residency Flóra.

You will also come across Akureyri’s most famous ice cream shop, Brynja. When you get to Akureyri Museum, stop to admire the childhood home of Nonni, a popular author of children’s books and a 19th-century church. When you pass the museum, turn right and head up the hill. As you walk towards the centre on your way back towards the Ráðhústorg square, you’ll walk past the Akureyri Botanical Garden and school. Alternatively, walk towards the sea and take the coastal route back. You’ll cross the Rendezvous Bridge, perfect for a selfie with an ocean view.

KLETTAG. KLEIFARG. KVISTAG. HÓLSG. HRAUNG. DALSG. KOLG KAMGAG. GRUNDARG.

ÞINGVALLASTRÆTIDALSGERÐI

SKARÐSHL.SELJAHL. HÖFÐAHL.DRANGSHL.SKARÐSHL.BORGARHL.

HLÍÐARBRAUTDRAUPNISG.

STEKKJAGERÐI AKURGERÐI HAMRAST. GRÆNAM. RAUÐAM. HOLTAG. HLÍÐARG. ÞÓRUNNARSTRÆTI SUNNUTRÖÐ HÖFÐAGATA LÆKJARGATA MIÐT. MELAT. HOLTAT. HRINGTEIGUR MOSAT. MÍMISBRAUTJÖRVABYGGÐ SUÐURB. BYGGÐAVEGUR NORÐURB. VANAB. HRAFNAGILSST. GOÐBYGGÐ ÁSAB. ÁLFAB. BIRKILUNDUR ESPILUNDUR SKÓGARL. EINL. VÍÐIL. SEE THE LARGER MAP ON PAGES 110-111

HRAFNAGILSST. SKÓLASTÍGUR

ÞINGVALLASTRÆTI

ÁSHLÍÐ LANGAHL.HÖFÐAH. TJARNARLUNDUR HRÍSALUNDUR

HAMRAGERÐI KAMBSMÝRI VÍÐIM. ENGIM.

DALSBRAUT KLETTABORG

MÝRARVEGUR KOTÁRGERÐI

KRINGLUMÝRI LANGAMÝRI

DALSBRAUT HRAFNABJÖRGKLETTABORG

Bygg Avegur

ÁSVEGUR

ÞÓRUNNARSTRÆTI

BJARKARST.MUNKAÞVERÁRSTRÆTIBREKKUGATA

GILSBAKKAV.ODDAG.BJARMAST.

ODDEYRARGATA

TÚNGATA GRÁNUFÉ. SMÁRAG.

SKIPAG. HOFSBÓT

BORGARBRAUT GLERÁREYRAR

STRANDGATAKALDBAKSGATAGRÁNUFÉLAGSGATALAUFÁSGATA

THE FIRST SETTLERS & TOWN ARCHITECTURE (GREEN)

2,9km/1,2mi

The first settlers of Eyjafjörður in the 10th century were Helgi Magri (Helgi the thin) and his wife, Þórunn Hyrna. Taking this path past their statues and following the streets named in their honour will give you a feel for modernday Akureyri.

Starting once again from the Town Hall Square sans town hall, walk up the slope past the Municipal Library to a hill where statues of the first settlers of Akureyri, Helgi Magri and Þórunn Hyrna, look over Eyjafjörður. Fittingly, the route back towards the town lies along Helgamagrastræti. The Akureyri geothermal swimming pool is at the end of the street, perfect for a refreshing swim.

Continue along Þórunnarstræti till you get to the Botanical Garden. This beautiful park is the northernmost botanic garden in the world and contains several thousand plant species. When you leave the garden, pass the Akureyri school and walk atop the edge of the hill towards the Akureyri church. On your way, you’ll also pass the Akureyri Catholic church.

KROSSANESBRAUT

THE SEA & ODDEYRIN (PINK)

1,9 km/0,6mi

If you don’t have a lot of time but would still like to get a feel for the town of Akureyri, take a short stroll through the old neighbourhood of Oddeyri by the sea. With its charming old houses, outdoor artwork and stunning view of Eyjafjörður fjord and the mountains on the other side, this route will give you a taste of what Akureyri is all about.

Starting at the town square, Ráðhústorg, you walk east, towards the sea. You will pass Hof, the cultural centre, on your right. The circular concert hall is undoubtedly impressive, but it has nothing on the view over the Eyjafjörðurfjord.

Take a turn to the left and enter the residential neighbourhood. This is one of the oldest parts of town, and the delightful old houses are painted in every colour of the rainbow. Many homes here feature the classic tiles that cover many of Akureyri’s oldest houses. Walking back through the neighbourhood will take you back to Ráðhústorg square.

If you have time to spare, continue walking south along the coastal path. Not only can you admire the view of Eyjafjörður fjord and the surrounding mountains, but the path also features plenty of outdoor artwork.

RIVER AND GARDENS (ORANGE)

5,1 km/3,1mi

One of the best things about cities and towns in Iceland is that you never feel too far from nature. Even in Akureyri, the second-biggest settlement in Iceland, you can still find plenty of peaceful green areas, rivers and gardens.

Walking up Brekkugata Street, you’ll find statues of the first settlers of Eyjafjörður perched atop a wild-looking cliff.

As you continue over the hill, you get to the Glerá River that passes through Akureyri. Follow the walking path along the river and take in the incredible scenery. In the summer, Akureyri often gets the best weather in all of Iceland, so a stroll along the river is an absolute delight. Cross the river and pass Akureyri University.

As you walk back towards the town centre, you’ll pass through green areas and playgrounds in the residential areas of Akureyri, getting a look at the peaceful Akureyri life. As you get closer to the centre, you pass the Akureyri swimming pool, which is highly recommended for freshening up after a long walk through nature before ending your walk back at the Ráðhústorg square.

Thermal Pools In Akureyri

Thanks to copious amounts of geothermal heat, Iceland’s swimming pools, especially the hot tubs, keep us feeling warm, toasty, and relaxed all through the cold and dark winter, as well as the bright summers. Akureyri is no exception, and there are no less than two public swimming pools to be found in town and many more in the surrounding area and towns.

Akureyri Thermal Pool

The Akureyri Thermal Pool is a watery paradise for the whole family. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Akureyri and stays open all year round. The area contains two 25m outdoor pools as well as a 12.5m indoor pool.

Three new waterslides were added to the pool area recently and are already popular with the local children. Inside the building is a hot tub, and the outdoor area has three hot tubs with varying temperatures, up to 42 C. There’s also a refreshing cold tub, a wading pool for the kids and a steam bath. You will also find a hot tub with hydromassage, as well as a new wading pool and sunbathing area. In addition, there’s a play area for children in the surrounding park.

Gler Rlaug

When Akureyri Thermal Pool is crowded on a sunny day, or when the weather is looking rainy or otherwise unappetising, Glerárlaug Thermal Pool is a great option. Glerárlaug Thermal Pool is perfect for those seeking an indoor pool or a smaller crowd than that of the bigger thermal pool in Akureyri. Its outdoor area features two hot tubs, a children’s wading pool, as well as outdoor dressing rooms.

Akureyri Thermal Pool

Þingvallastræti 21, Akureyri / +354 461 4455

Open: Summer Mon-Fri 6:45am-9pm, Sat 8am-9pm, Sun 8am-7:30pm

Winter Mon-Fri 6:45am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-7pm

Glerárlaug Thermal Pool

Höfðahlíð, Akureyri / +354 462 1539

Open: Summer Mon-Fri 6:45am-9pm, Sat 9am-2:30pm, Sun closed

Winter Mon-Fri 6:45am-8am & 6pm-9pm, Sat 9am-2:30pm, Sun 9am-12pm

Hrísey Thermal Pool

Austurvegi 5, Hrísey / +354 461 2255

Open: Summer Summer Mon-Fri 10:30am-7pm, Sat 10:30am-5pm. Sun 8am-7:30pm Winter Mon closed, Tue-Thu 3pm-7pm, Fri 3pm-6pm, Sat-Sun 1pm-4pm

Grímsey Pool

Grímsey / +354 467 3155

Open: Mon-Fri 5-6.15pm, Sat-Sun closed.

Hrafnagil Thermal Pool

Hrafnagilskóli, Akureyri / +354 464 8140

Open: Summer Summer Mon-Fri 6:30am-10pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm

Winter Mon-Thu 6:30-8am & 2-10pm, Fri 6:308am & 2-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-7pm

Þelamörk Thermal Pool

Þelamörk, Laugalandi / +354 460 1780

Open: Summer Summer Sun-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-6pm

Winter Mon-Thu 5-10.30pm, Fri 5-8pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-10.30pm

Opening hours:

Summe r ( 01/06-20/0 8 ) : Weekdays 06.45–21.00.

Saturdays 08.00–21.00. Sundays 08.0 0 –19.30.

Winter ( 21/08-31/0 5 ): Weekdays 06.45–21.00.

Saturdays 09.00–19.00. Sundays 09.00–19.00.