Akureyri Tours: Northern Lights, Whale Watching & More

Key facts

Akureyri is nicknamed the Capital of North Iceland and serves as the base for tours across the region.
Snow cover forms in late October and melts in April, with barely any sunshine between November and February.
Local bus services within the town are free, which made passenger numbers rise 130% from 2008.
Akureyri Airport handles scheduled international flights to Amsterdam, London Gatwick, Manchester and Zürich during seasonal windows.

Northern Lights Tours From Akureyri

Tours leave Akureyri after dark to reach viewing points away from town lights. Barely any sunshine between November and February makes these months popular for aurora hunting. Northern lights are never guaranteed, so check the rebooking policy before you book.

The town sits at 65°41′N, just 100 km from the Arctic Circle. This latitude raises the chance of auroral displays during geomagnetic storms. Dress in thermal layers and waterproof outerwear because snow cover forms in late October and melts in April.

The northern lights tour Iceland guide covers tours elsewhere in the country. That page includes options from Reykjavík.

Tours From Akureyri

Whale Watching From Akureyri and Húsavík

Whale watching tours operate from locations in the region. Eyjafjörður fjord also hosts whale sightings closer to town. Check tour details on GetYourGuide for departure points, species and seasons.

Warm overalls are often provided on departures. Check the cancellation policy because weather can delay or cancel sailings.

For comparison between ports, the Húsavík whale watching page lists the species and seasons in detail.

Pros

Northern lights tours benefit from dark skies in winter months when sunshine is minimal.
Whale watching tours depart from nearby locations accessible from town.
Forest Lagoon and Mývatn Nature Baths offer geothermal spa options in the north.
Free local buses reduce costs for anyone moving within the town.
Tours reach Goðafoss waterfall and Mývatn lake without the long drives required from Reykjavík.

Cons

Akureyri averages only 1,051 sunshine hours annually, which affects summer daylight tours less than winter visibility.
Snow cover from late October to April can close mountain roads. Check road.is before you go.
Northern lights are never guaranteed and depend on solar activity and cloud cover.
Shore excursion tours must fit cruise port schedules, which limit time for multi-stop itineraries.

Forest Lagoon Geothermal Spa

Forest Lagoon sits in Vaðlaskógur near Akureyri. The geothermal spa overlooks Eyjafjörður fjord and is surrounded by birch and pine trees. Admission includes access to warm and cold pools, a sauna and changing facilities.

The lagoon operates year round. Snow cover from late October to April creates a contrast with the warm water. Winter visitors see the fjord framed by mountains including Strýta. Strýta stands 1,451 m high and is located 10 kilometres to the west.

The Forest Lagoon page covers entry options, facilities and how to combine a visit with other north Iceland stops.

Tours to Mývatn and Goðafoss

Day tours from Akureyri reach Mývatn lake and Goðafoss waterfall. Mývatn Nature Baths offer geothermal bathing with views of the volcanic landscape. Pseudocraters, lava fields and birdlife surround the lake.

Goðafoss is a horseshoe-shaped waterfall on the Skjálfandafljót river. Tours often combine both locations in a single itinerary.

Check safetravel.is before you go because volcanic activity and road closures can affect access. The Mývatn Nature Baths page explains the differences between northern geothermal spas.

Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.

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Shore Excursions for Cruise Passengers

Cruise ships dock at Akureyri port during summer months. Shore excursions must fit the vessel schedule. Tours to Goðafoss, Mývatn or whale watching sites depart from the port.

Local buses within Akureyri are free, which helps passengers reach the town centre without additional cost. The port is a short walk from the main shopping street.

The Reykjavík shore excursions guide covers planning time in the capital. Similar timing principles apply in the north.

Practical Details for Touring From Akureyri

Akureyri Airport handles domestic flights to Reykjavík several times a day with Icelandair. Seasonal international flights connect to Amsterdam, London Gatwick, Manchester and Zürich via EasyJet, Edelweiss and Transavia.

The town received a municipal charter in 1786 and now has a population of 20,284 as of 2026. The University of Akureyri was founded in 1987. The area was settled in the 9th century.

Kerling mountain, the highest peak nearby, reaches 1,538 m and is located 15 km to the southwest. Hrísey island, the second largest island off Iceland, has a population of 210 and is 35 km to the north.

For other regional options, the Iceland tours homepage lists the main activity types and destinations across the country.

Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.

Check availability →

Comparing Tour Types From Akureyri

Tour Type	Season	Duration	Notes
Northern Lights	Check tour details	Check tour details	No guarantee, check rebooking policy
Whale Watching	Check tour details	Check tour details	Check departure points on GetYourGuide
Forest Lagoon	Year round	Check admission details	Admission includes pools, sauna, changing rooms
Mývatn & Goðafoss	Check tour details	Check tour details	Check road.is for closures
Shore Excursions	Check tour details	Check cruise schedule	Must fit cruise ship schedule

Weather conditions change quickly in the north. Pack thermal layers, waterproof jackets and sturdy footwear. Check tour availability on GetYourGuide.

The Iceland small group tours page explains the benefits of smaller departures for flexibility and personal attention.

Our verdict

Akureyri sits 100 km from the Arctic Circle. The town serves as the base for northern lights tours, whale watching and geothermal spa visits in winter and summer. The main trade off is shorter daylight hours in winter against longer summer days with minimal darkness for aurora viewing.