Fresh Air › Instead of Reykjavik
Akureyri
Akureyri is Iceland's second city and northern capital — which is to say it has a population of about 18,000 people and a Bónus supermarket. But it is the gateway to some of Iceland's finest and least-visited landscapes: Húsavík for humpback whale watching (consistently ranked among Europe's best), Lake Mývatn with its pseudo-craters and geothermal pools, the dramatic Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, and the remote Westfjords further north. The northern lights are frequently visible in winter and the competition for viewing spots is minimal.
Why visit
Iceland's second city and northern hub, with access to Húsavík (best whale watching in Iceland), Mývatn lake and geothermal area, and the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon.
Crowd level
A fraction of Reykjavik's visitor numbers. The surrounding region (whale watching in Húsavík, Mývatn lake) is far less crowded than the Golden Circle.
Best time
February-March for northern lights; June-July for midnight sun and whale watching
Getting there
Domestic flights from Reykjavik (45min) or 4-5hrs by Ring Road. Self-drive from Reykjavik is one of the country's great drives.
Tradeoffs
Still Iceland expensive. Access requires commitment — either a flight or a long drive. But the surrounding region is some of Iceland's best landscape.
Direct comparisons
Layers
Region
At a glance
- Country
- Iceland
- Region
- Northeast Iceland
- Fresh Air Score
- 81/100
- Cost level
- $$$
- Distance from Reykjavik
- 390 km