Estuary of the river Eyjafjardara
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Eyjafjörður Akureyri

4.6
·157 reviews·, Iceland

Iceland's longest fjord, Eyjafjörður, offers dramatic mountain scenery, abundant marine life, and the charming 'Capital of the North,' Akureyri.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Longer days, blooming gardens

CrowdMedium
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Estuary of the river Eyjafjardara

Eyjafjörður Akureyri

Best Time

Summer mornings

Longer days, blooming gardens

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iceland's longest fjord, Eyjafjörður, offers dramatic mountain scenery, abundant marine life, and the charming 'Capital of the North,' Akureyri.

4.6
(157 reviews)

"Eyjafjörður is one of the longest fjords in Iceland and it's worth the detour for breathtaking views and potential whale sightings."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Lagoon Tickets Ahead

Reserve your spot at Forest Lagoon in advance, especially during peak season, to guarantee entry. 🎟️

Whale Watching Tours

Several operators offer tours; compare prices and departure times for the best experience. 🐳

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 · 158 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Forest Lagoon

Forest Lagoon

Near Akureyri

Relax in geothermal pools with stunning views of Eyjafjörður fjord. A newer spa experience with swim-up bars.

TikTokInstagram+1
Whale Watching in Eyjafjörður

Whale Watching in Eyjafjörður

Eyjafjörður Fjord

Witness humpback whales and other marine life in their natural habitat. An unforgettable encounter with Iceland's ocean giants.

TikTokInstagramReddit
Akureyri Church

Akureyri Church

Akureyri City Center

Iconic landmark with striking architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows offering views of the fjord.

Instagram+1
Scenic Drive along Eyjafjörður

Scenic Drive along Eyjafjörður

Highway 82 and surrounding roads

Breathtaking coastal views, dramatic mountains, and remote landscapes. A journey through Iceland's natural beauty.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Fjord's Majesty

Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, offers breathtaking mountain views and abundant marine life. Plan for scenic drives along its 70km stretch, with opportunities for hiking and whale watching. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more serene experience, especially at popular spots like Forest Lagoon. TikTokInstagram

Akureyri: The Northern Capital

Akureyri, the 'Capital of the North,' is a charming city nestled by the fjord. Explore its colorful houses, botanical gardens, and iconic church. It's a great base for exploring the surrounding natural wonders and offers a unique cultural experience away from the main tourist hubs. TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Longer days, blooming gardens
Crowd
Medium
When
Off-peak hours (Forest Lagoon)
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxation
Crowd
Low
When
Winter afternoons
Why
Skiing at Hlíðarfjall
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

How does this place in Iceland exist on Earth 🤯😭 -————————— ✅ BUCKET LIST - AKUREYRI, ICELAND ✅  👉 Forest Lagoon 🍂 (make sure to go during off-peak hours) 👉 Santa House 🎅 👉 Dog sledding 🐕 (goHusky Dogsledding Tours) 👉 Goðafoss 🌊 (Waterfall) 👉 Námafjall Hverir 🌋 (Geothermal volcanic field) 👉 Skútustaðagígar 🌋 (Beautiful area with craters) 👉 Vogafjós Farm Resort 🐄 (Ice cream) 👉 Grjótagjá 🌋 (Ancient...
@adamboro
204.6K likes • 1.1M views

Book Lagoon Tickets Ahead

Reserve your spot at Forest Lagoon in advance, especially during peak season, to guarantee entry. TikTok 🎟️

Whale Watching Tours

Several operators offer tours; compare prices and departure times for the best experience. TikTokInstagram 🐳

Living the dream✨🐋🫶🏼 We spent the day in Akureyri, Iceland looking for humpback whales and bathing in hot springs! We booked the whale watching tour on GetYourGuide for $90/person with Akureyri Whale Watching tours. We spent about $48USD per person for the ticket to Forest Lagoon and an additional $6.50 each for towels. We made a reservation ahead of time on their website, which I recommend! Sail...
@nikkionherway
8.4K likes • 108.9K views
Fly directly from the UK to Akureyri in North Iceland, and you could be at the top of the mountain within two hours after arrival. @chrisburkard came to @hlidarfjall ski resort in Akureyri last winter for amazing off-piste skiing with stunning views of Eyjafjörður fjord.
northiceland
169 likes • 6.3K views

Explore Akureyri's Charm

Wander through colorful streets, visit local cafes, and enjoy the botanical gardens. TikTokInstagram :cityscape:

Dress in Layers

Icelandic weather is unpredictable; pack layers for warmth and protection against wind and rain. ☁️

Tucked between towering mountains and the sparkling waters of Eyjafjörður, Akureyri is Iceland’s best-kept secret — and it’s full of surprises! 🏔️🌊 Stroll through streets lined with colorful houses 🏡, sip artisan coffee ☕ in cozy cafés, and don’t miss the iconic church overlooking the town ⛪. In summer, the botanical gardens bloom just below the Arctic Circle 🌸 — and yes, they thrive this far nor...
chrisbg
2.1K likes • 53.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Lagoon Tickets Ahead

Reserve your spot at Forest Lagoon in advance, especially during peak season, to guarantee entry. TikTok 🎟️

Whale Watching Tours

Several operators offer tours; compare prices and departure times for the best experience. TikTokInstagram 🐳

Explore Akureyri's Charm

Wander through colorful streets, visit local cafes, and enjoy the botanical gardens. TikTokInstagram :cityscape:

Dress in Layers

Icelandic weather is unpredictable; pack layers for warmth and protection against wind and rain. ☁️

Drive Safely on Fjord Roads

Be mindful of potentially unstable rocks and changing road conditions, especially on less-traveled routes. Reddit :oncomingpolicecar:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(157 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Eyjafjörður and Akureyri are lauded for their stunning natural beauty, particularly the majestic fjord and its abundant marine life. Visitors praise the breathtaking landscapes, the opportunity for unforgettable whale watching, and the relaxing experience at Forest Lagoon. While the natural scenery is a major draw, the charming city of Akureyri also receives positive mentions for its colorful streets and welcoming atmosphere.

"Taking a route along Iceland's longest fjord (Ólafsfjörður - Akureyri) is one of the best ideas for visiting the island. Beautiful landscapes, natural beauty and a route along a 60 km stretch of water. What a wonderful place to spend the rest of your life.."

Lucca T.

"Great view over the sea! An amazing place where to stay and enjoy nature. Watch out as the rocks are friable and overall unstable"

Andrea Signorelli

"Eyjafjörður is one of the longest fjords in Iceland and if you have a few extra hours while you’re passing to or from Akureyri, and you have your own vehicle, then it’s worth the 3 hour detour along highway 82 up into the peninsula to the west of the fjord. From Akureyri you can head due north for an hour or so and get some great coastal views before bearing west and then south to get back on route or if coming from the west, you can choose one of many places to hop off the Ring Road/Highway 1 and shoot up north for a few hours, where it’s quite remote and absent from most tourist’s schedules, giving you the sense that you’re alone in the world. As you’re driving north, there are parts of 82 where you have sloping grassy hills to your left and the fjord to your right, with mountains across the water. And if you’re lucky, you might see some whales along the way. It’s absolutely breathtaking."

ISLANDICA VIAJESISLANDIA

What People Like

Stunning fjord landscapes
Abundant whale sightings
Relaxing geothermal spas

What People Dislike

Unpredictable weather
Remote road conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Akureyri is accessible by domestic flights from Reykjavik or by car via the Ring Road (Highway 1). For Eyjafjörður, driving along Highway 82 offers stunning coastal views. Direct flights from the UK to Akureyri are also available, making it a convenient gateway to North Iceland. TikTokInstagramReddit

Yes, you can drive along the fjord. A 3-hour detour along Highway 82 offers remote beauty and coastal views. Be aware that some roads can be remote and less maintained. Reddit

Driving offers flexibility to stop at viewpoints and explore smaller roads. Whale watching tours and kayaking trips provide unique perspectives from the water. InstagramReddit

Public transport is limited outside of Akureyri. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the fjord and its surroundings at your own pace. Reddit

Yes, there are direct flights from the UK to Akureyri, offering a quick way to reach North Iceland and be on the mountain within two hours of arrival. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

It is highly recommended to book tickets for Forest Lagoon in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot. TikTokInstagram

Whale watching tours typically cost around $90 per person, but prices can vary between operators. Booking through platforms like GetYourGuide is an option. TikTok

While many natural sights are free, attractions like the Forest Lagoon have entrance fees. Museums in Akureyri may also have admission charges. TikTok

Yes, companies like Cape Tours offer kayak and paddleboard rentals and tours on Eyjafjörður. Instagram

Entry to Forest Lagoon is around $48 USD per person, with an additional charge for towel rental. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Don't miss the iconic Akureyri Church, the charming streets lined with colorful houses, and the beautiful Botanical Gardens. The city is also a great base for exploring the fjord. TikTokInstagram+1

Eyjafjörður is known for its rich marine life, including humpback whales and Northern Bottlenose Whales. Dolphins have also been spotted. TikTokInstagramReddit

Popular activities include whale watching, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking in the surrounding mountains, and visiting geothermal spas like Forest Lagoon. Skiing is available at Hlíðarfjall in winter. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, there are hiking trails around the fjord offering stunning views. Be aware that some rocky areas can be unstable. Reddit

Forest Lagoon features two heated pools: one at 98.6°F (37°C) and a smaller one at 104°F (40°C), along with a cold pool at 52°F (11°C). Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the dramatic mountain landscapes meeting the fjord, the colorful houses of Akureyri, and the unique geothermal features. Sunrise and sunset offer magical light. Instagram+1

The Northern Lights are typically visible from September to April. Clear, dark nights away from city lights offer the best viewing and photography opportunities. Instagram

While not explicitly mentioned, local tour operators often cater to photographers, especially for whale watching and scenic drives. Inquire directly with providers. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is essential for low-light photography, especially for the Northern Lights. :camerawithflash:

Drone regulations in Iceland can be strict. Always check current rules and obtain necessary permits before flying a drone, especially near protected areas or wildlife. :drone:

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