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Nature & wildlife · Akureyri

Top 9 nature & wildlife things to do in Akureyri

Wildlife, forests, gardens, and the green pockets of Akureyri that make it bearable in monsoon and beautiful by November. Day trips and short drives where the landscape is the point.

  1. Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town, Akureyri1

    1. Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town

    4.9· 138 reviews· 1.8 hours

    Experience the thrill of ziplining through stunning scenery experienced by few, even the locals. The river canyon, Glerárgil, is a hidden gem of nature splitting the town of Akureyri through the middle. We have made the protected area accessible with a thoughtfully designed trail and five ziplines, in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

  2. Goðafoss Waterfall & Forest Lagoon from Akureyri Port, Akureyri2

    2. Goðafoss Waterfall & Forest Lagoon from Akureyri Port

    4.9· 163 reviews

    Goðafoss Waterfall & Geothermal Baths tour is the perfect introductory tour to North Iceland. We start the tour in Akureyri in Eyjafjord and drive the coastline to Grenjaðarstaður Turfhouse Heritage Museum. There we get insight into the heritage and history of the area, experiencing how people used live. Next, we head towards Goðafoss Waterfall. After experiencing the power of the Skjálfandafljót glacier river and capturing the picturesque waterfall we head back to the Forrest Lagoon in Eyjafjordur for a relaxing soak to end the tour.

  3. Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík, Akureyri3

    3. Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

    4.8· 424 reviews· 2 hours

    Join Iceland's original RIB whale watching tour on modern speedboats Cover a wide area of Skjálfandi Bay aboard a fast, modern RIB speedboat to maximise your chances of spotting large whales in the wild Learn about Iceland's nature and wildlife from an expert guide Stay warm in safety overalls provided by the crew Choose a truly locally owned family company in Húsavík

  1. Akureyri Express Whale Watching by RIB boat, Akureyri4

    4. Akureyri Express Whale Watching by RIB boat

    4.7· 173 reviews· 2 hours

    Leave behind Akureyri for this 2-hour whale watching experience. Limited to only 12 travelers, board your boat with a guide who can answer your questions and provide personal service. Search the ocean for humpback whales and other wildlife. This tour includes all necessary safety equipment. Choose between one of four departure times when you book Elding is an environmentally friendly company and recognised worldwide for its environmental efforts. The aim, mission and goal is to minimise the operational impact on the environment while offering an unforgettable experience at sea.

  2. Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included, Akureyri5

    5. Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included

    4.7· 48 reviews· 2 hours

    Discover Tranquility in the Heart of the Forest – Book Your Escape to Forest Lagoon Immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind geothermal experience unlike anywhere else in Iceland. Nestled in the lush Vaðlaskógur forest, just minutes from Akureyri, Forest Lagoon offers the rare chance to unwind in naturally heated pools surrounded by towering trees and panoramic views of Eyjafjörður fjord. More than just a spa, Forest Lagoon is a sanctuary where nature and relaxation meet. Soak in mineral-rich geothermal waters, enjoy a drink at the swim-up bar, experience the invigorating contrast of a cold plunge, and breathe deeply in our forest-view sauna. Whether you visit under the midnight sun or the dancing Northern Lights, each moment here is unforgettable. This is not your average hot spring – this is Icelandic wellness reimagined. Don’t miss out on the magic. Book your Forest Lagoon experience today and let nature do the rest.

  3. Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri, Akureyri6

    6. Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

    4.6· 994 reviews· 3 hours

    Experience the incredible humpback whales in Iceland's longest fjord, Eyjafjörður, aboard our specially modified sightseeing boat. This is a family friendly and great value whale watching tour, operated all year round from Akureyri, North Iceland. Elding Whale Watching Akureyri is an environmentally friendly company and recognised worldwide for its environmental efforts. Our mission and goal is to minimise the operational impact on the environment while offering an unforgettable experience at sea. We abide by a code of conduct for responsible whale watching, ensuring the wellbeing of the wildlife in our waters.

  4. Half-Day Combo Tour to Goðafoss, Laufas and The Christmas House, Akureyri7

    7. Half-Day Combo Tour to Goðafoss, Laufas and The Christmas House

    4.6· 147 reviews· 4 hours

    Our guides are fully qualified and have extensive knowledge of the area. Not only will you learn about the history, landscape and present day life on this tour you will also hear Icelandic folktales. This is a round trip through some of the most picturesque landscape in North Iceland. The total tour length is 4 hours. All travel time is included in that length. We first drive for approximently 35 min to Goðafoss, then another 30 min to Laufas Turfhouse Museum. From Laufas there is then another 30 min drive to the beautiful Christmas House & Gardens. After visiting the Christmas house we drive a short sightseeing around the town of Akureyri before dropping the passenger off. This is a fully guided, informative and enjoyable tour, all entrance fee is included in the tour price.

  5. Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company, Akureyri8

    8. Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company

    4.4· 395 reviews· 3 hours

    Sail aboard a traditional Icelandic oak boat from Húsavík, the Whale Capital of Iceland Enjoy a relaxed 3-hour whale watching tour in Skjálfandi Bay Discover whales and Icelandic wildlife with knowledgeable local guides Stay warm in safety overalls provided by the crew Choose a truly locally owned family company in Húsavík

  6. Diamond Circle Myvatn Waterfalls, and Husavik from Akureyri Tour, Akureyri9

    9. Diamond Circle Myvatn Waterfalls, and Husavik from Akureyri Tour

    4.2· 94 reviews· 8 hours

    Our Diamond Circle tour from Akureyri visits many incredible natural wonders of North Iceland in one day - this diverse region contain many hidden gems as well as more well known delights. We visit the stunning waterfalls of the area. First up is the elegant Godafoss or waterfall of the gods. Dettifoss on other hand is pure raw power, Europe's most powerful waterfall. We take you to Lake Mývatn and Námaskaro geothermal area, where the influence of volcanic activity on the region's landscape. Boiling mud-pools, hot springs, craters and the smell of sulfur abound. We also make a stop at Asbyrgi canyon, where a small forest and lake sit in the heart of a remarkable horse-shoe shaped canyon. Sheer cliffs hover in all directions. We will visit Husavik, one of Iceland's most beautiful villages. Admire the charming harbor and beautiful church in the town center. A delicious lunch pack is included in your booking.

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