Hrísey pearl of Eyjafjörður 3 to 5 hours
A drive to Árskógssandur (30 min) and a ferry over to Hrísey island (15 min). Out on the island, enjoy a tour of the island either on foot accompanied by a guide or on a tractor tour with a wagon. The tour can be combined with a delicious meal - local food style, a visit to the house of the local historical legend Shark Jörundur, a walk to mystical energy well or visit to one of the local companies. A stop by the Beer Spa can also be fitted into the program, with a soak into a beer bath or a hot tub and enjoy some refreshments, before heading back to Akureyri. The drive can also be exchanged to a boat ride to or from the island or the Beer Spa, including a whale watching along the way.
Sightseeing tour of Akureyri 2 to 3 hours
Take a drive around Akureyri town with a local guide. Tours can vary but most include a stop at the old town and the Botanical Gardens, and some take the tour up to the ski center at Mt. Hlíðarfjall for a view of the town.
There are several museums that can be included in the tour e.g. the Museum of Art, the Aviation Museum, the Industrial Museum, the Motorcycle Museum and the Iceland Aviation Museum.
Visits to local companies can also be arranged like the local brewery Víkingbrugg.
Grímsey island 3 to 11 hours
There are scheduled flights between Grímsey and Akureyri and they can also be carted. The flights are in small planes that take about 19 passengers, the distance is about 90 km and the flight takes about 30 minutes. In Grímsey, we recommend a guided walking tour that takes anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on those visiting. A boat tour can also be arranged around the island.
At the restaurant Krían, delicious meals are offered, including seafood soup, local style, or delicious fresh fish straight from the local fishing boats.
It is also possible to sail to Grímsey from Dalvík. The drive to Dalvík from Akureyri takes about 40 minutes and the sailing to Grímsey takes about 3 hours each way and the stop on the island is up to 5 hours depending on the season. Capacity aprox 110.
Those visiting the island can buy a statement of having visited the Arctic Circle.
The Fjord Eyjafjörður 3-5 hours
In the countryside by Akureyri, one can enjoy a circle drive through lush countryside, one of Iceland's main agricultural regions. On the way several stops can be made:
* The Great white plague center, which has an interesting exhibition about the history of tuberculosis,
* The Christmas Garden, which is a beautiful little shop that specializes in Christmas goods in a beautiful setting.
* Holtsel invites to a tasty visit - to enjoy a home-made ice cream
* Grund and Grundarreitur - a small forest field and a beautiful countryside church.
* Smámunasafnið, interesting museum featuring a collection which is not focused on one particular object, but rather a variety of strange articles that seemingly have no relationship to one another. Visitors here will appreciate such unconventional items as decorative doorways and windows, tiny nails and screws, tools and pencil sticks, keys and home furnishings.
* Saurbæjarkirkja - a small sod church located close to the Smámunasafnið museum
* The Bishop Jón Arasson, whose statue stands outside Munkaþverá Church and learn about him and the history of religion in Iceland.
* Enjoy refreshments at the country hotel Lambinn.
* Refreshing bath at the Forest lagoon before returning to Akureyri
Godafoss and Laufás 4-5 hours
On the way east to Godafoss, one will pass the forest Vaglaskógur and the Ljósavatn lake. The waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, created by the glacial river Skjálfandafljót which flows down into the canyon and forms the fall. There are good hiking trails and viewing platforms beside the canyon on the way to the waterfall. On the return it is possible to do another route, drive through Dalsmynni and to the old turf farm Laufás, which is one of the best-preserved turf farms in the country. The farm is large and has many items to enjoy. Next to the farm is a church and a service house with a café where one can enjoy a variety of local refreshments.
Sailing 1–4 hours
Many companies offer boat cruises of various kinds on the Eyjafjörður fjord. Whale watching is popular, but one can also have organized sea angling, guided cruises or events on the fjord. At the ocean in front of Akureyri, locally called "Pollurinn", other activities on sea can also be organized like surfboards, paddleboards, kayaks or rowboats.
Horseback riding 1-4 hours
There are several horse rentals in the area, offering tours through varied terrain.
Winter sports 1-8 hours
Hlíðarfjall is one of the top ski areas in Iceland, offering skiing from December to April. Enjoy downhill skiing on its slopes or explore cross-country skiing in the surrounding area. Ski rentals and lessons are available for beginners. Nearby ski resorts in Dalvík and Siglufjörður also provide excellent options. Additionally, several operators offer thrilling snowmobile tours.
In Akureyri, the Skating Rink offers a perfect spot for ice skating, curling, or bandy. Skate rentals are available on-site. For more adventurous winter activities, several companies offer snowshoe hikes and dog sledding experiences.
Baths
In Akureyri and the surrounding area you can find diverse and fun bathing places such as the Forest Lagoon (Skógarböðin), oposite the town, the Nature Baths in Mývatnsveit, the GeoSea sea baths in Húsavík, the Beer Spa at Kaldi in Árskógssandur village, the hot tubs at Átak healthcenter by Hof in Akureyri or take a dip in one of the swimming pools in the area, for example Akureyri Geothermal Pool.
Sports
Akureyri boasts diverse options within sports and outdoor activities, which is great for team building. This includes activities like shooting, curling in the Skating Hall, darts, archery, golf, SUP paddleboarding, schooner sailing, hiking etc.
Culture
Groups can take part in the diverse cultural life in Akureyri, go to exhibitions, theaters, concerts and much, much more in the Cultural & Conference house Hof, the Græni hatturinn concert venue and a number of other places, see also an overview and ideas on the events calendar of Akureyri town.
Team Building
Akureyri offers a wealth of opportunities for team-building activities, thanks to its unique combination of natural surroundings, cultural sites, and recreational facilities. Here are some ideas:
Scavenger or Treasure Hunt: Teams can search for clues or objects in the charming streets of Akureyri or in designated areas, such as the Botanical Gardens or along the fjord.
Sports/Games: The town has several options for fun, active competitions:
Folf (Frisbee Golf): Akureyri boasts four Frisbee golf courses where teams can enjoy a laid-back yet competitive activity.
Dart Competitions: Two local venues provide darts for those seeking friendly rivalry indoors.
Go-Karting: Speed lovers can test their skills on the go-kart track, fostering excitement and camaraderie.
Shooting Range: For precision enthusiasts, Akureyri has a shooting range where participants can compete or learn marksmanship.
Karaoke: Singing as a group to break the ice and have fun.
Dance Lesson: Step out of your comfort zone with a dance class, fostering teamwork through rhythm, coordination, and laughter. Connect with Icelandic culture by learning traditional folk dances that emphasize unity and collaboration. Both options guarantee fun and team bonding!
Enhancing the Experience with Local Charm
In addition to the structured activities, Akureyri’s scenic beauty and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal location for team-building retreats. Teams can engage in group hikes to nearby attractions such as Mt. Súlur or relax together at the Akureyri swimming pool, fostering informal bonds and mutual support.