Mývatn 6-8 hrs
Visiting the Lake Mývatn area is a popular choice and is about a 1-hour drive from Akureyri. Tours typically include a visit to Goðafoss waterfall, which is on the way to the lake. In Mývatn, tours explore the lake area with stops at selected sites such as: Skútustaðagígar, Dimmuborgir, Kálfaströnd, Hverfjall, Námaskarð, Víti, Krafla, Nature Baths.
Refreshments are available at several places, including Vogafjós, Hotel Sel, Mývatn – Berjaya Iceland Hotel, and Fosshotel.
The tour can be extended to include Dettifoss waterfall, about 30 minutes from Mývatn. Dettifoss is one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls and is very impressive. Alternatively, you can explore the Diamond Circle route, including Mývatn, Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, Hljóðaklettar, and Húsavík. The Diamond Circle tour can take up to 10 hours, so stops along the way would need to be limited.
Húsavík 6-7 hours
Drive to Húsavík town, with a stop at Goðafoss waterfall. The drive is about 1 hour each way. In Húsavík, you can go whale watching (a 3-hour trip), and visit museums like the Whale Museum, Húsavík Museum, and/or the Exploration Museum. The town has several restaurants, and you can finish the visit with a refreshing bath at Geo Sea, a unique seaside geothermal spa just outside the town.
Siglufjörður 6-8
The drive to Siglufjörður passes through two coastal villages, Dalvík and Ólafsfjörður, and three tunnels, taking about 1 hour. In Siglufjörður, visit the Herring Museum. Other activities include kayaking in the fjord, golfing, visiting the Segull Brewery, dining at one of the town's restaurants, or enjoying treats from the bakery. During winter, you can also go skiing.
This tour can be combined with a visit to Hrísey Island, which takes a minimum of 2 hours. You can also include a stop at the Folk Museum Hvoll in Dalvík, visit Café Gísli, Eiríkur, and Helgi in the same town, or try other cafés or restaurants there.
Diamond Ring 8-10 hours
The Diamond Circle is a scenic route in Northeast Iceland, featuring remarkable natural wonders and landscapes. The 250-kilometer-long ring road includes: Goðafoss (historical waterfall), Lake Mývatn (volcanic area), Dettifoss (Europe’s most powerful waterfall), Ásbyrgi (horseshoe-shaped canyon), Húsavík (whale watching).
Additional highlights include Vesturdalur Valley, Sound Cliffs, the lava fields around Krafla, the geothermal area at Hveri, and the lava formations in Dimmuborgir. The route offers flexibility for different configurations based on time and interests.
Rafting 7-10 hrs
River rafting in the glacial rivers of Skagafjörður, about 1 hour from Akureyri, is a popular activity for those seeking adventure. The tours are exciting and offer something for everyone, from beginners to experienced rafters. Two companies offer rafting in the area, and the tours are available from May to September.
Grímsey 3 to 11 hours
Fly to Grímsey from Akureyri in small planes (19 passengers, about 30 minutes). In Grímsey, guided hikes are offered, ranging from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the tour. You can also arrange a cruise around the island.
The Krían Restaurant serves delicious local seafood dishes, including seafood soup and delicacies straight from the sea. You can also sail to Grímsey from Dalvík (40-minute drive to Dalvík), with a 3-hour ferry ride each way. The stop on the island lasts up to 5 hours, depending on the season. Visitors can also purchase a certificate confirming their crossing of the Arctic Circle at the local store Gullsól.
Winter sports 1-8 hours
Hlíðarfjall is one of the main ski areas in the country, and from December to April, you can enjoy downhill skiing or cross-country skiing in the adjacent area. Ski rentals and lessons are available. Other nearby ski resorts include Dalvík and Siglufjörður. Snowmobile tours are offered by several operators in the area.
In Akureyri, the Skating Rink is a great spot for ice skating, curling, or bandy, with skate rentals on-site. Several companies also offer snowshoe hikes and dog sledding adventures.