An Active Day in Akureyri
- ZipAk Office
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
Wondering about what to do in Akueyri, the vibrant heart of North Iceland. It is a town where nature, beauty, and adventure come together effortlessly. Nestled at the end of the stunning Eyjafjörður fjord and framed by snow-capped mountains, Akureyri offers a perfect mix of small-town charm and wild landscapes. From its lush botanical gardens to nearby volcanic fields and waterfalls, nature is never far away.
Akureyri is a hub for active travelers seeking both tranquility and thrills in one breathtaking place. Here is an idea for a day with few of the top activities in Akureyri.
Breakfast: Morning Fuel in the Heart of Town
Wake up in Akureyri’s charming downtown and begin your day at a cozy café—perhaps Kaffi Ilmur or Berlin near the town center. Enjoy a fresh baked pastry and a good cup of coffee, fueling up before the adventure ahead.
Zipline Thrills with Zipline Akureyri
After breakfast, head to Þingvallastræti 50 for the Zipline Akureyri tour. Guides equip you with safety gear—harness, helmet—and you're off on a quick 2–3 minute hike to the first of five ziplines set over the Glerárgil canyon
Over the next 1.5–2 hours, soar over the canyons of Glerá river—five thrilling flights over cliffs and streeming river below, interspersed with light hiking and local storytelling from guides.
The rush of speeding across the canyon, hearing the river below and spotting lush forest, is the perfect mix of an adrenaline kick and enjoying the nature.
Link: www.akureyrizipline.is
Lunch: Cozy Bites in the Botanical Garden
After being zippy, stroll toward the Akureyri Botanical Garden, one of the world’s northernmost, and a tranquil contrast to the morning’s thrill. Grab a light lunch at Café Lyst— sandwich, soup, or salad—and take in the vibrant array of native and international flora in bloom.
Afternoon: Go-Karting Thrills or Horseback Riding in the North
After your zipline adventure and a relaxing lunch, choose your own afternoon pace. If you’re craving more speed, head to Akureyri karting, where you can race go-karts around a scenic outdoor track. With tight corners and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, it’s a thrilling continuation of the morning’s adrenaline.
Prefer a more nature-connected experience? Saddle up for an Icelandic horseback riding tour just outside Akureyri. These hardy, friendly horses are known for their smooth tölt gait, perfect for a gentle ride through picturesque fields, lava landscapes, or along riverbanks. Local tour operators cater to all skill levels, making it a memorable way to take in the serene northern countryside while bonding with one of Iceland’s most iconic animals.
Links: https://www.eyjardalsa.is/eng - https://stablestop.is/ - https://www.akureyriridingtours.is/ - https://www.polarhestar.is/
Dinner: Traditional & Tasty
As evening falls, treat yourself to dinner at Rub 23 or Strikið—two of Akureyri’s finest restaurants. Rub 23 offers top-quality seafood in a stylish setting, while Strikið serves seasonal Icelandic fare with beautiful fjord views from its rooftop terrace
Choose local fish (arctic char or cod) or lamb, paired with handcrafted Icelandic beer or a glass of wine, rounding out a day full of nature, adventure, and local culture.
Evening: Relaxation at the Forest Lagoon
To end this active day we recommend a pure relaxation at the Forest Lagoon (Skógarböðin), just a 5-minute drive from town. Nestled in a birch forest and overlooking Eyjafjörður, this geothermal spa features warm mineral-rich pools, a cold plunge, and a swim-up bar—perfect for soothing your muscles after ziplining, go-karting, or horseback riding.
With the forest quietly rustling around you and the sun dipping low over the fjord (or stars twinkling overhead), the Forest Lagoon offers a magical and peaceful close to your adventure-filled day in Akureyri.
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