Top Akureyri Outdoor Activities

Realize your dreams of watching humpback whales and orcas in their natural environment on a 3-hour Original Whale Watching tour from Húsavik, capital of whale watching in Iceland. After selecting a departure time to suit your schedule, climb aboard a traditional Icelandic oak ship and set sail for a prime whale-watching destination on the icy ocean. With luck, marvel at the majestic mammals as they dive and plunge before your eyes, listening to informative commentary from your guide as you observe.

The Icelandic horse is known for its unique gait called tölt. The breed is only truly Icelandic when it is on the island, so don't miss the chance to ride one while you are here. This horseback riding tour takes you into the countryside and is suitable for all levels, whether or not you have ridden before.

Watch for nimble humpbacks and massive blue whales on this whale watching adventure from Húsavík on a traditional Icelandic oak boat. Enjoy stunning views of the Skjálfandi Bay and Vík mountains as you explore the coastline, a thriving pilgrimage place for marine mammals in the summer season. Learn about Iceland’s wildlife and culture with live commentary from your experienced guide, then finish the tour over a traditional snack of hot chocolate and Icelandic donuts.

Float over class 2 and 3 rapids in the West Glacial River on this guided rafting tour. After getting outfitted in the included wetsuits and helmets, enter the canyon on a raft with your onboard and experienced guide. Make your way down the river, enjoying views of the high canyon walls and unique geology.

Splash through the Icelandic wilderness and enjoy family-friendly adventure on this 3.5-hour rafting trip on the West Glacial River from Hafgrímsstaðir. Climb into your drysuit at the rafting base in Hafgrímsstaðir. Then, travel onward by bus to the banks of the choppy but gentle West Glacial River. With your paddle in hand, hop aboard your raft and follow the current downstream. Navigate the course with your guide and enjoy breathtaking views over the rolling riverbanks. Finish your adventure with a cliff jump and a swim in the glacial waters.

Go in search of the Northern Lights on a nighttime tour from Akureyri. Travel by 4x4 Jeep outside of town to escape any light pollution, and watch the dark sky for one of Mother Nature’s most spectacular shows. This area of northern Iceland is one of the best places to see the lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, so don’t miss the chance while you’re here. Hot chocolate and an Icelandic doughnut will keep you warm and awake while you wait for the lights to appear.

Discover Iceland’s most iconic wildlife with a 2.5-hour whale and puffin tour from Húsavík on an RIB speedboat. Enjoy views of the Skjálfandi Bay as you skim along the coast, covering an expansive territory in the high-powered craft. Watch for massive blue whales and acrobatic humpbacks, and learn about life beneath the surface from your experienced guide. During the breeding season of mid-April through mid-August, visit ‘Puffin Island’ to find a thriving colony of brightly-colored birds before returning to Húsavík.

There are few better ways to admire the striking landscapes of north Iceland's Diamond Circle than from the sky. During this flight from Akureyri, you’ll enjoy aerial views of world-renowned natural landmarks including Lake Myvatn, Godafoss, and Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. See, too, the visionary tableau of Vatnajökull National Park and relish the intimate atmosphere of this small-group tour, limited to only seven guests.

On this exceptional “off-season” trip, you‘ll enjoy the diversity of the Icelandic landscape without the haste of the summertime. Our reliable and strong horses will carry you directly into nature´s tranquility and won’t mind frozen ground or scrunching snow. We ride along farmers’ trails and head for the impressive waterfall “Reykjafoss”. During wintertime, it‘s frozen and full of icicles. You will never forget the unique experience of exploring your surroundings on horseback – just like the Vikings did. Please let us know if you have any previous riding experience. This helps us choose the right horses for you. You can do this on the check out page.

Come face to face with the world’s largest mammals on this half-day whale watching excursion from Akureyri, Iceland’s scenic northern port city. Listen to stories about the history and culture of the region from your guide. Then, enjoy comfortable, first-class amenities as you cruise through Torfunefsbryggja Harbor, including an on-site bar with hot and cold drinks for purchase.

Discover the Natural Wonders of Lake Myvan, Nature Baths, Goddafoss waterfall AND the spectacular Dettifoss waterfall all in one day on this popular and great value tour with an experienced local guide. We set off from Akureryi stopping at the beautiful Godafoss waterfall also known as 'The Waterfall of the Gods' and then onto the famous Lake Myvatn. In Lake Myvatn we visit popular destinations including the Myvatn Nature baths, a geothermal lagoon with mineral rich water in the middle of lava fields, Skútustaðagígar, the psuedocrater area, with stunning views of the Lake Myvatn area, the Dimmuborgir Lava formations also known as 'The Dark Castle', Game of thrones filming locations, the Mount Námafjall area where you can view the bubbling Hverir Mud pools and Natural steam vents/fumaroles and also the Grjotagja rift and cave. We also visit Dettifoss waterfall, Europes most powerful waterfall (conditions dependant). *Please note the entrance fee to the Nautre Baths is not included*

Whale watching is a popular activity for visitors to Iceland, but it can be tricky for animal lovers to find a tour that is sustainable and non-invasive. This whale-watching cruise from Húsavík is the perfect choice – using low-sound, carbon-neutral boats to ensure minimal disturbance as you admire the whales in their natural environment.

Get a unique view of the treasures of Iceland's Highland region on this scenic air tour from Akureyri. Soar above Askja caldera, training ground for NASA astronauts; Mt Herthubreith and the Vatnajökull glacier, the largest and most voluminous icecap in Iceland and the largest glacier in Europe.  Over the duration of the flight, you will also experience the sight of lava fields and waterfalls from the air, giving you an unparalleled perspective of Icelandic nature, away from the tourist crowds.

Iceland’s north coast is one of the best places in Europe to see whales in their natural environment. This 2-hour whale watching cruise from Akureyri is limited to 12 passengers for a personalized experience, and offers the chance to spot humpback whales, mink whales, white-beaked dolphins, and more.

Mount your Icelandic horse and set off with your small group to discover Skagafjörður’s striking landscape on this family-friendly riding tour, suitable for any level of experience. Soak up scenic views and benefit from your guide’s insider knowledge as you trot along ridges, rivers, and rolling trails, keeping warm with gear rental and a hot drink provided.

North Iceland boasts many natural wonders, including lava formations, waterfalls, thermal pools, and more. This small-group tour from Akureyi covers the best in a convenient day trip, including an optional swim at Myvatn Nature Baths. Marvel at the waterfalls at Godafoss, Dettifoss, and Selfoss; view Lake Myvatn, hot springs, and the Dimmuborgir lava fields, and then choose to bathe in the naturally heated Myvtan baths. Hotel and airport pickup and drop-off are included.

If you only have time for one day trip from Akureyri, make it a tour of the Diamond Circle, a circuit that takes in some of North Iceland’s most impressive natural wonders. This full-day small-group tour visits the Godafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls, the Hverir hot springs, Lake Mývatn, and the Víti crater. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

With diverse wildlife and a rich Icelandic culture, Grimsey Island lies off the northern shores of Iceland—but its remote location makes it difficult to reach. On this tour, take to the skies by fixed-wing aircraft and admire unrivalled views over the Arctic Circle scenery. Spot native humpback whales and puffins in their natural habitat, and sample traditional cuisine with local villagers during a 2-hour stop on the island.

Have you ever dreamed to spend a unforgettable moment with huskies surrounded by a incredible nature in North Iceland

Experience the wild landscapes and rugged terrain of Iceland’s north—without disturbing the serene nature—on a guided horseback trek in Varmahlíð. Go with a guide who will lead you along a route tailored to your riding experience and move at a speed comfortable for you. A helmet is provided, as is rain gear if needed.

Enjoy a responsible whale-watching cruise with an eco-friendly company, and reduce the chance of motion sickness by traveling in a large stable oak boat in the sheltered waters of Eyjafjörður. Travel slowly and quietly so as not to disturb the wildlife. This leaves lots of time to soak up the scenery, and you’ll also have the chance to fish from the boat.

Have you ever dreamed of dog sledding with huskies on snow? Want to tick this off your bucket list while you're in Iceland? Great news, this tour is for you! Set in Akureyri, surrounded by beautiful mountains and the biggest fjord in Iceland, it's the perfect location. With these incredible landscapes around you covered in a blanket of snow during the winter months, you will feel relaxed and at ease as you are pulled along by the huskies. While on the sled you'll feel the power of the huskies as they pull you through the Icelandic countryside. There will be plenty of time to cuddle the dogs and take as many pictures as you like. Our huskies love to cuddle, so they will likely fall in love with you and shower you with kisses.

Coastal Iceland is home to a spectacular range of native wildlife, but to see the best of it you have to take to the waves. With this tour, cruise out into Skjálfandi Bay by traditional wooden oak boat, and watch the waters for dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. Spot colorful puffins and other seabirds with live on-board commentary, and keep warm with a refreshing hot chocolate.

To be free in the mountains on horseback is nothing short of breathtaking. Join us for the 1 1/2 hour adventure on horseback to the mountains. On this tour you have multiple opportunities to tölt your horse, a special gait known to Icelandic horses. At the end of the tour you are invited to join us for coffee and light refreshments. The 1 1/2 hour tour consists of a brief introduction to riding Icelandic horses. Then we set out for riding. We then return to Stable Stop for unmounting, photo opportunities with your noble steed and some light refreshments.