This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Akureyri.
Akureyri is a city in the northeastern parts of Iceland. With about 17,000 people in the 2007 census, it is the second largest "metropolitan" area in Iceland, after Reykjavik. It is also considered the central spot of Northern Iceland and is considered to be the only real center of growth besides Reykavik in Iceland. There are a couple Akureyri hostels and other accommodations to choose from.
Akureyri is known for it's fishing industry, and has a long history dating back to the 9th century, when the first settlers arrived to the area. Due to geography, the city has a warm climate compared to other places in Iceland. Still, it is Iceland, with mild summers and cold winters.
You can get to Akureyri via plane (Akureyri has one of the four capital airports in Iceland), cruise ship, bus or with your own form of transportation. City central is not very big, so you'll get to most places by foot unless heading outside the city limits.
There are many interesting spots to visit in Akureyri, including the botanical gardens and different museums. Icelandic folk music is well appreciated in Akureyri, and the music scene altogether is very lively considering the city's size.
Remember to check out at least Akureyri Museum and Akureyri Art Museum. The Aviation Museum might also interest some travellers. Some of the most high - rated restaurants and bars include Greifinn, Bautinn and Cafe Karolina.
Hostels in Akureyri, as with most of the country, are well maintained. They're a bit on the expensive side, but then again, this applies to most of the country and to other things as well. The hostel pricing starts at about 25-30 euros per night.
Considering safety, Akureyri resembles the rest of Iceland. It is a very safe country and the risk of getting harassed / being a victim of any crime is very, very low. Still, maintain common sense.
Written by local enthusiast for Akureyri hostels
Miika