Akureyri Memories – From Goðafoss to the Perfect Kebab

Akureyri has quietly become one of my favorite places in Iceland. It doesn’t have the flashy landmarks or overwhelming crowds of Reykjavik, but there’s something about this small northern port city that sticks with me. Nestled at the base of snow-streaked mountains and wrapped around Iceland’s longest fjord, Eyjafjörður, Akureyri offers a unique blend of volcanic landscapes and easygoing charm that keeps pulling me back.

I first arrived by cruise ship in the summer of 2023 and signed up for an all-day excursion that took me deep into the surrounding region. Our first stop was Skútustaðagígar, a cluster of pseudocraters near Lake Mývatn. These strange little mounds, formed by steam explosions when lava met wet ground, look like something out of a sci-fi film. We wandered the trails while our guide shared stories about the region’s wild geological past and ongoing volcanic activity.

From there, we headed to Dimmuborgir, the “dark castles.” The name fits. Jagged lava formations rise like ancient ruins, some forming caves and arches. It’s the kind of place that feels like it belongs in Icelandic folklore. After that came Hverir, a geothermal field that looks more like Mars than Earth. Bubbling mud pools, cracked red earth, and hissing steam vents make it feel completely unworldly. At times, the sulfur fog was so thick I could barely see more than a few steps ahead. It was eerie. And unforgettable.

We ended the excursion at Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods. The wide, horseshoe-shaped falls are stunning on their own, but there’s also history here. Legend says that when Iceland converted to Christianity around the year 1000, a local chieftain symbolically threw his pagan idols into these waters. Whether or not that’s true, it adds another layer to a place that already feels powerful.

By the time I returned in 2024 and again in 2025, I had already seen the biggest highlights. So instead of repeating the same tours, I stayed local and just wandered the town. Akureyri is great for that. It’s walkable, calm, and full of small things that stick with you—like the heart-shaped stoplights. It’s such a simple touch, but it somehow captures the whole vibe of the place.

And then there’s Turninn Kebab. I’m not exaggerating when I say their chicken wrap has become one of my favorite lunches anywhere. Add crispy sweet potato fries and a Pepsi Max and I’m set. It’s now a ritual for me when I come back here. Walk the town, grab a kebab, and just enjoy the view.

If you’re stopping in Akureyri on a cruise, whether it’s your first visit or your third, it’s worth stepping off the ship. Whether you’re after lava fields and waterfalls or just a peaceful day with good food and friendly streets, there’s something grounding about this place that keeps calling me back.