Three Summers in Akureyri – Lava Fields and Local Flavor

Sailing into the Akureyri cruise port, I wasn’t expecting it to become one of my favorite places in Iceland. The town of Akureyri (Akureyri – Pronounced AH-kuh-ray-ree) sits at the end of Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord, and is often called the Capital of the North.

It may not have Reykjavik’s buzz, but Akureyri has its own charm. There’s a peaceful rhythm here, between the snow-streaked peaks, quirky red hearts in the traffic lights, and the geothermal wonders that lie just outside town.

The surrounding region is packed with natural extremes. Volcanic craters, lava fields, and steaming vents are all within reach, making Akureyri a great place to experience Iceland’s fire-and-ice landscapes with fewer crowds.

My first visit in 2023 was all about the landscape. I joined a full-day excursion that began at Skútustaðagígar, where steam-blasted pseudocraters surround the still waters of Lake Mývatn. From there, we explored the lava fields of Dimmuborgir. The name means “dark castles,” and the jagged rock formations really do feel like ancient ruins waiting for something mythical to emerge.

Next came Hverir, a geothermal field that looks and smells like another planet. Bubbling mud, sulfur-stained earth, and powerful steam vents filled the air with heat and haze. It was eerie and unforgettable. We ended at Goðafoss, one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Iceland, where legends of pagan idols tossed into the falls blend with the roar of glacial water.

When I returned in 2024 and again in 2025, I kept things simpler. I stayed local, walked the streets, and took in the small pleasures. The heart-shaped stoplights still made me smile, and Turninn Kebab served up what might be the best chicken wrap and sweet potato fries combo I’ve had in port. Sometimes, it’s not about chasing new sights, it’s about enjoying what you already love.