Steam Vents Lava Fields and Chicken Kebabs in Akureyri

Cool fjord air and the quiet hum of a small northern harbor greeted me as our ship eased into port while arriving by cruise in Akureyri. Snow-dusted mountains framed the town and soft light reflected across Eyjafjörður while the ship settled along the pier.

The town of Akureyri (Akureyri – Pronounced AH-kuh-ray-ree) sits at the head of Iceland’s longest fjord and serves as the main hub for North Iceland. Even with cruise ships arriving in summer, the town feels relaxed and easy to explore on foot.

My first visit in 2023 was all about the surrounding landscape. The excursion began at Skútustaðagígar near Lake Mývatn where small volcanic pseudocraters rise from grassy ground beside calm water. From there we explored the lava formations at Dimmuborgir where dark stone towers and arches formed when ancient lava cooled into strange shapes.

The terrain shifted again when we reached Hverir. The smell of sulfur filled the air as steam rose from the ground and mud bubbled in cracked orange soil. The final stop was Goðafoss where a wide curtain of glacial water pours into a blue river below. Standing near the falls while the water thundered through the canyon made it clear why this place is one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls.

When I returned in 2024 and again in 2025 I decided to slow down and stay in town. Akureyri rewards that kind of wandering. Heart-shaped stoplights appear at intersections and small restaurants line the streets near the harbor. My personal favorite became Turninn Kebab where a chicken wrap and sweet potato fries turned into a tradition every time I returned.

Akureyri grew from a trading post in the 1700s into the cultural center of North Iceland. Today it connects travelers to the volcanic landscapes around Lake Mývatn while still keeping the feel of a small fjord town. Between geothermal fields waterfalls and a surprisingly good kebab shop it remains one of the most memorable cruise stops in Iceland.