Edge of the Arctic Circle: 3 nights in Akureyri, Iceland
We recently enjoyed 3 nights in Akureyri, Iceland booked with Great Value Holidays, a travel company offering curated holiday packages that can include flights, hotels, transfers and experiences. Their packages are designed to make travel planning simple, especially for trips where you want the main details organised in advance.They’re known for their flash deal promotions, offering limited-time, high value getaways that consistently drive strong demand and the whole trip was seamless from start to finish.
If you’re looking to book a similar Iceland escape, you can browse offers through my personal booking link here: Book with Great Value Holidays.
Day One – Arrival in Akureyri & Northern Lights Tour
We flew direct from Manchester to Akureyri in two and a half hours, landing in Northern Iceland just in time for a magical first night. Great Value Holidays had our hotel transfer waiting at the exit building and we arrived at our hotel just a few minutes later which is perfect for 3 nights in Akureyri as you want to make the most of your time.
During our stay in Akureyri, we checked into Hotel Akureyri, a cosy boutique-style hotel that felt like the perfect base for a winter escape in North Iceland. The location is ideal – just a short walk from the town centre, harbour, and local restaurants – making it really easy to explore without needing transport. It also made early tour pick-ups incredibly convenient, as everything runs directly from reception.
The hotel itself has a warm, welcoming atmosphere with comfortable rooms that are perfect for relaxing after a day out in the cold. One of the highlights was the breakfast, with plenty of choice to fuel up before heading out on excursions. With friendly staff and a relaxed, personal feel, it’s a great option if you’re looking for somewhere that combines comfort, convenience, and a touch of Icelandic charm.
Northern Lights Group Tour
Our first activity was the Northern Lights Tour with pick up from the hotel reception in the evening and lasting for around 2-3 hours. Be sure to wrap up warm for this one – thermal layers, gloves, a hat and a thick coat are essential, as the tour heads out into the cold Icelandic night in search of the Aurora Borealis. We were lucky enough to find the Northern Lights within the first fifteen minutes of our tour and our guide was excellent at finding us the best spot to view them as well as assisting with photographs too. It definitely felt like a big tick on the bucket list!
Top Tip: Book your Northern Lights Tour for your first night. If the forecast is poor your guide will offer to move the experience to the following night giving you much better odds of seeing them!
Day Two – Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss Waterfall & Forest Lagoon
Day two is all about exploring the dramatic volcanic landscapes of North Iceland and taking in some of the most incredible views I have EVER seen. If you’re choosing just one tour for 3 nights in Akureyri then it has got to be this one!
Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Waterfall Group Tour
This tour visits some of the most unique natural sights around the geothermally active Lake Mývatn area, as well as the stunning Goðafoss Waterfall, also known as the “Waterfall of the Gods”.
Stops around Lake Mývatn include:
- Skútustaðagígar – a pseudocrater area with beautiful lake views
- Dimmuborgir – dramatic lava formations known as the “Dark Castle”
- Hverir Mud Pools – bubbling geothermal mud pools
- Námaskarð fumaroles – natural steam vents rising from the earth
- Grjótagjá Cave – a rift cave between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates
March weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, so wear warm, weatherproof clothing and sturdy walking boots. It can be wet, icy or snowy, even in spring. We had heavy snow during the first half of our tour which cleared later to reveal blue skies.
Evening at the Forest Lagoon
After a day of waterfalls, lava fields and geothermal landscapes, the Forest Lagoon is the perfect place to relax. Located just outside the town in Vaðlaskógur forest, this modern geothermal spa sits overlooking the Eyjafjörður fjord, combining natural surroundings with beautifully designed facilities. Here, you’ll find warm, mineral-rich infinity pools, a swim-up bar, sauna, and cold plunge options – all designed to embrace Iceland’s bathing culture.
Open daily from 10:00 until midnight (with last exit at 23:30), the mix of hot water, fresh Arctic air, and peaceful forest views makes it an unforgettable and uniquely Icelandic experience. We absolutely LOVED it!
Top tip: Use the free shuttle bus for your return too Akureyri, it’s not a long distance but taxis can be expensive here!
Day Three – Snowmobiling & Exploring Akureyri
Day three of our 3 nights in Akureyri brought a mix of adventure, exploring the town and free time to relax!
Snowmobiling in the Mountains
We started our day with a snowmobiling experience in the mountains surrounding Akureyri. This is the kind of activity that makes a winter trip to North Iceland feel truly unforgettable, with snowy views, fresh Arctic air and plenty of adrenaline. Our tour included pick-up and drop-off at the hotel, snow suits, boots, helmets and gloves if needed, and our guide spoke excellent English and made us feel really at ease on the snowmobiles. It’s an amazing way to explore the mountains and a lot of fun too!
Explore Akureyri
After snowmobiling we spent the afternoon exploring Akureyri at a slower pace. You can wander through the town, visit local shops, check out the mall, admire the colourful buildings, the stunning cathedral and enjoy the peaceful harbour views.
Akureyri may be smaller than Reykjavík, but it has so much charm, especially in winter when the mountains and fjord create a beautiful snowy backdrop.
Drinks & Dinner
For drinks I’d recommend heading to Backpackers Café, a relaxed and social spot in the centre of town with happy hour every day for reduced prices.
For dinner, book a table at Centrum Bar & Kitchen, a cosy place to enjoy good food after a day in the snow. The food was incredible and although Iceland is expensive for dining out, it was actually very reasonable for the quality of the meal.
Top Tip: If you’re on a tight budget you can save money by opting for street food, bakeries, or fast-food spots – they’re where locals eat and they’re significantly cheaper. Places like Pylsuvagninn á Akureyri (famous Icelandic hot dog stand) are known as some of the cheapest meals in town , while casual spots like Kristjánsbakarí or kebab/pizza places offer filling meals for much less than restaurant prices.
Day Four – Departure from Akureyri
We enjoyed one final morning in Akureyri having a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, a walk through the town and then back to the airport for the return flight to Manchester.
After 3 nights in Akureyri, Iceland, this itinerary comes to an end but it’s the kind of trip that really stays with you. From chasing the Northern Lights to soaking in the Forest Lagoon and exploring volcanic landscapes around Lake Mývatn, Akureyri is the perfect destination for a short Arctic winter escape and one that we will always look back on and want to do all over again!
What to Pack for Akureyri in March
- Warm thermal layers
- Waterproof coat
- Walking boots
- Hat, scarf and gloves
- Water bottle
- Snacks for the day tours
- Swimming costume for the Forest Lagoon
- Camera or phone for Northern Lights photos
Book This Akureyri Iceland Trip
This trip was booked with Great Value Holidays, making it an easy way to experience flights, accommodation, transfers and unforgettable Iceland activities in one organised package.
Click here to book or browse similar Iceland holidays with Great Value Holidays.
