Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Iceland Winter Games
WINTER SPORTS
Cementing its spot as Iceland's winter-sports capital, Akureyri now hosts this international
freeski and slopestyle competition in February/March. It's timed to coincide with the Él-
jagangur (Blizzard) festival of gloriously wintry activities (skiing, snowmobiling, dogsled-
ding etc). Rug up!
Akureyri Town Festival
CULTURAL
Akureyri's biggest summertime fiesta, celebrated on the last weekend of August with vari-
ous concerts, exhibitions and events.
Sleeping
Akureyri's accommodation scene has undergone a transformation in recent years, with a
slew of new, high-quality options. That said, the town still fills up in summer - book
ahead. Bear in mind, too, that there are plenty of options outside the town centre - Akur-
eyri is surrounded by excellent rural farmstay properties (you'll need your own car for
these). Consult the handy Icelandic Farm Holidays booklet or website
(
www.farmholidays.is
)
.
The tourist office can usually help if you arrive without a booking (Ikr500 reservation
fee), but your options will be limited, especially in summer.
Most accommodation is open year-round (winter weekends are especially busy with ski-
ers). The website of the
tourist office
lists most options in the area. Another great source is
AirBnB (
www.airbnb.com
)
, detailing private rooms, cottages, apartments and houses for
rent, with strong coverage in Akureyri.
As ever, check websites for up-to-date prices and low-season rates - and shop around
for discounted rates. Prices listed here are for the summer peak (current at the time of writ-
ing).
Akureyri Backpackers
HOSTEL
Ikr4500-5500; d without bathroom lkr18,000;
)
