Iceland (Lonely Planet, 7th Edition) - Fran Parnell [176]
Interested in checking out these marvels and more? Drop Erlendur a line at his diving outfit, Strytan Divecentre ( 862 2949; www.strytan.is; 2-dive day trips from €199). If you’re visiting in late spring, you can accompany Erlendur as he explores other fjords for whale graveyards, hidden wrecks, and other strýtan-like enigmas.
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SLEEPING
If there were ever a time to book ahead it’s now. On chillier evenings (when it’s too cold to pitch a tent) virtually every room along Eyjafjörður will be booked out.
Travellers with a private vehicle should be mindful of the strange ‘parking clock’ rules that apply in the city centre (Click here).
Budget & Midrange
Akureyri has a good selection of guest houses, but the best places get booked up fast, especially in summer. Most are open all year and offer substantial discounts in the colder months.
CENTRAL AKUREYRI
Campsite (Map Click here; 462 3379; Þórunnarstræti; sites per person Ikr900; mid-Jun–Aug) This well-managed site across from the main swimming pool has a kitchen, toilets and showers; there’s a laundry too.
Akureyri HI Hostel (Stórholt; Map Click here; 462 3657, 894 4299; www.hostel.is; Stórholt 1; dm/s/d/tr from Ikr2100/3700/5900/7200) Well within the city limits though slightly removed from the action, this friendly, well-equipped and immaculately kept hostel is a 15-minute walk north of the city centre. There’s a TV lounge, three kitchens, a barbecue deck and a laundry as well as two attractive summer houses sleeping up to seven people. Substantial discounts are available for a variety of local restaurants and activities (some people stay here just for the coupons!) Advance bookings are essential in summer. Check-in time (between 3pm and 10pm) is strictly enforced.
Sólgarðar (Map Click here; 461 1133; solgardar@simnet.is; Brekkugata 6; sb/s/d Ikr4000/5500/7500) Clean and well kept but quite dated, this small, friendly guest house has three nicely furnished rooms and an ancient kitchen. Each room has a TV, but with paper-thin walls between rooms you may need earplugs for a good night’s sleep.
Gula Villan (Map Click here; 896 8464; www.gulavillan.is; Brekkugata 8; sb/s/d Ikr4800/6000/8600) Spotless rooms with simple but comfortable furnishings and friendly owners are available at this centrally located guest house. A second building, Gula Villan II (Map Click here), on Þingvallastræti 14; open from June to August) is run by the same couple and offers extra space in summer. Both guest houses have guest kitchens and breakfast served on request (Ikr1000).
AkurInn (Map Click here; 461 2500; www.akurinn.is; Brekkugata 27a; sb s/d Ikr5200/7700, s/d Ikr7200/10,000 Apr-Sep, reduced rates in winter) A cut above most of Akureyri’s guest houses, this stately heritage home has a variety of rooms with high ceilings, wood floors and period charm. Crisp white linens, pale neutral colours and simple style give the rooms a very calm atmosphere.
Hotel Edda (Map Click here; 444 4000; www.hoteledda.is; Hrafnagilsstræti; s/d without bathroom Ikr6800/8500, with bathroom from Ikr10,900/13,600; mid-Jun–late Aug) Bland but comfortable rooms are available at this vast summer hotel in the local school. There’s a modern wing with surprising hotel-style accommodation, while the older annexe feels very dated. There’s a cafe and large restaurant on site. The staff was rude and unhelpful when we were there; fortunately it’s a different batch each summer.
Hrafninn (Map Click here; 661 9050; www.hrafninn.is; Brekkugata 4; s/d mid-May–mid-Sep Ikr8900/12,900, mid-Sep–mid-May Ikr6900/9900; ) Priced below the competition yet delivering well above, beautiful Hrafninn (The Raven) feels like an elegant manor house without being pretentious or stuffy. The location is ideal and the owner is kind; the only possible downside is that there’s barely any common space.
Hotel Akureyri (Map Click here; 462 5600; www.hotelakureyri.is; Hafnarstr